Final NFL Mock Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is just over a week away, and I'm tired of writing mock drafts. Here's the first three rounds with trades. Because why not?

Traditionally, I’ve pushed this mock draft to the latest point possible, dropping the Wednesday before the NFL Draft. I don’t feel like stressing about it next week, though, so this will be my last stab at mocking what the crazy NFL will do come next Thursday. The draft is right around the corner, and I have clearly locked into some takes over the last few months. Here’s my final mock attempt for the 2022 NFL Draft, including three rounds and tons of trades.

1. Jacksonville - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

The Jaguars are in a tough spot. The ideal scenario is trading out of this pick, but the market simply isn’t there. There’s been a lot of smoke surrounding Travon Walker, and Trent Baalke is the type of guy to do something as irrational as that, but I think ultimately, Aidan will be the pick. He’s a highly productive, high motor athlete with strong hands and enough bend to be a perennial 10-sack performer.

2. Detroit - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Speaking of perennial 10-sack performers, Kayvon Thibodeaux is that and maybe more. Thibodeaux’s mix of athleticism, bend, and instincts makes him my #1 player in this year’s class. Brad Holmes is an extremely talented defensive evaluator, and while that could lend itself to Travon Walker being the pick here, Kayvon feels like the guy.

3. Houston - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

To me, the draft starts here. The Texans need every position, and how their board is ordered is somewhat of a mystery. They have been linked to about 20 different players for their top two selections, but here, Evan Neal is the pick. You cannot teach size and athleticism, and Evan Neal has both of those. He has positional versatility, surprisingly good footwork for a man his size, and has All-Pro potential at either tackle spot.

4. New York Jets - Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

I’m just riding this take until it dies. Jermaine Johnson is not who I would select, but the flashes of bend mixed with the sheer power that he plays with on top of an incredibly productive senior year in 2021 make me believe that he’s going in the top ten. He’s everything that Robert Saleh looks for in an edge rusher, and with Kayvon off the board, the consolation prize is pretty sweet.

5. New York Giants - Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

“No way the Giants would pass on an offensive lineman to take a corner.” Wink Martindale would disagree (also, keep reading). I have my questions with Sauce’s game, but it’s easy to see how NFL teams are excited. His length and physicality profile him as an island corner. He answered questions about his athleticism. I think he struggles in zone coverage at times, but that doesn’t matter a ton here. The Giants get a fantastic scheme fit and player.

6. Carolina - Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

To me, this is Kenny Pickett or best available tackle. I just cannot fathom a team taking Kenny Pickett in the top ten, so I went with the latter. Ickey Ekwonu is a mauler; his ability to stay balanced when head-hunting is unmatched in this class. He has light feet in pass protection, and he’s been called “Baby Becton” by some. The Panthers have Brady Christensen, but can slide him inside or to right tackle to allow their franchise guy to contribute immediately.

Pittsburgh sends picks 1.20, 2.52, a 2023 first-round pick and a 2023 2nd-round pick to New York for picks 1.07 and 3.67.

7. Pittsburgh (via NYG) - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The Steelers haven’t been quiet about their desire for a mobile quarterback, nor their love for Malik Willis. I think there’s a good chance he goes in the next few picks, so I think they’re going to make their move up for him. Trubisky signed there, and it’s a perfect bridge quarterback deal, as Malik is not ready to start on day one, in my eyes. Willis is as toolsy as they come, with a rocket attached to his torso and elusiveness and balance as a runner rivaled by very few in the NFL. He gets a stable situation (with a somewhat unstable offensive line, but we’ll get to that).

8. Atlanta - Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

“Why would you take a situational, two-down defensive tackle in the top ten?” Listen, I wouldn’t. But it’s hard to deny Jordan Davis’ ceiling; it’s somewhere above Vita Vea and probably below Vince Wilfork. He’s an athletic marvel that was probably situational because he was in a situation with two other stud defensive tackles. He pairs nicely with Grady Jarrett, and I think the Falcons will be excited to shore up their interior.

9. Seattle - Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

This is a fall from grace, though early mock drafts would have you believing this was a reach. Travon is rumored to be in play for the first five picks, and his over/under would suggest that this is a slide, but I think teams will be slightly cautious with a player as raw as Walker is on the pass-rushing side of things. He’s a freak athlete that can set the edge on first and second down and ideally will provide pass-rush value from the interior to begin his career. Seattle hasn’t had a dude quite like this in a long time.

10. New York Jets - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Another pick that I’m just going to die with. I think Jameson Williams will be the first wide receiver off the board, and I think a team like the Jets would be a perfect situation for him. His game-breaking speed is always highly coveted by NFL decision-makers, and his skillset suggests that he’s not only a speed guy. Jameson will be recovering from an ACL injury, but the Jets would have a special receiving corps with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and the rookie.

11. Washington - Kyle Hamilton, SAF, Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is a top-three player in the class, but unfortunately, he ran his 40-yard dash sideways and he plays a position that is often devalued when draft day rolls around. His versatility is unmatched, as he can play in various coverage shells, run fit, and probably play some sub-linebacker snaps. He’s a box safety with sideline-to-sideline range. Washington has the front headed in the right direction; this would provide an anchor for their defensive backfield.

12. Minnesota - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Derek Stingley Jr. has been on a rollercoaster throughout the pre-draft process. His 2019 film is as special as they come, with elite ball skills, mirror-ability, and instincts. His 2020 and 2021 film left a lot to be desired and the Lisfranc injury is something to keep an eye on, but at his peak, he possesses All-Pro, shutdown corner potential. The Vikings are thin at cornerback and this has felt like a match made in heaven for quite some time.

13. Houston - Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Devin Lloyd isn’t my LB1, but word on the street is that the NFL is gushing over him. His versatility, and particularly his ability in coverage, is shooting him up boards, and with Houston being an enigma at the current moment, I would not be shocked if they were the first team to take a stab at the linebacker position. Lloyd would give them a clear defensive leader and provide assistance to a linebacker room that is lacking talent.

New York sends picks 1.20, 3.81, and a 2023 fourth-round pick to Baltimore for pick 1.14.

14. New York Giants (via BLT) - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

See! I told you to keep reading. It’s a bummer that the Giants have to come back up from 20, but with multiple tackle-needy teams sitting between this pick and that one, it felt necessary. Trevor Penning probably isn’t their first choice at tackle, but I tend to believe that his tenacity and potential will keep him high on NFL evaluators’ boards. The Giants could toss him on the right side to hide some of his deficiencies and quietly have a nice, young tackle duo.

15. Philadelphia - Drake London, WR, USC

I have been going back and forth with this pick for quite some time, but the latest rumor is that the Eagles are interested in yet another first-round wide receiver. Luckily, I think they’d get this one right, taking the WR1 from this class in the middle of the first round and giving Jalen Hurts another weapon at his disposal. London is a do-it-all wideout, with an innate ability to create separation in a variety of ways and elite body control and ball-winner mentality. Jalen would have ball winners at every level of the field, and the Eagles should be favored to win the NFC East in this scenario.

16. New Orleans - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

This is the ideal outcome, right? Charles Cross (my OT2) slips all the way to pick 16 for the New Orleans Saints to snag as an immediate Terron Armstead replacement. Cross is the best pass-blocking tackle in the class, with a special anchor and fantastic handwork. His footwork can be choppy, at times, but his anchor lets him get away with it. In the run game, his snaps were limited (compared to the other guys), but he is efficient, consistently keeping his weight back while still landing impact blocks downfield. He’s the perfect fit for this scheme and would have a Rashawn Slater-esque rookie year there, in my opinion.

17. Los Angeles Chargers - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Chris Olave will go higher than you think, I think. Chris Olave to the Chargers is truly terrifying for all AFC West defensive coordinators. His ability to win with his release is special, and he’s a guy that can cook up defensive backs quickly or stack them 40 yards downfield. Justin Herbert can throw 60+ yards downfield, so the fit is pretty perfect. The Chargers missing out on the top four tackles would be unfortunate (and they could still add an interior guy), but the consolation prize of starting Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Chris Olave every week is fine by them, I’d guess.

18. Philadelphia - Lewis Cine, SAF, Georgia

The Eagles need help in their secondary. They need corners and safeties, but I feel the need at safety is more dire. Lewis Cine is exactly what they need, too; a do-it-all, hard-hitting athletic freak of a player that is still developing in coverage (but still fantastic) and can be a day one impact player. Cine would step into a prominent role very quickly, and his fit for matchups against NFC East opponents feels pretty good.

19. New Orleans - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

In another dream scenario, the Saints add two of the very best players in the class here in the middle of the round. Garrett Wilson is better than his former teammate, in my eyes, but he has some questions against press that may push him to this range. For the Saints, they pair Wilson with Michael Thomas and give Jameis Winston a lethal Ohio State WR duo that would have the Saints fully in contention for the NFC South title.

20. Baltimore - Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

This isn’t a team-to-player link that I’ve seen yet, but I find it hard to believe that Booth would be off the Ravens board. They draft good players, and Andrew Booth is all that and more. He fits the Ravens brand, too; an elite tackler for a corner, incredible click-and-close ability, and scheme versatility. His work in press man was lesser in 2021 than 2020, but he showed me enough in the former to make him my CB1. The Ravens’ secondary was decimated in 2021. Booth is the first step to preventing that outcome.

21. New England - Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

If Zion Johnson is available for the Patriots, I am hard-pressed to fathom a world in which they pass on him. He’s everything the Patriots look for in their trench players: athletic as hell, a skilled mover, and consistent. Zion has been a late riser (he was once viewed as a second-round prospect), but the Patriots feel primed to pounce on that in the latter half of this first round. After losing Shaq Mason, Zion would step in and contribute immediately. And when he’s done playing football, he may go work for the NSA (he graduated with a Master’s in cyber security).

22. Green Bay - George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Yes, I have George Pickens ahead of your favorite receiver. The Packers are an interesting team to figure out; I definitely think there’s a world in which they pass on wideout here and add some to the room later. But Pickens is a player that fits under the strict guidelines of their guardrails, profiles as a better pro than college player, and would fill a massive need for the cheeseheads.

23. Arizona - Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The Cardinals have made their defensive backfield work with later round guys, but they’re still missing a lockdown CB1 from that room. In the NFC West and with Super Bowl aspirations, expecting to overachieve on defense feels like false hope. I’m not a huge fan of Elam myself; I think he tends to get his feet twisted quite a bit. But his recovery speed, athleticism, and length are hard to deny, and he would join former shoe-throwing teammate Marco Wilson in the Arizona secondary in this scenario.

24. Dallas - Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

The Cowboys have been linked to a couple of positions, specifically: wide receiver and interior offensive line. With Zion Johnson off the board (and what I imagine is their WR1 or 2 in George Pickens being selected a couple picks before), they add a position of need in Boye Mafe. Losing Randy Gregory hurts, but Boye Mafe possesses elite athleticism and bend and that’s a nice bandage. Jerry Jones will probably advocate for Treylon Burks, but I think Dan Quinn will win out here.

25. Buffalo - Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

I toyed with running back selection, but please keep reading if you’re disappointed by this. Kyler Gordon is a somewhat undersized athlete with fantastic film. His ability in zone is up there with the best corners in the class, and his ability in man is good enough to justify a first-round selection. The Bills lost Levi Wallace to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason and desperately need to continue adding to their secondary. Gordon is a win-now move with a Super Bowl berth on the mind.

26. Tennessee - Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

In a not-so-win-now move, the Titans pass on the massive amount of talent at wide receiver and go snag their quarterback of the future. Tannehill has an out after 2022, and we saw signs of his decline throughout 2021 with Derrick Henry and the wideouts sidelined early and often. Ridder is a player who could come in and start day one, with incredible anticipation across the middle, a good processor, and above average athleticism. Toss him in a play-action scheme like Tennessee’s and you have a potential top-half-of-the-league quarterback in a couple of years.

27. Tampa Bay - Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

Travis Jones is a first-round player. Travis Jones being here at 27 feels surprising (I know most are more surprised that he’s being selected). His ability to generate pressure, collapse pockets, and be disruptive is incredible. He has the size and strength to slot in as a nose tackle but the speed and athleticism to win from 3-technique. Travis Jones plus Vita Vea is… unfair.

28. Green Bay - Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Devonte Wyatt had some off-field concerns surface over the last couple of weeks, and that’s why I think he’s probably the third (or fourth, depending on how you view Travon Walker) defensive tackle off the board. But I do think he’s going to be gone in the first 32 picks. The Packers don’t have much behind Kenny Clark, and I think Wyatt can provide some juice from 3- and 5-technique when he’s not sliding into nose tackle to help solve that issue. He’s a fantastic football player on the field.

29. Kansas City - George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

I’m truly shocked at Karlaftis’ fall throughout the pre-draft process, but the elite athlete with elite production who just happened to win with power is still sitting there at pick 29 for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has some bend to him, despite how most view him, and he absorbed tons of double teams during his time at Purdue. When given one-on-one opportunities, I could easily see Karlaftis rivaling Aidan and Kayvon as one of the top edge rushers to come from this class.

30. Kansas City - Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Trent McDuffie has short arms. Let’s get that out of the way. His short arms may push him down some boards, but he’s an absolute baller. He is incredibly instinctual, making plays that shouldn’t be made by a corner. He’s a great tackler, and his ability in both zone and man make him a top-three corner for me in this class. The Chiefs need to continue adding to their defense if they want to compete for the AFC West title. McDuffie is a nice continuation of that.

Jacksonville sends picks 2.34 and 5.157 to Cincinnati for pick 1.31.

31. Jacksonville (via CIN) - Daxton Hill, SAF, Michigan

The Jaguars have needs everywhere except quarterback and running back, but I think they’ll panic a bit and move back into the first to get their guy at safety with the Lions potentially taking one at 32. Daxton Hill is a versatile one. Tons of his snaps came as a slot corner, and his hips lend me to believe he can match up quite well in man coverage from the safety position. He’s a chess piece for a defense, and safety is one of the largest needs the Jaguars have. Go get good players, Baalke.

Washington sends picks 2.47, 5.113, a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 6th-round pick to Detroit for pick 1.32.

32. Washington (via DET) - Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Sam Howell should be drafted ahead of the rest of the quarterbacks. I tend to believe that Washington is going to hedge their inexpensive bet on Carson Wentz and go get their true franchise guy in this draft. Here, Howell is that guy. His ability to throw the deep ball is immaculate. His arm strength and field vision are fantastic (when he is actually asked to process the field instead of being one-read-and-run). Matt Corral may be this pick, but Washington going to get their guy feels inevitable at some point in this draft.

Second Round:

33. CIN - Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

34. DET - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

35. NYJ - Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

36. NYG - Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

37. HST - Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa

38. NYJ - Jaquan Brisker, SAF, Penn State

39. CHI - Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

40. ATL (via SEA) - Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

Atlanta sends picks 2.43, 4.114, and 5.151 to Seattle for picks 2.40 and 5.152.

41. SEA - Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

42. IND - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

43. MIN (via SEA) - David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Minnesota sends picks 2.46 and 6.184 to Seattle for pick 2.43.

44. CLV - Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

45. BLT - Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

46. SEA - Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

47. DET - Jalen Pitre, SAF, Baylor

48. CHI - Logan Hall, DT, Houston

49. BUF (via NO) - Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Buffalo sends picks 2.57 and 6.204 to New Orleans for pick 2.49.

50. KC - Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

51. PHI - Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

52. ATL (via NYG) - Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State

Atlanta sends picks 2.58 and 6.214 to New York for pick 2.52.

53. SF (via GB) - Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis

San Francisco sends picks 2.61 and 7.262 to Green Bay for pick 2.53.

54. NE - John Metchie, WR, Alabama

55. ARI - Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia

56. DAL - Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

57. NO - Zamir White, RB, Georgia

58. NYG - Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

59. GB - DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

60. TB - Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA

61. GB - Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

62. KC - Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

63. CHI (via CIN) - Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Chicago sends picks 2.71 and 6.186 to Cincinnati for pick 2.63.

64. DEN - Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Third Round

65. JAX - Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

66. DET - Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

67. PIT - Darian Kinnard, OG, Kentucky

68. HST - Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

69. NYJ - Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

70. JAX - Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

71. CIN - Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma

72. SEA - Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

73. IND - Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

74. ATL - Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

75. DEN - Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

76. BLT - Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

77. MIN - Luke Fortner, OC, Kentucky

78. CLV - Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

79. LAC - Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

80. HST - Marquis Hayes, OG, Oklahoma

81. BLT - Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

82. ATL - Cole Strange, OC, Chattanooga

83. PHI - Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

84. PIT - Kerby Joseph, SAF, Illinois

85. NE - Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee

86. LV - Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

87. ARI - Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

88. DAL - Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

89. BUF - Kinsgley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

90. TEN - Cam Jurgens, OC, Nebraska

91. TB - Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State

92. GB - Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech

93. SF - Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

94. KC - Nick Cross, SAF, Maryland

95. CIN - Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

96. DEN - James Cook, RB, Georgia

97. DET - Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

98. NO - DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky

99. CLV - Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis

100. BLT - Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

101. PHI - Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama

102. MIA - Chris Paul, OT, Tulsa

103. HST (via KC) - Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

Houston sends picks 4.107 and a 2023 7th-round pick to Kansas City for pick 3.103.

104. LAR - Dohnovan West, OC, Arizona State

105. SF - Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky