Way Too Early 2022 NFL MOCK DRAFT: First Quarter Evaluation
We are four weeks into the NFL season, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the offseason. Yes, we are around 200 days until draft day kicks off in Paradise, Nevada, but it is draft season all season, especially for those teams already looking at an insurmountable path to a winning record. In a collaborative effort here is the first mock of the 2022 NFL Draft.
New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon:
The Jets need help everywhere and should just go best player available. Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best player in the class at an important position and will be the face of an up-and-coming New York defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT Alabama:
The Jaguars need to protect their franchise quarterback. Evan Neal is a pro-ready tackle with experience at both tackle positions.
Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU:
The Eagles secondary is in trouble. Darius Slay is getting up there in age, and there’s really no other corner of note moving forward. Stingley is a top corner prospect who can give Philly the true #1 corner they’ve been searching for since Asante Samuel.
Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame:
Some view Kyle Hamilton as the top prospect in this draft class--you will get no argument from me. Hamilton is an immediate game-changer for your secondary.
New York Giants: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan:
Azeez Ojulari has been a hit for the Giants so far in his rookie year. Hutchinson will pair well opposite to Ojulari for a New York team in need of a second edge rusher.
Philadelphia Eagles: DeMarvin Leal, DT Texas A&M:
The Eagles have always built their teams along the offensive and defensive lines. DeMarvin Leal can develop and become the heir-apparent to Fletcher Cox.
New England Patriots: Andrew Booth, CB Clemson:
The Pats have some decisions to make with their secondary. Stephon Gilmore is 31 and in his last year of his deal. J.C. Jackson is also in the last year of his deal. Even if the Patriots keep Jackson, Booth is a high-level corner prospect who could be the next shutdown corner in New England (also could set up a Jalen Mills move to safety.)
Atlanta Falcons: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty:
The Falcons seem like a franchise that doesn’t know what direction they are heading. Malik Willis needs further development, what better landing spot than learning from Matt Ryan for a year.
Houston Texans: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue:
The Texans just need an influx of talent anywhere they can get it. Karlaftis has great potential, showing pro bowl potential from his freshman year at Purdue.
Philadelphia Eagles: Drake Jackson, EDGE USC:
The third Eagles selection on the defensive side of the ball. Drake Jackson has the type of explosiveness that the Eagles front office covets from their edge rushers.
New York Jets: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida:
The Jets gained their pass rusher, here they keep benefiting from a very strong defensive class getting a corner they desperately need in Florida’s Kaiir Elam. Elam is a great athlete and one of the best coverage corners in the draft.
New York Giants: Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss:
Daniel Jones has not played poorly this season. This type of pick is made if the franchise decides to go in another direction from the front office on down.
Washington Football Team: Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma:
It seems that Washington has been a team “just a quarterback away from unlocking things” for the past two years now. Everyone knows the top defensive line and playmakers on offense such as Terry McLaurin, here the Football Team representing the nation’s capital takes a shot on a high upside quarterback who can hopefully figure it out in a year or two to really elevate this Washington side.
Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati:
The Vikings defense is still lagging behind what it once was. Adding some talent to the defensive secondary in Ahmad Gardner is a good place to start.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Howell, QB North Carolina:
I don’t know any of you have watched Big Ben “play football” this year, but he looks like your 45-year-old uncle reliving his high school glory years during the Thanksgiving backyard game. Howell has a big arm and can hopefully better utilize some serious playmakers in Pittsburgh.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB Washington:
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been a liability so far this year.
New Orleans Saints: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas:
The Saints offense could greatly benefit from a standout playmaker next to Thomas (hopefully) and Callaway next year. Burks is a big receiver with a knack for the big play who can make Jameis’ life easier.
Cleveland Browns: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL Iowa:
Tyler Linderbaum simply represents outstanding value at this point. Linderbaum has the skills and pedigree to become a Pro Bowl interior offensive lineman.
Buffalo Bills: Christian Harris, LB Alabama:
Here the Bills bolster their defense with an athletic linebacker with a very high ceiling. Christian Harris has great athleticism and overall potential and can make a good Bills defense even better.
Tennessee Titans: Myjai Sanders, DE Cincinnati:
The Titans need to add some more juice off the edge. Myjai Sanders is a player who is rising on draft boards around the league.
Green Bay Packers: Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State:
How long has Aaron Rodgers been asking for more help? Garrett Wilson is the perfect big-play threat to play off of Davante Adams (if he’s still there) to give Aaron Rodgers another desperately needed weapon (if he’s still there.)
Miami Dolphins: Brandon Joseph, S Northwestern:
Brandon Joseph would be a steal if he lasts to the 20s. Joseph is a versatile defensive back who can play all over the football field.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jaxson Kirkland, OT Washington:
The Bengals need offensive line help any way they can get it. Kirkland is a highly talented lineman who can possibly play guard if they truly want to keep Jonah Williams at tackle.
Dallas Cowboys: Darian Kinnard, IOL Kentucky:
The Dallas Cowboys continue to invest in their offensive line. Darian Kinnard will likely kick inside to offensive guard and begin to wreck the opposition.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahleel Billingsley, TE Texas A&M:
I mean Gronks not going to play forever… right? Billingsley is an athletic Wide receiver/tight end hybrid who will give the Bucs yet another mismatch for Brady to exploit.
Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Green, IOL Texas A&M:
The Baltimore Ravens find a way to stay put and draft good players every single year. Kenyon Green is a plug-and-play offensive guard who could develop into a Pro Bowler one day.
Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State:
Chris Olave is the perfect complementary receiver to add to this Chargers team. Olave runs good routes, getting open consistently for his quarterback. Herbert will have two very reliable targets moving forward.
Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT Ole Miss:
The Panthers need to invest their draft capital in improving their offensive line. Charles Cross has some mixed footage so far.
Denver Broncos: Carson Strong, QB Nevada:
For as good as the Broncos have been so far this season, just imagine if they had just a bit better play from their quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater is a good solid option, one who can definitely teach Strong a thing or two. Strong has a dynamic arm and can open up the field even more for a Denver offense ready to explode.
Detroit Lions: George Pickens, WR Georgia:
If not for an ACL injury, George Pickens would be a top ten pick in this year’s draft. Pickens profiles as an alpha receiver and a team like the Lions can give him time to rehab properly.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zion Nelson, OT Miami (FL):
Zion Nelson is a fun developmental lineman who can be a big-time player in the future. With his size and athleticism, Nelson could definitely kick in to play guard next to Kolton Miller.
Arizona Cardinals: Tykee Smith, DB Georgia:
The Cardinals have the pass-rushers, now they need to invest in their defensive backfield. A player like Tyreke Smith adds versatility and play-making ability to your secondary.
-By: Jacob Keppen & Matt Stephen
