NFL Draft Day Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is as unpredictable of a spectacle as you'll find in sports. Most years there is at least a consensus top prospect, such as Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow in the previous two draft classes. This year, however, the number one pick is entirely up in the air. This mock draft is less based on my personal thoughts or deep study, rather my gut feelings as to how the first round will play out. Trades will certainly occur in the draft, but this mock draft will not include trades to keep it as simple as possible. Let's get into it!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select Travon Walker, EDGE from Georgia

At face value, this selection would be shocking. It had long been assumed that either Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux would be the first edge rusher selected, but it appears that Jaguars GM Trent Baalke is infatuated with Walker's potential. It's risky, but the upside is there.

2. Detroit Lions select Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE from Michigan

In this scenario, I see no reason why GM Brad Holmes wouldn't immediately put the pick in as the timer begins. It simply makes too much sense. Hutchinson absolutely dominated college football in 2021 and is a local guy that seemingly loves the state of Michigan. He has the makeup of Chargers star Joey Bosa and the tenacity to help move the Detroit franchise in the right direction.

3. Houston Texans select Evan Neal, OT from Alabama

Houston has many needs (hence why they are picking third, duh!), so they could go many different directions with this pick. It's possible they reach for a CB (i.e. Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley Jr.), but I have them selecting Alabama's Evan Neal. Neal is a freak of nature that can start for the Texans on day one.

4. New York Jets select Ikem Ekwonu, OT from North Carolina State

I would really like the Jets to select Kayvon Thibodeaux here, but I'm losing faith in the odds that it actually happens. Instead, I have New York selecting versatile offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu from NC State. The Jets offensive line is probably fine as it is, but Ekwonu can play inside or outside and GM Joe Douglas loves his offensive linemen.

5. New York Giants select Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE from Oregon

It pains me to see the other New York team land Thibodeaux, but I have a hard time seeing the Giants pass on the star potential of the former Oregon Duck. The perceived draft stock fall of Kayvon Thibodeaux confuses me, given that all the guy has done is perform and exhibit his incredible skillset. The Giants should be thrilled with this selection.

6. Carolina Panthers select Charles Cross, OT from Mississippi State

If you like edge rushers and offensive linemen, this draft is for you! A quarterback shouldn't be ruled out here, but I think Carolina won't be moved enough by any of the top signal callers to pull the trigger. Charles Cross can help build infrastructure for the overall offense, even if he doesn't throw passes,

7. New York Giants select Sauce Gardner, CB from Cincinnati

Finally! It's someone that isn't an edge rusher or offensive linemen! Gardner had a prolific career at Cincinnati, best known for not surrendering a single receiving touchdown as a Bearcat. He's long, strong, and athletic... what's not to love? I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Sauce will allow a touchdown in the NFL, but I believe he'd be a great pick at number seven.

8. Atlanta Falcons select Kyle Hamilton, S from Notre Dame

Based on pure skill without considering positional value, Kyle Hamilton may be the best player in the draft. His stock has fallen a bit, possibly due to a lackluster 40-yard dash time, but I still think Hamilton will be a star. He's uniquely built at 6'4" 220 LBS with sideline to sideline range, he's just absolutely mesmerizing to watch play.

9. Seattle Seahawks select Derek Stingley Jr., CB from LSU

After an insane freshman year at LSU, Derek Stingley was long believed to be the best draft prospect once he became eligible. Unfortunately for Stingley, he dealt with injuries and slight inconsistencies over the last two years. There isn't too much concerning about his play on the field, rather his injury history is a bit of a red flag. Fully healthy, Stingley is the total package as a defensive back.

10. New York Jets select Garrett Wilson, WR from Ohio State

The Jets select the first skill position player here with Ohio State's Garrett Wilson. Wilson was in a crowded WR room at Ohio State, but managed to stand out as an elite talent. He doesn't have world-class speed, but the former Buckeye is technically sound and consistently creates separation.

11. Washington Commanders select Drake London, WR from Southern California

With Garrett Wilson off the board, Washington opts for the big bodied receiver from the west coast: Drake London. London's season was cut short due to an ankle injury, but his overall college production speaks for itself. At 6'5", London is a solid jump ball receiver, but is also explosive after the catch.

12. Minnesota Vikings select Jordan Davis, DT from Georgia

Davis is a polarizing player, standing at 6'6" 340 lbs and running a 4.78 40 time. He was able to overpower offensive lines in college with his physicality, but he needs to improve on his pass rush moves and stamina. The ceiling for Jordan Davis is above the moon, too intriguing for the Vikings to pass up on.

13. Houston Texans select Jermaine Johnson, EDGE from Florida State

After selecting OT Evan Neal at pick three, the Texans turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Johnson may face a learning curve in the NFL, but his combination of speed, athleticism, and run stopping make him worth considering.

14. Baltimore Ravens select Zion Johnson, IOL from Boston College

Defensive back could be in play here for Baltimore, but I have them opting for a dominant presence inside. Zion Johnson is a total mauler, a guy who plays downhill and beats the opposition with pure power. He's not the most athletic, but should slot in on the Ravens offensive line.

15. Philadelphia Eagles select Jameson Williams, WR from Alabama

Following his transfer to Alabama from Ohio State, Jameson Williams emerged as one of college football's premier playmakers in 2021. His recently torn ACL will likely force him to miss some time to begin 2022, but his incredible speed and homerun hitting potential is enticing. Williams would take the Philly offense to the next level with his dynamic play.

16. New Orleans Saints select Malik Willis, QB from Liberty

It seems likely that a QB will be selected earlier than here, but it's worth noting that there are no trades in this mock draft. The Saints have Jameis Winston, but he's coming off of an ACL injury and may not be a long-term solution. Enter Malik Willis, a total project QB with dazzling speed and eye-popping arm strength. The Saints could let Willis learn behind Winston to begin before taking control of the offense once he's acclimated to high level football.

17. Los Angeles Chargers select Trevor Penning, OT from Northern Iowa

The Chargers have found their franchise QB in Justin Herbert, which bodes well for the team moving forward. To maximize Herbert's skills, the Chargers will continue to build the offensive line with FCS standout OT Trevor Penning.

18. Philadelphia Eagles select Trent McDuffie, CB from Washington

Since they just drafted a WR, shouldn't they also take a CB to match up with Jameson Williams in practice? Along with Kyler Gordon, McDuffie led the Washington Huskies secondary into becoming one of the strongest units in the country. He is on the smaller side in terms of size, but McDuffie is a pesky presence for opposing teams.

19. New Orleans Saints select Chris Olave, WR from Ohio State

Without Michael Thomas, the 2021 New Orleans Saints relied heavily on RB Alvin Kamara as a runner and as a pass-catcher. To help lessen the load for Kamara, bring in Chris Olave, a smooth route runner with breakaway speed. Olave could quickly become a focal point for the Saints offense.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers select Daxton Hill, S from Michigan

A former five star recruit, Dax Hill is best known for his incredible speed. There is more to Hill's game though, he's a smart player that has great anticipation skills. The Steelers defense is already solid, Daxton could add another threat in the secondary in Pittsburgh.

21. New England Patriots select Devin Lloyd, LB from Utah

He may not have been recognized in the national spotlight, but Pac-12 fans know just how incredible Devin Lloyd is. He isn't traditionally fast, but his athleticism and pursuit allow him to make plays everywhere. Lloyd is strong, he can rush the passer, he's an exceptional tackler, what's not to love? I don't love him becoming a New England Patriot as a Jets fan, but Lloyd can become a superstar in Foxborough.

22. Green Bay Packers select Treylon Burks, WR from Arkansas

Burks is a risky prospect coming out of Arkansas, but he has the makeup and traits of a phenomenal player. His route running and technique isn't sharp, but Burks has the coveted blend of size (6'3" 225 lbs) and playmaking after the catch. He is no Davante Adams, but Treylon could fill in for the Packers as the target for bubble screens and short throws. He can also be a primary red zone target with his magnificent catching in traffic.

23. Arizona Cardinals select George Karlaftis, EDGE from Purdue

At 6'4" 226 lbs, Karlaftis really is built like a Greek god. He has yet to prove himself as a great run stopper, but George Karlaftis plays with a ridiculously high motor. In an absolutely loaded NFC West, Arizona would love to bolster their pass rush to limit the star power of their opponents.

24. Dallas Cowboys select Devonte Wyatt, DT from Georgia

Rumors have been swirling about the Cowboys trading up in this draft, but there are no trades in this mock draft! I have Dallas selecting the other ferocious defensive lineman from Georgia, Mr. Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt isn't the strongest prospect, but he has great lateral movement for his size and should be a welcomed addition to the Dallas Cowboys defense.

25. Buffalo Bills select Andrew Booth Jr,, CB from Clemson

The Bills are an incredibly well rounded team, but they could use a CB to start on the opposite side of Tre'Davious White. Andrew Booth is a bit raw, but has the ideal length and ball skills to become a very useful player in the NFL. WR could be in play here, but my gut tells me that Buffalo opts to bolster the defense.

26. Tennessee Titans select Christian Watson, WR from North Dakota State

AJ Brown is a star and the addition of Robert Woods makes sense, but it feels as though the Titans could use another playmaker. Christian Watson stands at 6'4" and ran a bonkers 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. He's coming from the FCS level, but his build and potential make him a viable option in the first round.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Kenyon Green, IOL from Texas A&M

Tampa Bay doesn't have any glaring needs, but you can never have enough offensive linemen. After being labeled a five star recruit out of high school, Kenyon Green was a three year starter in College Station with experience at both LG and RG.

28. Green Bay Packers select Boye Mafe, EDGE from Minnesota

To get out of cap space purgatory, the Packers were forced to part ways with pass rusher Za'Darious Smith this offseason. Mafe is a work in progress out of Minnesota, but he is explosive and rangy. He might not be an instant success, but I can see Green Bay loving the tandem of Boye Mafe and Rashan Gary as pass rushers.

29. Kansas City Chiefs select Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE from Penn State

The Chiefs defense may not be as atrocious as it was over the last few years, but they could certainly look to add more pieces. I have them taking Penn State's Arnold Ebiketie, who transferred from Temple to help fill the void of 2021 NFL draftees Odafe Oweh and Shaka Toney. He delivered with 9.5 sacks and could find himself sneaking into the first round.

30. Kansas City Chiefs select Jahan Dotson, WR from Penn State

With the loss of Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs could certainly use to add a receiver from the draft. Jahan Dotson isn't huge, but he possesses solid speed, athleticism, and route running. He struggles with contested catches, but he should be useful in Kansas City when Patrick Mahomes gets it to him in space.

31. Cincinnati Bengals select Kaiir Elam, CB from Florida

The offensive line could always be improved to help keep Joe Burrow upright, but the Bengals could also use to improve their defensive back room. Coming out of Florida, Elam is long and fluid with his movements. Elam might not be able to help the Bengals guard Cooper Kupp at the goal line (too soon?), but he can be a solid contributor for Cincinnati.

32. Detroit Lions select Nakobe Dean, LB from Georgia

The Lions seem to covet high intensity players that will buy into their culture. Nakobe Dean was the leader of the vaunted 2021 Georgia Bulldogs defense. He's a bit of a tweener regarding size, but he's explosive, agile, and experienced. I'd love to see him paired with Aidan Hutchinson and Dan Campbell in the motor city.

That will conclude my final 2022 NFL mock draft. I can't say I have any sort of confidence in any of these picks, but that's the beauty of the NFL Draft. The primary thing that I am certain I will be wrong about is how the QB situation plays out. Be sure to tune in at 5 E.T. tonight (April 28th) to see how the first round of the draft plays out.

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