Brandon NFL Mock Draft 2022 Version 1
To set the draft order, I used ESPN’s Football Power Index tool… This is as of Week 6. As far as rules, I just have two. First, no projecting trades. Second the Colts are keeping their current pick (could possibly go to the Eagles based on parameters of the Carson Wentz trade).
1. Detroit Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux (DE – Oregon)
Although injured in the season opener, Thibodeaux is back to making an impact for the Ducks. Detroit needs help everywhere on the roster, so it’s no surprise that they take the best overall player to kick off the night.
2. Houston Texans – Matt Corral (QB – Ole Miss)
Houston needs a QB and I don’t think that Deshaun Watson is going to play another snap for the team. The Texans have a bunch of holes to fill, but I think they have to take the best quarterback (in my opinion) in the draft.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derek Stingley Jr. (CB – LSU)
Jacksonville’s pass defense ranks 31 st at the moment. Best way to try and turn that around is to take the best cornerback in the draft. Tre Herndon is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and they’ll need someone to partner with Shaquill Griffin.
4. New York Jets – Kyle Hamilton (S – Notre Dame)
Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
The Jets need a ton of help. I originally thought about going tackle, but New York already has a ton invested in that position. Next, I almost went with Kaiir Elam, but I figured that that you can’t pass up on arguably the second best player in the draft.
5. New York Giants – Evan Neal (OT – Alabama)
The Giants need to tighten up their offensive line. Andrew Thomas from the 2020 draft hasn’t lived up to the expectations and this pick gives them some options. They can give Thomas more time to develop, while keeping Neal on the right side for the time being. They could also move Thomas and insert Neal.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami) – DeMarvin Leal (DL – Texas A&M)
The Eagles rush defense has been awful so far this season. A versatile player like Leal would be a great start in trying to turn that around. I feel like he’s been seen as an edge rusher, however he’s more than serviceable in the middle as well.
7. Atlanta Falcons – Kaiir Elam (CB – Florida)
Atlanta’s defense, as far as yards allowed, hasn’t been terrible. However, they can’t stop opposing teams from getting into the endzone. Adding a cornerback of Elam’s talents would be a good start in turning that trend around in 2022.
8. Washington Football Team – Desmond Ridder (QB – Cincinnati)
There’s going to be a divide between draft analysts on how the quarterbacks of this class shake out. For me, Ridder is the second best QB in the class and thus the second off the board.
9. New England Patriots – Jahan Dotson (WR – Penn St.)
Penn State WR Jahan Dotson
This just seems like a Bill Belichick pick, in my opinion. A small, quick receiver that he can put in the slot or outside and give Mac Jones a true weapon as they look to open up the playbook during his second NFL season.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Devin Lloyd (LB – Utah)
With their second first round selection, the Eagles continue to attempt to shore up that defense. Leal and Lloyd would give the Eagles a young duo to build around for the next few years.
11. New York Giants (via Chicago) – Aidan Hutchinson (DE – Michigan)
I had the Giants go offensive line with their first pick, but I couldn’t have them ignore their defensive woes a second time. Hutchinson is off to a great start this year and has been climbing draft boards everywhere. The Giants would hope he could continue that level of play in the NFL.
12. Carolina Panthers – Rasheed Walker (OT – Penn St.)
This is going to depend on whether or not the Panthers stick with Sam Darnold or not. As of right now, I believe they will. Therefore they get one of the best tackles in the draft class to protect his blind side.
13. New York Jets (via Seattle) – Ahmad Gardner (CB – Cincinnati)
I almost went cornerback with the Jets first pick. Sitting at #13, and seeing Gardner on the board, there’s no way I could pass it up twice. I’m a little surprised more people aren’t talking about Ahmad, but I think that’ll all change by the time the draft rolls around.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Howell (QB – North Carolina)
I don’t think the Steelers bring Big Ben back in 2022. Additionally, neither of their backup options are the future either. Howell gives them a young gun slinger that could be the next franchise guy.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Charles Cross (OT – Mississippi St.)
I doubt that the Colts hold onto this pick, and that will make my future mock drafts easier. So I really don’t know what to do for the Colts here. I decided on a young offensive tackle that could be paired with Quenton Nelson to solidify their left side for years to come.
16. Denver Broncos – Malik Willis (QB – Liberty)
I have questions about Malik personally. However, I think his athletic ability is going to be too much many teams to pass up on. I don’t think that Bridgewater is the answer in Denver, so they’re going to be looking for the future.
Iowa C Tyler Linderbaum
17. Miami Dolphins (via SF) – Tyler Linderbaum (C – Iowa)
This isn’t a sexy pick that will get Dolphin fans jumping out of their seats. But if I’m the Dolphins. and Linderbaum is still there at #17, I’m jumping out of my seat to turn the card in as quickly as I can. Hands down the best center in the draft and probably the best overall lineman as well.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Davis (DT – Georgia)
From what I can tell, people’s opinion of Davis is all over the place. However, he’s good against the run and the Vikings need a good bit of help in the department.
19. Cincinnati Bengals – Trevor Penning (OT – Northern Iowa)
The Bengals have ignored their offensive line in order to get more weapons for their young QB. Now that they’ve started making strides to being competitive, it’s time to get him some protection. Penning is a raw talent that still needs a little bit of development, but has all the tools needed to anchor the left side of the line.
20. Cleveland Browns – Treylon Burks (WR – Arkansas)
I know Browns fans will be clamoring for Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave with them still being on the board here. But I think the best deep threat (something the Browns are lacking) is Burke.
21. Las Vegas Raiders – Roger McCreary (CB – Auburn)
Auburn CB Roger McCreary
One of the more fundamentally sound players in the draft. Solid addition for the Raiders, as they’ll be welcoming in a new coaching staff for the 2022 season.
22. New Orleans Saints – Garrett Wilson (WR – Ohio St.)
I have questions on Michael Thomas’ future with the Saints. This would be a solid pickup in order to attempt to start and replace him, if he is no longer with the Saints.
23. Tennessee Titans – Jaquan Brisker (S – Penn St.)
Tennessee needs help on the back end of that defense. Brisker is a safety that can play sideline to sideline. He’s aggressive and attacks the ball like it owes him money.
24. Kansas City Chiefs – Christian Harris (LB – Alabama)
The Chiefs defense needs help. If Harris is here at this point in the draft, I think it’s an easy selection.
25. Los Angeles Chargers – Drake Jackson (DL – USC)
With the ability to play on the edge or on the inside, Jackson gives the Chargers versatility along the defensive line.
26. Green Bay Packers – Chris Olave (WR – Ohio St.)
I don’t think this will be the playmaker Aaron Rodgers has been waiting on the Packers to use a first round pick on for so long. Instead, this will be a new toy for the new QB Jordan Love to play with.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Trent McDuffie (CB – Washington)
The Cowboys need help stopping the pass. Great speed and tackling ability make McDuffie a solid addition late in the first round.
28. Detroit Lions (via LA Rams) – Drake London (WR – USC)
This is going to depend on what the Lions decide to do at QB. For now, I’m assuming they stay with what they have and try and give Jared a target for year 2 in Detroit.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Adam Anderson (LB – Georgia)
Georgia Edge Adam Anderson
Ravens always seem to find a way to get a defensive play maker in every draft. As much as it kills me as a Browns fan, this would continue the streak. Anderson has the ability to be a pass rushing specialist at the NFL level.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – George Karlaftis (DE – Purdue)
The Bucs aren’t going to have many holes. Karlaftis gives them an excellent pass rushing threat who also holds up well against the run. Just another reloading job for Tom Brady as he enters year 1,000 in the NFL.
31. Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Spiller (RB – Texas A&M)
Arizona has been a surprise this season. They’re one of the most complete teams in the NFL. But giving Kyler a weapon like Spiller that can run, catch, and pass protect could take them to an even higher level.
32. Buffalo Bills – Trey McBride (TE – Buffalo)
The only spot I could see the Bills needing to find an upgrade for is TE. Here, they finish off the first round with young TE. McBride has a good combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism.
