The NFL Draft is arriving quickly. The NFL Scouting Combine and most of the pre-draft rituals have passed. That means we’re in the home stretch and it’s time to get serious about mock drafts. This year’s draft could be one of the most difficult to forecast in recent years. Nonetheless, we gave it a shot and revised it several times, so feel free to peruse our official 2022 NFL mock draft.
2022 NFL Mock Draft Predictions For The Entire 1st Round
1. Jaguars – Aidan Hutchison, Edge Rusher, Michigan
The Jaguars must decide whether they want an offensive lineman to help protect Trevor Lawrence or if they want an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. An outstanding pass rusher is nearly a requirement in today’s game. In addition, the Jaguars have early-round talent at offensive tackle. Hutchinson is too good to pass up after racking up 14 sacks and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting last season, especially if Jacksonville can get him to play opposite Josh Allen. This is not an easy decision, but Hutchison is a safe bet, even if he lacks the upside of some other players, making him Jacksonville’s best option.
1. Jaguars – Aidan Hutchison, Edge Rusher, Michigan
2. Lions – Travon Walker, Defensive End, Georgia
Walker is a prime example of a player whose stock soared following the NFL Combine. He’s developed into a legitimate top-5 pick. Walker brings tremendous athletic gifts as well as positional diversity to the table. It also doesn’t hurt that he was a key member of Georgia’s historically strong defense last season. Following the Combine, the Lions look to have sipped the Kool-Aid on Walker. Detroit has a lot of needs going into this draft. But the underlying fact is that Detroit’s defense must improve its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. That will assist to mask some of the Lions’ other flaws on that side of the ball, which is why Walker will be selected second overall.
2. Lions – Travon Walker, Defensive End, Georgia
3. Texans – Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
It’s difficult to go wrong with an Alabama offensive lineman. That is especially true for Neal, who stands 6’7″ and weighs 350 pounds. Given his height and pedigree, he’s perhaps the safest choice among the few linemen considered to be first-rock locks. Clearly, the Texans have a lot of holes to fill in this draft. Houston should choose a defensive player third overall with Lovie Smith as the next head coach. However, with Neal, the Texans have the elements in place to field a solid offensive line, even if they lack a proven quarterback in Davis Mills.
3. Texans – Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
4. Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon
Thibodeaux may be less certain than Hutchison, which is why he falls to fourth place while Hutchison takes first place overall. But the former Oregon pass-rusher has a lot of potentials. That’s why the Jets can’t afford to pass on him if he’s available with the fourth overall pick. Most people anticipate the Jets drafting an offensive player to assist their young quarterback. New York, on the other hand, has four of the first 28 picks and nine picks in the first five rounds. This allows them to find offensive help and apprehend Thibodeaux.
4. Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon
5. Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State
The Giants have tried and failed for years to put together a solid offensive line. Whether Daniel Jones or someone else is the long-term quarterback, the G-Men must improve at the line of scrimmage. Even after spending a first-round choice in 2020 on Andrew Thomas, the Giants’ offensive line is far from complete. Ekwonu will provide them with variety. In college, he played tackle and guard and was a powerful force for NC State in 2021. Wherever the Giants have a need on the offensive line, they can quickly fill it with Ekwonu.
5. Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State
6. Panthers – Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
Carolina will put an end to a subpar quarterback class. The Panthers have not made a quarterback move this offseason and do not look to be sold on Sam Darnold in the long run. This will cause them to select Willis sixth overall, possibly earlier than we expected a quarterback to be selected. He began his college career at Auburn, so despite winding up at Liberty, where he finished 17-6 as a starter, he possesses elite potential. Willis is the type of dual-threat quarterback who is beginning to dominate the NFL. Outside of Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, he could be the league’s best running quarterback from the start. Furthermore, if Willis isn’t ready to start as a rookie, the Panthers still have Darnold for another year.
6. Panthers – Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
7. Giants (from Bears) – Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State
Johnson is another guy who has risen through the draft ranks since the Combine. He had a hard road to this point, having played in junior college and then for two seasons as a bench player at Georgia. But he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season and proved it at the Combine. With their first top-10 pick, the Giants selected an offensive tackle. With this decision, they will be able to concentrate on the defensive side of the ball. There are several choices, but the requirement for an outside rusher will direct them to Johnson.
7. Giants (from Bears) – Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State
8. Falcons – Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pitt
After moving Matt Ryan, it’s time for the Falcons to start over. Bringing in Marcus Mariota allows them to be more choosy in their quarterback selection. But the former Pitt quarterback has a lot going for him. Pickett started 49 games in college, so he’s more than ready to take over as a starter as a rookie. He gradually improved during his college career, eventually emerging into a Heisman finalist this past season, making him deserving of the eighth overall pick.
8. Falcons – Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pitt
9. Seahawks (from Broncos) – Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
After trading Russell Wilson, the Seahawks will have to do some major rebuilding. However, repairing a poor offensive line that has plagued them for several years should be a top focus. With two quarterbacks already selected, Seattle has little choice except to select an offensive lineman at No. 9. Cross appears to be the type of player who can be a long-term starter at left tackle in this league. He is the third offensive tackle chosen in the draft. However, he has just as much promise as the two players were chosen ahead of him at that position.
9. Seahawks (from Broncos) – Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
10. Jets (from Seahawks) – Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Remember how we claimed the Jets have lots of picks to find offensive help for Zach Wilson? This is where it all starts. Fortunately for them, they still have the option of selecting any wide receiver they want at No. 10, which leads them directly to Wilson. You can’t expect too much from rookie wide receivers. Wilson, on the other hand, should be polished enough to make an immediate impression. Even if he has a year to develop and strengthen, the Jets must provide their young quarterback with a high-end playmaker.
10. Jets (from Seahawks) – Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
11. Commanders – Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
With Hamilton available at No. 11, the Commanders could get a steal. Hamilton, a 6’4″ athletic safety, will cover a lot of territory in the secondary. He has the potential to become one of the top players in the NFL at his position. We know that Washington has some tremendous defensive line talent. The Commanders can now supplement it with a back-end impact player, preferably one who should have been selected far higher.
11. Commanders – Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
12. Vikings – Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
Gardner was the AAC’s best defensive player in 2021 and was named first-team all-conference in all three of his seasons with the Bearcats. Gardner, who is 6’3″, provides tremendous size and physicality to the cornerback position, giving him a lot of upside and the type of corner who can be significant to an NFL defense for a long time. Cornerback isn’t a significant necessity for the Vikings with Patrick Peterson in the mix. However, when completely recovered, the remainder of their defense is in good shape. If Gardner can be added as a second top-tier cornerback, Minnesota’s defense might be something remarkable next season.
12. Vikings – Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
13. Texans (From Browns) – Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
Davis resembles a unicorn in many ways. A player his size (6’6″ and 340 pounds) should not be able to move as well as he can. As a result, Davis is one of the top interior linemen available in the draft and a player who will have an effect in the NFL. Lovie Smith finally gets a great defensive player after picking an offensive lineman earlier in the draft. Nobody is claiming that Davis will make Houston fans forget about J.J. Watt, but he will undoubtedly help fill that vacuum and make a difference at the line of scrimmage for the Texans.
13. Texans (from Browns) – Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
14. Ravens – Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU
The Ravens are fortunate in this draft because Stingley is good enough to go much higher than 14. He comes from an LSU program noted for producing outstanding cornerbacks. That should make him a safe bet for a successful career and immediate contribution. While Baltimore already has Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, having depth at cornerback doesn’t hurt. Furthermore, Peters is a free agent at the end of the 2022 season, giving Stingley a year to learn the ropes before being expected to play a significant part on the Baltimore defense.
14. Ravens – Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU
15. Eagles (From Dolphins) – Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Last year, the Eagles had success with another former Alabama wide receiver. However, they still require more playmakers to complement Jalen Hurts. Philly appears to be dedicated to giving Hurts a chance to be their long-term starter, so he needs as much aid as possible around him. There’s a good probability Williams will be available at No. 15, making him the obvious choice. He sat behind some outstanding receivers for two years at Ohio State before taking off after transferring to Alabama, piling up over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s a big play waiting to happen and would complement Hurts perfectly.
15. Eagles (from Dolphins) – Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama
16. Saints (from Colts via Eagles) – Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC
While the Saints don’t have a long-term quarterback option, they might go with Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton in 2022. The trick is to assemble a solid supporting cast. Michael Thomas’ return from injury will help, but the Saints lack a true No. 2 receiver, which is why London is the best option here. London is a huge target at 6’5″ and a good compliment to Thomas. He’s similar to another tight end in that he can play outside the numbers or in the slot. He’s made some spectacular plays for USC in recent years and could be ready for immediate success in the NFL.
16. Saints (from Colts Via Eagles) – Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC
17. Chargers – Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa
Some could argue that taking an FCS offensive lineman this early in the first round is a stretch. But the Chargers are in serious need of offensive line help. It’s a top priority for them, so they have to draft the best available player at that position, despite taking an offensive tackle in the first round last year. Also, don’t be fooled by the fact that Penning attended an FCS school. He is big and strong enough to play in the NFL. Furthermore, his impressive performance at the Combine warrants his early selection.
17. Chargers – Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa
18. Eagles (From Saints) – George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue
After selecting a wide receiver earlier in the draft, the Eagles will need to select a defensive player with their second first-round pick. While they could attack all three levels of defense with this pick, a pass-rusher is likely to be the best use of their money. Naturally, they will be pleased that Karlaftis has fallen to them at number 18. Karlaftis is a tremendous athlete who formerly competed in water polo and won state championships in shot put in high school. The Eagles will undoubtedly find a way to employ such a player.
18. Eagles (from Saints) – George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue
19. Saints (From Eagles) – Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington
New Orleans, like the Eagles, used its first-round pick on a wide receiver. It’s now time to counteract it with a defensive selection. After all, with quarterback uncertainty, the Saints will need a strong defense to compete in 2022. They aren’t getting the biggest or most physical cornerback in McDuffie. The Pac-12’s abbreviated season in 2020 also curtailed some of his college experience. But the Saints don’t need McDuffie to be a star right away; they just need depth at that position, so he’s a good pick at 19.
19. Saints (from Eagles) – Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington
20. Steelers – Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss
The Steelers haven’t had a quarterback controversy in nearly 20 years, so this is a significant selection for the team. They cannot reasonably believe that signing Mitch Trubisky is the solution, so they must draft someone. The Steelers have the option of trading up if they find someone they like, but picking Corral 20th overall isn’t the worst-case scenario. He has the mobility that organizations look for in a quarterback these days, and he had two strong seasons at Ole Miss. He should be refined enough to immediately challenge Trubisky for the starting job and maybe become Pittsburgh’s quarterback of the future.
20. Steelers – Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss
21. Patriots – Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida
Elam’s father and uncle also played in the NFL, so the genes are present. Of course, his uncle Matt was a flop after leaving Florida last decade. Kaiir also didn’t have a particularly memorable tenure with the Gators. But he’s 6’2″ and has all of the physical tools to be a good NFL cornerback. More crucially, New England requires a cornerback but is selecting too late to secure one of the best available. The Patriots have officially lost JC Jackson in free agency, leaving a significant gap in their secondary. That leaves them with little alternative than to go after Elam.
21. Patriots – Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida
22. Packers (From Raiders) – Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Olave established the program record for touchdown passes during his four years at Ohio State. With all of the outstanding wide receivers the Buckeyes have had, this is no small feat. Olave is also better poised to make an impact than most rookie wide receivers due to his extensive experience. That makes him the ideal candidate for the Packers to select with the pick obtained in exchange for Davante Adams. It remains to be seen whether he can immediately establish the same level of connection with Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay, on the other hand, needs to take a chance on a playmaker who can catch passes from Rodgers right immediately.
22. Packers (from Raiders) – Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
23. Cardinals – Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa
Picking an offensive lineman from Iowa, especially one who earned the Rimington Trophy last season, maybe the safest decision in any draft. Linderbaum may be the finest overall offensive lineman in the draft, but not every team needs a center, so he falls a little. Despite the fact that the Cardinals have Rodney Hudson, he will be 33 at the start of the following season. He has also been a Pro Bowl-caliber center for a few years. Linderbaum has too much value for Arizona to pass up at this point.
23. Cardinals – Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa
24. Cowboys – Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, Texas A&M
When fully healthy, the Cowboys’ offensive line has become one of the finest in football. But it’s time to start looking for reinforcements, especially after losing free agents La’el Collins and Connor Williams. As a result, they will finish 24th overall. Green was an immediate starter as a true freshman at Texas A&M, initially playing guard before transitioning to tackle later in his career. Green is extremely valuable because of his adaptability. Of course, as a rookie, he should be able to challenge for the starting job at right tackle.
24. Cowboys – Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, Texas A&M
25. Bills – Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson
The Bills are on the verge of becoming a Super Bowl contender. While they allowed the fewest points in the league in 2021, there was some need for improvement at cornerback when Tre’Davious White was injured, which will lead Buffalo to add cornerback depth in the draft. Even after signing Siran Neal in free agency, the Bills will want to address this position. In previous years, taking any defensive player from Clemson has been a safe bet. Booth has the credentials and plenty of experience as a major role on an exceptional Clemson defense over the last two seasons, so he may be a safe pick for the Bills, who simply need someone who can contribute to their secondary.
25. Bills – Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson
26. Titans – Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah
Lloyd was a relatively obscure player a few years ago. But he matured rapidly and has played an important role on some strong Utah defenses in recent seasons. Lloyd finished his career as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American. The Titans can’t afford to pass on Lloyd if he’s available at 26th overall. Tennessee isn’t exactly stacked at linebacker, making the choice to choose Lloyd even easier.
26. Titans – Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah
27. Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
Wyatt is another component of Georgia’s great defense, which guided the Bulldogs to a national championship last season. In 2021, he was also a first-team All-SEC performance and a second-team All-American, and his stock has continued to grow since the Combine. While the Buccaneers aren’t in desperate need of linebackers, they haven’t done much in that department this offseason. They’re practically playing with house money now that Tom Brady is back. That should give them enough time to take a gamble on Wyatt late in the first round.
27. Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
28. Packers – Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas
We know the Packers selected a wide receiver earlier in the first round, but that doesn’t mean they’re finished with the position. They must continue to look for weapons to help them get the most out of Aaron Rodgers. They also want to assist in keeping the veteran quarterback pleased following the trade of Davante Adams. Burks stands 6’3″ and weighs 225 pounds, so he provides both size and quickness. Remember that he was a First-Team All-SEC selection at Arkansas last season, with over 1,100 receiving yards. That means he has a good chance of making an impact as a rookie, which is precisely what Green Bay needs.
28. Packers – Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas
29. Chiefs (From 49ers Via Dolphins) – Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State
After dealing Tyreek Hill, there’s no doubt the Chiefs will use the additional pick to draft a wide receiver. The catch is that they’ll be drafting so late in the first round that many of the top receivers will be gone by choice number 19. Nonetheless, they’ll be pleased to have found Dotson this late in the round. Dotson lacks the classic size of a big-time wide receiver, but he has speed and frequently plays in the slot. Needless to say, that sounds eerily similar to Hill. After his numbers at Penn State last season, the Chiefs should take a risk on him and hope that playing alongside Patrick Mahomes will help him make an instant impact.
29. Chiefs (from 49ers Via Dolphins) – Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State
30. Chiefs – David Ojabo, Linebacker, Michigan
Ojabo was overshadowed by Adrian Hutchison at Michigan, but he was a vital part of the Wolverines’ defense that carried them to the College Football Playoff. In 2021, he had 11 sacks and five forced fumbles, giving him a lot of potential at the next level. To put it another way, he’s too fantastic to pass up at this point in the first round. In Kansas City’s scheme, Ojabo may have to play more defensive end than a linebacker, but he can still fill out his physique and play in the trenches without sacrificing his edge-rushing skills.
30. Chiefs – David Ojabo, Linebacker, Michigan
31. Bengals – Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn
McCreary isn’t one of the better corners in this draft, but he’s a safe bet this late in the first round. He was a two-year starter at Auburn, where he frequently outperformed some of the best wide receivers in the country. This should also prepare him to play in the NFL as a rookie. He is also an excellent fit for the Bengals. The Cincinnati defense could need help in all areas, but the Bengals are particularly in need of secondary depth. The Bengals will need some help in that area if they are to return to the Super Bowl.
31. Bengals – Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn
32. Lions (from Rams) – Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia
Unfortunately for the Lions, the first-round pick they received in exchange for Matthew Stafford is the last pick in the first round. It didn’t work out as well as they had anticipated, but it does provide them with another opportunity to add a possible impact player, this time from Georgia. Dean is coming off an incredible 2021 season in which he helped Georgia win the national championship. He’s a fantastic athlete despite his little stature. His size is the sole reason he’s available at No. 32, but he’s too terrific for Detroit not to select with the final first-round choice.
32. Lions (from Rams) – Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia