NFL MOCK DRAFT 2022

 DOM'S 2022 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Jacksonville Jaguars:

Aidan Hutchinson- DE, Michigan

    For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the first selection in the NFL Draft. This team has a lot of holes and could use a lot of positions but Hutchinson has been the consensus #1 pick for months now and I don't see them passing upon him. He is a strong DE that can take over a game and is clearly the best player in this year's draft. 

2. Detroit Lions:

Travon Walker- Edge, Georgia

    I originally had Malik Willis being taken here but after thinking it over I decided to go with Travon Walker. Walker has been flying up draft boards for a few weeks now and is widely considered a top-five pick. He is a monstrous defensive end that was a key part of the Georgia Bulldogs College Football Championship. I think that this may be a little high for Walker but I think he will translate well in the league and will pan out for Detroit. As for the QB position, I believe that the Lions understand where they are within the league and will stick with Goff for another year to perhaps put themselves in a position to take standout QBs CJ Stroud or Bryce Young early in the 2023 draft.

3. Houston Texans:

Ikem Ekwonu- OT, NC State

     The Houston Texans may be the most dysfunctional franchise in the league right now. Since losing to the Chiefs in the 2020 playoffs things have gone downhill fast. One bright spot was their selection of Davis Mills in the third round last year. The Texans were pleased with the way he performed in his rookie year and they are reportedly looking to build around him. The best way to do that would be to draft a sure thing at offensive tackle to protect him, it's as simple as that. A name that has been starting to circulate is Derek Stingley Jr., evidently, the Texans are very high on him and could look to take him early but I see them going best available at 3.

4. New York Jets:

Kayvon Thibodeaux- DE, Oregon 

    To me, this is the first pick in the draft where things could go several different ways. With so many elite WRs in the AFC and specifically the ones in their division, I originally thought this pick would be Sauce Gardner. Now I believe they go with Thibodeaux here. I think the Jets' main concern is defense and I also believe that both Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas want pass rushers. Although the Jet's defensive line does have some names, injury and age have prevented them from being great, and adding Thibodeaux to an already talented group could mean good things in Gotham. Also, be on the lookout for Jermaine Johnson here, some sources believe the Jets prefer him over and after their meeting together I could see there being some mutual interest.

5. New York Giants:

Evan Neal- OT, Alabama 

    The Giants have had a substandard offensive line for years now and this could be a huge pick-up to help protect Daniel Jones. The Giants have added pieces like Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux, and Mark Glowinski to bolster the o-line but still lack a right tackle. With Nate Solder gone Neal could fit right into a starting right tackle spot and help make a weakness into a strength for New York. The 6' 7" tackle can play both sides well and is the best tackle in the draft in my eyes. 

6. Carolina Panthers:

Kenny Pickett- QB, Pittsburgh 

    After a failed experiment with Sam Darnold last season, Carolina is still looking for their Quarterback. Kenny Pickett could go a lot of places in this draft but Carolina makes the most sense. Before playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers for 5 seasons, Pickett had previously committed to play QB at Temple University. And who was the Head Coach there when he committed? You guessed it, Matt Rhule. I think Rhule takes his future QB here going with a guy he knows well.

7. New York Giants: (via CHI) 

Sauce Gardner- CB, Cincinnati 

    The Giants have a lot of holes and could take several players after grabbing a tackle with their first selection. I went back and forth on this pick between Jermaine Johnson and Sauce Gardner but I ended up choosing Sauce. With rumors saying the G-Men will look to trade their #1 corner in James Bradberry, they will need to pick up a lockdown CB. And there is nobody better in this draft than Gardner, he let up 0 touchdowns in his college career at Cincinnati...yes, zero. 

8. Atlanta Falcons:

Drake London- WR, USC 

    With Calvin Ridley suspended for this full season and possibly even longer the Falcons should look to go receiver here. It could be argued that picking a QB is the move here after trading Matt Ryan to Indianapolis. But I think the Falcons opt to stay with recently signed Marcus Mariota and then try their luck next year in a much deeper draft at the QB position. As for this year, multiple experts like Peter Schrager, have said that the Falcons are big fans of London and prefer him over other options like Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams. I think passing upon those too is a mistake but London should be a solid NFL player and if Atlanta likes him I think they take their guy.

9. Seattle Seahawks: (via DEN)  

Charles Cross- OT, Mississippi State

    Trading Russell Wilson all but solidified that the Seahawks are in full tank mode for the foreseeable future. That could mean taking their future QB in Malik Willis like a lot of people think, but I'm not so sure about that. It also could mean trading back which is a very real possibility. With that being said I think they go with the best available OT, which in this scenario is Cross. Similar to the Falcons I see Seattle playing it safe this year and then trying to put themselves in the running for QB next year.

10. New York Jets: (via SEA)

Garrett Wilson- WR, Ohio State 

    New York could really use a wide receiver and if this pick isn't traded for Deebo Samuel, they must take one here. Wilson had an excellent season in 2021 having 70 catches for 1,058 and 12 Touchdowns. He is an all-around receiver and excels in all facets of the receiving game. Fairly fast, fairly tall, and a good route runner. Giving Zach Wilson a guy like this in year two could really help his progression and a true #1 weapon that he can look to every play. He'll translate right away in the NFL and can help the 28th-ranked offense from 2021 to finally get some production.

11. Washington Commanders:

Kyle Hamilton- S, Notre Dame 

    After being seen as the best defensive player in the draft all season, Hamilton has fallen down the draft boards of many teams. His 4.59-second 40-yard dash dropped his stock a lot but there is no doubting his talent. I think that the Commanders go defense here and add to a relatively weak secondary. Adding a centerfielder-like safety to an already young and hungry defense could be dangerous.

12. Minnesota Vikings:

 Jermaine Johnson II- Edge, Florida State

    Even after signing Za'darius Smith away from the Baltimore Ravens, the Vikings are still left wanting more on defense. Jermaine Johnson would be a perfect fit for them. Johnson was 7th in the country in sacks last year and was a stud in his three years at FSU. His big frame and speed of the edge put him towards the top in an already loaded defensive end class. With help from veteran Danielle Hunter, I think Johnson could develop into an exceptional NFL talent. In addition to that Johnson was born and raised in Minnesota, it just makes sense.

13. Houston Texans: (via CLE)

Derek Stingley Jr.- CB, LSU

    Like I mentioned before, the Texans have a lot of holes, and one of the more glaring ones is cornerback. Before this past college football season, Stingley was considered the best CB to come out this year. He had a good year at LSU but Sauce Gardner of Cincinnati stole his spotlight and has become the consensus best. I see them as a true 1A and 1B with Gardner getting a slight advantage. As I previously stated, rumor has it they may take Stingley higher up with their third pick. But I don't see anyone else taking Stingley away from them between 4-12 so I think they take the risk and get the best OT and their favorite corner which would be an A+ draft for Houston.

14. Baltimore Ravens:

Jordan Davis- DL, Georgia

    The Ravens were 22nd last year in the league with just 34 total sacks on the season. Since the departure of Yannick Ngakoue, the team's pass rush has not been the same, and getting someone who very well could be the best defensive lineman in this draft would definitely help. Davis ran a 4.78 second 40, and at 340 pounds that's not normal. He was a huge part of the Bulldog's 2021 Championship run and is a monstrous man that can get to a QB or running back extremely fast. And that's just what Baltimore needs.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: (via MIA)

Jameson Williams- WR, Alabama 

    If it wasn't for injury, I think Jameson Williams would be the #1 receiver taken this year. Even with the injury, he is easily a first-round pick and still goes in the top 10. Adding a wide receiver with this kind of talent would be perfect for the Eagles. Howie Roseman is notorious for passing up on great NFL talent like DK Metcalf and instead of picking first-round busts like JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Nonetheless, I believe he will finally get one right and take Williams with their first of two picks in the first round.

16. New Orleans Saints: (via PHI from IND) 

Matt Corral- QB, Ole Miss 

    Jameis Winston will be back in 2022 after a season-ending ACL injury but there seems to be a looming idea within the Saints organization that he is not their guy going forward.  They made a trade with Philadelphia to get another first-round pick which leads me to believe that they want to trade up and take a QB. Kenny Pickett seems to be someone they like but I can't see them trading above 6 to jump the Panthers with just these picks. I think they'll have to give up too much to enter the top 10 and that is why I think they will settle. Although the Saints love Pickett, I think the Saints really like Corral too. He was great last season at Ole Miss and if it wasn't for his injury he would have gone even higher in this year's draft.

17. Los Angeles Chargers:

Trevor Penning- OT, Northern Iowa

    After hitting an absolute home run with Rashawn Slater at tackle in 2021, the Chargers should look to do the same at right tackle in this draft. Herbert has shown that he is a top QB in this league and will be for a while, so protecting him should be their #1 priority. Although there are definitely more talented tackles this year, Penning is a massive, mountain of a man that would make me feel safe as QB behind him. Many believe the Chargers could go with a WR here, with Keenan Allen getting older but I do not see that as a big issue. With the emergence of Jalen Guyton last year as well as a solid rookie year from Joshua Palmer, I think LA is all set at the receiver position for now.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: (via NO) 

Trent McDuffie- CB, Washington 

   Many teams have McDuffie as a top corner in the draft behind Sauce Gardner. He did play very well at Washington last year but I still see Derek Stingly Jr. as the second-best CB. Regardless of my opinion, McDuffie has a lot of promise and the 4.44 speed is not something to blink an eye at. Sidenote I think that the Eagles are really high on Jordan Davis and that would be the pick if he fell to them. Despite that, the Eagles could use someone opposite Darius Slay on defense, and getting someone as talented as McDuffie this late would be great for Philly.

19. New Orleans Saints: (via PHI) 

Chris Olave- WR, Ohio State 

    With Mike Thomas' future as a Saint in jeopardy, I think they look to add another weapon. And who better to replace an Ohio State receiver than another Ohio State receiver. Without Thomas last season the Saints receivers had just 13 total touchdowns last year and could use a speedster. Olave fits the bill perfectly, and if Thomas does stay in New Orleans that could help open the middle up for Olave to thrive even more in their offense. Not to mention how much that could help Alvin Kamara in the run game.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Malik Willis- QB, Liberty

    Malik Willis to the Steelers may be my favorite pick in this draft, and it's the most likely in my eyes as well. The only question maybe when it happens. Pittsburgh could very well try to trade up and take Willis in the top 10 to ensure they get their future QB. But in this scenario, I believe they'll be able to grab him while staying put. Seeing Mike Tomlin taking him out to dinner and people within the Steeler's organization talking about him to the media, it makes me feel as if this is the guy they want under center. Willis is almost the exact opposite of Ben Roethlisberger in the way he goes about playing football, but that isn't a bad thing at all. I think bringing in a young mobile QB could be a breath of fresh air for the Steelers, their coaches, and their fans. 

21. New England Patriots: 

Devin Lloyd- LB, Utah 

    Lloyd is the best linebacker in this draft, yet I have seen him mocked anywhere from #8 overall all the way to the 30. Playing at a smaller school like Utah it seems that some teams could be skeptical about taking him early but I absolutely love this kid and think he would be a home run for New England. He had 8 sacks and 111 total tackles last season and watching him play it is evident that he is always near the ball and making plays. He can play any of the linebacker positions and with Bill Belichick as his coach, that could be a scary sight for opposing offenses.

22. Green Bay Packers: (via LV)

Treylon Burks- WR, Arkansas 

   The Packers have never drafted a wide receiver in the first round for Aaron Rodgers. Now that they traded away Davante Adams to Las Vegas, I think they have to take his replacement on day one. This pick could get them an all-around playmaker on offense. Burks can play both wide receivers and running back and has been compared to Deebo Samuel. I think he could be a dual-threat player that could potentially give the opposing defenses some issues.

23. Arizona Cardinals:

Devonte Wyatt- DT, Georgia  

    Just about all of the Georgia defensive linemen in this draft are first-round picks, and Wyatt is another one on that list. Although he is just as talented as his fellow Bulldogs, he has fallen down several teams' draft boards due to character issues. One AFC Manager went as far as to say, "If teams are okay with the character, I think he goes between No. 21 and 32. He has a lot of red flags.". I still think he is a first-round talent, and the 23rd pick falls in that range of 21-32 perfectly.

24. Dallas Cowboys:

Tyler Linderbaum- C, Iowa

   For the last 10 years or so the Cowboy's offensive line has been amongst the league's best each and every season. Last year, we did not see this dominant o-line that most were accustomed to. Although injury, retirement, and suspensions had a lot to do with that, I think that they should look to bolster the interior offensive line. Linderbaum can play all over the line and would fit great in Dallas. He seems like the ultimate Cowboys pick and he can be a key part of getting their o-line back to being great.

25. Buffalo Bills:

Breece Hall- RB, Iowa State

    The Bills don't have many holes on either side of the ball, so I see them taking more of a "luxury" pick here. That could mean bolstering the wide receiver room after losing both Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley, but I think they chose to take the best running back in the class. Buffalo has had a below-average running game the last few seasons, aside from the production they get from Josh Allen when he rushes. I think Hall has enough talent to be an effective runner immediately and that could help the Bills a lot when it comes to opening up their offense even more than before.

26. Tennessee Titans:

Kenyon Green- OL, Texas A&M

     Following the release of Rodger Saffold the Titan's most obvious need is left guard. Being towards the back of the 1st round puts them in a perfect spot to take one. Both Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson are solid choices and I mean physically solid. I have Kenyon Green a little higher rated so I think the Titans pick the 330 lb A&M product and get some better blocking for King Henry.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Drake Jackson- DE, USC

    Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh both are currently free agents after playing well for the Bucs last year. Since it is very possible that both of them remain unemployed I see the Buccaneers choosing someone to sure up the defensive line. For the past two seasons, the pass rush has been a major part of their success, and adding a piece like Jackson would keep them at that elite level. Many see Jackson as an early to mid-second-rounder but after watching his tape I think there is a lot of talent there and the Bucs should take that risk. Jackson has the skill set of a DT and DE, learning from Will Gholston and Vita Vea could make him an almost duel threat on the defensive line which could help the Bucs succeed. 

28. Green Bay Packers

George Karlaftis- Edge, Purdue

    If Green Bay does go offense with their first pick I see them going edge with the second one. There is a ton of edge talent in this draft and Karlaftis is seen as a name closer to the top. Mocks have had him going anywhere between 10and 45, some see him as a great, and others do not think he can translate from Purdue to the NFL. I for one do not think he is worth a first-round selection but I think this pick is late enough in the first where the Packers will take a chance and select him.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: (via MIA from SF)

Christian Watson-WR, North Dakota State

    After trading away Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins, the Chief's receivers have some huge shoes to fill. Even after adding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, they could still use a little more help. Watson is 6'5" and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. I think he is the perfect combination of size and speed and could be a perfect final piece to the Kansas City offense. He is one of my favorite players in the entire draft and thinks KC would be an ideal landing spot. Plus having the best QB in the game throwing you the ball wouldn't hurt either. 

30. Kansas City Chiefs:

Andrew Booth Jr.- CB, Clemson

    Kansas City let up an average of 251.5 passing yards a game in 2021 which was 27th in the NFL. It was clear for the entire season that the Chief's defense was for lack of a better word, bad, and that began with a flawed secondary. In Booth's 1 and half years starting at Clemson, he showed that he is not only dependable but he is capable of being a #1 corner. He let up just 312 yards last season for the Tigers and proved that he is a first-round talent. Since other corners are rated higher in this class, I presume that he will fall pretty far and maybe even into the second round. Be that as it may, I think the Chiefs like him and he would be a day 1 starter.

31. Cincinnati Bengals:

Kaiir Elam- CB, Florida

    Elam's 4.39 40 time opened some eyes at the combine and boosted his draft stock immensely. In my eyes, he was always a top corner but the showing the speed like that was the cherry on top to make him a 1st rounder. After Eli Apple got burnt by Cooper Kupp in the Super Bowl it was clear that the Bengals need some help in the secondary. At this point, I think Elam would be the best available and he would fit perfectly. He can keep up with all the speedy receivers in the league and more specifically the ones in the AFC that the Bengals will have to go against most weeks.

32. Detroit Lions: (via LAR)

Daxton Hill- S, Michigan

    When looking at the Lion's needs I noticed something...they need a lot. Safety is one of the weaker weak spots for them so that's what I think they go with to end the first round. Daxton Hill may be falling under the radar but I have him as the second-best safety on the board. He's an absolute Ball Hawk and I think he could create a much-needed spark on the  Lion's defense. Also, he is a Michigan product so he wouldn't have to move too far. With that being said I think it is very likely that the Lions pick a QB here. If Corral falls or if they like Sam Howell or Ridder enough, I would not rule that out.