2022 Mock Draft Post Regular Season Edition
The regular season is over. To the teams who didn’t make the playoffs welcome! Warm yourself by the fire and grab a mug of hot chocolate, you are in a safe environment now. While your team might not have made the playoffs this year, it just means that draft season has arrived slightly early. With the first 18 picks set in stone barring any trades, here is our newest mock draft!
Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT Alabama
The race for the first overall selection seemed set in stone heading into the season. Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux looked penciled in as the #1 pick from the start of the season, the biggest question being who the lucky team to draft the super junior would be. Aidan Hutchinson entered the discussion midway through a terrific season. Neither are going first here. The Jaguars offense was awful this season, the lack of weapons and overall help leading to rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence finishing near the bottom of every quarterback metric. Yes, Jacksonville needs a standout pass rusher, but they need to be able to protect Lawrence and bolster the run game. Evan Neal is a massive 6’7 360-pound tackle who moves with grace. He’s found success all over the line, the most this season at left tackle. Whether they want him on the right or left side the Jaguars should get Lawrence some help with a franchise tackle in Neal. - Jacob Keppen
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson is viewed as the current favorite to go #1 overall in the draft. If he slides to the 2nd spot, the Lions will rush to the podium to select the Michigan product. -Matt Stephen
3. Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon
This is the best-case scenario for the Texans. A team that was poised to finish last in the league, projected by many as the lowest expectations the league has seen in a while, somehow managed to show some life throughout the season. Despite not having a ton of talent the Texans were able to remain competitive against teams such as the Patriots and the Titans, and third-round rookie quarterback Davis Mills actually looked like one of the best of the class despite the little hype surrounding him entering the season. There were some signs of life, and now Houston gets to select a highly talented player in Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. A premier athlete off the edge, Thibodeaux can be the face of the defense for the new era of Texans football. - Jacob Keppen
4. New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State
The New York Jets, and in particular, Joe Douglas, wants to build on the offensive and defensive lines. Mekhi Becton has not worked out thus far and some rumors would lead you to believe he is on the trading block. Ikem Ekwonu is a ‘people mover’ and would bring the physicality the Jets are looking for. -Matt Stephen
5. New York Giants: David Ojabo, EDGE Michigan
It’s crazy just how much things can change in a year. Before the college season, David Ojabo wasn’t a player on a ton of Big 10 fan’s radars, much less for fans of the NFL draft. Pegging Ojabo, a former scout team member who only had one tackle to his name entering his junior season, for the top five would have been an instant credibility killer… and yet here we are. Every week while Aidan Hutchinson grabbed Heisman headlines, Ojabo was right there alongside him stride for stride. While still raw in a good amount of areas, Ojabo was a game wrecker this past year with his length and athleticism. Azeez Ojulari shows a ton of upside for the Giants, and pairing him with Ojabo could be the stuff of nightmares for NFC coaches. -Jacob Keppen
6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State
Charles Cross is ascending draft boards across the NFL. The Carolina Panthers need a solution at the quarterback position, but they are not likely to find what they are looking for at this selection. The Panthers have ignored their offensive line woes for far too long. - Matt Stephen
7. New York Giants (Via Chicago Bears): Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa
A center in the top ten?! When you are a center as great as Linderbaum and there is a team who desperately needs line help, why not? Linderbaum certainly won’t be there in the second round, and there certainly isn’t a center in this draft that stands up to the Iowa junior. That’s no disrespect to any other center in the draft, Linderbaum is just a special talent. A former defensive tackle recruit, Linderbaum responded to the move by becoming a Rimington Trophy winner as the best center in college football this past year, as well as a unanimous All-American. For two years Linderbaum has dominated Big 10 defenses, historically some of the stingiest in the country, and he’s ready to pave running lanes for Saquon Barkley. - Jacob Keppen
8. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
The Atlanta Falcons have several positions that they prefer to address, but this is simply a best player available selection. Kyle Hamilton is the top player in the draft according to many analysts. Hamilton is a game-changer on the back half of your defense. - Matt Stephen
9. Denver Broncos: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue
There are a number of ways the Broncos could go at ten, including trading back, and it all likely has to do with the new coach. Obviously, quarterback is a massive need, but without anyone necessarily proving they are deserving of a top ten selecting, and with other needs on the team, they look towards the defensive side of the ball. George Karlaftis has been on NFL radars since his 17 TFL freshman season, and while he might not have put up the gaudy numbers this season he still looks like a very good pass rusher. Quick with a ton of moves in his tool belt Karlaftis could be a big-time addition to the Broncos defense. - Jacob Keppen
10. New York Jets (Via Seattle Seahawks): Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU
I don’t foresee Devin Stingley Jr. falling this far in the draft, but stranger things have happened. Jets fans would do backflips in the streets if they were able to get a cornerback the caliber of Stingley Jr. here with the 10th overall selection. -Matt Stephen
11. Washington Football Team: Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh
The Football Team are in a bit of a different situation than the Broncos. The Broncos need a quarterback but also need to work on a good amount of other positions. The Football Team could be really good, but we won’t know until they get a quarterback. A team that made the playoffs last year and pushed Tampa Bay to their limits, Washington has a ton of firepower on their defense and some really nice weapons on offense with Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson. Taylor Heinecke proved that he is just a high-quality backup, unable to push Washington into contender status. Kenny Pickett has been a big-time riser all season, going from a steady fourth-year starter who can make the last spot in the Senior Bowl to a legitimate Heisman candidate. Pickett’s game has really blossomed this season for Pitt and he has the experience to come in and hopefully give Washington the quarterback they’ve been searching for. - Jacob Keppen
12. Minnesota Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr., CB Clemson
The Vikings need some help in the back-end of their secondary in the worst way. Andrew Booth Jr. is making a charge to be the top cornerback off the board. - Matt Stephen
13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State
The first receiver off the board! If there’s one thing clear in Cleveland right now, it’s that something is wrong with that passing attack. They can run the ball extremely well, which has never been in question over the past two years, but when it comes down to it the passing attack just isn’t good enough. Maybe that’s on Baker Mayfield but if the Browns are going to stick with him they need to get better weapons. Garrett Wilson is a technical receiver who wins quickly and early in the route, doing some special things with the ball in his hands. He’s the type of player who can really help the Browns’ offense get going. - Jacob Keppen
14. Baltimore Ravens: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
Anyone who has watched the Ravens this year can attest that they need help in their pass defense. Ahmad Gardner did not allow a touchdown pass during his ENTIRE collegiate career and ‘Sauce’ would make for a perfect addition for Baltimore. - Matt Stephen
15. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Miami Dolphins): Roger McCreary, CB Auburn
In case this is your first time here, I have been BEGGING the Eagles to draft a cornerback. Darius Slay has played like a star this season, but again how long is it going to last? Steve Nelson isn’t the long-term solution for the Eagles at corner either. Philadelphia cannot just congratulate themselves on having a good corner in Slay for a few years then give fans another decade of Leodis McKelvins and Bradley Fletchers. Draft a good second corner now to learn with Slay, and who eventually can take over as a standout cornerback for the Eagles. Roger McCreary is sticky in coverage and has great ball skills to break up passes. - Jacob Keppen
16. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Indianapolis Colts): DeMarvin Leal, DT Texas A&M
DeMarvin Leal was not able to put together back-to-back stellar seasons as this past season left a lot to be desired. That being said, there is a lot here to work with. Leal has a top-five skillset that can be untapped at the next level. - Matt Stephen
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia
The Chargers cannot waste another season of Justin Herbert. The Chargers 35-32 overtime loss to the Raiders that knocked them out of the playoffs was a great summation for the entire season. Justin Herbert played like a star, a player that will be one of the faces of the league for years, and his defense simply let him down. All season the Chargers have struggled to stop the run, struggling to simply tackle. Jordan Davis’ value is going to be disputed every week until the commissioner takes the stage in Las Vegas in late April. Yes, he doesn’t offer much value as a pass rusher, but as a pure run-stuffer, the Georgia defensive tackle is one of the best the league has seen in years. - Jacob Keppen
18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
The New Orleans Saints need to add some life to their once thriving offense. Who knows the status of Michael Thomas and his future in New Orleans? Chris Olave is an excellent route runner and separator and will be ready to contribute from day one. - Matt Stephen
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE Florida State
The Eagles selected the potential Fletcher Cox replacement pick just two selections earlier in Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal. Leal can play both in and out, but what the Eagles need is another pure edge rusher lined up opposite of Josh Sweat. Derek Barnett, while not a total flop, has been a bit of a disappointment. The lofty expectations of Barnett, who broke the University of Tennessee career sack record previously held by Eagles legend Reggie White prior to being selected 14th overall in 2017 by the Eagles, haven’t quite been fulfilled. Jermaine Johnson took full advantage of his extra year of eligibility, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year for the Seminoles. Johnson has heavy hands and has a motor that Eagles fans will love. - Jacob Keppen
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Ohio State
The Steelers need to address their quarterback position and their offensive line. Pittsburgh did a nice job of adding some pieces along with the interior, but need help at the offensive tackle position in particular. Nicholas Petit-Frere checks all the boxes the Steelers look for. - Matt Stephen
21. New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah
Is this a tad bit of a luxury pick… maybe? Yes, the Patriots already have Matthew Judon and Dont’a Hightower, but just imagine Devin Lloyd in the Patriots defense. Lloyd can pretty much do it all, able to take on blockers in the run game and rush the passer. Bill Belichick would be able to use the versatile linebacker in a ton of ways, and really best utilize Lloyd. Devin Lloyd can make one of the best defenses in the country even better, as well as can help replenish that defense for the future. - Jacob Keppen
22. Miami Dolphins (Via San Francisco 49ers): Jameson Williams, WR Alabama
We have to keep an eye on Williams’ recovery from the ACL injury that he suffered in the National Championship. It is entirely possible that he slides out of the 1st round entirely. We know the NFL covets speed, we know the Dolphins covet speed. Miami takes the plunge here to pair Williams with Jaylen Waddle into a fearsome duo. - Matt Stephen
23. Las Vegas Raiders: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
Here we are again, another cornerback for the Raiders. The Damon Arnette pick that was criticized by many at the time has officially ended in disaster, Arnette was already off the team before his second team in Vegas was completed due to some truly strange circumstances. Arnette is the second first-round corner in the past few years to not last his rookie contract for the Raiders, the former being Gareon Conley who was traded midway through the 2019 season. Kaiir Elam is a big feisty corner who brings lockdown corner confidence to every snap. - Jacob Keppen
24. Arizona Cardinals: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
There are many question marks surrounding the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver position? Are we expecting the decline of DeAndre Hopkins? Will Christian Kirk be back in Arizona? Will A.J. Green? Will the Cardinals use Rondale Moore outside of a gadget role? I envision Kliff Kingsbury being tantalized by a size/speed freak like Treylon Burks. - Matt Stephen
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, IOL Texas A&M
For the Bengals, there should be a note written down before every member of the draft war room “Take the best available offensive lineman.” Despite the Bengals offense humming due to Joe Burrow’s increasingly great play and the introduction of star receiver Ja’Marr Chase to the offense, this is still a bad offensive line. Just because the offense was good doesn’t mean it is time to ignore the line, no there should be more emphasis on adding elite talent to protect Joe Burrow. Kenyon Green has almost become the forgotten lineman in this draft because of his move out to left tackle this past season for the Aggies. At guard Green is still an easy top prospect. Green is extremely athletic and strong, able to pave the way in the run game, and keep up with quicker defensive linemen. He can help elevate this Bengals offense. - Jacob Keppen
26. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB Washington
The Buffalo Bills build their team on the strength on strength philosophy. Trent McDuffie is underrated in some circles and would make a welcome addition to fortify an already imposing defensive unit. - Matt Stephen
27. Detroit Lions (Via Los Angeles Rams): Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia
Nakobe Dean is a player who might fall a bit in the draft, and there’s nothing really he can do about it. On film, Dean is a player who should push for the top 15. The biggest problem in the eyes of most teams (hopefully not and he rightfully goes high) might be his size. At only 6’0 and around 225 Dean might be too light for some teams. Dean is another great addition to the Lions front 7 that has seen a lot of draft capital introduced over the past two years. Don’t overthink his size, just draft him and let him fly around the field making tackles. - Jacob Keppen
28. Dallas Cowboys: Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
The Cowboys need help along their offensive line. It is as simple as that. Trevon Penning is a rapidly ascending prospect who has garnered plenty of attention from NFL personnel around the league. - Matt Stephen
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State
Every part of me wanted to give the Chiefs an edge rusher here. The Chiefs have wisely placed Chris Jones back at defensive tackle, but it still doesn’t cover up the massive hole they have at defensive end. It’s going to have to wait until later in the draft because the wide receiver 2 position needs to be addressed NOW! Outside of Tyreek Hill the Chiefs really don’t have anything at wide receiver. There are far too many drops by average receivers in Kansas City. Mecole Hardman hasn’t lived up to the billing of a #2 wide receiver. Jahan Dotson is just the player the Chiefs have been looking for. He has the speed they want to spread the field with Mahomes, but he brings route running and catching. - Jacob Keppen
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake London, WR USC
The future of the wide receiver position in Tampa Bay feels in limbo. Chris Godwin suffered a severe injury and is hitting free agency. We know Antonio Brown will not be back. The Buccaneers have shown a liking to bigger-bodied receivers. Drake London would have been selected higher had he not suffered an injury. - Matt Stephen
31. Tennessee Titans: Derion Kendrick, CB Georgia
It has been a long ride for Derion Kendrick. A player many thought could be a first round corner last year at Clemson decided to stay one more year. In February 2021 Kendrick was dismissed from the Clemson football team for disciplinary reasons. He would transfer to the Georgia Bulldogs where he would win a National Championship, reminding football fans why he was previously touted as a potential first-round talent. Kendrick is a former wide receiver and it shows in his game. He’s extremely good at playing the ball in the air, showing natural instincts and ball skills. Kendrick and Fulton could be one of the top young corner pairings in the NFL. - Jacob Keppen.
32. Green Bay Packers: George Pickens, WR Georgia
This projection may come as a bit of a shock, but I expect George Pickens to show well in the off-season draft process. George Pickens was once considered to be a potential top-five-level prospect. For the Green Bay Packers, taking a shot on that type of upside is worth the risk. - Matt Stephen
All Stats Via https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/
-By: Matt Stephen and Jacob Keppen
