Now that the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is over, it is time for another mock draft. The combine saw the stock of some players rise and for others, it fell. That means we will see a shakeup in projections. For this mock, it will be for the first two rounds with a few trades. Let’s dive into it.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
This isn’t as easy a decision as it once was, between Neal and Ekwonu, but either one would be a great pick. Neal provides plenty of versatility as the Jaguars could plug and play him anywhere on the line.
For more on Neal, check out our scouting report on him.
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2) Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions can’t overthink this pick, as Hutchinson is arguably the top prospect in the entire draft. The Heisman runner-up possesses a lot of great traits and Detroit keeps him in the state.
For more on Hutchinson, check out our scouting report on him.
3) Houston Texans – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The need for an edge rusher is obviously there, but the Texans decide to bolster their secondary. Booth was unable to participate in drills at the combine due to his quad injury, but it isn’t considered a long-term issue. He would be a huge upgrade to the secondary with his tremendous ball skills and ability to stop the run.
For more on Booth, check out our scouting report on him.
4) New York Jets – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
“Sauce” Gardner has continued to see his stock rise. After his impressive Combine performance, in which he ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, he is a lock for a top-ten pick. The Jets adding him would vastly improve their secondary, and he has some of the best versatility in the draft.
For more on Gardner, check out our scouting report on him.
5) New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
The Giants’ new general manager Joe Schoen begins his promise on building the trenches by grabbing one of the fiercest offensive linemen in the draft. Ekwonu immediately upgrades the interior as a run stuffer and can play either tackle position.
For more on Ekwonu, check out our scouting report on him.
6) Carolina Panthers – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Panthers need a quarterback, but they also need to protect whoever that winds up being. Cross would be a big upgrade to Carolina’s pass protection, as he posted a 94.8 percent pass-block win rate on true pass sets. He is also very agile and athletic for his size, at 6’4″, 307-pounds, as he ran a 4.93-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
For more on Cross, check out our scouting report on him.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Giants receive picks 10 and 69. New York Jets receive pick 7.
7. New York Jets (via Giants) – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Seeing one of the most talented players in the draft continue to fall, the Jets call up the Giants to move up and snag him. Hamilton could have easily gone in the top three to five picks and is the full package. The Jets’ secondary is immediately upgraded in a huge way with the addition of Gardner and Hamilton.
For more on Hamilton, check out our scouting report on him.
8) Atlanta Falcons – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
After his impressive Combine, Walker could easily be one of the top edge rushers off the board. The Falcons had one of the worst pass rushes in the league in 2021, and make Walker the first Bulldog to be selected. The 6’5″, 272-pound edge rusher ran a 4.51-second 40 and looked very smooth in the on-field drills.
For more on Walker, check out our scouting report on him.
9) Denver Broncos – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
As you may have heard, the asking price for Aaron Rodgers to the Broncos is absurd. On top of that Rodgers is likely to stay in Green Bay, anyway. So, the Broncos shift to drafting a new quarterback. Willis had a great Combine and has all but locked up the top quarterback title.
For more on Willis, check out our scouting report on him.
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10) New York Giants (Via Jets) – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
After trading down for some extra draft capital, the Giants take one of the biggest risers from the Combine. Davis was insane in Lucas Oil Stadium, running a 4.78-second 40-yard dash at 341 pounds. He would add a huge piece to the Giants’ front and give them a legitimate run-stuffer.
For more on Davis, check out our scouting report on him.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Washington Commanders receive picks 18, 49, and 100. New Orleans Saints receive pick 11.
11) New Orleans Saints (Via Washington) – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Saints move up and get a top receiver in the draft. Michael Thomas should be back next season, but he needs someone to take the pressure off. The quarterback is a question mark, but adding playmakers is important. Wilson is versatile enough to play outside or in the slot, and is a yards after the catch machine.
For more on Wilson, check out our scouting report on him.
12) Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
While Stingley didn’t work out at the Combine due to still recovering from Lisfranc surgery, his tape proves he is one of the top cornerbacks. The Vikings miss out on Sauce and Booth but still get a guy who can improve their secondary. When healthy, Stingley has the toolset to make plays and should be ready for his pro day.
For more on Stingley, check out our scouting report on him.
13) Cleveland Browns – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Williams assured anyone worried about his ACL injury that there’s really nothing to worry about. He said during interviews that his recovery time is ahead of schedule. That being said, a healthy Williams is one of, if not the top receiver in this class. His speed and catching abilities would do wonders for the Cleveland offense.
For more on Williams, check out our scouting report on him.
14) Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Green has experience playing both guard spots and right tackle, giving the Ravens options for their offensive line. He could start from day one at either guard position and give Lamar Jackson the protection he needs.
For more on Green, check out our scouting report on him.
15) Philadelphia Eagles – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
With the Eagles needing an upgrade off the edge, one of the best edge rushers falls right into their laps. Karlaftis has tremendous upside and is very relentless at rushing the quarterback. The Eagles pair the Purdue product with Josh Sweat for a scary duo.
For more on Karlaftis, check out our scouting report on him.
16) Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave was another riser during the Combine, despite his 40 time not being as great as we initially thought. His unofficial time was 4.26 seconds, which was way off from the official 4.39-second time. But even so, an under 4.4 40 is uber-impressive to add to his best route runner title.
For more on Olave, check out our scouting report on him.
17) Los Angeles Chargers – Demarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
Leal can play multiple positions up front and provides the Chargers with a dominant run-stopper to help the Chargers compete with the Chiefs in the AFC West.
18) Washington Commanders (Via NO) – Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Commanders trade back after seeing Willis go to the Broncos. With their new pick, Washington takes one of the better deep ball passers in Howell. With the likes of Terry McLaurin on the team, pushing the ball downfield with the deep ball will be something they will be focusing on.
For more on Howell, check out our scouting report on him.
19) Philadelphia Eagles – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
“Please Howie, for the love of God get us a linebacker!” – Gio The Podcaster on Thursday. The Eagles haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round in forever, but that can change this year. General Manager Howie Roseman stated during his press conference about adding true off-the-ball linebackers to the defense. Dean is one of those guys and has great instincts.
"Please Howie for the love of god!" 😂@GioThePodcaster has some thoughts for the @Eagles front office and it's too funny.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/b2C1L9a9JD
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2022
For more on Dean, check out our scouting report on him.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Steelers keep Pickett in state and get their new quarterback. While his hand size, measuring 8 1/2 inches, has been a concern, he has great arm strength. Pickett will just have to work a little harder in protecting the football, but can still work well for the Steelers.
For more on Pickett, check out our scouting report on him.
21) New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Lloyd is very explosive and is close with Dean for the top linebacker in the draft. He is a very mobile off-the-ball linebacker and has a lot of intriguing traits. While he may not necessarily replace the potential departing group of Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, and Ja’Whaun Bentley, it’s a solid start.
For more on Lloyd, check out our scouting report on him.
22) Las Vegas Raiders – David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The Raiders are always keen on high-ceiling defensive line prospects. Ojabo had a great Combine and this would really be a steal this late in the first round. He is a very twitchy and energetic pass rusher that would give the Raiders a big boost.
For more on Ojabo, check out our scouting report on him.
23) Arizona Cardinals – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Cardinals need to upgrade their cornerback room which was 31st in the league in Cover 1 coverage grade (29.6) last season. Elam was one of the best Cover 1 corners over his career, as he allowed just eight catches on 210 career snaps.
For more on Elam, check out our scouting report on him.
24) Dallas Cowboys – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
With questions on his effort level, Thibodeaux falls all the way towards the end of the first round. The Oregon product said all week he was going to be doing all of the on-field drills but sat out of the rest of them following the 40. His reasoning was about “how long the week was” which raises even more questions. However, if he turns it around, picking him here would be a major steal for the Cowboys. Their already strong defensive front would get that much stronger.
For more on Thibodeaux, check out our scouting report on him.
25) Buffalo Bills – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Bills need a true number two corner to pair with Tre’Davious White, who is coming off a torn ACL. McDuffie has tremendous coverage skills and is a great overall athlete. He would help take some of the heat off of White.
26) Tennessee Titans – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
After already drawing comparisons to current Titans’ receiver A.J. Brown, Burks joins him in Tennessee. Burks perfectly fits the style of offense that the Titans run and would be able to do anything.
For more on Burks, check out our scouting report on him.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs just feel like the perfect team for Winfrey. Finding interior defense is huge for a team like Tampa Bay, and Winfrey has a lot of great skills including explosiveness and size.
28) Green Bay Packers – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Packers find their much-needed receiver with Davante Adams and a few other receivers hitting free agency. Dotson is smaller, at 5’1″, 184 pounds, but has tremendous agility and route running ability. On top of that, he is a reliable pass catcher who rarely drops anything.
For more on Dotson, check out our scouting report on him.
29) Miami Dolphins – Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
Linderbaum is the best center in the draft and would be a steal at 29. The Dolphins need to upgrade the offensive line, while the Iowa product has the potential to have them set at the center position for 10-plus years.
For more on Linderbaum, check out our scouting report on him.
30) Kansas City Chiefs – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Johnson had a dominant Senior Bowl week and showed that he can be a solid pass rusher in addition to being a top-notch run-stopper. The Chiefs may cut Frank Clark as a potential cap casualty, meaning they need to replace him.
For more on Johnson, check out our scouting report on him.
31) Cincinnati Bengals – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Bengals have to find a way to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. They start by drafting the versatile Penning, who they can plug and play at either tackle or guard position.
For more on Penning, check out our scouting report on him.
32) Detroit Lions – Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
The only linebackers the Lions have under contract for next season are Derrick Barnes and Curtis Bolton. Muma has great recognization against the pass and run, while he led the country with 142 tackles. He would give Dan Campbell and the Lions something to work with at the position.
For more on Muma, check out our scouting report on him.
33) Jacksonville Jaguars – Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
The Jaguars continue to rebuild their offensive line and add a solid option at left guard. Johnson was impressive in workouts at the Combine, posting the best three-cone and shuttle time of any guard in the class.
34) Detroit Lions – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
The Lions choose to wait until their third pick to address their quarterback need. Corral has a while to go before he’s a true franchise quarterback and is coming off an ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl. But his ceiling is high and he could sit behind Jared Goff for a year and develop his dual-threat capabilities.
For more on Corral, check out our scouting report on him.
35) New York Jets – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
The Jets add another uber-talented defender to the mix in Walker. He ran a 4.52-second 40 and is very fluid with solid run-stopping ability. A number of his tools in his toolbox translate well to the next level, and he showed it in his drills.
For more on Hill, check out our scouting report on him.
36) New York Giants – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Giants find a versatile safety to pair with Logan Ryan in Hill. His dynamic ability would be a great addition for a team looking for more playmakers everywhere on defense.
For more on Hill, check out our scouting report on him.
37) Houston Texans – Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
The Texans shift to the defense as they add an edge rusher who has seen his stock rise. A potential first-rounder, Houston grabs Ebiketie in the early second-round. The Penn State product has a non-stop motor and is very explosive off the edge. Houston would finally have a top pass rusher since trading away J.J. Watt.
For more on Ebiketie, check out our scouting report on him.
38) New York Jets – Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
Continuing to bolster their defense, the Jets take an edge rusher in Enagbare. He has elite length and wins with really solid hand usage. As far as those skills go, he is at or above the level of Hutchinson. The Jets have a solid defensive line, but adding to the pass rush makes it even stronger.
39) Chicago Bears – Drake London, WR, USC
With their first pick in the draft, the Bears add a receiver to replace the departing Allen Robinson. London has been tabbed as “jump ball London” and can give the Bears a big-bodied Alshon Jeffery-type receiver.
For more on London, check out our scouting report on him.
40) Denver Broncos – Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
The Broncos need to protect their new quarterback and take a humongous tackle to do so. The 6’8″, 387-pound Faalele fills the right tackle need and has a punishing mentality. With a team like the Broncos looking to run the ball as much as they are, he should be a great addition. Add that to having a dual-threat quarterback in Willis.
41) Seattle Seahawks – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
The future of Bobby Wagner with Seattle is uncertain and they will start rebuilding. Bringing in a young linebacker like Harris would be the right move. He played a variety of different roles for the pro-style Alabama defense and can play in different schemes.
For more on Harris, check out our scouting report on him.
42) Washington Commanders – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Ron Rivera loves guys who have flexible positions and the Commanders need rotation depth at edge rush. Montez Sweat is also not likely to be re-signed, so bringing in Mafe would fill a need. Mafe is explosive and his stock has risen since the Senior Bowl.
For more on Mafe, check out our scouting report on him.
43) Atlanta Falcons – David Bell, WR, Purdue
Despite not trading away Calvin Ridley in this draft, the Falcons need more playmakers on offense. Bell is a talented receiver and gives Matt Ryan another solid option in the passing game.
For more on Bell, check out our scouting report on him.
44) Cleveland Browns – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
The Browns shift to the defensive side of the ball and get a bit of a steal with Wyatt at pick 44. None of Cleveland’s starting defensive tackles from 2021 are under contract. Wyatt would give them a solid option in the interior with Myles Garrett coming off the edge.
For more on Wyatt, check out our scouting report on him.
45) Baltimore Ravens – Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Protecting Jackosn is going to be important for the Ravens if he is going to succeed. So, the Ravens double up on the offensive line by grabbing the Ohio State product. Petit-Frere has the versatility to play either tackle position, giving Baltimore options.
For more on Petit-Frere, check out our scouting report on him.
46) Minnesota Vikings – Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The Vikings add another piece to their secondary by adding the speedy Brisker who has great ball skills. Xavier Woods is heading into free agency, so Minnesota needs a young gun at the position.
For more on Brisker, check out our scouting report on him.
47) Indianapolis Colts – Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky
The Colts may not be keeping Carson Wentz, but they need to provide whoever their quarterback is with protection. Kinnard mostly played tackle with Kentucky but could be suited for a move to guard in the NFL. With his versatility, he gives the Colts options.
48) Los Angeles Chargers – Travis Jones, DT, UConn
Jones can thrive in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme on the interior defensive line. He would provide the Chargers a sturdy run defender with an ability to beat double teams.
49) New Orleans Saints – Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Alvin Kamara‘s future with the Saints is up in the air, so it would make sense for them to bring in a young back. Williams had a great last two years with Notre Dame and has all the tools to succeed with New Orleans. He does anything asked of him, whether that’s catching the ball out of the backfield, taking on pass rushers, and being balanced.
50) Miami Dolphins – Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins select Spiller to create a solid pairing with Myles Gaskin. Spiller has great vision and patience, as well as having a good pass-catching ability. He would compliment Gaskin well in that sense if the Dolphins do in fact bring the latter back.
For more on Spiller, check out our scouting report on him.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Philadelphia Eagles receive Brandin Cooks. Houston Texans receive pick 51.
51) Houston Texans (Via Philadelphia) – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
The Eagles have been interested in getting Cooks in several other seasons when he was on the market. They finally get him here as they give up their second-round pick to get him. With the pick, the Texans replace him with Watson, who has seen his stock skyrocket since the Senior Bowl.
For more on Watson, check out our scouting report on him.
52) Pittsburgh Steelers – Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Adding a new tackle to protect their new quarterback will be key for the Steelers. Pittsburgh had a rough 2021 season on the offensive line and Rhyan would be able to be plugged right in at either tackle position.
53) Las Vegas Raiders – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pickens would give Derek Carr another weapon on offense. While he is coming off a torn ACL, Pickens has solid traits including great balls skills when healthy.
For more on Pickens, check out our scouting report on him.
54) New England Patriots – Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
The Patriots always look to add more talent to their receiver corps. Doubs is a big-play receiver with speed who would play up to the New England offense with Mac Jones at quarterback.
For more on Doubs, check out our scouting report on him.
55) Arizona Cardinals – Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Bonitto showed off his speed by running a 4.54-second 40-yard dash. With Chandler Jones set to hit free agency and Watt coming off another injury-plagued season, the Cardinals need to find another edge rusher. Bonitto would provide explosiveness off the edge and help fill the void.
For more on Bonitto, check out our scouting report on him.
56) Dallas Cowboys – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Cowboys get the safety that they’ve been looking for in Cine, who would step into the starting role from day one. He would finally provide Dallas with a sure-fire answer at the position. Cine is a great tackler and run defender, so he provides versatility.
57) Buffalo Bills – Logan Hall, DT, Houston
After targeting the secondary in round one, the Bills look to bolster the interior of the defense. Hall is one of the bigger defensive tackles at 6’6″, 283 pounds and he ran an impressive 4.88-second 40. He would be a great addition to pair with Ed Oliver.
58) Atlanta Falcons – Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Falcons need someone to pair with A.J. Terrell in the secondary. Gordon didn’t have a great 40 time at 4.52 seconds, but he still has a great athlete with a 42.5-inch vertical. His ball skills are off the charts and gives Atlanta a great second corner.
For more on Gordon, check out our scouting report on him.
59) Green Bay Packers – Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
The Packers finally get the linebacker they’ve been looking for, drafting the explosive Tindall from the dominant Georgia defense. He has a big toolset and can be a big run-stopper for the Green Bay defense. Tindall has the speed and burst to move all over the field and run down ball carriers.
60) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
Walker was one of the faster running backs at the Combine, clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. With Leonard Fournette, Giovanni Bernard, and Ronald Jones all unrestricted free agents, Tampa Bay needs a new big dog. Walker fits that bill as he is a big back with speed and explosiveness.
61) San Francisco 49ers – Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Woolen put on a show at the Combine on Sunday, running the second-best 40 time of the defensive backs at 4.26 seconds. He also posted the best vertical jump of the week, at 42 inches. The converted receiver has a lot of solid skills that would entice the 49ers as they rework their secondary. He also caught all seven passes in the gauntlet drill.
62) Kansas City Chiefs – Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
Even if Tyrann Mathieu returns, the Chiefs could use more depth at the position. Pitre is a very twitchy safety with plus instincts that would be a good replacement to Mathieu or a solid pairing.
For more on Pitre, check out our scouting report on him.
63) Cincinnati Bengals – Alec Lindstrom, OC, Boston College
The Bengals continue to shore up their protection of Burrow by adding one of the best centers in the class. Lindstrom is a big asset in pass protection and always has his head on a swivel to provide backup to the guards.
64) Denver Broncos – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
With their second pick in the second round, the Broncos help fill the void left by Von Miller. Thomas is a do-it-all threat who can play from the tackle positions and from the edge. He had 27 tackles for loss in 2021 which is more than anyone in this class.
For more on Thomas, check out our scouting report on him.
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