2022 NFL Mock Draft | 17-32
After two Texas A&M players round out the top 16 picks, two more Aggies go in the back half of Day 1 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
17. New England Patriots: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
New England’s defense is not the problem; it is their passing attack. Yet, the MDS has the Patriots reloading along the defensive line in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. George Karlaftis would have to fight Matthew Judon and Chase Winovich for reps on the edge, but he also has the power and size to kick inside as a rookie.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Alright, I know what you are thinking: “The Steelers do not need another receiver.” But hear the MDS out. James Washington may be seeking a trade, and JuJu Smith-Schuster is a free agent at the end of this season. Consequently, Pittsburgh could be entering 2022 with only Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson. Treylon Burks adds not only security for the future but a big-bodied athletic freak for whoever is under center next season.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Philadelphia): Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Drafting a running back in Round 1 is frowned upon, but trading up to nab one? Asinine. Yet, that is exactly what the Buccaneers do. Isaiah Spiller can drag his opposition for multiple yards after contact or make them miss entirely. It really is just how he is feeling in the moment.
20. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Saints may need a quarterback and a few receivers by the time the 2021 campaign wraps up. Regardless, in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Saints give the defense some love. Jordan Battle is one of the safest safety prospects there is. He is solid all around and won’t make mistakes in the middle of the field.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Dallas): Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Jacksonville trades back into the first round in order to provide their franchise QB with a safety blanket. Jalen Wydermyer is currently the best tight end in the class bar none. As a true inline TE, he can block, catch, run after the catch, and block while running for a catch.
22. Tennessee Titans: Ikem Ekwonu, OG, North Carolina State
Ikem Ekwonu is built to play guard, but he could start at right tackle for a run-heavy team. Oh, would you look at that? The Titans ran the ball on 50.28% of their plays in 2020, the third-highest rate in the NFL. If Ekwonu could stick at tackle in the pros, it would be in Tennessee.
23. New York Jets: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
Opposite the newly acquired Carl Lawson, the Jets need more pass-rush threats. Enter Zach Harrison. The Ohio State product is 6’6″ and 265 pounds with athleticism to boot. He needs some more coaching to reach his potential, so good thing he has one more year in the Buckeyes’ system.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
Zion Nelson is a bit of a project as he is relatively new to the position. However, he owns the physical tools to be a starting tackle in the NFL. Eric Fisher could be a solid stop-gap for the Colts in 2020, but they need to fill Anthony Castonzo’s left tackle position with a longer-term option.
25. Miami Dolphins: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
Jaelan Phillips was a great high-upside pick in this year’s draft, but the Dolphins still have work to do upfront. Myjai Sanders‘ quickness off the snap is exceptional, no matter the competition he is across from. He already proved his ability last year but has unfinished business with the Bearcats in 2021.
26. Cleveland Browns: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
The Browns already have a physical specimen at defensive end with Myles Garrett, but he needs some help. What better reinforcements than yet another physical specimen in Kingsley Enagbare. Enagbare plays with reckless abandon and the gas pedal all the way down. That is exactly what Cleveland needs to get pressure home.
27. Buffalo Bills: Drake London, WR, USC
Josh Allen just signed a contract larger than the entire Bills Mafia. The Bills need to make sure he has all the weapons at his disposal. Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis are outstanding on the outside, with Cole Beasley manning the slot. However, Beasley may decide to hang up his cleats in favor of pursuing his rap career.
So, why not draft one of the few receivers that can fit any alignment? Despite being 6’5″, Drake London possesses the shiftiness and route running to dominate from inside and out.
28. Detroit Lions: Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
After selecting their signal-caller of the future, the Lions turn their attention toward the defense. Adding Brandon Joseph to the backend creates a safety duo with Tracy Walker that no opposing QB would want to throw against.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
The Ravens have an Orlando Brown-sized hole at right tackle. Alejandro Villanueva and Ju’Wuan James are not going to cut it. Rasheed Walker could be exactly what the doctor ordered in Baltimore — outside of a COVID vaccination for Lamar Jackson.
30. Green Bay Packers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Packers spend back-to-back first-round picks on their cornerback room. Even if Eric Stokes — who some viewed as a reach — proves to be a worthy starter opposite star Jaire Alexander, you can never have too many talented corners. Currently, Chandon Sullivan is slated to start in the slot.
Now, Sullivan may be an NFL player, but he is no Trent McDuffie. The Washington CB is an exceptional tackler and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line against the run. Moreover, he possesses impressive instincts and vertical ability that make him a threat to any throws in his area.
31. Houston Texans (Philadelphia): Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
After passing on a quarterback with the first overall selection, the Texans trade back into the first round to address the position. Philadelphia continues to rack up draft capital, netting the 33rd pick and a 2022 third-rounder in this trade.
Carson Strong has been mocked as high as the top 10, and with another stellar campaign in 2021, it is unlikely he falls here. Regardless, the Texans answer their QB woes and land their big-armed face of the franchise in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
This is a dream scenario for the Kansas City Chiefs. While addressing the lackluster wide receiver room is an intriguing option, adding a top-five cornerback in the class at pick 32 is an incredible value. Ahmad Gardner is long, physical, and has the “sauce” needed to be a true CB1.