2022 NFL Mock Draft Part 1

Here is Part 1 of the Faceoff Sports Network’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft featuring President of NFL Draft Bible and Sports Illustrated’s Lead NFL Draft Analyst Zack Patraw. 

This year’s offseason has been nothing short of spectacular and unpredictable. The entire NFL Draft landscape has been flipped on its head with the wild trades and exciting signings during free agency. Eight teams own multiple picks in the first round, which means we could see even more moves happening. Before any of that happens, let’s dive into another mock draft and see what could happen when the clock starts on the 2022 NFL Draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Travon Walker, Georgia

The Jaguars were very active during free agency but still have many holes to fill on their roster. After adding several weapons on offense, it’s time to take care of this defense. Walker has been a huge riser during the draft-evaluation process, with some scouts within the league thinking he could be the first overall pick.

2. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

One of the best pass-rushers in the 2022 NFL Draft class is Michigan’s, Aidan Hutchinson. He has a lot of power and strength, but what he does best is his ability to speed rush, dip around the tackle and flatten the quarterback. He’s a threat in the running game and will be a menace in the passing game. A true alpha that Dan Campbell will love to have on his defense.

3. Houston Texans: S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

After losing Justin Reid to free agency, there’s a good chance the Texans will look at improving on defense, and what better way than taking arguably the most talented prospect in this year’s draft class. Hamilton is a versatile safety that plays all over the defense and does so with great technique and tremendous talent.

4. New York Jets: CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

There are several ways the Jets could go with their top-five pick. Offensive tackle and defensive line seem to be the popular picks for them, but let’s address this secondary. They don’t have a true number one cornerback — Gardner can be that guy on day one. He has incredible length, doesn’t mind mixing it up in the run game, and can play a variety of coverages.

5. New York Giants: OT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

The Giants get a gift with Ekwonu falling to them at pick number five. They need to address the offensive line early in the draft, and having arguably the best and most versatile player at the position is the best-case scenario for them. 

6. Carolina Panthers: OT Evan Neal, Alabama

The Panthers’ roster is thin throughout, and while we want to force a quarterback to them, it’s in their best interest to get another offensive line that can help protect what they have and open up lanes for their running backs. Neal has the size and athletic ability to be the best tackle in the class and would fit well for what the Panthers are trying to do.

7. New York Giants (via CHI): EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Sitting with two picks in the top ten, the Giants are set up nicely to address their biggest needs — the trenches. Thibodeaux has the talent and athletic ability to be the best player in the draft, but a few questions arose about his effort, but no one can deny the talent level of this player. Plug him into the defensive scheme of the Giants, and you have a day-one difference-maker.

8. Atlanta Falcons: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Another team with many holes to fill is the Falcons. There will be plenty of talent available at this pick, but imagine the pairing of Kyle Pitts and Wilson for Marcus Mariota to throw to. Wilson is very athletic, possessing a twitchy playstyle, and can win in the slot or on the boundary. 

9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): QB Malik Willis, Liberty

This pick seems to be an obvious one after the departure of Russell Wilson, but this is a pick you could see them go offensive tackle to help protect what they have. Nonetheless, Willis fits the mold of what we saw in Seattle for so many years — athletic and has a big arm to push the ball down the field to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. 

10. New York Jets (via SEA): DT Jordan Davis, Georgia

After selecting a cornerback with their first pick, the Jets continue to build on defense with Jordan Davis. His 40-yard-dash time went viral after running it in 4.78 seconds at 341 pounds. He’s a mammoth of a human being with tremendous athleticism and strength. This will make it tough to run up the middle against them and cause problems for opposing quarterbacks who need to step up in the pocket.

11. Washington Commanders: CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

The Commanders found their new quarterback in Carson Wentz and have a decent roster for a team picking just outside of the top ten. Getting a gifted cornerback like Stingley will go a long way to helping the secondary in Washington. Once regarded as a top-five selection, Stingley took a big dip in draft stock, but there’s no denying the physical ability he has when he’s on the field.

12. Minnesota Vikings: DE George Karlaftis, Purdue

The Vikings are in a spot where they can select the best player available, and with Karlafits still on the board, that’s exactly what they do. They still have Danielle Hunter on the roster and just signed Za’Darius Smith. The one downside of both those players is that they’ve dealt with injuries. The other — they’re not getting any younger. Getting a guy like Karlaftis in the same locker room as those guys and you have your defensive lineman of the future.

13. Houston Texans (via CLE): WR Drake London, USC

The Texans have made it clear that they want to build around Davis Mills and see what he can do as he enters his second season. If that’s the case, get him another weapon on the opposite side of Brandin Cooks. London is a big receiver that wins 50-50 balls, with strength, physicality, and strong hands.

14. Baltimore Ravens: LB Devin Lloyd, Utah

The Ravens have a strong need for a linebacker, and with him being the best player available, this becomes an easy pick. Lloyd is a versatile player that can play each linebacker position on defense. He’s strong in coverage, blitzing off the edge, and can run defend.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

After signing Haason Reddick and resigning Derek Barnett, they can turn to the interior with the loss of Hassan Ridgeway. Wyatt has a ton of talent, both in the running and passing game, which pairs well with the type of players Riddick and Barnett are.

Rookie Rankings

Rookie ADP – 1QB

Rookie ADP – Superflex/2QB

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