Let’s project the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft in our final mock draft with an eye toward where the league is headed and how it feels about a rookie class stacked in the trenches but thin at the quarterback position.
2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
The Jacksonville Jaguars, drafting first for the second year in a row, are on the clock.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
After strongly considering Michigan pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the Jaguars draft Travon Walker. He is a dynamic edge rusher with arguably the best pound-for-pound measurables in the class.
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions are looking for a pure pass rusher and run stopper with toughness, aggressiveness, and power working in his favor. Aidan Hutchinson fits that bill.
3) Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
The Texans considered cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner at this spot but ultimately went with a mobile road-grader who’s a tone-setter for an offense that needs to get better at running the football. Additionally, Ikem Ekwonu provides positional flexibility.
4) New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s consensus All-American Ahmad Gardner gives the Jets a swagger and skill set on the perimeter they’ve lacked since the Darrelle Revis days.
5) New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux is explosive, polished, and should enter the league with a considerable chip on his shoulder after drawing some criticism during the evaluation process for intangibles.
6) Carolina Panthers: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Panthers haven’t had a really reliable left tackle since Jordan Gross retired. Evan Neal gives them the presence they need as a pass protector and a chance to get it right.
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Some executives and scouts regard Charles Cross as one of the most NFL-ready players regardless of position. Cross excelled in the ultra-competitive SEC.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Falcons need more playmakers. Garrett Wilson gives Atlanta a complementary threat to go with Kyle Pitts.
9) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With Willis off the board, Pete Carroll doesn’t settle for Kenny Pickett. Instead, he adds the type of long, athletic cornerback the Seahawks have wanted for years in Derek Stingley Jr.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London could give Zach Wilson a true big-play threat and make up for not trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
11) Washington Commanders: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Commanders land the largest prospects in the draft in Jordan Davis. At 6’6″ and 341 pounds, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 speed at the NFL Combine. League sources stated that a desire for a 0-technique has been going around the Commanders’ training facility for weeks.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State.
The Vikings add another weapon to go with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Chris Olave is simply too good to pass up, despite them having holes at other valuable positions.
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The Texans are building in the trenches, and Jermaine Johnson II gives Lovie Smith the kind of pass rusher that suits his traditional 4-3 defensive scheme and can work in tandem with Jon Greenard.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning has a nasty streak and blocking power reminiscent of Marshal Yanda and makes a lot of sense for the Ravens.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton is a classic centerfielder with rare size, range, and ball skills. The Eagles could go several ways in the 2022 NFL Draft, but if Hamilton is on the board at No. 15, they should sprint the card up.
16) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Saints find their quarterback of the future halfway through the first round of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Malik Willis won’t need to start right away with Jameis Winston in-house, but he could take over the reins in 2023.