2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
Well, I suppose it hasn’t been that bad so far. Let’s see how the MDS closes things out.
17) New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
I wish I could say something bad about this pick, but I can’t. Andrew Booth Jr. has some of the highest upside in the 2022 cornerback class. He has explosiveness, a quick trigger, length, fluidity, and absurd ball skills. And now he goes to a coach who can use all that.
18) Arizona Cardinals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Ditto to this pick. Great call by the MDS — and yes, it pains me to say that. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise this year. Their defense is talented, so they can look to the offensive line in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Kenyon Green is a potential top-10 talent who can play either guard position at a high level.
19) Los Angeles Chargers: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Jared Cook is getting older, and the Donald Parham hype hasn’t translated yet. Thus, it makes sense that the Chargers would be interested in a tight end in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. I think it would be more prudent to pursue this position on Day 2 at the earliest. Nevertheless, Jalen Wydermyer has the size, length, and consistency in contested situations to be a valuable threat for Justin Herbert.
20) Dallas Cowboys: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
I may need to start job searching soon. Even I can’t deny that this is a phenomenal pick by the MDS. Aidan Hutchinson is a fast-rising prospect who checks almost every physical and mental box. He’s long, explosive, and twitchy. Additionally, he is heavy-handed, relentless, and methodical with his rushes.
21) New Orleans Saints: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
If you saw Treylon Burks‘ performance last Saturday, it told you all you need to know about his upside in a Jameis Winston-led offense. Winston will test those deep windows, and Burks — with his rare mix of size and speed — can convert in those areas and generate big plays consistently.
22) Tennessee Titans: Drake London, WR, USC
Early on, it looked like offensive line was going to be the top need for the Titans in 2022. And that still might end up being the case. Regardless, it wouldn’t hurt to add another high-quality weapon in the receiving corps, and that’s exactly what they do by drafting Drake London. Amidst quarterback inconsistency this year, London has been steady. He’s uncommonly smooth for his 6’5″ frame, and he also has great run-after-catch ability.
23) Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets): Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Packers trade up with the Jets and grab the first linebacker off the board in Alabama’s Christian Harris. I still haven’t quite seen the jump from Harris I wanted to this year. Nevertheless, Harris has the Alabama pedigree on his side, and he should test well. As long as he remains steady, he can be LB1.
24) Denver Broncos: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
This is an interesting fit. Zach Harrison has elite straight-line explosiveness and length. But he doesn’t have the torso flexibility that’s made Von Miller such a threat in recent years. Although he lacks bend, however, Harrison could translate very well into a hybrid 3-4 defensive end role — if he can add 10-15 pounds. Alongside Miller and Bradley Chubb, he could dominate with his physical skill set.
25) Cleveland Browns: Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
Like the previous pick, this one is also interesting. If I were the Browns, I would prefer pursuing a wide receiver or an edge rusher. Still, the Browns have such a strong roster that they can be flexible in Round 1. Alongside their versatile piece in John Johnson III, Brandon Joseph would be a great playmaking presence on the back end, making a great secondary even better.
26) Minnesota Vikings (via New York Jets): Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
Even with Danielle Hunter playing well, the Vikings can still improve their edge-rushing unit. Myjai Sanders feels like a good fit — if his weight checks out. Although Sanders hasn’t been overly productive so far this year, the Cincinnati edge rusher has a desirable combination of explosiveness, urgency, length, and bend capacity.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
This season, Baltimore’s offensive line hasn’t been as formidable as we’ve come to expect. While other options might provide more immediate help, Miami’s Zion Nelson undoubtedly offers exceptional potential at the tackle position. He has some athletic freedom, and his frame is very long and well-built.
28) Miami Dolphins: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
I was hoping the MDS would give the Dolphins a running back to disillusion PFN’s large population of Dolphins fans. But the machine is still rolling with its selection of Ohio State offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. Miami’s line has proven to be an issue this year, and Petit-Frere can help. He’s an athletic tackle with great length, balance, and power. He’s trending up as the year progresses.
29) Detroit Lions: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
I’m a big fan of Carson Strong sneaking into the first round to the Lions. Strong follows the same pocket passer mold that Jared Goff does. However, Strong is a slightly better athlete with superior pocket navigation skills. He does pre-snap work, processes quickly, and has a stellar arm with strength and elasticity. He’s a franchise quarterback in waiting.
30) Buffalo Bills: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
So the MDS is going to take my job, and robots are going to take over the world. That’s okay, though — I’m fine with it. Daxton Hill to Buffalo sealed the deal for me. Hill is a world-class athlete with versatility between the back end and the slot. He can be a terrific slot defender right away for the Bills, but he also has the intense closing speed to be a threatening defensive presence downfield as well.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
If you’re ever wondering where to fit a running back in a 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Tampa Bay should always be the first team that comes to mind. The Buccaneers can afford this luxury in Round 1, and they also need a three-down workhorse. Isaiah Spiller can fill that role. He’s a big, powerful back with good explosiveness and receiving utility.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
With the final pick in our latest MDS 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select wide receiver Justyn Ross. I’m not averse to this. I’d like to see more growth from Ross as the year goes on, but as it stands, he’s a smooth playmaker who can provide the size Kansas City currently lacks at wide receiver.