2022 NFL Mock Draft: Justin 2.0

The first edition of my 2022 NFL mock draft came out in November, about halfway through the college football season. Towards the top of the first round, there hasn’t been a ton of change on the projection of prospects. However, there has been considerable change throughout the rest of the first round with some stock risers and some stock fallers. In this mock, no trades were completed and team needs were factored in. The draft order for the non-playoff teams has been finalized, while picks 19-32 were based on playoff seeding. Perhaps the biggest question this year is how many quarterbacks will go in the first round and how early the first one will come off the board. Here is how I project the first round to go down, pre–Senior Bowl and pro day workouts.

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aidan Hutchison, DE, Michigan

At this point, the #1 pick seems to be a two-man race between Hutchison and Thibodeaux. Hutchinson’s elite production, relentless motor, and superior versatility across the defensive line gives him the edge for now.

 

2. Detroit Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

The projected #1 pick entering the college football season, Thibodeaux didn’t have the year that many expected of him. He wasn’t 100% healthy for most of it, however, he still offers the tantalizing traits that make him a high potential edge player at the next level.

 

3. Houston Texans – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Neal isn’t as good of a prospect as Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater of last year’s draft class, but his elite size and movement skills as a run blocker put him in the top tier of offensive lineman in this draft.

 

4. New York Jets – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Ever since Stingley’s dominant performance as a true freshman on the national title winning LSU team, he has been pegged as a top-five pick once he was draft eligible. Some inconsistencies have popped up on film, but the instincts and ball skills he offers at the cornerback position are elite.

 

5. New York Giants – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Cross has done as good as anybody in terms of improving his draft stock this season. He offers elite athleticism at the tackle position and has shown he can be a good pass protector against SEC competition.

 

6. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

 

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett

The first quarterback of the board in this mock, Pickett is the most “pro-ready” of the bunch in this class. He may not offer the high-level potential as some of the other options, but he is extremely accurate in the pocket and on the move and knows how to play the position.

 

7. New York Giants (Via Bears) – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

I pegged Gardner as a top-10 selection in my first mock a few months ago and that doesn’t change here. Gardner offers rare size and length and the ability to cover larger receivers on the outside. He projects as a strong man coverage corner that can press and be physical.

 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Hamilton is a top three prospect in this class, but appears at #8 in this mock because of positional needs and priorities. Hamilton possesses incredible range and can be used as a chess piece all over the defense. His playmaking production and leadership on the Notre Dame defense offers a strong glimpse of what is to come.

 

9. Denver Broncos – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Lloyd is my #1 linebacker and favorite prospect to watch in this class. He is effective in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer. He is a do-it-all kind of player with high-level playmaking abilities that can be used in a variety of roles in numerous schemes.

 

10. New York Jets (Via Seahawks) – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

As a center, you must be really good to be considered a potential top-10 pick. Well, Linderbaum is really good and likely the best center prospect in years. He plays with a rare edge and offers rare athleticism to pull and get to the second level with ease.

 

11. Washington Football Team – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Corral suffered what looked to be a serious ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl, but NFL people don’t think his draft stock will change. Corral is the most “electric” quarterback in the class who offers the best playmaking ability and legitimate arm talent.

 

12. Minnesota Vikings – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

 

NC State OL Ikem Ekwonu

NC State OL Ikem Ekwonu

Whether Ekwonu is a tackle or guard at the next level is the biggest question regarding his draft prospects right now. He is likely best suited at guard, and he may be the safest offensive line prospect in the class. Either way, this dude is a mauler that is exceptional in the run game and good enough as a pass protector.

 

13. Cleveland Browns – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The seasoned veteran in this wide receiver draft class, Olave has loads of big-time game experience playing for the Buckeyes. He is the best route runner of the bunch and also offers the versatility to line up in numerous spots, although slot appears to be his best fit. He isn’t a highly explosive athlete, but he moves so smooth on the field.

 

14. Baltimore Ravens – David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan

Perhaps the biggest stock riser in the 2022 NFL draft, Ojabo now has a chance to be a top-10 pick in this draft. A freakish athlete, Ojabo appears to be an ideal fit as an 3-4 outside backer. His speed and bend off the edge should give tackles lots of fits.

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Dolphins) – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Arguably the best player on Georgia’s historically good defense, Dean is a stud athlete that pops on film. Whether he is going sideline to sideline or shooting the gap, he is always making his presence felt. Dean is extremely smart and instinctive and an impressive leader.

 

16. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Colts) – George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

 

Purdue DE George Karlaftis

Purdue DE George Karlaftis

Questions are present about Karlaftis’ fit in different schemes and his lack of pass rushing production. What can’t be questioned is the high potential he has as an impactful three-down lineman because of his effectiveness against both the run and the pass. Karlaftis has un-coachable size and was a difference maker at Purdue since his true freshman season.

 

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Sticking on the subject of un-coachable size, Davis has perhaps the most of it since Vita Vea declared, literally speaking. Davis always commands double teams and can control 2 gaps at once, freeing up the lineman around him for 1 on 1s. Davis may not register a ton of sacks, but he can flat out move for a man of his stature.

 

18. New Orleans Saints – Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Howell did not help his draft stock this season, but he still offers the same promising abilities that made him the potential #1 pick entering the season. Howell can make lots of plays off platform and plays with impressive confidence and moxie.

 

19. Philadelphia Eagles – DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

Leal had an ultra-productive season to help solidify his projection as a first rounder. However, he was recently arrested and will have to answer questions from NFL teams in his interviews. Leal can line up all over the defensive front and offers potential as a pass rusher on top of his run-stopping abilities.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

Booth had an excellent finish to his season, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier corners in this class. Booth is a sticky coverage corner with impressive ball skills that can play in a variety of schemes.

 

Alabama WR Jameson Williams

Alabama WR Jameson Williams

21. New England Patriots – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

It remains to be seen how Williams’ torn ACL injury suffered in the championship game will affect his stock. It may cause a few teams to pause, but the hunch is he will remain in the first round. Williams’ breakout season resulted in him entering the discussion as the best receiver in the class.

 

22. Miami Dolphins (Via 49ers) – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

Green was recruited to A&M as a tackle, and now he is the best true guard prospect in this class. You aren’t going to find many interior players that are more athletic than this guy.

 

23. Las Vegas Raiders – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

After watching Deebo Samuel this season, teams will be looking to add their own version of him. In this class, Burks may be that similar kind of talent. Burks is a big-bodied receiver that loves to line up in the slot and make a lot of noise after the catch.

 

24. Arizona Cardinals – Kingsley Enagbare, OLB, South Carolina

Enagbare is my favorite edge rusher in this draft class. While he was great as a Gamecock, I think he will show his true potential at the next level. He is long and relentless on the edge and can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts.

 

25. Cincinnati Bengals – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Elam may be the most physically gifted corner in the class based on natural talent and athletic traits. Elam offers great size for a corner and change of direction ability. The ball skills and physicality he shows jamming receivers is also impressive.

 

26. Buffalo Bills – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

McBride is easily the best tight end in this class, albeit as part of a weaker bunch. McBride’s hands, run blocking, and yards after the catch ability are all top notch. He is a physical and smart player that is fun to watch,

 

27. Detroit Lions (Via Rams) – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The second Ohio State receiver off the board, Wilson is one of the more exciting prospects to watch. He is excellent at making people miss with the ball in his hands and displays excellent body control on what should be difficult catches.

 

28. Dallas Cowboys – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The first small school prospect likely to come off the board, Penning is an athletic freak of nature for a man his size. He is impressive to watch in space and has the necessary bend to deal with quick edge rushers.

 

29. Kanas City Chiefs – Drake London, WR, USC

In what was otherwise a disastrous USC season, London was the lone bright spot. London’s season ended early with an ACL tear, but his stock shouldn’t suffer too much. He is excellent in jump ball situations and shows impressive quickness when he lines up in his preferred slot position.

 

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

 

Georgia DL Travon Walker

Georgia DL Travon Walker

Walker flew under the radar a bit on the Georgia defense, through no fault of his own. Walker is a massive edge player, standing at 6’5, 275 lbs. He can kick inside with ease and is extremely hard to block in the run game because of his quickness.

 

31. Tennessee Titans – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

This is most controversial first round selection at this moment. It is impressive to watch Cine fill his running lanes and move laterally. Just check out this play from the national championship. https://twitter.com/syedschemes/status/1480719638631694339?s=20

Lining up as an 8th box defender is where Cine is most effective, and he may be the hardest hitter in this draft.

 

32. Green Bay Packers – Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State

Johnson transferring out of Georgia (Georgia had him too!!) to Florida State was a wise business decision. Johnson was a dominant presence week in, week out up front for the Seminoles defense. His athletic profile is impressive and his pass-rushing arsenal is advanced.