2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
Defense filled the top half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. How does the rest of Round 1 shake out?
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
This pick has been mocked since the national championship. Jordan Davis is a two-gapping defensive tackle that will instantly upgrade the Chargers’ porous run defense.
Head coach Brandon Staley employs a “tite” front, keeping three defensive linemen inside the tackles to force the ball carrier to the outside. Plugging Davis into the middle fills both A gaps (between G and C), allowing the other linemen to focus on the B gaps (between G and OT).
18) New Orleans Saints: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Saints are extremely cash-strapped and in need of a new franchise QB. Jameis Winston isn’t the long-term option, neither are Taysom Hill or Ian Book. With Sean Payton and Drew Brees gone, it might be time for New Orleans to undergo a mini rebuild. Enter Sam Howell.
Howell needs some time to adjust due to the vast difference between his offense at North Carolina and what he will likely run in the NFL. Still, he has the tools and seemingly the mindset to lead a franchise back to contention.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
There are reports that the Eagles are interested in Jimmy Garoppolo at QB. Why do they want to move on from Jalen Hurts for a guy who has proven he does little more than drive the bus? I don’t know. But what I do know is they need more firepower for whoever is under center.
Jameson Williams is still rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in the national championship, but he put enough on tape to warrant a first-round selection. Williams can be the deep threat the Eagles hoped Jalen Reagor or Quez Watkins would be.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Steelers were in the front row for the Malik Willis show at the Senior Bowl. Willis would be a complete 180 from Ben Roethlisberger physically. He is a legitimate rushing threat from the position with possibly the highest upside in the class. His decision-making can be concerning, but with an NFL cast of weapons and coaching, I believe Mike Tomlin and Co. could get the most from Willis.
21) New England Patriots: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Patriots’ cornerback room could go from a strength to a glaring weakness this offseason. J.C. Jackson is set to hit the open market, and he deserves a major payday. Kaiir Elam is one of the most physical corners in 2022, and if he can hone in his penalty-prone play, he can shine in Bill Belichick’s scheme.
22) Las Vegas Raiders: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Raiders need playmakers at the second level of their defense, and they don’t get much better than Nakobe Dean. Dean is a heat-seeking missile, moving sideline to sideline with more ferocity than any other linebacker. At 6’0″ and 225 pounds, a lot of NFL teams may write him off. But that allows Las Vegas to capitalize on their ill-decision.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Six of Arizona’s top weapons are set to be free agents: WRs Christian Kirk and A.J. Green, TEs Zach Ertz and Maxx Williams, and RBs Chase Edmonds and James Conner. Obviously, the Cardinals need some reinforcements as they likely won’t bring back most of them.
Chris Olave can make an immediate impact, especially as the No. 2 to DeAndre Hopkins. Olave wins with excellent route running and speed and is one of the safest projections at the position.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Hailing from the Pete Carroll Seattle defense, DC Dan Quinn runs a lot of single-high looks. Whether it is Cover 1 or 3, Daxton Hill has the speed, range, and instincts to line up as a deep safety. He also fits in Cover 2 shells and played in the slot for Michigan, adding to his versatility.
25) Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
This is about the 100th time I’ve mocked Trent McDuffie to the Bills. It’s the perfect pairing in the back end of the first round. McDuffie and Tre’Davious White would form the deadliest zone corner duo in the NFL. While he lacks press-man experience, McDuffie simply reads QBs and WRs, explodes to the ball, and makes clean tackles.
26) Tennessee Titans: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Even if the Titans are able to re-sign Harold Landry III, they need another pass-rushing threat on the outside. Travon Walker wins with power and can bull rush nearly every tackle. His pass-rush toolbox is a bit lean, but he can be a menace on the edge with some proper development.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake London, WR, USC
Without Tom Brady, the Buccaneers head into 2022 with Kyle Trask. While they may make a move in free agency or draft a signal-caller within the first two days of the draft, Drake London offers too much to pass up here.
Chris Godwin could be on the move, meaning Tampa Bay needs a slot receiver. London can fill that role while offering outside versatility as well. At 6’5″ with a basketball background, London comes down with nearly everything in his vicinity.
28) Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The futures of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are currently up in the air. Either way, the Packers could use Treylon Burks. Whether he’s the team’s new No. 1 or a second option to Adams, Burks could produce in Green Bay. His combination of size and speed is rare, and although he may not be a true No. 1 out of the gates, he can start as a big slot. Just get the ball in his hands in the open field and watch him work.
29) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
The Dolphins, like the Bengals, have one objective this offseason: fix the offensive line. Bernhard Raimann is relatively new to the position, having played tight end prior to the last two years. Nevertheless, he owns exceptional balance, athleticism, and play strength. Miami should sprint to the podium if Raimann is available.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
This is a dream scenario for the Chiefs. Jermaine Johnson II is NFL-ready and immediately upgrades their run defense and pass-rushing capability. Johnson showed his potential at the Senior Bowl, routinely defeating his opposition. He wins with leverage and length — projectable tools to the next level.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Jonah Williams is set at left tackle, and when Riley Reiff was healthy, he was good enough at right tackle. The interior was the real problem in 2021, but that is easier to fix in free agency and the later rounds of the draft. Trevor Penning can come in and solidify the right tackle spot.
Cincinnati is typically a wide-zone team, whereas Penning fits best in power-gap systems. Regardless, Penning sets the tone up front, and with some seasoning in pass protection, he and Williams could lock the bookends down for years to come.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
After selecting their defensive leader with the No. 2 overall pick, the Lions find their future on the offense. Desmond Ridder has all the tools to be a starting NFL quarterback. He’s a quick processor, has a big enough arm, and can burn teams with his legs when necessary. Ridder’s ball placement and accuracy are worrisome, but he has the tools and work ethic to take a shot on.