2022 NFL Mock Draft; First Eighteen Picks
The playoffs are going down this weekend, but here is my mock draft for the teams that have been knocked out so far.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michigan Edge Rusher Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson was arguably the best player in college football this season and moved his way past players like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Derek Stingley Jr., and Evan Neal. His agile pass rushing moves coupled with his stout play in the run make him a player that no lineman wants to block.
Hutchinson on the other side of Josh Allen will be a problem for any of the AFC South teams. He brings a lot of toughness and grit to a young Jacksonville roster that has a lot of talent, but may not have grit.
2. Detroit Lions: Oregon Edge Rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux
It’s 1A and 1B between Hutchinson and Thibodeaux even though Thibodeaux missed some games this year. He’s tremendously quick off the ball and is not afraid of any physical situations.
The Oregon pass rusher tallied 49 tackles, 7 sacks, and forced 2 fumbles. He’s a force of nature and has a tough guy mentality that Dan Campbell and the rest of Lions teammates will love.
3. Houston Texans: Notre Dame Safety Kyle Hamilton
In my opinion, I think that Kyle Hamilton is the best player in the draft. He can play linebacker in coverage situations, is a pure safety, and is physical enough to play “down safety”. The Texans need a lot of work and Hamilton isn’t a quick fix, but he’s a start.
In a limited number of games with the Irish, Hamilton made 34 tackles and reeled in 3 interceptions. He’s a clutch player that stays calm in big pressure moments. Hamilton is a spark plug for any defensive unit.
4. New York Jets: North Carolina State Offensive Tackle Ikem Okwonu
What don’t the Jets need? The Jets offensive line when healthy isn’t actually that bad and if they add Ikem Okwuno, they can solidify both tackle positions. Having Okwonu on the other side of Mekhi Becton can lead to a successful Zack Wilson.
Okwuno skyrocketed up draft boards because of his physical play style against very good ACC pass rushers. The Jets need to address the tackle position and Okwuno is the guy I would go with.
5. New York Giants: Alabama Offensive Tackle Evan Neal
Just like the first and second pick how Hutchinson and Thibodeaux are almost interchangeable, the fourth and fifth could be swapped. Neal is a mountain of a man with the athleticism of a cat.
While I like Matt Peart and Andrew Thomas, Neal is a better player than both. He was the anchor and a good reason to why Alabama went to this years National Championship.
6. Carolina Panthers: Mississippi Quarterback Matt Corral
Here’s where things will get a little wonky. The Sam Darnold experience in Carolina was a dud and the PJ Walker, Cam Newton duo isn’t going to do the trick. Even though Corral was injured against Baylor, he is still the best quarterback in the draft and will have time to heal up.
I do love the idea that Matt Corral could potentially play quarterback in Joe Bradys offense. It’d be dynamic beyond belief because Corral can run and throw. Darnold, Newton, and Walker cannot do both of those things. It’s time for a fresh start on the offensive side of the ball for the Panthers.
7. New York Giants via Chicago Bears: Purdue Edge Rusher George Karlaftis
Karlaftis had a pretty good season that was put in the shadow by two other B1G Ten pass rushers, Hutchinson and Ojabo. The Boilermaker is a very physical player that can play anywhere from a two tech to a wide seven tech. He plays a lot like Justin Smith because of his tough play against the run.
The Purdue alum recorded 4.5 sacks this season with 36 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. He’ll be a great fit for the Giants with Leonard Williams. Two big gets here for the G-Men.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Texas A&M Defensive Tackle DeMarvin Leal
Leal plays very similar to Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones who has the ability to play inside and outside on the defensive line. Leals elite hand fighting with deceiving speed will make life hard for guards and centers in the NFC South.
The Bulldog posted 58 tackles with 8.5 sacks and 2 pass breakups from the interior of the defensive line. That is pretty damn impressive when you consider he was playing against SEC guards and centers. Leal will fit in perfect next to Grady Jarrett.
9. Denver Broncos: Mississippi State Offensive Tackle Charles Cross
Garrett Bolles has been wildly inconsistent the past few years and their other current options are not great. Charles Cross is the third best tackle in this years draft class which is very deep and he’ll be able to help turn around a dismal Broncos offensive line.
His presence against guys like Maxx Crosby, Joey Bosa, and Frank Clark will be needed to protect whoever is throwing the ball in the Mile High City next season.
10. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Louisiana State Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
The Jets have two top ten picks and they’ve already addressed their needs at offensive tackle and now they’re going to wipeout that cornerback issue with one of the most talented defensive backs of the last ten years.
Derek Stingley Jr. plays like Stephon Gilmore when he was coming out of college. Stingley doesn’t back down from any challenge and will be a big boost in the Jets secondary.
11. Washington Football Team: Pittsburgh Quarterback Kenny Pickett
Washington needs to stop looking for a quick fix at quarterback and invest on a guy in the draft. Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett would be a great fit in the Football Teams offense because of his athletic play style.
With Scary Terry and Curtis Samuel out wide, Pickett will be able to thrive in the NFC East. Washington should hold onto Taylor Heinicke, but it’s Pickett time in our nations capitol.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Iowa Interior Offensive Lineman Tyler Linderbaum
Andrew Booth is available and corner is definitely an issue, but Tyler Lindebaum is too good to pass up. Garrett Bradbury and Mason Cole have not been good at center and the guard position is a hole for the Vikings.
Linderbaum is one of the best offensive line prospects in the past ten years and was by far Iowas best player this season. Him and O’Neil could be the cornerstone players for the Vikings offensive line and help pave the way for Dalvin Cook.
13. Cleveland Browns: Michigan Edge Rusher David Ojabo
Jadeveon Clowney is super inconsistent and isn’t a great option to have on the opposite side of Myles Garrett. David Ojabo was the Robin to Batman, Hutchinson, at Michigan. He’s very quick and bends the edge very well.
He resembles Yannick Ngakoue when he plays and having some flash on the other side of smash, Myles Garrett would be a great defensive contrast for the Cleveland Browns.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Clemson Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr.
Booth is a very good player that was one bright spot for a disappointing Clemson team. Denzel Ward on one side with Booth on the either would be huge for when they play teams like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
He made 37 tackles this season with 3 picks and 5 pass breakups. The addition of Booth will be huge for Cleveland to bolster their young secondary.
15. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins: Ohio State Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson
Receiver has always been a problem for Philly since their Super Bowl season and they addressed it last year by taking DeVonta Smith, now Smith just needs a counterpart in the city of Brotherly Love. Garrett Wilson can be that guy.
Wilson is a fabulous route runner that is shifty on the perimeter. He has big play ability that and can make a dangerous trio with Smith and Jalen Hurts.
16. Philadelphia Eagles via Indianapolis Colts: Utah Linebacker Devin Lloyd
The Eagles are going back to back here and they’ve just filled a gap at receiver, now they need to add a stud in their front seven. Devin Lloyd made 111 tackles with 8 sacks and 4 interceptions.
He’s a guy that’s all over the field and has the same tendencies as a player like Roquan Smith. He’ll go sideline to sideline for the Eagles and disrupt plays when he’s coming down hill on a blitz or dropping in coverage.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Texas A&M Interior Offensive Lineman Kenyon Green
The Chargers went quick fix last season on the offensive line after Trai Turner left and now they need to build a line of young guys around Herbert. They started with Slater last season and Green would be a good counterpart at left guard.
At six foot four, three hundred and twenty five pounds, he’s a force in the run game and could move guys like Chris Jones and Jonathan Hankins helping to pave the way for Austin Ekler.
18. New Orleans Saints: Ohio State Wide Receiver Chris Olave
Michael Thomas has not been healthy the past season and a half and while the quarterback position in Nola is a concern, they need a consistent receiver that can be your number one or number two.
The Ohio State pass catcher reeled in 65 balls for 956 yards and 13 touchdowns this year and can make any quarterback look good. Whether it’s Winston or Book or even Hill throwing the ball in the Big Easy, they’ll have lots of help from Olave.