The good thing about the free Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator is it comes equipped with trades — and this 2022 NFL Mock Draft has plenty of them. Simulating through Round 1, several marquee trades go down in our latest mock draft. Let this serve as a reminder to run your own 2022 NFL Draft sim!
2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
Here we go. Which teams made the trades, who traded up, and who did they ultimately select? Let’s run through our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft with trades.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There are no trades at the top of this mock draft as the Jacksonville Jaguars grab the top edge defender in Kayvon Thibodeaux. A terrific athlete, Thibodeaux presents an improvement for all facets of the Jags’ defense. He can rush the passer with the greatest of ease, and his athleticism and quick first step allow him to get downhill in run defense like no other.
2) Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
A rapid riser in the pre-draft process, Travon Walker is now in the mix to land with Jacksonville at No. 1, as PFN Insider Tony Pauline has reported. After Thibodeaux is selected, the Detroit Lions get a gift with Walker at No. 2. Walker is a terrific pass rusher but comes with an amazing set of versatile skills. He can drop back in coverage as well as stuff the run like the best linebackers in this class.
3) Houston Texans: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
What a consolation prize despite the first two picks being edge defenders. The Houston Texans grab Aidan Hutchinson to usher in a new era of defensive prowess. Hutchinson powers through tackles at times but can get upfield quickly with his terrific first step. He’s much more than a power rusher and could be Houston’s next great Big Ten edge defender.
4) New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The best player overall heads to the New York Jets at pick No. 4. New York grabs Kyle Hamilton, as he not only fits a need but fills multiple roles on the defense. Hamilton can rush the passer from inside the box or play a natural free safety position, as he closes space better than anyone in this or any recent draft class. He transcends the safety position and is certainly worth the draft capital investment.
5) New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The first tackle selected is Charles Cross, as he heads to the New York Giants with their first pick in the first round. In Cross, the Giants get a natural pass protector in a position of lesser need, as they truly need a right tackle with Andrew Thomas locking down the left side. As Cross adjusts to an NFL offense, he’ll be learning it from right tackle. However, it shouldn’t take much time for him to get his feet under him with his sound fundamentals.
6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly locked in on two tackle prospects, and Ikem Ekwonu is the only one left. He fills a big need, stays local, and comes in with tremendous upside. His 2021 season was dominant, and he’s as sound as they come in technical skills. Ekwonu is destined for greatness in Carolina.
7) Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from CHI via NYG): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Trade: The Seahawks send pick Nos. 9 and 40 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 second-round selection, to the Giants for pick No. 7.
The first trade of the first round involves one of several teams with multiple first-round picks. The Seattle Seahawks move up to draft their future franchise quarterback in Malik Willis. They send two second-rounders and their first-round pick to move up two spots. New York gains pick No. 40 in 2022 and a second-round pick in 2023.
Willis is the pick as he can receive the Patrick Mahomes treatment behind Drew Lock in Seattle. While you may assume he’d pencil in right away as the starter, that shouldn’t be the case here. Let Willis acclimate to the offense and the speed of the NFL as the Seahawks continue to build around him for the future.
8) New Orleans Saints (mock trade from ATL): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Saints send pick Nos. 16 and 19 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 fourth-round selection, to the Falcons for pick No. 8.
The New Orleans Saints had to come to the table with a massive offer to trade with the division rival Atlanta Falcons. Sending two first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 19), as well as a future fourth-round pick, the Saints secure their biggest immediate need by grabbing Evan Neal. The slide for Neal stops here as the Saints get Jameis Winston the last piece he needs to see success in 2022. Atlanta gets two picks in the first round as they continue to rebuild.
9) New York Giants (mock trade from DEN via SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Trade: The Giants received pick Nos. 9 and 40, as well as a 2023 second-round pick, from Seattle in exchange for their pick No. 7.
An ideal scenario unfolds for the Giants as they get to acquire two additional picks simply by moving down two spots — and they still land the best receiver on the board. Garrett Wilson heads to the Giants to be the top receiving threat opposite Kenny Golladay. Daniel Jones will have no more excuses as he receives a top-tier receiver who can win at every level of the field.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets stand pat at No. 4 and No. 10 yet come away with two of their top targets at positions of need to improve their pass defense. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a lockdown cornerback in every sense of the word. He didn’t give up a touchdown in three years at Cincinnati. Plus, he capped his career by not allowing a reception for more than 13 yards in a dominant 2021 season.
11) Washington Commanders: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The run on edge defenders to start the draft forces the hand of the Washington Commanders at No. 11. Yet, they grab Jermaine Johnson II, a top-five player on the PFN Consensus Big Board. Johnson dominated in 2021 and won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in his first season at Florida State. His motor is intense, and his pass-rushing skills are top-tier.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The LSU Pro Day proved what everyone wanted to see about Derek Stingley Jr. He’s an elite athlete and, according to reports, handled himself with the utmost professionalism. Stingley still has to atone for a down year in 2021 and the COVID-affected 2020 campaign when his level of play fell off. But the fact remains: His 2019 tape is the best we’ve seen from a cornerback in some time.
13) Detroit Lions (mock trade from CLE via HOU): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Trade: The Lions send pick Nos. 32 and 34 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a fourth-round selection in 2023, in exchange for Houston’s pick No. 13.
Getting in on the trade action like the other teams with multiple first-round picks, the Detroit Lions send a first- and a second-round pick, as well as a fourth-rounder in 2023, to move up to No. 13. The Texans have the capital and are in rebuild mode, so they can afford the move.
The Lions move up to grab Jameson Williams, giving them a complete wide receiving corps. Williams may not be able to play right away, but his elite deep speed and ball-tracking may be the best in the class.
14) Baltimore Ravens: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The fifth edge defender taken in the top 14 selections, George Karlaftis heads to the Baltimore Ravens, where he can fit right into their hybrid defensive front. Karlaftis powers through tackles or speeds around guards with a rare blend of strength and quickness. He also comes with the versatility to play several positions on Baltimore’s defensive line.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
After moving one of their first-round picks in exchange for heavy capital over the next two drafts, the Philadelphia Eagles are left with picks No. 15 and No. 18. They grab Devin Lloyd first here, as the former Ute is the best linebacker in the class. His sideline-to-sideline ability is tremendous, but he excels in coverage. Lloyd is a perfect fit for today’s NFL.
16) Atlanta Falcons (mock trade from IND via PHI and NO): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Falcons received pick Nos. 16 and 19 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 fourth-round selection, from the Saints in exchange for pick No. 8.
With the first of their two newly acquired picks in the first round, the Atlanta Falcons grab Arkansas WR Treylon Burks. They needed a receiver even before Calvin Ridley was handed a one-year suspension, and they grab Burks to become their starting X receiver. Burks has football speed like few others in this class, and once he builds that up, he can’t be caught. He also can high-point the football and comes away with contested catches better than most.
2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
After a slew of trades in the first round of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, how does the back half of the first round shake out with a new order?
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers grab the athletically gifted Jordan Davis after acquiring a ton of talent in free agency. The Chargers are in win-now mode, and getting Davis on the interior only frees up Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack for more favorable matchups on the outside. Davis can rush the passer well, stuff the run even better, and offers backside pursuit like no other interior defender in recent memory.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
The Eagles pick at No. 18 instead of No. 19 now, and they grab their potential quarterback of the future in the process. They were a playoff team a year ago but seemed hindered at times with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. Matt Corral is the pick as the former Ole Miss quarterback has uncanny athleticism mixed with an elite arm. Corral comes from a QB-friendly system at Ole Miss but offers upside as he can unleash any throw from any platform. Philadelphia gets more vertical with him as their quarterback.
19) Atlanta Falcons (mock trade from PHI via NO): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Trade: The Falcons received pick Nos. 16 and 19 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 fourth-round selection, from the Saints in exchange for pick No. 8.
With the second of their newly acquired picks, Atlanta grabs Kaiir Elam at pick No. 19. Elam can lock down in coverage and will prove to be completely versatile for the scheme in place. He’ll pass off in zone coverage or stick to his man in press. Elam also has great ball skills all along the routes he’s defending. Atlanta moves pick No. 8 and gains a wide receiver, cornerback, and fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The future is here for the Pittsburgh Steelers as Kenny Pickett becomes the next in line at the quarterback position. Pickett returned for a fifth year at Pitt and rocketed to stardom in the process. He’s pro-ready right now and could push Mitchell Trubisky out of the proverbial bridge quarterback role to start right away.
21) New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
A soaring cornerback with terrific upside, Andrew Booth Jr. heads to the New England Patriots. As part of the replacement plan for J.C. Jackson, Booth enters a secondary in need of youth injection. He also gives them a boost in ball skills and sticky coverage ability.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Drake London, WR, USC
When Drake London is healthy, few defensive backs can bring him down in the open field. Even fewer — if any — can beat him at the catch point. London is a dominant athlete and presents the Green Bay Packers with the ability to move on after the Davante Adams trade. It only makes matters better that London is selected with the pick they received for Adams.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Arizona Cardinals need some help at the cornerback position, and the pro-ready Trent McDuffie lands in a brilliant spot. McDuffie can play the boundary or the field and has terrific hips in coverage. He’s quick in the short area and has plenty of deep speed to stay with his receivers on any route.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Dallas Cowboys snag Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa, as the “generational talent” at center also has positional versatility. It may be a stretch to have him switch positions to start over Conner McGovern at left guard. Still, his ability to understand leverage and body angles would pay dividends if he moved around the lineup for Dallas. He would also be an immediate upgrade over incumbent Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz.
25) Buffalo Bills: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
Zion Johnson lands with the Buffalo Bills in this 2022 NFL Draft as left guard is their most significant need on offense. Johnson is a big man with a bigger attitude as he excels in all facets. He’s a great mover in space, but he’s also a solid interior pass protector. Josh Allen and the Bills’ running back room will love this pick.
26) Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Needing at least one linebacker in this draft, the Tennessee Titans opt to hit the position first as Nakobe Dean is still available. Routinely seen calling out plays before the snap, Dean is an intuitive and smart linebacker. He also possesses terrific sideline-to-sideline play and is as strong as an ox. Give Dean the headset, let him call the plays, and prosper.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to get younger on the defensive line. They do so,= while also getting significantly better with the selection of Devonte Wyatt. Possessing a stellar first step, Wyatt leaps into the backfield with the simplest of ease. He also eats up gaps in run defense and can pursue the ball carrier from any point of attack.
28) Jacksonville Jaguars (mock trade from GB): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Jaguars send pick Nos. 33 and 70 in the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for Green Bay’s pick No. 28.
After skipping out on selecting a tackle at the top of the first round, the Jaguars get back into the first round by trading with the Packers to secure their future starter at left tackle. By all accounts, Trevor Penning may need a season to acclimate to the NFL. The franchise tag on Cam Robinson allows Penning to see spot duty, play as a potential swing tackle, and slide into the left tackle spot in 2023. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is priority No. 1, and Penning offers incredible upside.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA): Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The Kansas City Chiefs have two first-rounders after trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. They did their best to fix their depleted receiving corps during free agency, so they move to grab a safety to align next to Justin Reid and help fill the loss of Tyrann Mathieu. Jaquan Brisker is a dominant defensive back with terrific coverage ability. He comes downhill in all facets and plays a thunderous brand of football.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
With their second selection in back-to-back picks, the Chiefs move to secure the future of their defensive line. David Ojabo suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury during Michigan’s Pro Day and likely won’t play meaningful snaps until December at the earliest. Still, Ojabo’s talent and linear growth over the past five years project him as an immediate impact player once he’s healthy. The Chiefs have their future pass-rushing menace of the next decade when he returns.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Cincinnati Bengals did what they needed to in free agency to fix their offensive line. With the line all but finished, they fix their next biggest need by getting younger in the secondary. Daxton Hill is the pick as he plays a sound brand of football on the back end. Vonn Bell isn’t getting any younger, and Jessie Bates can’t do it all himself. Hill pencils in as a movable chess piece on the defense who can cover the slot, play strong safety, or shift to a free-roaming center field role, all on the same series.
32) Houston Texans (mock trade from LAR via DET): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Trade: The Texans received Detroit’s pick Nos. 32 and 34 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, in exchange for Houston’s pick No. 13.
The hard-hitting Lewis Cine closes out this first round of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft after a trade allowed Houston to move back to No. 32. The Texans grab Cine to help replace Justin Reid, who left during free agency. Cine can play a number of roles, but one thing he does better than most is separate the ball from the player. He knows how and when to attack, and when he does, the ball carrier is always worse for the wear.