2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
Some serious talent is still available after the first 16 picks. Who goes where, and could back-half trades become a big storyline come April?
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
A massive man with worse intentions, Jordan Davis can move for a guy who is 6’6″. He heads to the Los Angeles Chargers, forcing opposing offensive coordinators to game plan against him in both facets. Davis eats up double-teams for lunch and allows Joey Bosa to feast on opposing quarterbacks for dinner.
18) New Orleans Saints: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
With ball skills for days, the New Orleans Saints quickly decide to grab Florida’s Kaiir Elam to anchor their secondary. Elam has an innate ability to find the football and the athleticism to go get the ball anywhere on the field. He’s also a sound run defender who can jam receivers and backs at the line with ease.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
With their second pick in four selections, the Eagles grab Daxton Hill from Michigan. As coverage is king in the NFL today, Philadelphia makes it a priority to grab the draft class’ best fly-around safety not named Kyle Hamilton. Hill closes space quickly all over the field and can also take tight ends and backs in underneath coverage.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Pittsburgh Steelers will absolutely need help at a bevy of positions on offense. Improvements along the offensive line are potentially paramount if they grab a veteran quarterback in free agency. Charles Cross can play left tackle for a high-octane passing offense, but he also showcased an ability in the run game despite fewer snaps on the ground during his career.
21) New England Patriots: Drake London, WR, USC
A bully at the catch point and an elite runner with the football in his hands, Drake London is the top yards-after-the-catch threat in this draft. Despite his injury sustained midway through the season, London comfortably led the Pac-12 in receiving yards. The New England Patriots grab a true No. 1 receiver for Mac Jones to throw to for the next decade.
22) Las Vegas Raiders: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The draft class’ best spin move belongs to David Ojabo, and the Las Vegas Raiders pair him with Maxx Crosby to form one talented pass-rush duo. Ojabo routinely met Aidan Hutchinson at the quarterback with his spin move and speed. He’s a freak athlete who can just as easily win with strength.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Another edge defender comes off the board as the Arizona Cardinals wait and take their shot with Travon Walker. A talented rusher, Walker can do it all along the defensive line. He can stuff the run, rush the passer from various alignments, and even drop back in coverage. Walker is a great replacement plan for Arizona’s aging stars on the edge.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
With a true power to his game, the Dallas Cowboys select Jaquan Brisker to call the shots on the back end. Brisker can close space like the others in this class and hits with calculated power. He’ll separate ball from receiver or stuff running backs in the lane all the same.
25) Baltimore Ravens (from BUF): Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Trade: The Ravens received Buffalo’s pick No. 25 as well as pick Nos. 57 and 89 in exchange for pick No. 14.
After trading back with the Bills, the Baltimore Ravens get their man. Perrion Winfrey is a big man in the middle who tosses smaller interior offensive linemen around like it’s his job. He’s a stout run defender with great hands and better balance through contact.
26) Tennessee Titans: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The best sideline-to-sideline linebacker prospect in years heads to the Tennessee Titans. Devin Lloyd can cover from one sideline to the other with ease, but his best attribute is his coverage ability. Don’t take it from us — take it from legendary head coach Kyle Whittingham. The Utah head coach said Lloyd is the best defensive player he’s ever coached.
27) Baltimore Ravens (from TB): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trade: The Ravens send pick Nos. 45 and 57 to Tampa Bay in exchange for pick No. 27.
Moving back up into the first round, the Ravens use some newly acquired draft capital to pull off this trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Subsequently, they grab a much-needed mauler on the offensive line in Trevor Penning. He adds an insurance policy for Ronnie Stanley while learning right tackle at the NFL level, where he worked some at the Senior Bowl with great success.
28) Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
No matter what the Green Bay Packers do at quarterback, they’ll need to find some receiving options. Treylon Burks runs the draft’s best go route and can win at the catch point. While he continues to elevate his separation ability, there is more than enough to work with on the outside for Burks in Green Bay’s offense.
29) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
With the pick they acquired from the San Francisco 49ers, the Miami Dolphins take a West Coast edge defender in Cameron Thomas. With a mean streak and a high motor, Thomas also presents a challenge to slower tackles, the same as he does to those that cannot match his strength. Thomas wins with a great combination of both, playing in space or inside tackles all the same.
30) Philadelphia Eagles (from KC): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Trade: The Eagles received Kansas City’s pick Nos. 30 and No. 62 in 2022 plus a 2023 third-round pick in exchange for pick No. 15.
Despite trading back with the Chiefs, the Eagles grab a top target in Nakobe Dean. As strong as an ox, Dean is a talented linebacker in all facets. He can rush the passer, drop in coverage, or — in what is arguably his best attribute — change the point of attack for run plays with his play diagnosis. Dean has perhaps the best football intelligence in this class, using it to his advantage across the field.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
It was apparent in the Super Bowl: Cincinnati needs help on the offensive line. Securing the services of a potential “generational talent” at center is too good to pass up here as Tyler Linderbaum slides to 31. Linderbaum is a terrific athlete despite being a bit undersized. Yet, he uses that size to his advantage with an impressive understanding of how to use angles and leverage in both facets.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Lions have many needs to fill in this draft and safety is absolutely one of them. Lewis Cine is a great cover man but a better run defender. He’s a hard-nosed safety with an ability to play a bevy of positions. Cine has great instincts and terrific athleticism, and his power is incredible when he hits the ball carrier.