2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
The first half of Round 1 went by quicker than most relationships, but the second half features some potentially long-lasting marriages. Remember that this draft order is based on the conclusion of Week 18’s action. An updated mock draft will be released early next week after all of the Super Wild Card matchups.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis is a two-gap-filling, bulldozing defensive tackle that easily maneuvers from gap to gap. Sure, he doesn’t offer much more than that, but on a defense that allowed the third-most rushing yards per game in 2021 (138.9), he doesn’t have to be.
18) New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
A match made in Heaven, the Saints and Sean Payton land Matt Corral in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Jameis Winston could return on a cheap, short-term deal, but he isn’t the future in New Orleans. Payton could get the most out of Corral from Day 1, instantly shifting the fortunes of the franchise.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Unfortunately, Jameson Williams tore his ACL in the national championship, but he already put enough on tape to earn a Round 1 selection. In fact, this should be his floor on Day 1. Regardless, Williams joins Alabama alumnus in WR DeVonta Smith and QB Jalen Hurts to form a deadly trio.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning fits right into the city of Pittsburgh as a tough, hard-nosed OT who never gives up on a play. With Ben Roethlisberger on his way out, it’s unclear who will start under center. However, what is clear is that Penning will man one of the tackle spots for years to come.
21) New England Patriots: Drake London, WR, USC
Mac Jones would benefit from a big-bodied receiver who can get open. Drake London checks both of those boxes. He can high-point passes at 6’5″ with impressive jumping ability. Additionally, the USC WR can line up inside and out, winning from both for the Trojans. London would quickly become Jones’ favorite target in New England, expanding Bill Belichick’s seemingly never-ending Super Bowl window.
22) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
50% of marriages end in divorce. 100% of Tyler Linderbaum‘s reps end with his opponent in the dirt or five yards from their starting point. The Dolphins need to revamp their OL, and working from the inside out isn’t a bad way to start.
23) Las Vegas Raiders: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
What don’t the Raiders need? They may have made the playoffs, but their roster is far from a true contender. One step toward perennial postseason visits is upgrading the offensive line. Alex Leatherwood was a reach in 2021, but Kenyon Green is a steal at No. 23 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. He has positional versatility across the line and can run block to his heart’s desire.
24) Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Arizona’s cornerback room has been the topic of discussion since the offseason. Outside of Byron Murphy, they simply lack talent. Accordingly, they select the best zone corner in the class in Trent McDuffie. McDuffie is a natural tackler and plays beyond his frame (5’11”, 195 pounds) thanks to superior athletic gifts.
25) Cincinnati Bengals: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Blah blah blah. The Bengals have to draft offensive linemen. Blah blah blah. Everyone and their dog knows Cincy’s OL is still one of the lowest-rated in the league. So, they take Bernhard Raimann in Round 1.
The Central Michigan OT steadily rose throughout the year by simply overpowering opponents in every facet. A solid outing at the Senior Bowl will cement his first-round status.
26) Buffalo Bills: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Roger McCreary is the best CB that doesn’t receive enough hype in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has locked down SEC receivers for three seasons, and while he doesn’t possess any elite traits, he isn’t lacking in any either.
27) Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis is like those assorted chocolates everyone gifts on Valentine’s Day. Some are the best you have ever tasted, some are downright bad, but you never know what you are going to get.
That potential is what the Lions are banking on here. With Jared Goff in-house for at least one more season, Willis can learn from a Super Bowl QB for a year before taking the league by storm in 2023.
28) Dallas Cowboys: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
The Cowboys may go safety here, but I believe the bigger need is on their defensive line. Micah Parsons has been their best pass rusher next to DeMarcus Lawrence. While Dallas should continue to give Parsons pass-rushing reps, Kingsley Enagbare could start opposite Lawrence. Enagbare wins with stellar length and drive that few parallel.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
I have mocked Treylon Burks to the Chiefs in multiple mock drafts for good reason. He separates from defenders with straight physicality and athleticism. Imagine what he could do with proper coaching, Andy Reid dialing up plays, and Patrick Mahomes throwing him the football. A career change to a full-time matchmaker looks like it is in the cards for me after all!
30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Andrew Booth Jr. is as smooth as Bailey’s Irish Cream. He can run in phase with elite receivers and catch the ball just like them. Clemson had a massive down year in 2021, but don’t blame Booth and the rest of the star-studded defense.
31) Tennessee Titans: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, SDSU
The Tennessee Titans need pass-rush help opposite Harold Landry, who will hit free agency this offseason. The “Aidan Hutchinson of the Mountain West,” Cameron Thomas has received high praise throughout the season. Due to his frame, he has even received comparisons to J.J. Watt.
Now, putting those expectations on a player is how fanbases create busts, but Thomas is one of the more powerful edge rushers in the class with legitimate pass-rush moves.
32) Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Will Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams stay in Green Bay? Who knows, but even if they do, the Packers could use military-grade reinforcements at receiver. Thus, they take Chris Olave with the final pick of the first round in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Olave is a silky smooth operator with speed to burn and a route tree beyond his years.