2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
There will be plenty of talent left in the second half of the first round — let’s see who comes off the board in the latter part of Round 1 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie, like many cornerbacks hailing from Washington’s system, has outstanding cover skills and is a sound tackler. He should find a role from Day 1 in LA’s defensive scheme.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd is a plug-and-play defender. His speed is what defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon needs from the second level.
19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam has an NFL pedigree as the son of former NFL defensive back Abram Elam and the nephew of Matt Elam. He proved that he could match up with elite receivers in his three years facing SEC competition.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Rather than reach for Matt Corral or Sam Howell, the Steelers are better off waiting for the right quarterback and investing in their receiving corps. Jameson Williams may miss some time, but he has the game-breaking ability that could go much earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft.
21) New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean is instinctive, intelligent, and a tackling machine. He fits the Patriots’ style on and off the field with his knowledge of the game and leadership.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Although this might be a tad early for the Packers to address the wide receiver position, Treylon Burks gives them a chance to make up for the loss of Davante Adams.
23) Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Cardinals lost Chandler Jones in free agency. Drafting George Karlaftis gives them a power player who will learn a ton from J.J. Watt.
24) Dallas Cowboys: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones plan ahead by adding a player whose medical outlook is shaky due to a torn Achilles suffered at the Wolverines’ Pro Day. David Ojabo will likely miss most — if not all — of his rookie season. However, if he was healthy, he could’ve been a top-10 pick.
25) Buffalo Bills: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
The Bills need more weapons to go with Stefon Diggs. Breece Hall is something of a luxury, but he’s an affordable one for a team primed to make a Super Bowl run in 2022.
26) Tennessee Titans: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
It’s time for the Titans to plan ahead. Kenny Pickett has the accuracy and maturity to give them a potential successor to Ryan Tannehill, who is a massive cap hit in each of the next two seasons.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers retained Ryan Jensen but need an influx of size and talent around him. Kenyon Green can play tackle if needed, but he can start at guard right away. He plays the game with a violent style and will endear himself to Tom Brady in Year 1.
28) Green Bay Packers: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Packers lost Za’Darius Smith in free agency. Boye Mafe represents an intriguing replacement due to his athletic ability. Pairing him with Rashan Gary gives the Packers one of the most dynamic pass-rushing duos in the league.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA): Logan Hall, DL, Houston
The Chiefs need to plan ahead with Frank Clark’s play and production declining. There are some questions about his health, too. Logan Hall gives the Chiefs a young defensive lineman capable of disrupting the line of scrimmage.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
The run on offensive linemen continues. This is a great offensive tackle rookie class, and Tyler Smith has one of the best highlight reels. He will need some seasoning in pass protection, but he can pancake in the ground game.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Bengals need to keep building their offensive line to protect star quarterback Joe Burrow. Tyler Linderbaum has a similar mentality as Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson and can shore up the interior of the line.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
We close out this 2022 NFL Mock Draft with the Detroit Lions. Having already drafted Thibodeaux, the Lions could use more help on defense. Daxton Hill adds youth and talent to the secondary. He can play in two-high and single-high but may be at his best from the slot.