2022 NFL Mock Draft | 17-32
Twists, turns, and trades in the back half of our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
17) New England Patriots: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Can the New England Patriots keep both Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson? It feels inevitable that at least one of them will be former Foxborough residents following this football season. As a result, cornerback will be top of Bill Belichick’s shopping list, and Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner should be right at the top of that list.
18) Los Angeles Chargers: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
In Keenan Allen, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the best route-running wide receivers in the NFL. Why not supplement the offense with one of the best route-running wide receivers in college football? Garrett Wilson is every bit as good as Ohio State teammate Olave, a top-10 pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Justin Herbert would be like a kid in a candy shop with Allen, Wilson, and 2021 selection Josh Palmer at his disposal.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
Passing on Sam Howell early in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft appeared to signal solidarity with Jalen Hurts under center for the Eagles. However, with their second selection, they strike for Nevada’s Carson Strong. The strong-armed pocket passer would be quite the departure from the dual-threat Hurts. Still, his ability to drive the ball downfield might be what Philadelphia needs to maximize the speedy wide receivers at the quarterback’s disposal.
20) Atlanta Falcons (trade with Colts): Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
The Falcons send pick 42, 55, and a 2023 third-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts.
Aidan Hutchinson returned to Michigan after an injury-disrupted campaign last season. He’s rapidly developing into the most havoc-inducing player in college football. It’s not hyperbole to say that no NFL Draft prospect has elevated their stock more than the Michigan defensive end. You know who has struggled to find a player with pass-rush prowess? That’s right, the Atlanta Falcons, who execute a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to snag the defensive sensation.
21) Dallas Cowboys: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
If you ever want a graphic example of how vital an offensive line is, watch the difference between Zeke Elliott with and without Zack Martin. The Dallas Cowboys have had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in recent years, and adding Rasheed Walker as the long-term replacement for Tyron Smith ensures that trend continues.
22) New Orleans Saints: Drake London, WR, USC
With all due respect to lacrosse star Chris Hogan, the New Orleans Saints have one of the weakest wide receiver rooms in the NFL. They finally have a quarterback that can drive the ball more than 10 yards down the field, but they don’t have enough weapons surrounding Jameis Winston. If you’re a Saints fan, go and watch Drake London tear up Washington State from this last weekend and tell me you don’t want to see him in black and gold.
23) Tennessee Titans: Ikem Ekwonu, G, NC State
I think we can all agree that stopping Derrick Henry when he’s at full tilt is something that we wouldn’t relish. Now, imagine him running behind a 6’4″ 320-pound offensive lineman who has been described as “the most feared offensive lineman in the ACC.” Ikem Ekwonu is a violent mauler in the ground game. Although he offers versatility from playing across the line in college, he’ll do his best work from the interior in the NFL.
24) New York Jets: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Elijah Moore, Jamison Crowder, and Corey Davis give Zach Wilson an impressive wide receiver trio to throw to as he settles into his role as the QB1 of the Jets. However, a young quarterback’s best friend, his security blanket, is his tight end. Right now, the Jets don’t have an elite player at the position on their roster. Jalen Wydermyer can complement Wilson like Isaac Rex did at BYU.
25) Cleveland Browns: Kingsley Enagbare, DE, South Carolina
On paper, Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney are probably the best pass-rush duo in the NFL. I’m glad I’m not an offensive coordinator who has to plan how to stop them both. However, Clowney hasn’t fully lived up to his potential in the NFL, and there’s plenty of “prove it” in his one-year prove-it deal. Kingsley Enagbare provides long-term pass-rush potential for the Browns.
26) Detroit Lions: Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
The Detroit Lions gave up the third-most passing yards in the NFL last season. They started the new campaign by allowing 311 passing yards to a San Francisco 49ers team that traditionally does their best work on the ground. With Jeffrey Okudah struggling on the field (and to stay on the field), a cornerback is a genuine possibility. Nevertheless, Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph gives them an athletic playmaker who thrives on picking off passes at the heart of the secondary.
27) Miami Dolphins: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Early-season overreactions are my absolute favorite, and no fan base does them better than the Miami Dolphins. Yet, after watching the team get shut out by the Bills, some issues need to be resolved. Landing Tyler Linderbaum in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft would help some of those issues. Linderbaum would give them stability at the center of the offensive line. Miami just needs to find a decent running back to run behind him.
28) Baltimore Ravens: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Ronnie Stanley is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. There’s no doubt of that. However, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury last November and missed Sunday night’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. There has to be an element of concern for the Baltimore Ravens. I love the fit of Sean Rhyan with Baltimore, whether that be as a long-term replacement for Stanley or as an immediate starter at right tackle.
29) Green Bay Packers: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Green Bay Packers have to get stronger up front on defense. Although the box score will say that the New Orleans Saints threw 5 touchdowns in their season opener, the real damage was done on the ground, and it’s been that way for a bit in Green Bay. Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey is an explosive, long, and influential playmaker on the defensive line.
30) Buffalo Bills: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Although cornerback proposes to be the most significant need of the Buffalo Bills next spring, the top playmakers at the position are already off the board in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Many thought the Bills would add an early-round running back last year, and Breece Hall would help take some of the pressure off Josh Allen in the passing game. The Iowa State sensation led the nation in rushing yards last college football season.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Back-to-back running backs at the back of the first round?! Who said running backs don’t matter?! Having returned their entire Super Bowl-winning team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to lose a considerable chunk of their roster to free agency next spring. The running back room could be the hardest hit. Thankfully, Isaiah Spiller gives them a powerful back with elite feet and vision who could become Tom Brady’s best friend out the backfield.
32) Detroit Lions (trade with Chiefs): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Lions send picks 34 and 102 to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up from 34th overall.
The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock for the final selection of our 2022 NFL Mock Draft. But wait, there’s movement at the podium — WE HAVE A TRADE!!! Although they’re slated to pick early on Day 2, the Lions decide to leapfrog the Texans to secure their quarterback of the future. Liberty QB Malik Willis has an alluring combination of arm talent and incredible creative athleticism and could represent a steal with the final pick of the first round.