The NFL Draft is fast approaching. The landscape of the league has been changing throughout the course of free agency and that’s affected teams potential selections and created some interesting storylines.
Despite the quarterback class of 2022 lacking the top tier talent of years past, the question of when the first quarterback will be taken remains a hot topic. For the first time since 2017, the 1st overall pick is unlikely to be a quarterback.
The thought process for this mock draft will likely align with some teams thoughts, and it could be way off the mark with others. As always, it’s all about perceived need, versus the best available player remaining on the board. With that being said, let’s get underway:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Explosive, insanely agile for a player of his size, and violent at the point of contact, Hutchinson has all of the physical tools to pair with his impressive football IQ. He might not have the same upside as the likes of Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett, but if that’s his biggest issue then Hutchinson is a safe pick for the Jaguars at 1st overall.
His length, considering his frame, is a potential weakness and lack could affect his ability to win early against linemen who get in his face. He could stand to add a few more pass rush moves, but Hutchinson is a quality starter from day one for the Jaguars. He and Josh Allen make a nice pairing.
- Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Thibodeaux has gradually fallen down some draft boards, but not this one. He needs some polishing but Thibodeaux is gifted with the length, explosiveness, and bend to succeed on the edge in the NFL.
At the moment, he’s fuelled by power and physical attributes over technique. But there’s every opportunity that he’ll grow into an all-around threat once he figures out his hand usage and ability to sequence moves.
The Lions desperately need to add some juice to their pass rush, and though Travon Walker could be an option here, Thibodeaux gets the nod thanks to that puss-rushing trifecta.
- Houston Texans: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, North Carolina State
The Texans’ needs could be listed as virtually every position on the field, so taking the best player available at a position of need seems like a no-brainer. Ekonwu’s positional versatility also makes him a strong choice here.
If the Texans like what Tytus Howard did at left tackle last season and plan to use him at right tackle, then Ekonwu could comfortably slide inside. Obviously, that raises questions about the value of taking a potential guard that high, but Ekonwu has enough to succeed outside.
He’s a dominant run-blocker with a frame comparable to a Panzer tank. Ekonwu is a bully. A glass-eater. Whatever cliche you want. He’s incredibly athletic with a 4.93 40-yard-dash and could cause some serious damage in the open field. He has to become more of a factor in pass-protection, but even as a project, Ekonwu can start immediately.
- New York Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
For a hot minute, it seemed highly likely that Evan Neal would be the 1st overall pick. Instead, he slides to 4th overall and lands with the Jets. Protecting Zach Wilson has been a priority in the offseason for the Jets and adding Neal is a giant step in the right direction.
Based on his frame alone, Neal might just be the Greek God of Offensive Linemen. He’s 6-foot-7 and 337 pounds and wins at the line with pure power. Even if the Jets feel comfortable with Mekhi Becton and George Fant, Neal can slot in ahead of Fant at right tackle while providing insurance on the left of the line for Becton if his injuries persist.
- New York Giants: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The first of the Giants’ two top-10 picks, Walker is very much an unfinished product with loads of potential. His quick rise up draft boards is largely due to his elite athleticism and his positional versatility, as well as what teams think Walker could be.
His pass-rush moves aren’t particularly effective right now, but Walker will still help the Giants’ defensive line now and in the future.
New York could pick an offensive lineman here, but missing out on Walker’s raw potential is tough to pass up on.
- Carolina Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Even in a relatively weak quarterback class, there’ll always be a quarterback picked in the top 10. The need is just that high. Malik Willis has plenty of risks attached to him; he gets sacked a lot, has accuracy concerns, and often straight-up refuses to target the middle of the field. Pair that with his wildly inconsistent base and you can understand the hesitation.
But no other quarterback in the draft has a higher ceiling. Willis is an elite athlete and his ability to keep plays alive with his legs would be comparable to Lamar Jackson, if not quite as good. As a passer, Willis needs a lot of work but has big arm talent and led all of college football in big-time throw rate, per PFF.
The Panthers need to make a splash at quarterback, and Willis is the best way to guarantee that.
- New York Giants (via Chicago): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State,
This pick could be Ahmad Gardner, but the Giants simply cannot pass up the opportunity to draft an offensive lineman. If the Giants are serious about giving Daniel Jones one more year to prove himself, then he needs all the help he can get.
Cross is probably the best pass-blocker in the draft. He’s able to consistently win with power, and length while improving the technical side of his game. His run-blocking needs to improve, but pairing Cross with Andrew Thomas is a major upgrade for the Giants, even if Cross has to slide to right tackle.
- Atlanta Falcons: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Falcons are trending in the wrong direction after losing Matt Ryan. However, this is a home run pick that helps ease the pain just a little. Gardner is a physically imposing corner who can be called upon to win press-man assignments on a snap-to-snap basis.
Even more impressive than his size and frame is the fact that he didn’t allow a single touchdown reception in his college career. The deep speed is nothing to write home about, but NFL wide receivers are going to have a tough time shaking off Gardner at the line. He swats away passes like Dikembe Mutombo blocked shots.
- Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
If Stingley’s tape over the last two years was anything like his freshman season with LSU, we could have well been talking about him as a potential top 3 pick. However, consistency over the last couple of seasons has dragged him down – and a lot of that is due to health, playing just 10 games over the last two campaigns.
Stingley has lightning-quick hips, elite speed and can win at the line of scrimmage with quick hands. He just needs to put it all together and get a consistent run of games under his belt. If he does that, Stingley could well turn out to be the best player in the draft.
- New York Jets (via Seattle): Drake London, WR, USC
The commitment to making life easier for Zach Wilson should continue at 10th overall for the Jets. It could be Garrett Wilson, who is probably the best all-around receiver in the class, but London probably fits the Jets offense a little better.
He’s a prototypical big-bodied receiver in that he dominates at the catch point, but he possesses impeccable ball skills and is legitimately shifty – and not just for his size.
The Jets could utilize him inside as a slot receiver while allowing Elijah Moore and Corey Davis to play outside, or he can assume the role of a natural X receiver. Too strong for smaller corners, too quick for bigger corners, London is the ultimate mismatch.
- Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
If all positions were viewed equal, Kyle Hamilton would be a guaranteed top-5 pick. But they’re not, so Hamilton’s status is a little up in the air. It didn’t help that Hamilton’s short-area speed was under scrutiny after running a 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine which was followed up by an even worse 4.7 effort at his Pro Day.
That’s concerning, but Hamilton’s tape highlights his incredible range at the position. He can cover sideline-sideline, and he’s versatile enough to line up in the box or the slot if required. Hamilton gives Washington a long-term building block on the backend. His proof of production should outweigh the concerns.
- Minnesota Vikings: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington State
McDuffie’s lack of size and short arms are a clear knock against him, but as a corner prospect, he’s as smooth as they come. His upper echelon agility and quick burst speed mean he can cover short areas of the field like it’s nobody’s business and his commitment to tackling – not something attributed to corners often – is a real bonus.
The draft class features a lot of press-man monsters, and while that isn’t McDuffie’s game, he’s one of the most versatile cornerbacks in his draft and is the best zone corner too. Let him play on the boundary, in the slot, or as a deep safety, McDuffie will get the Vikings results.
- Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
An easy choice here for the Texans. If they’re serious about giving Mills a real opportunity to shine, then he’ll need all the help he can get. Wilson is the complete package. Insanely shifty on his release and able to create separation with ease, he can play outside or in the slot and dominate after the catch.
With the Texans deciding to sign Cooks to a two year extension, it will ease Wilson’s transition into the NFL and form a dynamic duo in the state of Texas.
- Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DI, Georgia
Davis’ ability to two-gap in the run game is unparalleled and exactly what NFL defenses are looking for. There are serious question marks about his motor and his low snap-count with Georgia, and those are genuine concerns. But Davis is a physical monster who ran a 4.78 40-yard dash at 6-foot-6 and 341lbs.
His pass-rushing prowess is virtually non-existent, but there’s still so much value in what Davis can do well. If he’s to improve and find ways to get to the quarterback he can be an every-down player for years to come. But he’s likely a project in that regard. However, he’ll make an impact in the run game early on.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, FSU
Another late riser, Johnson shot up the board after impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Gifted with projectable tools, impressive bend, and a handful of NFL-ready pass-rush moves, Johnson makes plays. He can set the edge as a run stopper and had 14 sacks in 2021 – a clear sign that he can get to the quarterback at the NFL level.
The Eagles added Haason Reddick to the roster in free agency, but lack production elsewhere along the defensive line. Johnson might not be a game-changer, but he’ll be a starter in the NFL.
- New Orleans Saints (via Indianapolis): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Speed. Rare speed. That’s how Williams wins. Sure, he tore his ACL in the National Championship Game, but Williams is on the road to recovery and should take his rightful place as the best deep threat in the draft. His speed sticks out at all three levels and despite his size, he’s just as shifty when releasing at the line.
The ACL tear is an obvious concern, and Williams probably has to bulk up – although Devonta Smith proved that it isn’t a necessity – but the Saints need receivers and Williams is the best on the board. An obvious need and a good fit.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Penning is the definition of a “glass-eater”. He’s an ultra-physical run-blocker at 6-foot-7 and finishes his blocks just as well as anybody in the draft. He’s a work-in-progress in pass protection but has improved each year. The Chargers’ offensive line needs help on the right side, so Penning would likely switch to right tackle, but with the right coaching, he can continue to improve.
Whatever the scenario, Penning’s power, and frame translate well to the NFL. He’ll move defenders with ease no matter what. The hope is he can round out his game a little more.
- Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans): Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
Like McDuffie, Booth fits the mould of a smooth cornerback. He has explosive short-area speed and the footwork and length to reroute receivers on short and intermediate routes. His lack of deep speed is concerning, and it has led to him getting beaten over the top a few times, but he’s still a solid prospect.
Outside of Darius Slay, who will be 32 midway through the 2022 season, the Eagles cornerback depth chart is a sore read. Booth can start on the boundary from day one but has to improve as a tackler.
- New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia): Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Raimann was catching passes as a tight end just two years ago. Now, he’s slated to be a first-round pick as an offensive lineman, and he fully deserves that distinction. He’s not a tackle that wins with raw power and length – that latter could be cause for concern, but he’s an explosive athlete that can make plays in the open field.
The Saints might see this as a gamble, but their track record of developing offensive tackles over the last few years is worth noting. If any team can continue to help Raimann grow into an everyday NFL starter, it could be New Orleans. Don’t be shocked if the Saints take a quarterback here.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Saints’ decision to fortify the offensive line paves the way for Pittsburgh to draft their quarterback of the future. Kenny Pickett’s strong 2021 season saw him throw 42 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while completing 67 percent of his passes.
Pickett has an immense feel for the game, a terrific arm capable of making most NFL throws, and is mobile enough to keep defenses honest. Like all the quarterbacks in the class, he’ll need a bit of work. His platform can be inconsistent, which leads to him throwing off his back foot and he has a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long, but there’s every chance Pickett becomes a viable NFL starter.
- New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Lloyd plays fast – like he’s been shot out of a cannon – and does everything required of a linebacker. He can get to his spot with speed and power in the run game, rush the passer, and win in coverage. There are more physically gifted linebackers in the class, but no other ‘backer has the coveted mix of physicality, frame, and intangibles.
He’s the perfect replacement for Dont’a Hightower in the Patriots defense and is good enough to never come off the field, no matter the situation.
- Green Bay Packers: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
The Packers are all-in on Aaron Rodgers for the next few seasons. That’s the smart decision, but after losing a couple of key players during the offseason, the Packers need to retool with players who are ready to make an impact now. No guard is more pro-ready than Zion Johnson.
He only allowed six total pressures in 2021 and has no real holes in his game. His hand placement is consistent, his first step is good, but not great, and his frame makes him tough to move. He’s also versatile enough to kick out to left tackle if ever needed.
- Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Karlaftis falling this far is a steal for the Cardinals. He’s a relentless defender capable of winning outside, over the tackle, or in the B-gap. He’s strong, versatile, and has the agility to get under his assignments and move them with power.
He has below-average length as a rusher and that stunts his ability on occasion, but Karlaftis doesn’t quit. He was on the field for 667 defensive snaps in 12 games in 2021. A pure ironman. The Cardinals need help on the edge after losing Chandler Jones in free agency and Karlaftis is a great fit.
- Dallas Cowboys: Devonte Wyatt, DI, Georgia
The Cowboys got some good production from rookie Osa Odighizuwa as a pass rusher in 2021, but they’re still lacking talent on the defensive interior. Wyatt is able to beat his blocker with speed and finesse. His quick first step for a player of his size is frightening and he can win all over the defensive line.
With Wyatt, Demarcus Lawrence, and Micah Parsons consistently rushing the passer, the Cowboys will have one of the better defensive fronts in the NFL.
- Buffalo Bills: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave might not project as a true number one receiver in the NFL, but he doesn’t have to in Buffalo. He’s a smooth route-runner who can win downfield with his ability to separate on deep and intermediate routes. He doesn’t drop passes and has great speed and acceleration.
Josh Allen already has an elite receiver in Stefon Diggs and another good receiver in Gabriel Davis, but adding Olave gives him a consistent deep threat that can take advantage of one-on-one matchups. He’s exactly the type of receiver the Bills could use.
- Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Titans re-signed their starting center, Ben Jones, in free agency and he’s quietly been one of the most consistent centers in the NFL for the last few years. However, he’s almost 33 years old and it’s hard to pass up on a player who would work so well in Tennessee’s offense.
Linderbaum is one of the best centre prospects to come out of college in a while. He’s a super athlete at the centre position and had a 96.6 run-blocking grade last year, per PFF. The Titans can use him as a puller, they can watch him get into the open field and obliterate defenders, and they can watch him and Derrick Henry make football look like boys versus men. Of course, they’ll be the men.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers have done well to retool their offensive line after Ali Marpet retired prior to free agency and Alex Cappa signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. They traded for Shaq Mason to fill one hole, and now they’re drafting Kenyon Green to fill the other.
Green played just over half of his time at left guard in 2021 but spent the rest of his time all over the offensive line. He’s an explosive athlete who can do damage at the second level and has an immovable 6-foot-4, 325lb frame in pass protection. The Buccaneers have more reason to protect their quarterback than anyone else and Green would fit nicely along the offensive line.
- Green Bay Packers: George Pickens, WR Georgia
Drafting a receiver is the smart move for the Packers after taking Johnson at 22nd overall. They have the pick of a few names here, but Pickens really stands out. He won’t be able to replicate the success of Davante Adams, but he has all of the traits to become an X receiver in the NFL. Pickens bullies cornerbacks at the catch point, he’s physical in his routes, can beat the press, and can separate from his defender, despite not having elite speed.
The issue is health and maturity for Pickens. The latter might hopefully be solved by playing alongside NFL veterans. If he can stay healthy, Pickens has the chance to be a difference-maker in Green Bay.
- Kansas City Chiefs (via San Francisco): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Like the Packers, the Chiefs elected to trade away their star receiver, Tyreek Hill, instead of paying him a big-money deal. Even before that move, they were pretty thin at wide receiver, so there was always a chance they picked one in the early rounds. If Treylon Burks is still on the board, the Chiefs should jump at the chance to draft him.
Burks has the speed to separate, the physicality to win at the catch point, and the ball skills to do damage after the catch. He’s still a pretty unrefined route-runner and spent most of his time in the slot, but Burks has the frame to play as an X receiver. Whether he does or not, he’ll still make plays.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Like Burks, Elam will be an instant starter in Kansas City after Charvarius Ward signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Elam doesn’t have the same agility as Ward, but he’s just as physical. He can play aggressively at the line and has a track record of playing well against top SEC competition. A good sign that his play can translate to the next level.
Elam does have an issue with penalties, something he’ll need to clear up. But for the most part, his physical style of play is a real advantage.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Bengals made all of the right moves to improve their offensive line this offseason, but they could use some help on the opposite side of the line – especially in the pass-rushing department. Mafe fills that need. An explosive athlete, combined with raw power and length, Mafe racked up 7 sacks with Minnesota last season and once he becomes more refined, he’ll be a force.
For now, he might be best used as a situational pass rusher, but Mafe has all of the tools to improve.
- Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
This seems like the perfect time for the Lions to pick a quarterback, but there’s every chance they’ll be in the conversation for a top 5 pick next year. Still, the Lions wait a year to dip into the quarterback market and, instead, draft Nakobe Dean with the final pick of the first round.
Dean plays with serious intensity but backs it up with hyper awareness. He flies around the football field but knows exactly where he is meant to be and how he’ll get there. His lack of size and length is a serious concern, and he might struggle against bigger players in coverage, but Dean’s range is among the best in the class. He’ll immediately help improve the Lions defense.
-Thomas Valentine
Twitter: @ThomasValenfine