2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
The Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl has impacted the stock of tons of players. Which direction did your favorite team go?
The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, and the all-star game circuit has vastly changed the perceptions on countless players (whether that’s a sound process or not). With Draft Season in full swing, it’s time for an updated mock draft.
Round 1
Jacksonville Jaguars - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jaguars are in a tough spot. It’s one of the worst years to have the first overall pick, and the Jaguars are many, many pieces away from being a competitive football team. A trade down is ideal, but feels fairly unlikely with the perception of the top of this class. Evan Neal provides the best mixture of positional versatility, upside, and overall athleticism with regard to the Jaguars’ needs.Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
There’s a lot of chatter that Aidan Hutchinson could even be the first overall pick, and the fit here for the Lions makes too much sense. Hutchinson’s mixture of power and athleticism give off Bosa Family vibes, and his nasty nature is exactly the quality that will appeal to Dan Campbell and company. He isn’t the most bendy edge rusher in the class, but he’s a high-floor, high-ceiling player. Detroit needs those.Houston Texans - Kyle Hamilton, SAF, Notre Dame
There’s a legitimate argument to be made that Kyle Hamilton is the best player in this draft. His mixture of size, speed, instincts, and versatility make him a bit of a unicorn at the safety position. He can line up in the box, as a single-high, at free or strong safety, and his skillset allows for him to excel in each of those roles. He can also line up in the slot in man coverage and be effective. He’s a defensive chess piece with the potential to have a Derwin James-like impact, and the Texans have no business passing on players like that.New York Jets - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There’s a lot of talk surrounding Thibodeaux and his desire. I think that talk, quite frankly, is a load of bullshit. Thibodeaux showed vast improvements in his pass rush toolbox, his commitment to being a good run defender, and his ability to dominate. He’s a talker on the field, and it’s that fire that has been present since high school that gives me confidence that he will be a very good pass rusher in the NFL for a long time. The Jets haven’t had a dominant edge rusher in quite some time; passing over this one would be a mistake for the ages.New York Giants - Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Brian Daboll and the Giants are in a weird spot. They could stand a reset at quarterback (I don’t believe Daniel Jones is much more than a spot starter), but a new quarterback is set up to fail with the atrocity that is the offensive line. Andrew Thomas improved drastically in his second year, but that’s essentially the only bright spot on the line. Ekwonu immediately changes that. Whether he’s a guard or tackle doesn’t matter; Ekwonu can be an immediate man-mover for Saquon Barkley, and his pass sets are incredibly clean. The Giants need impact players; Ickey is that.Carolina Panthers - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The first major surprise comes from a Matt Rhule-led team, so is it really a surprise? While the Panthers may not own this pick (they need a quarterback), if they sit here, I think this is realistic. Trevor Penning showed up to the Senior Bowl with instigation on the mind. His post-play antics bordered on dirtiness, but I can see an NFL team falling in love with his nastiness. His pass sets are legitimately concerning; long edges will often be able to go right around him in his rookie year. But the flashes of balance and footwork were there, and leave it to Matt Rhule and company to pass on Charles Cross - the much better player today - for Penning.New York Giants (from CHI) - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
There’s a section of draft analysts that have Stingley as CB2. I am part of that section (though Sauce Gardner isn’t my 1). But if we’re able to see Derek Stingley Jr. test at the Combine, the NFL will remember why they fell in love with him back in 2019. His 2020 and 2021 film were inconsistent in terms of effort and play speed, but he’s an absolutely incredible athlete that is scheme versatile with natural instincts and ball skills. He could be a lockdown corner for years. The Giants don’t necessarily have a strong need at corner, but they can add to James Bradberry, Adoree’ Jackson and young players in Darnay Holmes and Aaron Robinson and solidify the Giants as the best secondary in the NFC East.Atlanta Falcons - Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The second big surprise comes in the form of Jermaine Johnson. Johnson had a stellar Senior Bowl, winning virtually every 1-on-1 rep and having the ability to opt out of the end of the week. His film at Florida State left me with a few questions (namely, how bendy he truly was), but I think the NFL is going to love nearly every aspect of his game. The Falcons have struck out on smaller, hybrid-type edge rushers (Takk McKinley, Vic Beasley, etc.) and GM Terry Fontenot has seen success at the position when he was in New Orleans. Johnson wouldn’t be draft this high for me, but I think he may be come April.Denver Broncos - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Honestly, it’s too hard to decipher through speculation regarding the Broncos and their quarterback position. I think there’s a legitimate chance that Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins take the franchise keys. And if that’s the case, the Broncos likely have to give this pick to the NFC North. However, in this case, they stand pat and take Malik Willis, the toolsy quarterback that is probably at least a year out from being a quality starter but possesses the most upside of the class. Willis is a mess mechanically (and that affects his accuracy) and his eyes are problematic, but he has a cannon and he runs fast. His range of outcomes is top ten starter in the NFL and out of the league after his rookie deal. Not a fun risk to take, but perhaps a necessary one for George Paton and the Broncos.New York Jets - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
I have stood by this take for a while: Jameson Williams will be the first wideout off the board in April. The NFL is obsessed with speed, and the Jets are in need of some, too. Elijah Moore and Corey Davis make up a nice start to a wide receiver corps, but the Super Bowl champion/runner-up Bengals (I wrote this on Friday - please choose your truth) showed that a model of loading up at wide receiver can work. Jameson is no Ja’Marr Chase, but his game-breaking speed would add a new dynamic to an offense led by a sophomore quarterback who fits Williams’ game really well.Washington Commanders - Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
I don’t expect teams to force the quarterback pick this year. Washington definitely needs one, but they also need a center. Linderbaum is one of the best players in the entire draft, and profiles as a potential All-Pro for many, many years. He’s a strong pass blocker and he’s a tenacious, nasty run blocker. That’s much more valuable than a quarterback (or at least one of these quarterbacks).Minnesota Vikings - Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
I do not understand the lack of hype surrounding Andrew Booth. Booth is an incredibly instinctual corner with elite athleticism and what I would call stupid ball skills. His performance didn’t always line up with his upside in 2021, but when I watch his film, I see top-five-at-his-position potential. I think new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will want to get a lockdown corner with his first selection, and with his background in both analytics and film, Booth is a more ideal fit than the next corner that comes off the board.Cleveland Browns - Drake London, WR, USC
In what would be considered another surprise, I think Browns GM Andrew Berry is going to fall in love with Drake London. He has an elite analytics profile and the elite film to match. Questions surrounding his ability to separate are misplaced, and London has a unique blend of size and wiggle. London would step in and be Baker Mayfield’s WR1 from the jump (once healthy), and the Browns are in desperate need of player like that.Baltimore Ravens - Travon Walker, DT, Georgia
I’m not sure how Ravens fans will feel about this pick (I was pretty out on Travon until I re-evaluated him as an interior player), but there isn’t a single player-to-team match that makes more sense to me. The physical, powerful nature of Walker’s game fits the nastiness that the Ravens are known for, and while this isn’t the most pressing need that the team has, they may lose one of Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams. Walker’s presence would help ease one or both of those losses.Philadelphia Eagles - Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
I’m not all the way here with Sauce Gardner just yet, but the NFL seems to be. Gardner is a physical, handsy cornerback prospect that thrives in man coverage. I personally think he’s too physical - to the point where he’s going to be the most penalized rookie corner in the NFL in 2022 - and I still question his sheer athleticism, but the NFL is enamored by his physical playstyle. Darius Slay is still at the top of his game and Avonte Maddox turned in an impressive year, but the Eagles still need to reinforce the position. Gardner does just that for them.Pittsburgh Steelers (from PHI) - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Trade details: Pittsburgh sends 1.20, 3.84, and a 2023 4th-round pick to Philadelphia for 1.16.
A Steelers trade up that isn’t for Malik Willis feels like it will be met with poor reception, but Charles Cross shouldn’t be on the board in this range. When you couple that with the fact that the Steelers offensive line is a work in progress (and that’s being generous), moving in front of the Chargers feels like a very smart decision. Cross is the best pass blocker in this class and he boasts unreal strength and athleticism to match his fantastic body of work on the field.Los Angeles Chargers - Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Zion Johnson vastly improved his stock at the Senior Bowl a couple weeks ago. His willingness to play multiple positions combined with the fact that he was already a fringe-first round pick means that he will likely be the second interior offensive lineman off the board (no disrespect to Kenyon Green, who I still have graded as IOL2). His movement skills are impressive, and while I don’t know that he has an elite trait in his game, his above average traits all add up to make for a day one starting guard. The Chargers need to continue to invest in offensive line, and while they have their pick of receivers, I think Mike Williams will likely be back in Los Angeles in 2022, knocking that need down to a Day 2 or 3 selection.New Orleans Saints - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Yes, I have Chris Olave being drafted before Garrett Wilson. NFL teams are going to be higher on Chris Olave than we think. His ability to separate is clear, but his ball tracking ability is next level. He wasn’t ultra productive at Ohio State and he isn’t an early declare, so the analytics community is going to hate him. But the Saints desperately need to get good-with-potential-to-be-great starters at the wide receiver position if they want to make this a quick turnaround in the post-Payton era. A quarterback is on the table, but I think they’ll look at other options to fill that void (really, so they can tank effectively for Stroud or Young in 2023).Philadelphia Eagles - David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
It’s a crime that Ojabo is still available at the 19th overall pick, but here he is. Word on the street is that NFL teams are nervous to select him with his limited playing experience and his deficiencies as a run supporter. However, his pass rush upside is arguably top of the class, and the Eagles have the ability to ease him in across from Josh Sweat. Ojabo was able to fight through his rawness and be one of the best edge rushers in college football in 2021; that’s enough for me, and I would bet that’s enough for Howie Roseman.Philadelphia Eagles (from PIT) - Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
When Kenyon Green slides into a guard-only role, he’s going to be an absolute unit. Kenyon is a crazy mover for someone his size, and while his aggression can get him into trouble in pass sets (and that’s a lot more evident on his tackle film), that aggression on this Eagles team next to Landon Dickerson and potentially Jason Kelce for another year or two would make for the best interior offensive line in the NFL. Immediately. I know surrounding Jalen Hurts with reliable weapons is a priority (it has to be), but giving him this pocket security is equally as important.New England Patriots - Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie may not feel like a Patriots type of pick right now, but I think he will as this process continues. McDuffie is a scheme-versatile corner who has elite speed at the position and a high football IQ. He’s a bit undersized, but that matters a lot less in today’s NFL. He is a great tackler and he’s a scrappy dude. My player comp for him is a lesser version of Denzel Ward, and if that’s in the range of outcomes, snagging him at pick 21 feels like a steal.Las Vegas Raiders - Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
I had a take that I’m not sure I feel great about, but it was that Devonte Wyatt was better than Jordan Davis in 2021. Wyatt offers so much more as a pass rusher, and in the AFC West, it’s absolutely crucial to generate pressure from every gap possible. The Raiders certainly need some receivers, but with Josh McDaniels taking over, I think the Hunter Renfrow-Darren Waller duo is enough to say “we don’t need to spend first-round capital on a deep threat.” Wyatt would slide in next to Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue and provide a potentially dominant defensive line.Arizona Cardinals - George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
George Karlaftis shouldn’t be available in the twenties, but with the strength of this class making the flavor of GMs more important, there’s a chance that he slides. The Cardinals have a lot of needs - I’d argue their cornerback room is in worse shape - but a premium pass rusher that can be an impact player from day one makes too much sense.Dallas Cowboys - Lewis Cine, SAF, Georgia
Lewis Cine is a really good player. There are things he needs to work on - he can get caught in no man’s land at times - but he’s going to shine at the NFL Scouting Combine next month. The Cowboys lost a few games solely due to their safety play, and they are in desperate need of remedying that secondary if they plan to continue competing for an NFC title. Cine could step in and give the Cowboys impact players at every level of the defense.Detroit Lions (from BUF) - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Trade details: Detroit sends 1.32, 3.97, and 5.176 to Buffalo for 1.25 and 7.244.
The Lions need guys in their wide receiver room, and GM Brad Holmes knows that. Amon-Ra St. Brown was a pleasant surprise for them, but guys like Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds were relied on a whole lot in 2021. Garrett Wilson falling feels wrong, but similar to the edge rusher class, everything is about flavor. I think Wilson and a player you’ll see soon are the two best wide receivers of the group, but I’m not certain that the NFL will feel the same. Fantasy managers could rejoice here.Tennessee Titans - Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
It sucks that the Titans need to invest in the linebacker position again. It doesn’t suck that the linebacker that is still sitting on the board is a really good one. Dean isn’t the best coverage backer in the class, but when he’s able to play downhill, he’s phenomenal. He’s a highly intelligent player that plays with good vision and patience, and his ability to shoot gaps is outstanding. The Titans would get an immediate starter.Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Buccaneers can’t go into 2022 with only Kyle Trask and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. And while they may add a veteran, this pick still feels pretty likely. Sam Howell may not be an immediate starter in the NFL. He may never be a starter. But he does possess an incredible arm, decent athleticism, quick-ish eyes, and loads of good film. His footwork is a problem - a major one - but if that gets mended via coaching, there’s potential for Sam Howell to be the best quarterback to come out of this class.Green Bay Packers - Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Packers have the best linebacker in the NFL. At least they did in 2021 with De’Vondre Campbell. But they may be going through some changes, and Devin Lloyd playing as a 3-4 OLB intrigues me. He’s really good in coverage, had some reps at edge rusher when needed (though they made for his worst film), and boasts some really good gap discipline. I know the Packers may have a different quarterback in 2022, but he’s already on the roster. Here, they snag a high-ceiling linebacker.Miami Dolphins - Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Nicholas Petit-Frere was one of the biggest winners of Senior Bowl week. He wasn’t there to shine light on the concerns everyone has with his anchor. He wasn’t there to display choppy footwork. And that’s good. Petit-Frere has a few games in 2021 where he looks like a surefire first-round pick. He blanketed Purdue, for example. But those concerns remain, and drafting offensive linemen that have concerns is one of Chris Grier’s favorite things to do.Washington Commanders (from KC) - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Trade details: Washington sends 2.42, 3.73, and a 2023 3rd-round pick to Kansas City for 1.30.
You thought the team in Washington wouldn’t take command of their quarterback situation? Think again. The Commanders obviously skipped quarterback earlier on in this mock, but still end up with the guy that many believe they will take at 11. Pickett - baby hands and all - took major steps forward in 2021. He displayed good decision-making, an adequate arm, and is allegedly one of the NFL’s favorite quarterback prospects. Pickett may have the safest floor in the class. I think Ron Rivera and company will like that.Cincinnati Bengals - Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
In another surprise, the Bengals go off the rails with a selection that honestly makes sense. Sean Rhyan is a player that not many have come around on just yet, but he’s certainly a player that needs to be discussed more. He has powerful hands, incredible movement skills, and may actually profile as a guard at the next level if he wants to hit his ceiling. Length could be an issue, and he tends to reach at times, but his anchor is tremendous and he graded out as a second round talent in my book. The Bengals need all the help they can possibly get on the offensive line.Buffalo Bills (from DET) - Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Washington cornerback that gets talked about the least actually has a chance to be the better of the two. He’s a phenomenal athlete with top end speed, outstanding tackling, and is incredibly sticky in coverage. He’s scheme-versatile (like his now former teammate Trent McDuffie), and could step in and start for the Bills immediately.
Round 2
Jacksonville Jaguars - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Detroit Lions - Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
New York Jets - Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
New York Giants - DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Houston Texans - Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
New York Jets (from JAX) - Daxton Hill, SAF, Michigan
Chicago Bears - George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Denver Broncos - Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Seattle Seahawks - Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
Kansas City Chiefs (from WAS) - Jaquan Brisker, SAF, Penn State
Atlanta Falcons - Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Cleveland Browns - Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Baltimore Ravens - Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech
Miami Dolphins (from MIN) - Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
Trade details: Miami sends 2.50 and 4.123 to Minnesota for 2.46.Indianapolis Colts - Alex Wright, DL, UAB
Los Angeles Chargers - Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
New Orleans Saints - Jalen Pitre, SAF, Baylor
Minnesota Vikings - Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Philadelphia Eagles - John Metchie, WR, Alabama
Pittsburgh Steelers - Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Las Vegas Raiders - Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
New England Patriots - Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
Arizona Cardinals - Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia.
Dallas Cowboys - Logan Hall, DT, Houston
Buffalo Bills - Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Atlanta Falcons - Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Green Bay Packers - Darian Kinnard, OG, Kentucky
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Houston Texans (from SF) - Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Trade details: Houston sends 3.68 and 6.164 to San Francisco for 3.61.Kansas City Chiefs - Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Cincinnati Bengals - Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
Denver Broncos - Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State