Kenny Pickett prepares to throw the ball in practice. Note the diminutive hands. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Using profootballnetwork.com’s mock draft simulator, I predicted the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. I based these predictions on team needs and rumors from NFL media. This draft is not how I would draft for each team, but how I think it could play out. I decided not to include trades because they are too hard to predict and can be confusing in a one-round mock draft..
1.
Jacksonville Jaguars-
Travon Walker (Edge Rusher), Georgia:
Walker lacks the production of a top edge rusher but he is an athletic freak whose potential is insane if he can develop into a consistent pass-rusher. Trent Baalke, the general manager of the Jaguars, might be the only one crazy enough to pick him first overall.
2.
Detroit Lions-
Aidan Hutchinson (Edge Rusher), Michigan:
Detroit gets the Michigan product. Hutchinson is an experienced edge rusher who will immediately help Detroit’s defense and a safe selection for the top of the draft.
3.
Houston Texans-
Ikem Ekwonu (Offensive Tackle), North Carolina State:
Lovie Smith, the Texans’ head coach, said that Davis Mills is their starting quarterback for next year. Houston needs a top tackle to protect him and bring an advantage in the running game. Ekwonu has the chance to be a top tackle for the next decade.
4.
New York Jets-
Kayvon Thibodoux (Edge Rusher), Oregon:
Thibodoux is probably the most controversial player in this draft. Although his effort and love of football has been questioned, there is no doubt that he is an immensely talented pass rusher that brings an edge in the running game. The Jets get a potential star opposite Carl Lawson, the Jets’ defensive end.
5.
New York Giants-
Evan Neal (Offensive Tackle), Alabama:
The Giants need help at tackle opposite of Andrew Thomas. Neal brings an edge to pass-protection that might be able to help Daniel Jones become a competent quarterback.
6.
Carolina Panthers-
Kenny Pickett (Quarterback), Pittsburgh:
This quarterback draft has the potential to be one of the weakest since 2013. Nevertheless, Matt Rhule’s time in Carolina seems to be coming to an end and it’s incredibly unlikely he would want to put his faith in Sam Darnold to turn his career around. Pickett has the chance to be a decent starter Week 1, but his chance of being a top quarterback is as tiny as his hands.
7.
New York Giants-
Jermaine Johnson (Edge Rusher), Florida State:
Johnson’s senior bowl performance put him in the conversation as a top pass rusher in this draft. After grabbing Evan Neal, the Giants get a guy who has the potential to be a consistent 10+ sacks-a-year player.
8.
Atlanta Falcons-
Garret Wilson (Wide Receiver), Ohio State:
The Falcons need help at receiver after Calvin Ridley’s suspension. Wilson fills this gap and gives Arthur Smith’s offense more weapons.
9.
Seattle Seahawks-
Malik Willis (Quarterback), Liberty:
The Seahawks got this pick for trading away Russell Wilson and they look like a team that needs help across the board. Despite this, I cannot see any way they go into the season with Drew Lock as the starting quarterback. Willis brings a lot to the table athletically and will benefit from having DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as weapons.
10
New York Jets-
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (CB), Cincinnati:
The Jets desperately need help at receiver but Gardner is too good a prospect to pass up if he falls to 10. Its very likely Joe Douglas and Robert Salah get lost in the sauce and get a top cornerback to put opposite of the newly acquired DJ Reed.
11.
Washington Commanders-
Kyle Hamilton (S), Notre Dame:
Hamilton’s been called a unicorn and generational talent. I am dubious of these claims but he is still a great prospect that helps Washington build their defense.
12.
Minnesota Vikings-
Derek Stingely Jr. (Cornerback), LSU:
Stingely is a controversial prospect due to his injury history but his potential is too much to pass up.
13.
Houston Texans-
George Karlaftis (Edge Rusher), Purdue:
Karlaftis is an underrated prospect. Houston gets a quality pass-rusher to help build their defensive line.
14.
Baltimore Ravens-
Devin Lloyd (Linebacker), Utah:
Baltimore gets a quality linebacker to command their defense.
15.
Philadelphia Eagles-
Jameson Williams (Wide receiver), Alabama:
Philly gets an Alabama receiver for the second year in a row. Williams has a lot of potential even though he is coming off an injury and gives Jalen Hurts another fast weapon.
16.
New Orleans Saints-
Sam Howell (Quarterback), North Carolina:
There has to be a reason why the Saints traded for another first round pick, right? Howell makes sense as a quarterback for the future who can develop behind Jameis Winston.
17.
Los Angeles Chargers-
Jordan Davis (Defensive Tackle), Georgia:
Davis put on a show at the combine and will immediately help bolster the Chargers putrid run-defense.
18.
Philadelphia Eagles
– Trent McDuffie (Cornerback), Washington:
The Eagles need help in the secondary and McDuffie fills that need.
19.
New Orleans Saints-
Charles Cross (Offensive Tackle), Mississippi State:
New Orleans gets a steal with Cross who immediately helps protect their quarterback, whether it’s Winston or Howell.
20.
Pittsburg Steelers-
Andrew Booth Jr. (Cornerback), Clemson:
Pittsburg improves their secondary.
21.
New England Patriots-
Kaiir Elam (Cornerback), Florida:
The Patriots attempt to fill their void at cornerback after J.C. Jackson left for the Chargers.
22.
Greenbay Packers-
Chris Olave (Wide Receiver), Ohio State:
Packers try to replace Devonte Adams with a younger and significantly cheaper option.
23.
Arizona Cardinals-
Trevor Penning (Offensive Tackle), Northern Iowa:
Penning is a mauler who grabbed scouts’ attention at the senior bowl. Kyler Murray, if he does not decide to leave, gets more support on the offensive line.
24.
Dallas Cowboys-
Zion Johnson (Offensive Guard), Boston College:
The Cowboys were last successful when they had the top offensive line in the league. Johnson helps them go back to that.
25.
Buffalo Bills-
Kenyon Green (Offensive Guard), Texas A&M:
Josh Allen gets extra help on the offensive line.
26.
Tennessee Titans-
Arnold Ebeketie (Edge Rusher), Penn State:
The Titans get an edge rusher to add to an already strong defense.
27.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers-
Treylon Burks (Wide Receiver), Arkansas:
Tom Brady refuses to retire and Chris Godwin is returning from injury. Adding another receiver makes perfect sense.
28.
Green Bay Packers-
Nakobe Dean (Linebacker), Georgia:
Packers get a top linebacker prospect to improve their defense.
29.
Kansas City Chiefs-
Drake London (Wide Receiver), USC:
Kansas City replaces Tyreek Hill with a big-bodied, redzone weapon with London.
30.
Kansas City Chiefs-
David Ojabo (Edge Rusher), Michigan:
Ojabo falls due to his injury and gives the Chiefs an absolute steal for the bottom of the first round.
31.
Cincinnati Bengals-
Daxton Hill (Safety), Michigan:
Bengals get help building a secondary that was torched by Cooper Kupp.
32.
Detroit Lions-
Matt Corral (Quarterback), Mississippi:
Lions take a shot at a high upside quarterback who can sit behind Jared Goff for at least a season.