The 2022 NFL Draft is just two days away so now is as good a time as ever for my final mock draft of the season. There are a variety of different reports starting to come out about what teams might do with their picks. This year is one of the most uncertain drafts ever, as even the top selection is a question mark. With that said, let’s dive into this two-round mock with a few trades.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
There has been a lot of speculation on who the Jaguars will select first overall in this draft. Walker and Aidan Hutchinson have been the main possibilities, but others have been thrown in at times. Walker has elite upside athletically and can mold into a superstar for the Jacksonville defense. Last season for the Bulldogs, the Georgia native recorded 33 tackles and three sacks in 13 games.
2) Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions would be happy with either edge rusher, but being able to take the hometown Hutchinson would be huge for Dan Campbell and Detroit. The University of Michigan alum gives the Lions someone to build their defense around; he has the talent and tools to make an immediate impact. The 21-year-old would give Detroit a 10-plus-year starter off the edge.
3) Houston Texans – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
While several questions have arisen about Thibodeaux’s drive and motor, the University of Oregon product still has perhaps the highest ceiling of anyone in the class. The Texans could look to address their offensive line with this pick, but opt to go with someone who can be the new face of the defense. Talent speaking, Thibodeaux is the best overall prospect in this class. The character issues don’t seem to be as big of a problem as people think, and the Texans add a potential superstar.
4) New York Jets – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets could certainly use some “sauce” on their defense, and Gardner would provide that both literally and figuratively. The top three edge rushers are gone, so Joe Douglas turns his attention to providing the defense with a lockdown corner. Over his four years at Cincinnati, the Martin Luther King High School alum never allowed a touchdown and allowed just 141 yards in coverage last season.
5) New York Giants – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
New General Manager Joe Schoen and the Giants will be looking to add to the trenches in the draft. Neal was once the man everyone thought the Jaguars would be selecting at number one overall. But now that Jacksonville franchise-tagged Cam Robinson, that doesn’t look likely. Instead, the top tackle falls to the G-Men, which gives new head coach Brian Daboll a sure thing at the right tackle position.
6) Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Panthers need an upgrade over Sam Darnold and decide that they don’t want to wait around to find one. Willis has the highest upside of any of the quarterbacks in this class, with tremendous arm strength and duel-threat abilities. He will need some time to develop, but so will anyone the Panthers decide to draft. The Liberty alum is the most projectable and his weaknesses are something that Matt Rhule and the Carolina staff can iron out.
7. New York Giants (via Chicago) – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Giants turn to adding to the defense that allowed the second-most yards per play last season (4.7). Johnson recorded 12 sacks in the 2021 season and has the pass rush moves to make an immediate impact. He also adds versatility as he played outside linebacker for Florida State. The Georgia transfer would create a great pairing with Azeez Ojulari.
8) Atlanta Falcons – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Even after tearing his ACL in the National Championship, Williams projects to be a high draft pick. The Ohio State transfer has been reported to have been recovering well from the injury and the concerns are starting to fade. Williams has game-breaking speed and has the raw skills to be a great route runner to go along with the speed. The Falcons have an extremely thin receiving room, especially after the Calvin Ridley suspension. They add a top-end guy that would almost immediately give them a huge asset in their offense. Williams could be ready for training camp.
9) Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
After trading Russell Wilson, the Seahawks use the pick on building their offensive line. Ekwonu has been in discussion for the top pick in the draft and he is a mauler at the tackle position. Despite being a bit undersized, he is consistently taking on multiple defenders at once and has a non-stop motor.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
49ers trade wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, to the New York Jets in exchange for picks 10, 35, 38, and 111. 49ers trade pick 10 to the Philadelphia Eagles for picks 15, 51, and 83.
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10) Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets, San Francisco) – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The 49ers get a haul for Samuel from the Jets, who get a big-time playmaker for Zach Wilson. San Francisco then immediately turns around and receives more draft capital while moving back five picks. The Eagles, on the other hand, jump their division rivals and snag the top player in the draft right out of their hands. Philadelphia needs to add versatile and big-name players to their defense. While they have never drafted in a safety in the first round, Howie Roseman has to realize that Hamilton would massively upgrade the defense. The Eagles love their swiss army knives, but Hamilton would be the best one they’ve ever had by a mile.
11) Washington Commanders – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
After getting sniped for Hamilton, the Commanders turn around and take the best receiver on the board. Adding Wilson with Curtis Samuel (depending on his health) and Terry McLaurin would make for a solid trio for Carson Wentz. All three of them are former Buckeyes while Wilson is ferocious after the catch and has the tools to be a top receiver in an offense.
12) Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Cornerback is the biggest need for the Vikings, and Stingley would be a steal at 12. The former LSU star could easily go in the top 10 as he has huge upside, but his stock has dropped a bit due to injuries and inconsistency the last two seasons. But he has the speed, athleticism, and length to be a number one cornerback while recording 38 tackles, six interceptions, and 15 pass breakups his freshman season.
13) Houston Texans (via Cleveland) – Drake London, WR, USC
A yards after the catch machine, London would be a great fit for the Texans to help out Davis Mills. Houston’s yards after the catch leader in 2021 was Brandin Cooks with 357, which London would immediately upgrade. Even while appearing in eight games last season, “jump ball” London led the country with 17 contested catches and forced 22 missed tackles.
14) Baltimore Ravens – Trevor Penning, OT, Nothern Iowa
Since trading Orlando Brown Jr. last year, the Ravens have been looking for his replacement. Lamar Jackson needs someone to open lanes for him, and Penning is the kind of tackle willing to put it all on the line to protect his man. He craves contact and will pave the way for Jackson to get room to move.
15) San Francisco 49ers (via Philadelphia, Miami) – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
After trading into the first round, then trading back, the 49ers address their cornerback need by taking one of the top options on the board. Even after adding Charvarius Ward in free agency, San Francisco still needs to strengthen their cornerback corps. Booth is scheme-versatile and has the skills to be a shutdown corner in the league.
16) New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia, Indianapolis) – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross falling to 16 would be a welcome surprise for the Saints. They can certainly wait three picks to address receiver, as the tackle falloff is much bigger than the wideouts. Losing starting left tackle Terron Armstead to free agency was a big loss for New Orleans. Bringing in Cross would be a major upgrade to how they currently stand and give Jameis Winston great protection.
17) Los Angeles Chargers – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
With Karlaftis falling into their laps, the Chargers don’t pass it up. The Purdue alum was once thought of as a top 10 pick but his stock has fallen and some believe he may even fall out of the first round. But he has tremendous upside and would provide the Chargers a great depth piece behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack while bolstering their pass rush even further.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans) – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Eagles have a boatload of options for who they draft, but they add another game-changing defender. This time, they go for the freakishly athletic Davis who would fill Fletcher Cox‘s shoes perfectly once the 32-year-old retires. Before that, Davis provides immediate help to the front seven along with having a very high ceiling.
19) New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
After grabbing a tackle with their first pick, the Saints grab their receiver with Olave making it to pick number 18. With Michael Thomas still on the team, they need a more capable number two receiver than what they have. Not only having elite route running abilities, but Olave also showed some speed at the combine, as he ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Steelers find their quarterback as they keep Pickett in the same state. After Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season, the franchise brought in Mitch Trubisky on a two-year deal. The former Bear and Bill is never going to be more than a capable backup, so the Steelers will look to draft someone to compete. Pickett has seen his stock rise after a record-breaking season in which he finished as a Heisman finalist. With Willis long gone, the Steelers grab the more than capable Pickett who has the accuracy and mobility to succeed in the NFL.
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21) New England Patriots – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Likened to current Patriots captain Devin McCourty, McDuffie would provide them with an immediate starter to replace Pro Bowler J.C. Jackson. He has speed, top-notch ball skills, awareness, and range to translate to a top corner in the NFL. The California native has the size and traits that New England likes at that cornerback, making him an ideal pick in the first round.
22) Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas) – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Aaron Rodgers is back with Green Bay after much speculation about a potential trade. However, his top receiver in Devante Adams was traded to the Raiders, leaving a massive hole. Burks is a dynamic receiver who could be the Packers’ Deebo Samuel with his versatility. He can play in the backfield, slot, and on the boundary while being a tough guy to get down.
23) Arizona Cardinals – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Ever since the departure of Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals have been looking for their next franchise cornerback. Elam might not project as a true shutdown corner, but he has the traits, such as his man coverage ability, to be a solid addition to the cornerback room. Jeff Gladney is also on the roster, but Elam could compete from day one to start on the boundary.
24) Dallas Cowboys – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Cine was at the center of the Georgia secondary that helped lead the Bulldogs to a championship. He has the physicality and tackling ability to be an asset to the Cowboys’ defense, which has long been missing a top-tier safety. Cine could play in a rotation, with Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, during year one before developing into the starting free safety.
25) Buffalo Bills – Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Bills already added Von Miller to their pass rush, along with defensive tackles Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, and DaQuan Jones. But why not add another defensive tackle, especially one that is versatile and can lineup in both the three and one-tech tackle spots.
26) Tennessee Titans – Kenyon Green, iOL, Texas A&M
To help clear a path for superstar running back Derrick Henry, the Titans take the versatile Green. The former Aggie could fit in any offensive scheme and can play both guard spots and right tackle. The only position he hasn’t played along the offensive line is center. He is dominant on the interior and has the athleticism and physicality to be a starter on day one.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Wyatt would be an immediate plug-and-play guy for the Buccaneers to help Vita Vea on the interior. He isn’t as dominant as Vea in getting to the quarterback but has shown flashes of potential there. All he has to do is refine his pass-rushing moves and he will learn quite a bit from Vea to be a future Pro Bowler.
28) Green Bay Packers – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The run on National Champion Georgia defenders continues as the Packers finally get the linebacker they have needed. Dean won the Butkus Award last season and is a great tackler and run stopper. Drafting him would immediately make the Packers’ defense stronger and add speed to the position.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via Miami) – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
The Chiefs traded Hill to the Dolphins in the offseason and are going to need a replacement. Watson is as good a replacement as any, as he is another massive deep threat with superstar potential. With great speed, body control, and route running ability he has what it takes to win against man coverage consistently.
30) Kansas City Chiefs (via San Francisco) – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
With their second straight pick, Kansas City addresses their secondary with Hill falling to them. Even with a Tyrann Mathieu reunion still on the table, the Chiefs can shore up the position long term. Hill played all over the field for Michigan and checks a lot of the same boxes that Mathieu in their defense.
31) Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, iOL, Iowa
After already adding veteran linemen in free agency, the Bengals will continue to add more protection for Joe Burrow. Linderbaum is a dominant blocker and would help to complete the upgrade on the offensive line.
32) Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
To end the first round, the Lions draft a potential anchor in the middle of their defense in Lloyd. This could be a steal as the Utah alum is viewed by many as the top linebacker in the draft. He is a versatile and very experienced defender who would continue to help build a strong defense.
33) Jacksonville Jaguars – Zion Johnson, iOL, Boston College
Johnson is a versatile offensive lineman who would help to build the trenches for the Jaguars after they addressed the defense in the first round. He would be a solid replacement for veteran Andrew Norwell and Jacksonville needs to pounce on a weaker guard class.
34) Detroit Lions – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Needing a new quarterback, the Lions go for the mobile Corral who could turn into a solid franchise quarterback with some development. He may need to sit behind Jared Goff for a year while refining his abilities. The Ole Miss product is aggressive and throws with some zip behind the ball.
35) San Francisco 49ers (via Jets) – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
After trading away Deebo Samuel, the 49ers need to take a receiver who could make an immediate impact. Dotson had a phenomenal rookie season with 91 catches, 1,182 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He is one of the best route runners in the class, has strong hands, and is great after the catch. That makes him a great weapon for Trey Lance.
36) New York Giants – Travis Jones, DT, UConn
Turning again to the trenches, the Giants take a high-upside defensive tackle in Jones. He is a massive-run defender who has ascended into a potential first-rounder. That means getting him at pick 36 would be a bit of a steal for the Giants.
37) Houston Texans – Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The Texans need talent all over the place, and Brisker is one of the top safeties in the draft. The former JUCO standout is a versatile defender with tremendous burst and the ability to attack the football everywhere on the field. He can match up against the best of the best receivers as well as tight ends.
38) San Francisco 49ers (via Jets, Carolina) – Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
Outside of Trent Williams, the 49ers have question marks throughout their offensive line. Smith made a name for himself at the NFL Combine, running a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and showing out in drills. He has a non-stop motor and is relentless in protecting his quarterback. The Tulsa product would be a welcome addition for Lance and the 49ers.
39) Chicago Bears – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
With their first pick in the draft, the Bears address their receiver need by grabbing a Cincinnati product. Justin Fields needs playmakers around him and Pierce wins on 50-50 balls, something that Chicago lacks. He also has a long and athletic build while being able to adjust to balls in the air.
40) Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) – Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Seahawks address their massive Wilson-sized hole by taking the North Carolina product who has great accuracy on deep balls and pushes the ball downfield. Howell has fallen off this year due to a lack of production his senior year, but he still has upside. He was basically forced to play superhero all season with not much surrounding him. With more development of his traits and building around him and he could be a franchise leader.
41) Seattle Seahawks – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
After the release of Bobby Wagner, the linebacker room is thin for Seattle. Walker is another stud from the Georgia defense and is one of the most promising linebackers in the draft class. He brings versatility and athleticism while being a smooth defender and flying all over the field.
42) Indianapolis Colts (via Washington) – Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
To give Kwity Paye a running mate, the Colts take the versatile Ebiketie who can just about play anywhere. The Temple transfer is one of the quickest players off the edge in this draft and is a great tackler, finisher, and bull rusher. On top of being explosive, he can also win reps with agility and a non-stop motor.
43) Atlanta Falcons – David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Ojabo could have been a top-10 pick had he not torn his Achilles during the draft process. Even so, the running mate to Hutchinson has the explosiveness and bend of the edge that is very impressive for a player with as much limited experience as he has. The talent is there and Ojabo will only continue to tap into it.
44) Cleveland Browns – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Browns need to add a young edge rusher to take some pressure off of Myles Garrett. Mafe is explosive and was a standout at the Senior Bowl. There is a lot of upside with the former Golden Gopher as there are just some kinks he has to work out with his game, such as learning how to bend better off the edge.
45) Baltimore Ravens – Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
A potential steal this late into the second round, McCreary would be a strong fit for the Ravens’ scheme as he is most comfortable in press man. He is very good in man coverage and has the ball skills to make plays while being smooth in his movements.
46) Minnesota Vikings – DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
The Vikings have a big weakness with their defensive line, as they ranked 30th in run defense, allowing an average of 134.4 rushing yards per game in 2021. Minnesota needs to add youth and quickness to the front seven and Leal fits the bill.
47) Washington Commanders (via Indianapolis) – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
A four-year starter at Colorado State, McBride would provide Washington with a strong development option at tight end beside the likes of Logan Thomas and John Bates. McBride already has the blocking ability locked into his game, while that has been something the Commanders have struggled with at the position. The tight end group would be locked up with the addition of McBride.
48) Chicago Bears (via Los Angeles Chargers) – Bernhard Raimann, OT Central Michigan
An older prospect, as he will be 25 as a rookie, Raimann does have a decent ceiling. He doesn’t have much experience as an offensive tackle, as he is a converted tight end, but a little seasoning on the bench could help him learn more and develop into a strong starting tackle. The three-year projection is definitely stronger than the one-year projection.
49) New Orleans Saints – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The Saints may have re-signed Winston, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring in some competition for the veteran quarterback. Ridder has the makings of developing into a workable starting quarterback, even if he never turns into a legitimate franchise guy.
50) Kansas City Chiefs (via Miami) – Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Edge rusher is arguably the Chiefs’ biggest need in the draft and even while waiting until their third pick, they get a solid option. Kansas City would be able to elevate Jackson’s potential and he could be a long-term solution with his consistent ability to win against interior offensive linemen.
51) San Francisco 49ers (via Philadelphia) – Sean Rhayn, iOL, UCLA
Providing protection for Lance, San Francisco takes a UCLA product in Rhayn. He is a great run-blocker who played tackle for the Bruins but projects best as a guard in the NFL. With the 49ers, he would give them a replacement for Laken Tomlinson, who signed with the Jets in free agency.
52) Pittsburgh Steelers – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The Steelers give their new quarterback a fresh weapon, with Pickens who has solid hands, speed, and body control. He would be a great downfield threat for the Steelers and could make catches in traffic while getting yards after the catch.
53) Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas) – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
With Za’Darius Smith leaving for the Vikings, the Packers have a hole at edge rusher. They were able to bring back Preston Smith, but need someone to play alongside him. Thomas is scheme versatile and with added strength could be a blocking nightmare; he already has great traits to cause immediate pressure.
54) New England Patriots – Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
New England ranked 22nd in the league in run defense in 2021, as they allowed 2,103 rushing yards. Ja’Whaun Bentley was re-signed by the Patriots, but they let Dont’a Hightower walk. Muma is a do-it-all linebacker who can drop back in coverage, defend the run, and has the makings of being the center of a defense for years to come. With the Patriots needing to get faster, the Wyoming product fits that bill.
55) Arizona Cardinals – Myaji Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
With the departure of Chandler Jones, the Cardinals need to replace him for their pass rush. Sanders would be a solid fit after he was a standout at the Senior Bowl and was a First-Team All-AAC selection in 2020. He has an explosive closing burst and is one of the quickest players overall in this draft class.
56) Dallas Cowboys – Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
The Cowboys stick to the defense after taking Cine in the first round. Mathis has the size – 6’4″, 310 pounds – and scheme versatility the Cowboys could use on their front seven. He is a technician at the defensive tackle position and gives Dan Quinn some options on his defense.
57) Buffalo Bills – Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Besides Tre’Davious White, the Bills don’t have anything in the cornerback room in a scary division as far as offenses go. Woolen would help fill the burden left by the departure of Levi Wallace and he wouldn’t be asked to cover the number one receivers such as Tyreek Hill. He is poised to make an immediate impact and would be a great running mate for White.
58) Atlanta Falcons (via Tennessee) – Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
The Falcons add another playmaker in Hall, who is a very fast and explosive home run threat. He is a patient runner with very strong vision who can win in short yardage. With Cordalle Patterson on the team, Hall wouldn’t provide much in the passing game right away, but he is a very solid runner and would provide a big boost to the Atlanta rushing attack.
59) Green Bay Packers – Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Packers will be looking to add depth behind Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, and Gordon can play in any scheme. He is a versatile cornerback who can do anything a defensive coordinator asks of him. In 2021, the former Husky gave up zero touchdowns and just 243 yards in coverage.
60) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Tampa Bay brought Leonard Fournette back on a three-year deal, but they will look to add a secondary running back after Ronald Jones departed for free agency. Fournette is a powerful back with solid patch catching and route-running skills. He would be a good suit to be the third-down runner for the Bucs.
61) San Francisco 49ers – Nick Cross, S, Maryland
The 49ers have flexibility with their picks, especially with all the capital they have gotten in this mock draft. With their fourth second-round pick, they add a safety to their uncertain secondary. Tarvarius Moore is coming off an Achilles tear, Talanoa Hufanga’s defensive role is limited, and George Odum has never seen regular safety snaps in four years as a pro. Other than that, starting free safety Jimmie Ward is entering the final year of his contract. Cross has the size and athleticism to be a versatile defender and fill multiple roles.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Kansas City Chiefs receive picks 85 and 127. New England Patriots receive pick 62.
62) New England Patriots (via Kansas City) – Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
The Patriots trade back into the second round to snag the falling Pitre, who is a New England prototype safety. His size, speed, and strength are what the Patriots look for in a safety and he is a do-it-all athlete. The former Baylor Bear made an immediate impact on their defense and could do the same in the NFL for the Patriots.
63) Cincinnati Bengals – Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Cincinnati continues to give protection to Burrow by adding a guy in Lucas who can play anywhere along the line, primarily the tackle spots. At 6’6″, he has a lot of length and would be a great depth piece to start out his career before developing into a rotational or starting tackle.
64) Denver Broncos (via Los Angeles Rams) – Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
With their first pick in the draft, the Broncos start rebuilding their pass rush by taking the top edge rusher on the board. Enagbare will need time to develop but he has a lot of upside and would be a steal as the last pick of the second round. At South Carolina, he showed off great length, quick hands, and solid explosiveness off the snap.
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