2022 NFL Mock Draft (V4 – The Finale)

This is it, the 2022 NFL Draft is today and man it has come fast. I guess it is true that time flies. This is my 4th and final version of my Mock Draft for the 2022 NFL Draft. Similar to my first, second, and third mocks, I will not be including draft day trades. So, here we go and we will start with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are now on the clock…

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE/EDGE Aidan Hutchinson (Oregon)

Looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars will not be taking an offensive lineman like I have been saying the past few mock drafts. The Jaguars just signed Cam Robinson so he is not going anywhere for the next 3 years. So the Jaguars with this pick will absolutely take a defensive player with the 1st pick. The Jaguars take the most complete prospect in the draft by selecting Aidan Hutchinson.

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Aidan Hutchinson

2. Detroit Lions – DE/EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)

The Lions have to get a pass rusher on this team. I keep saying this but without looking it up, name me a pass rusher that is currently on the Detroit Lions roster? You can’t and the Lions should realize this by selecting a pass rusher with this pick. With Hutchinson gone the Lions select the second most complete prospect with this selection by going with Kayvon Thibodeaux.

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux

3. Houston Texans – CB Derrick Stingley Jr (LSU)

The Houston Texans are apparently very high on Stingley and it is hard to not understand why as Stingley has a lot of potential to be a shutdown cornerback. This pick is still going to be anybody as i have no idea what this organization is doing as they stayed mostly silent during free agency excluding the Watson trade. The only question I have to ask the Texans is, why is Jack Easterby still a part of there organization?

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE George Karlaftis
V(2) Mock Draft – OT Evan Neal
V(3) Mock Draft – OT Evan Neal

4. New York Jets – CB Ahmad Gardner (Cinncinati)

The Jets biggest weakness last season was at cornerback. Excluding Bryce Hall and Brandon Echols the cornerback crew was not good. With Stingley Jr. already taken by the Houston Texans. So the Jets select the next best cornerback prospect in Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner as he has the ability to be a shutdown cornerback as well.

V(1) Mock Draft – CB Derrick Stingley Jr.
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Derrick Stingley Jr.
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Derrick Stingley Jr.

5. New York Giants – OT Evan Neal (Alabama)

The Giants need to give Daniel jones or whoever there QB will be long term more protection. With Evan Neal dropping to the 5h pick the Giants will be like Saquon Barkley to rush their way to the podium to take Evan Neal. Especially as he has the ability to be a franchise tackle for the Giants along with Andrew Thomas.

V(1) Mock Draft – OT Evan Neal
V(2) Mock Draft – OT Charles Cross  
V(3) Mock Draft – OT Charles Cross  

6. Carolina Panthers – OT Ikem Ekwonu (North Carolina State)

I seriously believe the Panthers will trade down with this pick, but I honestly am not a fan of doing trades in my mock drafts. So in this version the Panthers stay put and they fix their offensive line which was absolutely terrible last season. They pretty much need every position except for Left tackle. Ikem would be a great fit for Carolina because he can play guard or tackle. If the Panthers keep the pick then they would select Ekwonu.

V(1) Mock Draft – OT Ikem Ekwonu
V(2) Mock Draft – OT Ikem Ekwonu
V(3) Mock Draft – OT Ikem Ekwonu

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears) – DE/EDGE Travon Walker (Georgia)

The Giants like I said in the mock draft did next to nothing when it comes to building this defense. This pick has to be a pass rusher as the Giants pass rushing was horrendous last season. I just can’t change the pick here and I have the Giants selecting Travon Walker with this selection.

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE David Ojabo
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Travon Walker
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Travon Walker

8. Atlanta Falcons – WR Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)

For the past few mock drafts I have been pegging Kyle Hamilton to the Atlanta Falcons. It would be a great start, however this team desperately needs a receiver for Marcus Mariota to throw the football too. Especially as Calvin Ridley is suspended a year due to him betting on football games. So, Atlanta fills a need by selecting Garrett Wilson with this pick.

V(1) Mock Draft – S Kyle Hamilton
V(2) Mock Draft – S Kyle Hamilton
V(2) Mock Draft – S Kyle Hamilton

9. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos) – DE/EDGE Jermaine Johnson (Florida State)

The Seattle Seahawks are in a rebuild right now and this pick could go in any direction. But the Eagles pass rush was a mess last year and could use an upgrade on LJ Collier. Jermaine Johnson has been rising on many draft boards and the Seahawks could use this selection to take him as he would be a great fit on their defense and help improve the defense.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Denver had the Pick)- DT Jordan Davis
V(2) Mock Draft – QB Malik Willis
V(3) Mock Draft – IOL Tyler Linderbaum

10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) – WR Treylon Burks (Arkansas)

This pick has to be a receiver. A player that has heavily been linked with this selection is Treylon Burks. Joe Douglas was even reported to be gushing and highly intrigued with Treylon Burks. So, the Jets with the 10th pick decided to take him with this selection.

V(1) Mock Draft – IOL Tyler Linderbaum
V(2) Mock Draft – IOL Tyler Linderbaum
V(3) Mock Draft – WR Treylon Burks

11. Washington Commanders – S Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)

The Commanders need to bring a safety on this team. Especially as they released Landon Collins and Deshazor Everett. Washington did not sign any safeties during free agency which makes no sense. There have been a lot of reports where Kyle Hamilton is falling in many draft boards. But I think he is just too good at 11 for Washington to pass on. It also fills a need for Washington as well and they would be fools to pass on him at this spot.

V(1) Mock Draft – QB Kenny Pickett 
V(2) Mock Draft – WR Garrett Wilson 
V(3) Mock Draft – WR Garrett Wilson 

12. Minnesota Vikings – CB Trent McDuffie (Washington)

The Vikings desperately need to improve the secondary as it was a clear weakness last season. The Vikings did nothing during free agency at the secondary position except bring back a declining Patrick Peterson. So the Vikings at this spot decide to select a cornerback to help improve the secondary.

V(1) Mock Draft – CB Ahmad Gardner 
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Ahmad Gardner 
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Ahmad Gardner 

13. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns) -DE/EDGE George Karlaftis (Purdue)

This pick has to be a DE/EDGE as the Texans for some reason have ignored upgrading that position during free agency. I don’t understand why, but then I realized that this is the same organization that still has Jack Easterby as a part of their organization for some reason. Can someone please give me a good reason why? The Texans select Karlaftis to help with their pass rushing issues.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Cleveland had the Pick)- WR Garrett Wilson 
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE George Karlaftis
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE George Karlaftis

14. Baltimore Ravens – DT Jordan Davis (Georgia)

There is a lot of rumors that Baltimore is very interested in Jordan Davis. Which makes sense as the Ravens are in a division where they have to face RB Joe Mixon, RB Najee Harris, RB Nick Chubb, and RB Kareem Hunt twice a year. So the Ravens would be smart strengthening their run defense by selecting Jordan Davis.

V(1) Mock Draft – OT Daniel Faalele
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Andrew Booth
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Andrew Booth

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins) – IOL Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa)

I am very high on Tyler Linderbaum and the Eagles desperately need to find the long term replacement for Jason Kelce who is not getting any younger. So the Eagles use this pick to continue to strengthen the offensive line by selecting Tyler Linderbaum.

V(1) Mock Draft – OG Kenyon Green
V(2) Mock Draft – DT Jordan Davis
V(3) Mock Draft – DT Jordan Davis

16. New Orleans Saints (From Indianapolis Colts via Philadelphia Eagles) – WR Chris Olave (Ohio State)

There is clearly something off regarding WR Michael Thomas. Yes he did not play due to injuries last season but it is clear that he has been a locker room distraction and the Saints may part ways with him at the end of next season if it gets worse. But the Saints don’t have a number 1 receiver as Marquez Callaway was solid but is more of a #2 or #3 receiver and I have given up on Tre’Quan Smith being a player on this team. So the Saints select the best receiver available by going Chris Olave with this selection.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Philadelphia had the Pick)- CB Trent McDuffie 
V(2) Mock Draft (*At the time Philadelphia had the Pick)- CB Trent McDuffie 
V(3) Mock Draft – WR Chris Olave

17. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Charles Cross (Mississippi State)

This is the Bryan Bulaga replacement on the offensive line. The Chargers need to get another tackle on this team to help protect QB Justin Herbert and it was a need that the Chargers did not invest in during free agency. So, why not use a first round pick and get another tackle to help fill in the need at right tackle.

V(1) Mock Draft – CB Andrew Booth Jr
V(2) Mock Draft – WR Chris Olave
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Trent McDuffie 

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints) – LB Devin Lloyd (Utah)

No change with this pick as the Eagles absolutely need to get a linebacker on defense. They have honestly not had a linebacker for many years since Jordan Hicks left. I like that the Eagles signed Hassan Reddick, but the Eagles need another linebacker on their defense and they select the best linebacker on the board by selecting Devin Lloyd.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time New Orleans had the Pick) – OT Charles Cross
V(2) Mock Draft (*At the time New Orleans had the Pick) – OT Trevor Penning
V(3) Mock Draft – LB Devin Lloyd

19. New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia Eagles) – QB Malik Willis (Liberty)

There is no reason as to why the New Orlean Saints should not take a quarterback at this spot. I hate to say this, but Jameis Winston is not the guy at QB, the saints gave up on Taysom Hill, Trevor Simeon was a free agent, and Ian Book is a scrub. So the Saints take there long term QB by selecting QB Malik Willis who is the clear cut best QB in the draft.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Philadelphia had the Pick)- LB Devin Lloyd
V(2) Mock Draft (*At the time Philadelphia had the Pick)- LB Devin Lloyd
V(3) Mock Draft – QB Kenny Pickett

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been doing a great job this offseason and has not made extremely incompetent decisions that they made past few offseason. It is amazing how a team operates when they no longer have to deal with a gigantic, injury-prone, declining QB. But they need to replace him and while I like Trubisky, but I don’t see him as the long term guy. So why not take the QB that played in the same stadium throughout his college career by selecting Kenny Pickett.

V(1) Mock Draft – QB Malik Willis
V(2) Mock Draft – QB Kenny Pickett
V(3) Mock Draft – QB Malik Willis

21. New England Patriots – CB Andrew Booth Jr (Clemson)

It still makes no sense as to why the Patriots decided to not resign or franchise tag CB JC Jackson as he was the best part of their secondary the past few years. Anyways the Patriots have a hole in defense at cornerback. The Patriots fix that by selecting CB Andrew Booth who would be a great enforcement in coverage for the Patriots defense.

V(1) Mock Draft – DT DeMarvin Leal 
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Roger McCreary 
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Roger McCreary 

22. Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas Raiders) – WR Jameson Williams (Alabama)

How Poetic would it be if the Green Bay Packers with one of the selections they got in the Davante Adams trade they select a wide receiver. Well they do that by selecting WR Jameson Williams who at this point would be too good to pass up. He has speed and when healthy can have a huge impact on offense. So Green Bay replaces Davante by selecting Williams with this pick.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Las Vegas had the Pick)- WR Chris Olave
V(2) Mock Draft – WR Drake London
V(3) Mock Draft – WR Drake London

23. Arizona Cardinals – OT Trevor Penning (Washington)

Kyler Murray is obviously not happy with the Arizona Cardinals right now as he clearly wants a new contract. What Kyler also could use is an offensive lineman to help protect him. Yes the Cardinals already have two tackles in DJ Humphries and Kelvin Beachum. But Beachum turns 33 in June and is not the long term tackle on this team. Plus his contract expires next season and could use a replacement and the Cardinals would be rushing to the podium to select Penning when he is avaible at his spot.

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Travon Walker 
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Jermaine Johnson
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Jermaine Johnson

24. Dallas Cowboys – CB Tariq Woolen UTSA

Cornerback is absolutely on the table for the Cowboys due to the whole Kelvin Joseph situation. Dallas may need to find a replacement for Kelvin Joseph. The Cowboys also could use some depth at the secondary position and Tariq Woolen would be a great solution for both issues. Woolen also has a lot of potential and upside for a guy bis size.

V(1) Mock Draft – OT Trevor Penning
V(2) Mock Draft – OT Daniel Faalele
V(3) Mock Draft – CB Tariq Woolen

25. Buffalo Bills – RB Breece Hall (Iowa State)

The Buffalo Bills came into the offseason with three needs interior offensive line, cornerback, and running back. They already filled the need at interior o-line, but did not do much at cornerback or at running back. The Bills need a running back as Singletary has durability concerns and Zack Moss is terrible. So the Bills with this selection take the best running back on the board selecting Breece Hall with this selection.

V(1) Mock Draft – CB Roger McCreary
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Kaiir Elam
V(3) Mock Draft – Daniel Faalele

26. Tennessee Titans – QB Matt Corrall (Missisispi)

The Tennessee Titans have an issue at QB because it is clear Ryan Tannehill is not the long term guy. Plus it is clear he is not worth the contract that he was given and there were rumors that the Titans were trying to get out of his awful contract. The Titans backups are Loggan Woodside and Kevin Hogan who have not impressed at all. So the Titans select Matt Corrall who can spend a year developing behind Tannehill and get a QB for the long term.

V(1) Mock Draft – CB Roger McCreary
V(2) Mock Draft – CB Kaiir Elam
V(3) Mock Draft – OT Daniel Faalele

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – IOL Kenyon Green (Texas A&M)

Tampa Bay lost Alex Cappa and Ali Marpett are no longer on the Buccaneers roster and they desperately need to find a replacement for both of them. The Buccaneers immediately find that replacement by selecting Kenyon Green who would be a great plug in option at any side on guard.

V(1) Mock Draft –  S Jaquan Brisker
V(2) Mock Draft –  S Jaquan Brisker
V(3) Mock Draft –  IOL Kenyon Green

28. Green Bay Packers – OT Daniel Faalele (Minnesota)

This is the Billy Turner replacement on the offensive line. Due to the Packers being in cap hell they could not resign Turner or sign his replacement. So why not select Daniel Faalele with one of their first round selections and fill a big need at guard/tackle. Plus, it never ever hurts to invest in the offensive line to protect QB Aaron Rodgers.

V(1) Mock Draft – WR Drake London
V(2) Mock Draft – LB Nakobe Dean
V(3) Mock Draft – LB Nakobe Dean

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Miami Dolphins from San Fransisco 49ers) – LB Nakobe Dean (Georgia)

The Chiefs could go in any direction with this selection, but the Cheifs could improve the linebacker core on this defense. Excluding Nick Bolton the Chiefs linebacking core is pretty weak. That changes with the Chiefs selecting Nakobe Dean with this selection.

V(1) Mock Draft (*At the time Miami had the Pick) – OT Rasheed Walker
V(2) Mock Draft – WR Treylon Burks
V(3) Mock Draft – WR Jameson Williams

30. Kansas City Chiefs – DE/EDGE David Ojabo (Michigan)

The Chiefs could use pass rushing help and David Ojabo is just too good for the Chiefs to pass on. He is a player I once saw as a Top 10 prospect until he suffered a serious injury. Yes Ojabo did suffer a Torn Achilles, but should recover in time to play part of the next season.

V(1) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE Jermaine Johnson 
V(2) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE David Ojabo 
V(3) Mock Draft – DE/EDGE David Ojabo

31. Cincinnati Bengals – S Jaquan Brisker (Penn State)

No change with this selection. Especially as the Bengals may want to get a backup plan is S Jessie Bates decides to holdout as he was franchise tagged during the offseason. Cinncinati may want to get leverage in negotiations plus Brisker would be a solid starter on the other side of Bates and be a rotational player along with Von Bell.

V(1) Mock Draft – OT Nicholas Petit-Frere
V(2) Mock Draft – S Daxton Hill
V(3) Mock Draft – S Jaquan Brisker

32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) – OG Zion Johnson (Boston College)

The Detroit Lions could once again continue to invest in QB Jared Goff by giving him another offensive lineman to protect him. Plus the Lions can get out of his contract next season and Zion Johnson would be a great replacement once getting out of his awful contract. Johnson would even take a year to develop as he is a raw prospect.

V(1) Mock Draft – LB Nakobe Dean
V(2) Mock Draft – WR Jameson Williams
V(3) Mock Draft – WR George Pickens