2022 Mock Draft NFL 1.1

The Rules of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.1

Before we begin lets discuss a few rules or guidelines. For this way too early mock draft we have decided not to make any mock trades. We will not even discuss them at this point. As you may know the draft order is decided by records with the worst team drafting first and the defending Super Bowl champions drafting last. Since we don’t know who those teams will be yet we are using the power rankings from PFF which you can find in this article here. On top of that, I have decided to let the Colts keep their first round pick. Who knows if Carson Wentz can stay healthy? I sure don’t. Plus I’m a Colts fan so it’s fun to imagine. 

Finally, I should let you know I’m a firm believer that a team should build a solid core before drafting a QB. Most quarterbacks drafted early go to teams without a solid supporting cast and we have watched too many fail. This is also not my guess as to what will happen in April, but what I would do if I were the GM of each team.  Anyways lets begin.

1. Detroit Lions-Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina Tar Heels

I know I just said I don’t support teams taking quarterbacks early, but I believe the Lions have a bit more talent than many think. Howell has received many comparisons to Baker Mayfield and I don’t think that’s too far off.

I even see some Mahomes in his ability to keep a play alive. Plus, I would love to see him paired with the Lions new HC Dan Campbell. I think they would be a match made in heaven.

2. Houston Texans- Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon Ducks

Kayvon is my number one overall prospect of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Houston can begin building a defense that intimidates opponents again. Thibodeaux across from budding play maker Omenihu could be trouble. Maybe Watson stays…

3. Philadelphia Eagles-Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

I know a safety at number 3 is damn near crazy, but so is Howie Roseman. Hamilton is an absolute stud though. He would be a game changer in the secondary and bring play making ability to a defense that desperately needs it. He is a generational talent at the position who checks every box athletically.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars-Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

I don’t look at him and see an absolute freak or the fastest guy on the field. However, I do see the best receiver in the draft class. He routinely eats defenders up with his route running and can catch almost everything. He would give Trevor Lawrence a sure fire third down target he could trust. Plus Urban Meyer already knows enough to know he is legit.

5. New York Jets- Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU Tigers

New York has the player they wanted fall to them and they are ecstatic. Stingley has been the number one CB prospect in this class since he touched the field in Baton Rouge. He will likely be the first corner in taken in next Aprils draft. Stingley is also the first corner in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

LSU Tigers CB Derek Stingley Jr (24).

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama Crimson Tide

After passing on Penei Sewell, who I thought the Bengals should have taken, the Bengals grab their new LT in Neal. Neal is a monster standing 6-7 350 lbs. He would give Burrow legit protection and they could move Jonah Williams to guard where he is better suited. A little blocking goes a long way in keeping your QB healthy.

7. New York Giants- Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma Sooners

Many people may not know much about Bonitto yet, but just wait. He could add some bulk to his frame, but he has burst and explosion off the edge that can be devastating.

He had 8.5 sacks in 2020 and was consistently in opponents back fields. I love him as a 3-4 edge rusher.

8. Carolina Panthers- George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue Boilermakers

In this scenario we have decided that Darnold played well. The Panthers continue to add pieces to a strong young core. We almost went offensive line, but Karlaftis was the choice. He is a playmaker on the edge and would compliment Burns and Brown well. The Panthers would be building a top tier D-line similar to the WFT. 

9. Minnesota Vikings- Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida Gators

Much to my partners chagrin the Vikings are picking early. They have a few holes to fill, but I like last years pick of Darrisaw and can’t justify an outside linebacker or guard this early. So they take Elam out of Florida to take over for the aging Patrick Peterson. Hopefully he will be able to cover the Devante Adams’ and Allen Robinsons of the NFC North.

10. Los Angeles Chargers- Zion Nelson, OT, Miami Hurricanes

Nelson is an athlete at the tackle position and in this scenario he plays RT. The Chargers brass is doing right by Herbert and keeping him on his feet to pass. I would love watching Nelson blocking for Ekeler on screens and getting down field. Herbert would give this pick his seal of approval.

11. Denver Broncos- Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss Rebels

I’m a certified fan of Corral and have him higher than pretty much any other scout on my board. I believe he will play incredibly well under Kiffin this season and would make the Broncos fans happy.

He would be a step up over either Bridgewater or Lock and give the Broncos some QB stability for the first time in a while. John Elway wishes he could have made this pick when he was the Broncos GM.

12. Las Vegas Raiders- Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M Aggies

After absolutely decimating their offensive line this offseason, the front office will realize they need to fix it sooner than later. Even Incognito must be close to retirement. Yes, Green will play guard but he is a sure fire player at the position and has the talent to demand this pick.

13. Washington Football Team- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati Bearcats

First, I must say I’m not a big fan of Rattler. It’s just my bias but I don’t like him so Ridder goes here. Ridder would be the QB of the future and plug the last missing piece of a budding young team. He brings intelligence along with an arm and mobility to Washington. Fans rejoice.

14. New York Giants (From CHI)- Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa Hawkeyes

Another interior lineman in the top half of the first round of the 2022 Mock draft? Yes, and for good reason. Linderbaum is an absolute beast and is hands down one of the best NFL prospects in this class. He is a better prospect than Ryan Kelly was and would bring reliability and power to a weak Giants line.

15. Atlanta Falcons- Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati Bearcats

A pick I love. Gardner, one of my favorite players in the 2022 NFL Draft class, may challenge Stingley for top CB by years end. The Falcons would be adding a team leader with swag. One whom is capable of taking one half of the field away from opponents. Gardner definitely has the “Sauce!”

16. Dallas Cowboys- Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State Nittany Lions

The Cowboys need to protect their $40 million a year QB Dak Prescott. The last few years Tyron Smith hasn’t been able to stay healthy. It’s time to bring in the future blindside blocker. Walker would be a solid choice and make Prescott a happy camper.

17. New England Patriots- Christian Harris, LB, Alabama Crimson Tide

It’s well known that Belichick and Saban are good friends. Expect Belichick to know everything about Harris and choose him to take over for the aging Donta Hightower in the middle of the Patriots defense. Harris would be a welcome infusion of more youth and speed. His coverage skills are well documented as he is an ex defensive back and he would fit in well.

18. Arizona Cardinals- Drake Jackson, DE, USC Trojans

Arizona has been adding some quality talent through the draft, but they lack youth at the pass rushing positions. With Chandler Jones wanting a trade and J.J. Watt not getting younger, Jackson would be a great add. He would start day one and help generate the pass rush the Cardinals were missing last season.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (From MIA) George Pickens, WR, Georgia Bulldogs

Pickens is one of the wide receivers that can make you say wow! Had he not been injured this previous season, he tore his ACL, we would be talking about him earlier.

As it is, the Eagles add another dynamic pass catcher for Jalen Hurts. If he can’t find Pickens, then he isn’t the answer for the Eagles. Him along with Smith and Reagor could be a scary trio for opposing defensive backs.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Bulldogs

I was harsh on the Steelers with their draft grade this past year because they didn’t address the offensive line. For the last decade the Steelers have had a top notch line, but now even Steelers fans can’t name their starters. Cross would be a step up on the current tackles and provide protection for whomever the QB of the future is.

21. Tennessee Titans- DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M Aggies

Possibly the steal of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft at this point, Leal is a major talent and would be unreal alongside Jeffery Simmons. Tennessee has a few other needs, but they just can’t pass up a talent like this at this point in the draft.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington Huskies

Indianapolis added Eric Fisher to help protect Carson Wentz this year, but we all know Ballard loves competition. Plus Kirkland, who we like, would be the tackle of the future so even if he sits for one year the Colts would be one of the top offensive line units for years to come. Good luck getting to the Colts QB for the next decade.

23. New York Jets (From SEA)- Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State Cyclones

Breece Hall is a serious bell cow back and would take pressure off of the young Zach Wilson. The Jets are trying to turn things around and Hall would be a great choice. He would bring a tough style of play that I believe Saleh would appreciate.

24. Miami Dolphins (From SF)- Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M Aggies

My number 2 RB in the 2022 NFL Draft class goes to Miami. The Dolphins need a real running back to help take the offense to the next level. Spiller is electric on tape and a real threat to take it to the house. He is efficient both inside and outside the tackles. I think Tua would be thanking the front office for this pick.

25. Cleveland Browns- Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma Sooners

The Browns added a couple young DTs with potential in this last draft, but Winfrey is a step up. His first step is elite for a DT. He continually caught my eye while I was scouting Ronnie Perkins last season and has started to receive attention all around the scouting community. His ability to generate pressure on the interior could take Garrett to the level of Michael Strahan in 2001.

26. New Orleans Saints- Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson Tigers

I never imagined I’d be doing a 2022 NFL Mock Draft with Ross going this late. He suffered a neck and spine injury and must prove he is fully healthy. I expect NFL teams to do their due diligence before the draft and if he is cleared he is for sure a 1st round talent. He is a big body and would give Jameis Winston a red zone threat to be reckoned with. They would be able to trade the disgruntled Thomas with the addition of Ross as well.

27. Detroit Lions (From LAR)- Drake London, WR, USC Trojans

After adding the QB of the future, the Lions get him another USC wide receiver to pair with Amon-ra St. Brown, who I had as a top 5 WR last year. Howell would have a better receiving core from day 1 than the Lions fan base have seen in a long time.

London is a big body who can do it all. Not too mention he is a two sport athlete at USC playing guard on the basketball team as well.

28. Green Bay Packers- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

With one last chance to appease Aaron Rodgers, I would only consider a WR at this point. Wilson is the number one WR in the draft class according to some scouts. I have even seen other 2022 NFL Mock Drafts with him being the first WR taken. If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t like this pick at least Jordan Love will.

29. Baltimore Ravens- Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State Buckeyes

Back to back Buckeyes. The Ravens have history of drafting edge rushers and building them into great players. In this scenario Harrison is the next. He brings explosion and bend to a team in need of some youth at the edge.

30. Buffalo Bills- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington Huskies

Buffalo has built a great team over the last few years. Last year they invested heavily in the defensive end position, and now they add Tre’Davious White’s running mate. McDuffie, scouting report here, is an athletic and tough nosed corner. He would be a step up from Levi Wallace and a perfect fit for the Bills system.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma Sooners

I considered Slovis here because I’m not big on Rattler. That being said, if I don’t have Rattler in the first round of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft I will be lynched by Sooner fans.

The Bucs decide to upgrade over Kyle Trask and get the heir apparent to Brady. What would a Bruce Arians offense look like with a dual threat QB like Spencer Rattler.

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Jalen Wydermeyer, TE, Texas A&M Aggies

Kelce isn’t getting younger and the Chiefs take the best tight end in the draft to learn from him while he still can. Wydermeyer is a sure handed pass catcher who can block as well. He is a better prospect than Freiermuth was last draft and will give Mahomes another red zone target and future insurance blanket.

2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.1 Analyst- Ken Noble

Click here to see who our analyst Jonah Anderson says teams will take in the 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0