2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
There were a couple of trades in the first half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and the back end adds a couple more.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
This is one of the most popular pre-draft pairings, and I swear I did not do it on purpose. The board just fell perfectly for the Chargers to pick Jordan Davis at 17th overall, much like how he falls perfectly into head coach Brandon Staley’s Tite front. Davis can two-gap with the best of them, and his elite athletic profile shows pass-rushing promise.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Jalen Hurts + DeVonta Smith + Jameson Williams = the next Philadelphia Dream Team? Imagine having to face a QB who is a legitimate rushing threat, a receiver who knows how to create separation, and another receiver who will beat you vertically and after the catch? Yea, no thanks. Some still question if Hurts is a QB1, the Eagles included, but Williams can unlock a new level when healthy.
19) New Orleans Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
After taking a fail-safe WR2 with their first selection, the Saints turn their attention to the QB position. Jameis Winston is in-house for at least one more season, but there are question marks beyond that. Kenny Pickett has received the “pro-ready” label from many analysts and fans, but his processing speed will be an issue early on. Regardless, Pickett is a long-term pick, so he can ride the sidelines while Winston is in the driver’s seat in 2022.
20) Minnesota Vikings (mock trade from PIT): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Vikings received pick Nos. 20 and 52 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a third-round selection in 2023, in exchange for the Steelers’ pick No. 12.
Kyle Hamilton may receive all the hype in the 2022 safety class, but Lewis Cine isn’t too far behind. He lit up the NFL Combine, and he can genuinely play wherever you ask him to at the next level. Whether he lines up in single-high, two-high, in the slot, or in the box, Cine will make plays.
21) New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Injury concerns are seemingly pushing Andrew Booth Jr. down draft boards. But we aren’t privy to the true extent of such issues, and Booth’s tape is that of a top-10 prospect. Thus, the Patriots rejoice as he lands at 21st overall. Booth possesses explosive physical tools with some of the best feet in the class.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Drake London, WR, USC
This analysis shouldn’t take long. The Packers need a receiver. Drake London fits the mold of receiver the Packers generally target. London is there when Green Bay is on the clock. “With the 22nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select…”
23) Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Like Davis to LA, Trent McDuffie‘s landing in the desert is a popular destination. DC Vance Joseph loves to run zone out of multiple looks, and McDuffie can be another versatile chess piece alongside Zaven Collins, Isaiah Simmons, Byron Murphy, and Budda Baker. McDuffie can play outside, in the slot, or even as a safety due to his tackling ability, instincts, and eruptive burst.
24) Cleveland Browns (mock trade from DAL): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Trade: The Browns send pick Nos. 44 and 99 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a second-round selection in 2023, in exchange for the Cowboys’ pick No. 24.
The Browns traded all of their first-round picks in the foreseeable future to bring in Deshaun Watson. Say what you will about the person, and there is a lot to say, but Watson the player can take Cleveland from the doghouse to the penthouse. However, he will need more weapons to do so. The Browns shoplifted Amari Cooper out of Jerry World, but he needs a running mate.
As a result, they trade back into the first round with what little capital they have to select Treylon Burks. Burks adds a dynamic, big-bodied YAC threat to a receiving corps lacking such a skill set.
25) Buffalo Bills: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Quarterbacks hate pressure up the middle. It forces them outside, limiting their reads to half of the field. What better way to bring pressure from the interior than to have Ed Oliver and Perrion Winfrey pushing the pocket? Winfrey tore up the Senior Bowl and tested well at the Combine. At 6’4″ with 35″ arms and a quick get-off, it’s safe to say he has the size and tools to penetrate.
26) Tennessee Titans: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Derrick Henry rushing behind a line with Taylor Lewan and Trevor Penning as the bookends? That will leave coaches calling for a new penalty: “roughing the defense.” Jokes aside, Penning fits what the Titans want to do offensively, and their current OL leaves a lot to be desired.
27) Minnesota Vikings (mock trade from TB): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Trade: The Vikings send pick Nos. 46 and 52 in the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for the Buccaneers’ pick No. 27.
Utilizing capital received in the Steelers trade earlier in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Vikings trade back into the first round to pick Kaiir Elam. After taking Cine with their first selection, Minnesota cements their defense with a potential CB1. He may start his career in the slot with Patrick Peterson returning and Cameron Dantzler improving. But when Peterson hangs up his cleats, Elam can fluidly transition into the CB1 mantle if he hones his physical play style.
28) Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean‘s medicals will play a big role in how high he goes in the 2022 NFL Draft. But based on the tape alone, he should be a first-round lock. He shoots out of a cannon from the second level, dismantling whatever the offense’s plans were. Dean reads and reacts faster than any player in the class and can complement De’Vondre Campbell well.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Unfortunately for Kansas City, none of the top receivers or corners are available with their back-to-back first-rounders. If that is the case come draft day, watch for the Chiefs to trade back. Nonetheless, in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Chiefs stand pat and take Daxton Hill.
With Tyrann Mathieu gone, KC needs a new playmaker in the secondary, and Hill is just that. In the slot or as a deep safety, he uses his blink-and-you-missed-it range.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Long gone are the days of Justin Houston and Tamba Hali terrorizing opposing offenses. Frank Clark is solid, but the depth at EDGE is staggering. So, the Chiefs play the long game and choose David Ojabo. He won’t be ready for his rookie campaign due to an Achilles tear, but Ojabo has EDGE1 potential when fully healthy.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Bengals saw their biggest weakness be their downfall in the Super Bowl and immediately acted on it. They signed La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras, leaving just one guard or center spot left for improvement. With Tyler Linderbaum still available, Cincinnati sprints their card up, moves Karras to guard, and prospers in 2022. Linderbaum quelled most concerns at his pro day and is a generational talent at the position.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
With Hutchinson staying in Michigan, the Lions begin to retool the offense. DJ Chark can attack downfield, Amon-Ra St. Brown can win from the slot, and Christian Watson can do it all — theoretically. Watson didn’t bully his completion as expected from a 6’4″ elite athlete playing in the FCS. Nevertheless, he owns incredible hip sink, acceleration, and long strides to threaten defenses all over the field.