2022 NFL Mock Draft | 17-32
Quarterbacks? Where we’re going, we don’t need quarterbacks.
17) New England Patriots: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The New England Patriots and a wide receiver in the first round of 2022 NFL mock drafts — nothing is more synonymous. Well, maybe Bill Belichick and his hoodies. At any rate, Foxborough finally lands their WR1 in Garrett Wilson. He’s dealt with some drops this season, but his ability to separate at all three levels of the field is unparalleled.
18) Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
My friend and PFN NFL Draft Analyst Oli Hodgkinson has coined “The Grecian Goliath” as a nickname for George Karlaftis. And boy, does it fit. The 6’4″, 275-pound Manimal is on a tear this season. So much so that Illinois frequently decided to double team him and even sent a running back to help in pass protection.
19) Los Angeles Chargers: Nicholas Petit Frere, OT, Ohio State
His last name may mean “little brother” in French, but Nicholas Petit-Frere has fathered many of his opponents. We didn’t get to see him face Kayvon Thibodeaux in Oregon’s upset victory over Ohio State in Week 2. But Petit-Frere seamlessly switched from right tackle to left tackle this year and didn’t skip a beat.
20) Dallas Cowboys: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
While Micah Parsons can rush the passer, deploying him solely along the DL is a disservice. By grabbing Kingsley Enagbare in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Dallas allows defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to utilize Parsons to the best of his ability. Additionally, Enagbare offers DeMarcus Lawrence the pass-rush partner he has been dreaming of.
21) New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
With one former Ohio State receiver seemingly at odds with the franchise, the Saints dip back in the well and draft Chris Olave. Olave is a smooth operator who can get downfield with ease. He possesses reliable hands, excellent route running, and the football IQ that will cause headaches for defenders in Sean Payton’s offense.
22) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Tyler Linderbaum was a stellar wrestler in high school, and it shows on every snap. As soon as the ball leaves his hand, Linderbaum’s only goal is to put the man across from in the dirt — and he is usually successful. Incumbent Tennessee center Ben Jones is in the last year of his contract. The Titans have an opportunity to upgrade their OL while saving cap space in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
23) New York Jets (via SEA): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
“Moss’d.” That is what we say when wide receivers make a big-time catch over cornerbacks. But what should we call it when corners dominate receivers? I vote for “Sauce’d,” brought to us by Cincinnati’s very own Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. After bullying WRs the past two years, Gardner packed on even more muscle and has cut down on the penalties. Like Stingley, Elam, and Booth, he is a true junior who is primed for the NFL.
24) Denver Broncos: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean LB1 season is upon us. Dean effortlessly flows from the second level to the line of scrimmage, making plays all over the field. He can drop into coverage, fill gaps in run defense, and rush the passer when required. Dean will be asked to do all three for Vic Fangio and the Broncos, making him a solid addition in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
25) Cleveland Browns: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Browns continue to steal players on draft day. After remaining quiet the first two weeks of the season, Treylon Burks produced 3-127-1 and 5-162-1 lines in the last two games — the latter of which came against a talented Texas A&M squad. At 6’3″ and 225 pounds, Burks can impose his will on cornerbacks. Furthermore, he owns the elusiveness to make defenders miss with the ball in his hands.
26) Green Bay Packers: Drake London, WR, USC
A receiver who didn’t start slow is USC’s Drake London. He has recorded 10+ receptions and 100+ yards in all but one contest in 2021 (4 for 68 and 1 TD against Stanford in Week 2). Not much has remained consistent for the Trojans, as they’ve fired their head coach and QB Kedon Slovis missed time with an injury. Yet, London has been their beacon of hope, doing all he can to keep his team in games.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
Lamar Jackson is a magician, but even Houdini couldn’t escape the Blitzkrieg allowed by Baltimore’s poor tackle situation. Rasheed Walker can fill that need, pave lanes in the running game, and keep Jackson upright. He possesses impressive size (6’6″, 320 pounds) but is agile and violent in space.
28) Miami Dolphins (via SF): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Hi, we are the Miami Dolphins, and we need offensive line help — again. Hello, Miami. Welcome back, glad you joined us! We know you fell off the horse, but the important thing is you jumped back on the saddle. As Michael Scott once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Who should your next shot be? Charles Cross.
After forfeiting a ton of pressure last year (as tends to happen when you play 500+ pass-blocking snaps), Cross has stood tall in 2021. However, his biggest tests come in the next two weeks with a trip to Texas A&M and a home date with Alabama.
29) Detroit Lions (via LAR): John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
John Metchie III hasn’t filled the rather large shoes of DeVonta Smith, but that is more a testament to Smith than an indictment of Metchie. Malik Willis will need weapons to throw to in Detroit, and Metchie can run routes with the best of them.
30) Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
I have mocked Trent McDuffie to the Bills a few times this year, and for good reason. Washington disappointed this season, but don’t blame McDuffie. He is as sure a tackler as they come from the position and doesn’t allow any big plays. What the Huskies CB lacks in size, he makes up for in heart, fluidity, and instincts.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Drake Jackson has all the physical ability you want, but his on-and-off motor concerns me. Nevertheless, playing on a team that is a perennial Super Bowl contender with Tom Brady under center should correct that. Jackson is athletic, powerful, and versatile — as shown by his ability to perform at both 255 and 275 pounds.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech
There is no question about it — the Chiefs need another receiving weapon outside of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Erik Ezukanma may be a lesser-known name behind the top prospects at the position, but he is no less talented. Many point to his 6’3″ and 220-pound frame and say he is a big-bodied receiver who thrives in contested-catch situations. But that’s cutting Ezukanma short. He has the lateral agility to make plays in the open field, a nuanced release package, and exceptional body control.