With just under 24 hours to go before the 2022 NFL Draft officially begins, here is my annual 3-round 2022 NFL mock draft. With so much uncertainty, the early picks will set the tone. Unlike previous years, this time I’ve projected two trades – which I’ve heard are both real possibilities.
2022 3-round NFL mock draft
How could the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas turn out? Let’s start with the Jacksonville Jaguars taking on the non-Michigan defensive end.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
On March 25th, we were the first to uncover the story the Jaguars were considering picking Travon Walker with first draft choice. This story is now becoming reality when Trent Baalke gets his man.
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
If Aidan Hutchinson is hit with the first pick, Travon Walker would be the pick here.
3) Houston Texans: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Another interesting fight. People think that choice could be Travon Walker if he falls to the Texans, but I keep hearing Lovie Smith campaigning for Derek Stingley Jr.
4) New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, State NC
Ahmad Gardner makes the most sense here. Jermaine Johnson also has to be considerate. But rumor has it the Jets are in love with Ikem Ekwonu.
5) New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Giants want a plug-and-play tackle, and Evan Neal can be just that.
6) Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi
I reported more than a month ago that this would be the pick. The big question is: will Charles Cross make it this far?
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Kayvon Thibodeaux is also under serious consideration at this point but Ahmad Gardner could very well be the pick.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Falcons are in a position to pick the best player available, and Kayvon Thibodeaux fills the role as well as a big hole on Atlanta’s depth chart.
9) Philadelphia Eagles (bill exchange from SEA): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The ninth pick will be in play. New Orleans asked for a promotion for this pick, but ultimately the Eagles get the pick with their entire draft capital. Philly is giving away one of its first-rounders in 2023 for the right to pick Jameson Williams of Alabama.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Jets will be considering Jameson Williams at this point, and many in the league continue to tell me they will ultimately postpone that pick for Deebo Samuel. However, if a trade doesn’t form, Garrett Wilson could be their pick.
11) Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
If Washington doesn’t choose Kyle Hamilton at this point, he could fall far.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie is the player the Vikings want, although they could try to trade him and pick him anyway.
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Trevor Penning will be a consideration but Jermaine Johnson II makes too much sense after making it past the Jets.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Ravens need the inside line of defense, and nobody in this draft comes close to Jordan Davis.
15) Seattle Seahawks (sham exchange from PHI): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Seattle could take Trevor Penning at No. 9 if they don’t trade lower.
16) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Saints need a receiver, and Chris Olave might be the most underrated in this year’s draft.
17) Chargers from Los Angeles: Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London doesn’t have to go far to play his pro ball. Zion Johnson or another offensive lineman is being considered at this point, as is Jordan Davis if available.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NE): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd is the three-down linebacker the Eagles desperately need.
19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Saints would like to upgrade, but with no left tackle left on the board, they choose their future quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The bigger surprise at this point would be the Steelers passing Malik Willis on if he’s available.
21) New England Patriots: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Zion Johnson is a versatile hometown blocker who can start as a guard and develop into a center.
22) Green Bay Packers (of LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Not many teams rated Treylon Burks in the first round, but the Packers seem to love him. You could take Kenyon Green at this point and then go with Alec Pierce in round 2.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Pass rusher is an option here and Logan Hall could be the surprise pick. However, the Cardinals could choose to bolster the offensive line with Kenyon Green.
24) Dallas Cowboys: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Boye Mafe would be a consideration, but George Karlaftis fits Dan Quinn’s system better.
25) Buffalo Bills: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Bills could go in many directions here. Tyler Smith could be the surprise pick at No. 25, but Kyler Gordon is also an option.
26) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
They could pick Jahan Dotson here, but Tyler Smith fills a need on the offensive line and can play guard or right tackle.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
With Todd Bowles now the head coach, the Bucs turn to the secondary side and select Daxton Hill, a player they believe can line up on the corner or to safety.
28) Seattle Seahawks (Bill swap from UK): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
I first reported on Saturday that the Seahawks would trade for a quarterback at the end of the first round, and that belief has since grown louder in the league. To move up 10 spots and pick Desmond Ridder, Seattle gives up the 41st pick and a fourth-rounder.
29) Kansas City chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Jahan Dotson is a skilled pass catcher who brings speed to the Chiefs’ receiving room. Kansas City could spring a surprise and pick Jalen Pitre, who they see as their future Honey Badger.
30) Kansas City bosses: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Chiefs have a need, and I documented Brett Veach’s affection for Boye Mafe.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Kaiir Elam, CB, Fla
Tyler Linderbaum is considered at this point, but Kaiir Elam immediately improves the cornerback position.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Detroit could take a quarterback at this point to earn the fifth-year option. Still, if they don’t, Lewis Cine could be their guy.