2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
Teams selected a bevy of quarterbacks in the first half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Are there any more surprises as we close out the second half?
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
The Los Angeles Chargers shelled out a lot of cash and draft capital through the first week of the new league year. As such, they can draft one big need or best player available here. While some may pencil in Jordan Davis or Devonte Wyatt here, the Chargers’ biggest need has to fall on the offensive line. Grabbing Zion Johnson to play either guard spot is a huge improvement. Johnson has a terrific first step that he utilizes to carve out big rushing lanes or maintain his leverage in pass protection.
18) New Orleans Saints: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The New Orleans Saints need a quarterback. There are no two ways around that. However, they won’t find their long-term solution after four quarterbacks have already been selected above them. They could be players in a trade-up scenario if the quarterbacks fall like they did, or they could just sit and wait for a replacement for Terron Armstead as they do here. Charles Cross is a stalwart in pass protection and also proved to be able to hold his own in the run game when presented that option at Mississippi State.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Eagles once again hit the defensive well in this class with their third first-round pick. Andrew Booth Jr. has great length and even better abilities at the catch point. He’s just realizing his potential and could dramatically transform a coverage unit that is more than just one piece away from being complete. Booth is a huge step in the completion of their secondary.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning heads to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a dream-fit scenario. Penning pencils into the starting left tackle role as a mean, gritty, ferocious tackle option. He’s sound in pass protection but a mauler in the run game. Both Mitchell Trubisky and Najee Harris would be incredibly happy with this. He fits the Pittsburgh mantra and slides in as an immediate help at a position of need.
21) New England Patriots: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Getting Mac Jones some weapons — and weapons who can play now — is vital. The selection of Chris Olave over Jameson Williams was a tough one. Still, with Williams unlikely to be ready by training camp, this gives the New England Patriots time to work up the rapport between Jones and his new No. 1 receiver. Olave runs crips routes, has sneaky speed, and has an underrated athleticism that allows him to dominate defensive backs.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Green Bay Packers moved on from Davante Adams and need to replace his production. Even before trading away Adams, the Packers had a need at receiver. After selecting Jameson Williams with their first of two first-round picks, they won’t be done addressing the position. Williams may not be ready for training camp, but this team is built to last into the playoffs, and his impact will be felt as the season wears on.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals will be in the market for a replacement for Chandler Jones. In this EDGE class, they don’t have to worry too much about a top playmaker falling to them here at No. 23. With the rise on quarterbacks, Travon Walker slides a bit to No. 23 as the Cardinals quickly decide to select him. Walker can play, quite literally, all over the defense. He is a real problem for offenses to stop with his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
After sending Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, the Dallas Cowboys are absolutely in the market for a top pass-catching option. Having to build through the draft with this, it is more and more likely that they grab a receiver here at pick No. 24. Treylon Burks may have underwhelmed with his rumored and now-mythical testing numbers, but he is more than capable of beating defensive backs with his speed/size combination.
25) Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Buffalo Bills are in the market for a cornerback or two as Siran Neal has been signed to be their stopgap at one cornerback position. After Levi Wallace left in free agency, the Bills need a viable replacement. That is Trent McDuffie, who comes to New York NFL-ready. McDuffie is a physical cornerback with great instincts in a variety of coverages. He’ll press with ease or drop back and use his oily hips in coverage incredibly well.
26) Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Needing at least one linebacker in this draft class, the Tennessee Titans grab the clear second-best option after Devin Lloyd was selected earlier. Nakobe Dean is as strong as an ox and plays perhaps the best mental game we’ve seen in some time. Routinely seen barking out defensive calls ahead of time and shifting his players into the right position pre-snap, Dean is a coach’s player — one Mike Vrabel will surely fall for.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Coming away with a talented pass rusher off the edge is vital for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2022 NFL Draft. But getting Jermaine Johnson II at pick No. 27 would be nearly a dream scenario. Johnson has an incredible motor and became an immediate fan favorite in his lone season at Florida State. He has enough bend and more than enough strength to win his reps against NFL tackles as he did at the Senior Bowl. No doubt he’d continue his legacy of being an immediate fan favorite in Tampa.
28) Green Bay Packers: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
As mentioned, the Packers aren’t done addressing the wide receiver position. The pick of Jalen Tolbert means one thing: Tolbert slides into the role of versatile playmaker who can win at a number of positions. While Jameson Williams is also in this draft haul, Tolbert likely slides inside long-term. But he can play as the team’s top receiving threat with no trouble. He’s a player who can win immediately with his quick first step, and he’s trouble to bring down in the open field.
29) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Full of dream scenarios, this mock draft pencils in Tyler Linderbaum to the Miami Dolphins. A “generational talent” in nearly every sense of the word, Linderbaum is one of the best center prospects we’ve seen. His wrestling background allows him the benefit of understanding leverage, balance, and strength in both the run and pass game. He’s a Day 1 starter and a potential Pro Bowler as early as his first year.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Kansas City Chiefs need a few more playmakers for Patrick Mahomes to find in space. Grabbing Jahan Dotson offers Mahomes not only a playmaker in space, but he’s also a valuable quick threat who wins in the short area of the field with ease. He’s a physical receiver with a great first step and sharp cuts through his routes. Dotson will get open quickly and become a favorite of Mahomes in no time.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, iOL, Texas A&M
Even after their free agency haul, the Cincinnati Bengals need help on the interior of their offensive line. Kenyon Green comes with the versatility and proven ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. He can play opposite the newly signed Alex Cappa to give the Bengals a great guard duo or next to La’el Collins to lock down the front side of Joe Burrow’s passing lanes.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
This may be a stretch in terms of need, but there is no way Jordan Davis is getting out of the first round if the Lions have anything to say about it. Combining his destruction of the offseason workout circuit and his versatility to play all around the defensive line, Davis could be an integral part of what is now an incredibly talented and versatile defensive line. Keep the big man fresh in a rotation or allow the other defensive linemen favorable matchups by giving Davis double-teams. Either way, the Lions win.