Picks 17-32
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
Although Alejandro Villanueva was allowed to test free agency, there were rumblings that the Pittsburgh Steelers would bring back their starting left tackle. At any rate, it feels less likely that they will use premium capital to address the position this year.
Instead, they wait until this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft and select long-term option Zion Nelson. After a rough 2019 season, the Miami left tackle greatly improved in 2020. Extremely athletic even at 312 pounds, Nelson presently excels in pass protection and run blocking.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Although they have made moves to address the offensive line this offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers should continue to build on that base here.
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal offers a versatile option in the first round. An experienced player who has started 26 games in two years, he has played left guard and right tackle. As a result, he could play inside initially before becoming the long-term successor to Bryan Bulaga at right tackle.
19. Dallas Cowboys: Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida
In locking up Dak Prescott this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are set offensively. They may require some offensive line additions, but this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft isn’t the place to get them. This is the spot to get better on defense. In my latest mock draft, the Cowboys addressed the secondary and defensive line.
Featured | Dak Prescott’s new deal means Super Bowl or Bust for the Cowboys
Here, they upgrade their linebacker group with Florida linebacker Ventrell Miller. A tough-tackling, athletic, and versatile linebacker, Miller could comfortably fit in at any linebacker slot in the Cowboys’ 4-3 scheme. With Sean Lee’s future uncertain and Leighton Vander Esch out of a contract next year, Miller would immediately impact the Cowboys.
20. Miami Dolphins: Bubba Bolden, S, Miami
After a turbulent early career, Miami safety Bubba Bolden emerged as one of the nation’s better players at the safety position. With another year of development, he projects to be a first-round pick. What better landing spot for him than in Miami? Bolden gives the Dolphins a versatile safety option who can be effective in coverage while being disruptive at the line of scrimmage.
21. Tennessee Titans: Derion Kendrick, CB, Transfer Portal
Derion Kendrick was forcing himself into the first-round conversation for the 2021 NFL Draft before opting to return to Clemson. Since then, he has entered the transfer portal and recently found himself involved in some off-field issues.
That said, if the Tennessee Titans land him at pick 21, he still represents excellent value. The former wide receiver turned cornerback has demonstrated excellent ball skills and could be an immediate contributor for a defense that has just cut ties with former first-round cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan
If the Indianapolis Colts don’t address their pass-rush problems early this year, you can expect them to do so next year. In this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft, they do just that.
Aidan Hutchinson was attracting attention before opting to return to Michigan for his senior season. The 6’6″ and 270-pound defensive lineman is powerful and athletic while bringing versatility. He has played at multiple alignments along the Michigan defensive line.
23. New York Jets: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
The New York Jets found their quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft in the shape of Justin Fields. No, I don’t have a time machine, but that’s what they should do.
Related | How does Henry Ruggs compare to Alabama receivers DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle?
They definitely added Corey Davis to the wide receiver room. That’s a statement of fact. Here, they further provide additional weaponry for Fields in the form of Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross.
He would have been a decent top pass-catching prospect this year if it hadn’t been for serious injury. He returns to Clemson as their No. 1 receiving option and should be one of the best options available for the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft.
24. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
If the New Orleans Saints are drafting at 24 — like they are in this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft — has Jameis Winston been a success? It’s quite the conundrum. If the front office thinks not, do they turn to Taysom Hill? Or do they use this pick to draft a J.T. Daniels or new Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough?
In making the playoffs, I’m going to call the Winston experiment a success. Furthermore, I will reward him with a pass-catching weapon to ensure future success in Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He could be the big play, downfield threat, that maximizes Wilson’s big arm.
25. Cleveland Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Myles Garrett is expected to be joined by a pass-rushing teammate later in April with the Cleveland Browns first-round pick. With that edge rush need taken care of, the Browns use their pick in this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft to address the inside of the defensive line.
Related | Redrafting the 2020 NFL Draft: Joe Burrow still goes #1?
Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey can fill that role. A former junior college transfer, Winfrey has been impactful for the Sooners in his first year of Division I football. With an extra year of development, expect him to be one of the top interior defensive linemen in the 2022 class.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State
Replacing Richard Sherman in the San Francisco secondary isn’t going to be straightforward. They penned Jason Verrett to a one-year deal in free agency. Unless they trade up for a quarterback this year, I would anticipate that pick 12 will be used on a cornerback.
However, expect further additions to the defensive backfield. Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks combines an athletic Florida upbringing with the tutelage of a Buckeyes defensive back to produce a playmaking cornerback prospect.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Brenton Cox Jr., LB, Florida
Brenton Cox Jr. gives the Baltimore Ravens a pass-rushing threat from the outside linebacker position that they just don’t have currently. Although he had a difficult start to his college football career — being dismissed from Georgia after his freshman season — there’s no denying his on-field talents. Highly productive in 2020, Cox is extremely explosive and plays the game with physicality from his 6’3″, 250-pound frame.
28. Detroit Lions: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
There was great consideration to select a linebacker with the Detroit Lions second pick in this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft. They currently have a weak linebacker group, and someone like Auburn’s Owen Pappoe would be an upgrade. However, where’s the fun in that?
Instead, let’s give them Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III and let him wreak havoc with Sam Howell throwing him the ball. Metchie racked up 916 yards and 6 touchdowns in relief of Jaylen Waddle last season. Expect big things from him in Alabama’s offense this coming season.
29. Green Bay Packers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Green Bay Packers lock up the long-term partner for David Bakhtiari with the selection of Mississippi State left tackle Charles Cross. Equally impressive in pass protection and run blocking, Cross will keep Aaron Rodgers — or Jordan Love — clean while helping open holes for Aaron Jones. The former five-star recruit is famed for his physicality and quick reactions.
30. Buffalo Bills: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
At 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Jalen Wydermyer is the big tight end threat that the Buffalo Bills have been trying to secure this NFL offseason. He was a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which recognizes the nation’s top tight end. Additionally, he has led the Aggies in touchdowns in each of his two career seasons in Texas. He will be another weapon for Josh Allen to utilize in the Bills offense.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
Tom Brady may well want to play until he’s 50 years old. However, the reality is he probably won’t. Not that I will be the one to tell him that. The succession plan isn’t currently on the roster, and it feels unlikely that quarterback will be addressed in this year’s draft.
Featured | 2021 NFL Free Agency: Top 100 NFL Free Agents of 2021
So, in this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft, the Buccaneers grab his successor in Nevada quarterback Carson Strong. Strong has all the physical attributes to succeed in the NFL, and his arm strength makes him a fit in Tampa Bay’s vertical passing offense.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
The Kansas City Chiefs made a play for Trent Williams in free agency. However, they were ultimately outbid by the San Francisco 49ers. The expectation is that they will add at least one offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite this, they should continue to build that foundation, ensuring they don’t put themselves in a Super Bowl-esque situation again.
With the final pick of this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft, they do that with Penn State offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. He opted to return to Penn State this season. Walker can then use the year to build on his reputation as one of the most intelligent and technically-savvy college offensive tackles.
Want more 2021 NFL Draft prospect news? Want to do your own mock draft?
Dive into PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and test your own drafting acumen. Continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PFN365) to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape.
Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.