2022 NFL Mock Draft - Post Pro Day

Here is my Post Pro Day 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

This is not a mock draft where I substitute my judgment for that of the teams. I try to research the opinions of those who most closely follow NFL teams like scouts, insiders, and beat writers from all of the NFL cities. I then try to make the most educated prediction as to which way each team will go in the draft based upon that information.

I start out by targeting each team's most obvious need, and then try to home in on the most logical pick based upon value and need as roster cuts and free agency transpires.

My mock draft has been linked by Walter Football, The Huddle Report, and EDS Football, in their Mock Draft Databases, so click their links to check out all of their draft related content!

1st Round

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aiden Hutchinson, DE, Michigan:

After franchise tagging LT Cam Robinson for the second consecutive year, the Jaguars seem committed to reaching a long-term deal with him. That would free up their options to select the best overall player at the No. 1 pick. Aiden Hutchinson's motor across from Josh Allen's pure talent and skill on the edges would set Jacksonville's defense up for years to come. 

2. Detroit Lions - Travon Walker, DL, Georgia:

Whether it's Aiden Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux or Travon Walker, the Lions need an elite pass rusher to take some pressure off of their back seven. Travon Walker of Georgia would offer Detroit a little position flexibility as they transition to more of a 4-man front this season, while Thibodeaux is probably a better fit for a 3-4 scheme.

3. Houston Texans - Evan Neal, T, Alabama:

After trading Deshaun Watson, the Texans finally have some draft picks to begin their rebuild. Starting in the trenches, a right tackle like Evan Neal of Alabama would be a nice bookend to play opposite of Laremy Tunsil. 

4. New York Jets - Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon:

The jets haven't hit on an elite edge rusher in over a decade. While Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon may be a bit of a self-promoter who may have some motor issues, he's also an elite pass rusher. 

5. New York Giants - Ikem Ekwonu - T, NC St.:

The Giants are perpetually looking to solidify their offensive line. A bookend tackle like Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina St. would finally transform an area of weakness into a strength. 

 

6. Carolina Panthers - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty:

While offensive line is also a priority, I don't think Malik Willis of Liberty gets past Carolina unless they trade back for more picks, which is still a distinct possibility given that a potential trade for Baker Mayfield is still in play. 

7. New York Giants (via the Chicago Bears) - Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati:

The Giants seem to be interested in Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner to be the lockdown cover corner their defense needs. The question is whether he will still be available at pick No. 7. 

8. Atlanta Falcons - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.:

The Falcons are in rebuild mode after trading Matt Ryan, with no position being off the table aside from tight end. With the Calvin Ridley suspension leaving Atlanta nearly bare at wide receiver, Garrett Wilson would give them a true number one target. 

9. Seattle Seahawks (via the Denver Broncos) - Charles Cross, T, Mississippi St.:

The Seahawks have picks to play with if they feel confident in trading up in the draft or for a veteran quarterback. Offensive tackle is also a huge need, so if a potential target at QB like Malik Willis is off the board, a natural pass protector like Charles Cross of Mississippi State could be the pick. 

10. New York Jets (via the Seattle Seahawks) - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama:

The Jets need to give Zach Taylor weapons and have been heavily involved in trade talks for some of the league's elite receivers. If they can't make a play for someone like Deebo Samuel or A.J. Brown, an elite wideout like Jameson Williams of Alabama would make sense for a team like New York, who can afford to wait on him to recover from a torn ACL. 

11. Washington Commanders - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame:

The Commanders are looking to upgrade their secondary. Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame is a long and athletic safety who can excel in both the backend of a secondary, or in the box negating athletic tight ends. 

12. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Stingley, Jr., CB, LSU:

The Vikings need to address their secondary. Despite coming off of a couple of injury plagued seasons at LSU, Derek Stingley, Jr. is still an elite player who has the size and athleticism to matchup with elite NFL wide receivers. 

13. Houston Texans (via the Cleveland Browns) - Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State:

The Texans need to find as many playmakers as they can in the draft. Edge rusher is a premium position where Houston has an immediate hole. Jermaine Johnson II of Florida State broke out this season as a fulltime player after transferring from Georgia. 

14. Baltimore Ravens - Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia:

The Ravens need to replenish their defensive line. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis of Georgia is an athletic freak who has the size that Baltimore's front office loves.  

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via the Miami Dolphins) - Drake London, WR, USC:

The Eagles are still looking to upgrade their receivers, so why not add a big target like Drake London of USC to pair alongside Davonte Smith? London has Calvin Johnson like size and balls kills, but he could drop slightly due to concerns about his speed after not running a 40-yard dash coming off of an injury. 

16. New Orleans Saints (via the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles) - Bernhard Raimann, T, Central Michigan:

Do the Saints draft a quarterback? If New Orleans is content with Jameis Winston as their starter long term (with Taysom Hill getting some snaps as well), they will need to give him some protection and another target at receiver. Bernhard Raimann of Central Michigan has the size and athleticism to be a natural left tackle in the NFL for years to come. 

17. Los Angelas Chargers - Trevor Penning, T, N. Iowa:

Trevor Penning is a bad man. When you know you'd hate a guy as an opponent, you'd probably rather have him on your team instead. With his nasty streak, Penning would be the perfect right tackle opposite a top finesse pass protector like Rashawn Slater. 

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via the New Orleans Saints) - Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah:

For the love of God, the Eagles need to draft a linebacker! Despite questions about his speed, Devin Lloyd just popped on film making play after play for Utah. 

19. New Orleans Saints (via the Philadelphia Eagles) - Chris Olave, WR Ohio St.:

The Saints need to hit the restart button at quarterback or give Jameis Winston the pieces he needs at receiver to succeed. Chris Olave of Ohio State is an elite route runner who could immediately compliment a (hopefully) healthy Michael Thomas. 

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt:

The Steelers could go many different directions in this draft, whether it's starting fresh at quarterback, finding another receiver, a defensive lineman, or adding to their offensive line. A quarterback like Kenny Pickett of Pitt falling to them at pick No. 20 would give them plenty to think about. 

21. New England Patriots - Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington:

The Patriots need to replace J.C. Jackson at cornerback. Trent McDuffie of Washington is possibly the most complete corner in this year's draft and is capable of playing both in man coverage and zone. 

22. Green Bay Packers (via the Las Vegas Raiders) - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas:

Now that Davante Adams has been traded, the Packers almost have no choice but to draft wide receiver in the 1st Round. Treylon Burks is a big bodied "X" receiver who can be Aaron Rodgers' new go-to guy. 

23. Arizona Cardinals - Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota:

With Chandler Jones leaving in free agency, the Cardinals need to address their edge pass rush. Boye Mafe of Minnesota has started to gain some momentum after strong showings at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine. 

24. Dallas Cowboys - Zion Johnson, G, Boston College:

The Cowboys have all kinds of holes on their offensive line. Building from the inside out with an elite guard like Zion Johnson of Boston College should help revive their running game and stabilize what has become and aging and injury prone offensive line, especially given his ability to play multiple positions.

 

25. Buffalo Bills - Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson:

The Bills need a corner to play opposite Tre'Davious White to keep up with the AFC's high-powered offenses. Andrew Booth of Clemson is well rounded corner who can play in man coverage and zone, who also isn't afraid to help out in run support.  

26. Tennessee Titans - Kenyon Green, T/G, Texas A&M:

The Titans have had several swings and misses on offensive linemen in the draft after letting Jack Conklin leave in free agency. Kenyon Green of Texas A&M can play right tackle, but projects as a day one starter at guard in the NFL. 

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia:

One of the few positions where the Buccaneers may have a need is at defensive line, depending on what their own pending free agents decide to do. While Devonte Wyatt of Georgia has some character issues that could cause him to fall in the draft, he would be an excellent long-term option next to Vita Vea if Tampa Bay is comfortable with him.

28. Green Bay Packers - Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn St.:

The Packers will be looking to upgrade their pass rush after losing Za"Darius Smith in free agency. Arnold Ebiketie of Penn St. is gaining some steam heading into the draft based upon his ability to get to opposing passers. 

 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via the San Francisco 49'ers and Miami Dolphins) - Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State:

The Chiefs probably aren't desperate to replace Tyreek Hill, but a speed option to add to their receiving corps would really help keep their offense explosive. Jahan Dotson is undersized, but he is a route running machine with dominate hands and ball skills. 

30. Kansas City Chiefs - George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue:

The Chiefs could use a defensive end to play opposite Frank Clark. George Karlaftis of Purdue sets the edge against the edge well with his strength, and also has the athleticism to add value as a pass rusher. 

31. Cincinnati Bengals - Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa:

The Bengals are just a few playmakers away from turning last year's Super Bowl loss into a win. While they addressed their offensive line in free agency, upgrading their center position with the best one in this year's draft class in Tyler Linderbaum of Iowa is too good to pass up. 

32. Detroit Lions (via the Los Angeles Rams) - Christian Watson, WR, N.D. St.:

With picks at the end of the first round and near the top of the second, the Lions are in a sweet spot to grab a safety and wide receiver. While Jalen Pitre could be an option at safety, the wide receiver market has made getting a potentially elite receiver under team control at a reasonable cost almost as important as a quarterback, making Christian Watson of North Dakota St. the pick.