2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
There were several interesting picks in the first half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and the second half should continue that trend.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
If the Chargers really want to address the interior of their defensive line, they can probably trade back and still do that. If they stay put, drafting the best player available is very much on the table. And what a player they’d get who also can play inside as well.
Until this offseason, all we’ve heard about George Karlaftis is the power he brings. During the offseason, he’s proven that he’s more athletic than many realize. Pairing him with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa is nightmare material.
18) New Orleans Saints: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell‘s stock is beginning to rise a little bit, and he could be one of the biggest risers as the draft gets closer. New Orleans missed out on the Watson sweepstakes, so they turn their attention to the draft. Howell lost multiple 1,000-yard players heading into the 2021 season and did well to overcome those losses. Once teams go back and watch the tape, they’ll be reminded why he was once considered a top-two quarterback.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Good things come to those who wait, and the Eagles can exhale now that they’re back on the clock in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. They needed a linebacker, and they’re getting a good one in Devin Lloyd. Philadelphia gets a downhill player who also possesses excellent football IQ. The additions of Lloyd and Booth should help get the Eagles’ defense get back on track.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Drake London, WR, USC
Pittsburgh technically addressed their need at quarterback, but it’s also Mitchell Trubisky. So they might wait to draft their new franchise QB. Losing JuJu Smith-Schuster to Kansas City hurts, but they can try to fill his shoes with Drake London. The Steelers’ offense has a few holes to fill, but they have to start somewhere.
21) New England Patriots: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam reminded everyone how fast he can run at the NFL Combine, and it was enough to keep him as a first-round projection. He has the size, speed, and athleticism to compete right away in the NFL. If Bill Belichick is looking for an instant impact player with this pick, Elam’s worth waiting to take.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Once again, the Packers continue to surprise everyone with their strategy. First, it was drafting Jordan Love in the first round. Now, it’s trading their best and most reliable pass catcher in Davante Adams.
So, it becomes extremely obvious what the Packers will address in the draft. Then again, it seemed obvious that they wouldn’t do those other two things, so who knows. Nevertheless, Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t complain too much about the addition of Treylon Burks.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Losing Chandler Jones put a dent in the Cardinals’ defense, but a deep EDGE class makes the loss less hurtful. Jermaine Johnson II has made plenty of noise in the offseason, vaulting himself into Round 1. It’s tough to believe that he’d fall this far, but that’s how good this position is in the draft. Arizona’s not complaining, though.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
While Cowboys fans might be disappointed with the lack of traction in free agency, they can turn things around in the draft. Daxton Hill brings versatility to the defense. His ability to play all over the field would give defensive coordinator Dan Quinn the flexibility to give multiple different looks. Hill shouldn’t need much time to get up to speed, either.
25) Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Bills made a splash in free agency by signing Von Miller. Adding to that excitement, they draft a future star cornerback in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Trent McDuffie is the most underrated corner in this class — at least among the ones considered potential first-round talents. However, he’s just as good as any of them. Whether he’s dropping back in coverage or assisting in stopping the run, McDuffie can do it all.
26) Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Tennessee might look to replace Julio Jones with this pick. They just released the star wide receiver after trading for him a year ago, so they’ll need someone to fill his shoes. However, they also need help at linebacker. Nakobe Dean brings great leadership, excellent range, and great instincts to the defense. Mike Vrabel can’t say no to that.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Tom Brady solved the Bucs’ need for a quarterback for now, so they can take care of other needs with this pick. Devonte Wyatt falling to 27 is going to be tough to pass. Given that they can draft their quarterback of the future and running back (another big need) later in the draft, adding Wyatt immediately bolsters their defense.
28) Green Bay Packers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
I’m starting to worry that this 2022 NFL Mock Draft makes too much sense. Protecting Rodgers and finding him a new top target are logical picks, but some of the moves this organization made in the past don’t add up. Trevor Penning inserted himself into the first round at the Senior Bowl and could be taken even higher than this.
29) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Daniel Faalele had ups and downs at the Senior Bowl and only did the bench press at the Combine. At Minnesota’s Pro Day, he gave teams a little more to evaluate. He ran a 5.6 40-yard dash and posted a 29.5″ vertical jump and a 7’9″ broad jump. While those numbers might not wow anyone, they’re impressive given that he’s nearly 400 pounds. Miami needs help on the line, and Faalele can assist in that regard.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
David Ojabo’s injury is a concern, but the talent’s still there. He’s raw as a player, but Ojabo can be molded into a major threat. Kansas City doesn’t need a ton of help offensively, so they can turn their attention to the other side of the football for now. The former Wolverine has great potential and needs the right team to get it out of him.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
It’s going to be tough to justify the Bengals selecting anything but an offensive lineman, specifically a guard. That position hampered the Cincinnati offense in critical moments in the postseason. Kenyon Green‘s stock continues to fall, but that’s exactly what Cincinnati hopes for in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Drafting a quarterback at the end of Round 1 seems like a great decision for the Lions. After keeping hometown hero Hutchinson in the state of Michigan, they can look towards the future offensively. Desmond Ridder brings great athleticism to the offense, which might be exactly what they need if other players around him can’t step up.