2022 2-Round NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 | Picks 17-32
There may not be trades in this mock draft, but it doesn’t lack exciting pairings. How does the rest of Round 1 shake out?
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Chargers can’t start Storm Norton at right tackle again. After securing their future left tackle in Rashawn Slater in 2021, LA finds their long-term RT in Trevor Penning. He may not be technically sound and needs to control his aggressiveness, but he can move defenders against their will.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Eagles love attacking their defensive line in the draft, and their latest installment is George Karlaftis. He can seamlessly transition into Brandon Graham’s power-rushing role whenever he — or Philly — decides to call it quits. In the short term, he will join an already solid pass-rushing rotation in 2022.
19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
The Saints didn’t have to package their first-round picks to move up and draft a signal-caller. Jameis Winston played decently well under Sean Payton before a torn ACL derailed his season. New Orleans gave him a two-year deal, but it won’t be hard to move on after one season. The Saints brought Matt Corral in on an official 30 visit and are certainly interested in the Ole Miss QB.
He isn’t consistently accurate, but you can’t knock Corral’s athleticism or arm talent. Hailing from Lane Kiffin’s RPO-heavy scheme, he will need time to adjust to an NFL offense. Regardless, Corral has the tools to invest in.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Desmond Ridder is quite possibly the most “pro-ready” passer in the class. He quickly goes through his progressions and can take off on the ground when needed. Additionally, coaches and scouts have raved about his work ethic, leadership, and demeanor. Ridder is already mechanically refined, which makes his accuracy woes a huge concern, but he fits Pittsburgh’s culture.
21) New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Bill Belichick and Co. can go a multitude of ways in the 2022 NFL Draft. Linebacker, interior offensive line, wide receiver? All are plausible selections, but Andrew Booth Jr. proves too good to pass up. The Patriots can use a CB after letting J.C. Jackson walk and shipping Stephon Gilmore off last year, but that isn’t the only reason to select Booth.
He is a versatile and athletic prospect who offers great value in the 20s. Furthermore, Booth is scheme-diverse with the foot speed and fluidity to stick in coverage.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): George Pickens, WR, Georgia
George Pickens meets the Packers’ size and blocking thresholds for the position. He owns some of the surest hands in the class and can develop into a true “X” receiver. He won’t routinely burn defenses downfield, but his catch-point prowess and late-stage separation ability are impressive.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Like many teams, the Cardinals can select various positions on the first day of the draft. But the way I predict Round 1 falling in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Trent McDuffie offers the most value. He can start right away with exceptional zone-coverage ability, tackling technique, and explosiveness.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
The Cowboys are most likely selecting an interior lineman on Day 1, but which one? The top guard on most boards is Zion Johnson — and for good reason. He is an exceptional athlete with 34″ arms, making him a stellar prospect on the interior.
25) Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The highest I could see a running back going is right here to the Bills. However, I believe they understand positional value and wait to select one later on. Instead, they draft Kaiir Elam, giving Tre’Davious White his long-awaited running mate at corner. Elam is a long, physical CB with high-end tape in the vaunted SEC.
26) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
There have been reports of Tyler Smith going in the back end of Round 1, and one spot that makes sense is with the Titans. Their offensive line is a bigger question mark than some care to admit. Smith can compete with Dillon Radunz for the starting RT role or kick inside to either guard spot in Year 1. His nasty road-grading mentality and ability will endear him to Tennessee fans, head coach Mike Vrabel, and, of course, Derrick Henry.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
With Tom Brady returning, the Buccaneers once again have few glaring holes. They could use another guard, but refilling their defensive line pool might be the better move. Devonte Wyatt can feast on the 1-on-1s that Vita Vea’s presence will create. He is an older prospect at 24, but he’s also more physically developed than other players in this class.
28) Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Krys Barnes has been a serviceable linebacker, but Devin Lloyd can take the Packers defense to new heights. He can fill rushing lanes from the box, blitz QBs, and lock up tight ends and running backs in coverage. There truly aren’t many holes in Lloyd’s game, and Green Bay can use that stability alongside De’Vondre Campbell in the second level.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA): Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Unfortunately, the way the board fell means the Chiefs are better off re-tooling their defense than reaching on a receiver. Still, their second-round selection later in this mock represents great value for his draft position. But back to KC’s first Day 1 pick — Arnold Ebiketie owns active hands and an advanced pass-rush arsenal. He offers an influx of youth and talent to a defensive line in dire need of both.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
With their second first-round pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Chiefs address their cornerback room with Kyler Gordon. The closer we get to the actual draft, the more hype has built around Gordon. He needs to refine his technique and awareness, but Gordon brings distinctive burst, body control, and movement skills.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
If Tyler Linderbaum is there at No. 31, the Bengals shouldn’t think twice about it. He would complete their offensive line overhaul, which included the additions of La’el Collins, Ted Karras, and Alex Cappa. Linderbaum plays with natural leverage, strong hands, and elite athleticism for the position.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Lions could select Sam Howell with their second-round selection, but drafting him at No. 32 gives the flexibility of the fifth-year option. If he turns into a starting-caliber QB better than Jared Goff, that option will save them millions. Howell is an extremely talented downfield passer, not unlike Russell Wilson. He also flashed his rushing prowess in 2021, though he scrambled far more than you would like.