2022 NFL Mock Draft | 17-32
Don’t expect to see any quarterbacks in this range. Teams are willing to wait until Day 2 here.
17) New England Patriots: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Sure, taking an RB in the first round isn’t often a worthwhile purchase, but the Patriots have never cared much about such things. Sony Michel hasn’t earned a contract extension, and Damien Harris only has one year left on his current deal. Isaiah Spiller is a three-down back with tremendous size and athleticism for the position.
18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
What was a strength for the Steelers just a year ago is now a sore spot on their depth chart, along with their offensive line. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has a first-round name and first-round potential. The Steelers lost Mike Hilton in free agency, and Joe Haden is currently 32 years old.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
The Eagles’ linebacking corps looks a lot like the Jets’ cornerback room. If you don’t want to scroll up, Eagles fans, that just means it’s devoid of talent. Christian Harris has a boatload of potential, given his frame and athleticism. He’ll presumably take on the communication role in the Alabama defense. It’ll be interesting to see how he progresses at the position with more responsibility.
20) New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
He’s not “Slant Boy,” but he is a slithery Ohio State receiver. The situation surrounding Michael Thomas is…less than ideal. Chris Olave separates well and is more athletic than he’s given credit for. He fits the newer mold of a top receiver, standing at around 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. These wiry movers have usurped the physical specimen type, and Olave is a continuation of that trend.
21) Dallas Cowboys: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
Cowboys Nation will clammer for a safety here, but that’s just not realistic. It’s not a position that, to this point, they’ve shown any concern for. The 6-foot-4 Kingsley Enagbare has been listed as heavy as 270 pounds, which will get the Cowboys’ defensive minds all hot and bothered. Versatility is the name of the game on the Cowboys’ defensive line, and Enagbare could play up and down the defensive line for America’s Team.
22) Tennessee Titans: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
The Aggie takeover is upon us, and if Jalen Wydermyer has a big season in College Station, this will be one of the more popular 2022 NFL Mock Draft selections. The Titans are in dire need of a playmaking tight end after the loss of Jonnu Smith, and Wydermyer has an NFL-ready frame.
23) New York Jets: Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon
PFN’s own Cam Mellor spoke with a few of Mykael Wright‘s former Oregon teammates during the offseason. Those young men ended up in the NFL, and a few were high selections. Those former Ducks said Wright is better than all of them. That’s high praise for the cornerback, and although the Jets already drafted Stingley, they need more pieces in the secondary.
24) Indianapolis Colts: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
Miami hasn’t recently been an NFL pipeline for offensive tackles. They haven’t had one drafted since 2015, but Zion Nelson is an athletic specimen. It’s the main reason he’s highly regarded heading into the season. It’s okay to bet on traits before a draft declaration. To earn this draft slot, he’ll need to improve technically. Still, there’s no questioning the Colts’ need for a left tackle.
25) Miami Dolphins: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Sooners are moving to the SEC, but they’ve already started stockpiling individual defensive talent, unlike other Big 12 schools. Nik Bonitto fits the mold of a designated pass rusher, with the athleticism to drop into space occasionally. He has a strong foundation of pass-rush moves, and if he shows more consistency there, he could see massive production in 2021.
26) Cleveland Browns: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
George Karlaftis only played in two games during the 2020 season, but he made his mark, notching 2 sacks in his limited action. In 2019, he tallied 17 tackles for loss, which should make the analytically-minded evaluators salivate. The 270-pound defensive end has an impressive frame and would provide a solid secondary option to resident alien Myles Garrett.
27) Buffalo Bills: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
The buzz surrounding Derion Kendrick has effectively disappeared. However, the former Clemson Tiger heads to another powerhouse (Georgia) for his final collegiate season. Just about six months ago, folks mentioned him in 2021 mock drafts as a first-round pick. His interview process is imperative, but the Bills could use a long-term solution opposite Tre’Davious White.
28) Detroit Lions: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Lions follow the Jets’ lead and double up at positions of need in Round 1. First, they got the separator in Olave. Now, they get the big-bodied receiver in Arkansas’ Treylon Burks. Their receiving corps is so underwhelming that this feels like a great game plan for a 2022 NFL Mock Draft, especially if they don’t love any of the quarterbacks available at No. 2 overall.
29) Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
My PFN Daily co-host Ian Cummings made the same pick in his recent 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft. It makes too much sense. Rasheed Walker — the Waldorf, Maryland native — would be right at home with the Ravens. And they have a massive need at tackle after they traded away Orlando Brown.
30) Green Bay Packers: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
DeMarvion Overshown is a safety convert, which is often…shown…while playing linebacker. He’s an athletic linebacker with good length and intelligence in coverage. He’ll need to acquire more strength to survive at the position long-term, but he was brand new there in 2020.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
When a team doesn’t have any pressing needs, they can survive a few luxury picks. That’s exactly what the Bucs do in selecting Breece Hall. The uber-productive back isn’t some small-school phenom praying on subpar competition. Sure, he plays in the Big 12, but 21 rushing touchdowns and 23 receptions from a 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back is impressive.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Justyn Ross comes back to action after not playing a single snap in 2020. After fearing he may never play football again, it’s an absolute treat to see he’ll suit up again in 2021. Now, spinal injuries are always terrifying, but if he receives a clean bill of health at the combine, his talents should land him in Round 1.