Barely 24 hours before the 2022 NFL Draft officially kicks off, here’s my annual 3-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft. With so much uncertainty, the early picks will set the tone. Unlike previous years, I projected two trades this time around — both of which I heard are real possibilities.
2022 3-Round NFL Mock Draft
How could the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft shake out in Las Vegas? Let’s begin with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who take the defensive end who isn’t from Michigan.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
Back on March 25, we were the first to break the story the Jaguars were considering selecting Travon Walker with the first pick of the draft. That story now becomes reality as Trent Baalke gets his man.
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
If Aidan Hutchinson is taken with the first pick, Travon Walker would be the pick here.
3) Houston Texans: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Another interesting battle. People believe this pick could be Travon Walker if he falls to the Texans, but I continue to hear Lovie Smith is lobbying for Derek Stingley Jr.
4) New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
Ahmad Gardner makes the most sense in this spot. Jermaine Johnson has to get consideration as well. But the word is the Jets are enamored with Ikem Ekwonu.
5) New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Giants want a plug-and-play right tackle, and Evan Neal can be just that.
6) Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
I reported this would be the selection more than a month ago. The big question is, does Charles Cross make it down this far?
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Kayvon Thibodeaux will also get serious consideration at this spot, but Ahmad Gardner may very well be the pick.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Falcons are in a position where they can select the best player available, and Kayvon Thibodeaux fills the role as well as a big hole on Atlanta’s depth chart.
9) Philadelphia Eagles (mock trade from SEA): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The ninth pick is going to be in play. New Orleans has inquired about moving up for this selection, but ultimately, the Eagles get the pick with all their draft capital. Philly gives away one of their first-rounders in 2023 for the right to select Alabama’s Jameson Williams.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Jets will consider Jameson Williams at this spot, and many in the league continue to tell me they will ultimately move this pick for Deebo Samuel. However, if a trade does not form, Garrett Wilson could be their choice.
11) Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
If Washington does not choose Kyle Hamilton at this spot, he could fall a long way.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie is the player the Vikings want, though they may try to trade down and still select him.
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 have a need on the interior defensive line, and no one in this draft comes close to Jordan Davis.
15) Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from PHI): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Seattle could take Trevor Penning at No. 9 if they don’t trade down.
16) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Saints need a receiver, and Chris Olave is possibly the most underrated one in this year’s draft.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London won’t have to go far to play his pro ball. Zion Johnson or another interior offensive lineman will get consideration at this spot, as will Jordan Davis if he’s available.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): 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 trade up, but with no left tackle still on the board, they select their future quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The bigger surprise at this point would be the Steelers passing on Malik Willis if he is available.
21) New England Patriots: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Zion Johnson is a versatile hometown blocker who can start at guard and develop into a center.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Not many teams have a first-round grade on Treylon Burks, but the Packers seem to love him. They could take Kenyon Green at this spot and then go with Alec Pierce in Round 2.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Pass rusher is a possibility here, and Logan Hall could be the surprise pick. Yet, the Cardinals may opt to bolster the offensive line with Kenyon Green.
24) Dallas Cowboys: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Boye Mafe would be a consideration, but George Karlaftis is a better fit for Dan Quinn’s system.
25) Buffalo Bills: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Bills could go in a lot of 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 take Jahan Dotson at this spot, 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 head coach, the Bucs turn to the secondary and select Daxton Hill, a player they feel can line up at corner or safety.
28) Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from GB): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
I first reported on Saturday that the Seahawks would trade back into the end of Round 1 for a quarterback, and that belief has since reverberated louder through the league. To move up 10 spots and select Desmond Ridder, Seattle surrenders the 41st selection and a fourth-rounder.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Jahan Dotson is a polished pass catcher who brings speed to the Chiefs’ receiver room. Kansas City could spring a surprise and select Jalen Pitre, whom they view as their future Honey Badger.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Chiefs have a need, and I’ve documented Brett Veach’s affection for Boye Mafe.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Tyler Linderbaum will get consideration at this spot, but Kaiir Elam immediately upgrades the cornerback position.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Detroit could take a quarterback at this spot to lock in the fifth-year option. Nevertheless, if they don’t, Lewis Cine could be their guy.