With the NFL Mix within the rearview mirror and NFL free company practically in full swing, the 2022 NFL Draft is starting to take its last kind. Mock drafts grow to be extra predictive the nearer to the precise occasion they get. As such, whereas my draft analyst bias seeps by means of right here and there, this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is met to be what I imagine will occur as soon as Roger Goodell graces the stage in Las Vegas this April.
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2022 3-Spherical NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
Potential free agent signings, scheme match, and draft traits had been used to foretell this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Whereas Mix numbers shouldn’t weigh greater than a prospect’s tape, NFL groups have measurement and testing thresholds. So, if a participant doesn’t meet them, they might fall fully off their boards. And if a participant surpasses them, the franchise might attain for them. However, let’s see how the draft may shake out in April.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Jaguars are all however out on the highest offensive deal with sweepstakes after franchise tagging Cam Robinson for the second 12 months in a row on Tuesday, March 8. With Jawaan Taylor underneath contract on the reverse deal with spot, the one decide at No. 1 total is among the prime edge rushers. Aidan Hutchinson shook off any questions on his athleticism with a 4.74 40-yard sprint and 6.73 three-cone drill at 6’7″ and 260 kilos.
2) Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Lions aren’t adequate to hedge on the quarterback place. They both take one at No. 2 or in no way. My wager is on Malik Willis, who, by all reviews, blew scouts away on the NFL Mix. He owns arguably the strongest arm and the very best set of legs within the class. His instruments are first-round worthy, however Willis is way from a sophisticated prospect as a real quarterback.
3) Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
With Kayvon Thibodeaux and the highest offensive tackles nonetheless on the board, the Texans have a option to make. Defend Davis Mills or whoever else is underneath heart, or choose a blue-chip expertise on the defensive position. Thibodeaux is lethal from a large alignment and might begin from Day 1. His first step and talent to nook are otherworldly for a person of his measurement (6’4″ and 254 kilos).
4) New York Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Zach Wilson flashed at instances in 2021, however he regarded like a rookie. And that’s okay. But when the Jets need their face of the franchise to proceed growing, they should shield him.
LT Mekhi Becton’s future is a bit up within the air, RT Morgan Moses is a free agent, and George Fant is best as a guard. Good factor Alabama’s Evan Neal can begin at both deal with place out of the gates. Neal wants to wash up his method, however you may’t coach his measurement and bodily instruments.
5) New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Ikem Ekwonu started the 12 months as a fringe first-round guard prospect. Now, you may routinely discover him on the prime of mock drafts. He has all the time had the expertise, however he confirmed huge enchancment in 2021 that solidified his inventory.
The Giants want offensive line assist … unhealthy. Andrew Thomas has the LT spot locked down, however each different place is up for grabs. Let the “Pancake King” take over at RT, and New York immediately possesses top-of-the-line deal with tandems within the league.
6) Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and P.J. Walker proved they aren’t the long run. Beginning them or another veteran journeyman solely wastes a 12 months and sure will get head coach Matt Rhule the ax.
Enter Matt Corral. He’s an athlete from the QB place with a constant throwing movement and base. The instruments to be a franchise passer are there for the Panthers to unlock.
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The G-Males assault each trenches within the prime 10, deciding on edge rusher Travon Walker at No. 7 on this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Like most of the EDGE prospects on this class, Walker is an athletic marvel. He shouldn’t be in a position to transfer the best way he does at 6’5″ and 272 kilos. He’s a long-limbed bull rusher that pairs effectively with Azeez Ojulari on the opposite facet.
8) Atlanta Falcons: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Usually, uber-athletic edge rushers are uncommon. However within the 2022 NFL Draft, they’re seemingly a dime a dozen. The Falcons might attain for a receiver with the Calvin Ridley state of affairs entrance and heart. Nonetheless, watching David Ojabo wreak havoc alongside the defensive position is just too good to move up. He has top-10 bodily attributes however lacks an elite pass-rush plan. Nonetheless, Ojabo’s body and athleticism seemingly received’t make it out of the highest 10 come April.
9) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Seahawks truly did it. They shipped a 33-year-old future Corridor of Fame quarterback out of city. How a staff can let their state of affairs get to that time is unfathomable. However hey, the Broncos don’t thoughts. With Russell Wilson now taking his Mr. Limitless persona to Denver, Seattle is in a full-on rebuild. They’ll seemingly be selecting within the prime three subsequent 12 months, particularly in the event that they trot Drew Lock out as their 17-game starter.
So, their major goal on this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is so as to add as a lot expertise to the roster as doable. After the Mix, Ahmad Gardner‘s “first cornerback off the board” standing is written in Sharpie. Gardner was constructed for Seattle’s Cowl 3 protection, together with his lengthy arms and press-man skill. Oh, and he didn’t surrender a single landing in three years as a starter at Cincinnati.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton is considerably of a controversial participant within the NFL Draft. Some imagine the positional worth of the protection place will drop him out of the highest 10. Others anticipate him to go within the prime 5 attributable to his total ability set.
Nicely, I’m firmly fence-sitting by putting him at No. 10 to the Jets. But, that is seemingly his ground due to his insane vary and 6’4″ body. Robert Saleh wouldn’t thoughts passing on fringe top-10 CBs and EDGEs when he can doubtlessly seize the very best participant within the class.
11) Washington Commanders: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Despite the fact that Washington traded for Carson Wentz, he’s unlikely to grow to be the franchise’s long-term future. The Commanders will presumably play themselves out of the QB race subsequent 12 months with him underneath heart. Thus, they flip their consideration to Sam Howell. Scott Turner’s RPO/spread-heavy offense will give Howell favorable appears to be like whereas he learns to learn defenses and undergo his progressions rapidly.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
With how Jermaine Johnson II carried out on the Senior Bowl and the Mix, it wouldn’t shock me if he went within the prime 10. Regardless, he falls to the Vikings on this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, gifting Minnesota with a stellar edge defender to pair with Danielle Hunter. Johnson can set the sting in run protection, use leverage to beat blocks, and owns simply projectable instruments to the NFL.
13) Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Browns can go in a couple of instructions. They want edge assist with Jadeveon Clowney seemingly strolling, and the defensive deal with spot is missing. Both approach, huge receiver is by far their largest want, and so they have their decide of the litter.
Garrett Wilson immediately slots in as a beginning slot or Z possibility with the potential to take over as an X. Jarvis Landry could also be on his approach out, so nabbing a dependable WR for Baker Mayfield to throw to is important.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Energy, road-grading skill, and a Noticed movie-level of nastiness are what the Ravens covet on the offensive line. Trevor Penning has every in spades, with elite Mix testing numbers as well. He has an extended approach to go so far as method and pass-blocking skill, however Penning can begin at RT from Day 1.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Let the Eagles’ defensive revolution start. Spoiler alert: I’ve Philly going protection with all three of their top-20 picks. First up is Derek Stingley Jr. The LSU CB is a lockdown nook who has been slowed down by harm and inconsistent play. Nonetheless, the CB1 potential is there, and if he can stay on the sphere, Stingley can legitimately shut down one facet of the sphere.
16) Philadelphia Eagles (from IND): Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
After what Jordan Davis did on the Mix, he must be the primary DT off the board. Proper? Not on this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Devonte Wyatt possesses the very best first step and all-around ability set within the class. Not like Davis, Wyatt can slot in any scheme and line up anyplace between the tackles.
