2022 NFL Mock Draft: Lions surprise with George Karlaftis at No. 1, first round sees receivers galore – CBS Sports

Early November is the appropriate time for a mock draft surprise. And this would amount to one. However, Karlaftis, like Kayvon Thibodeaux, is a freaky athlete who’s actually younger than the Oregon star and has more of an NFL body.

Thibodeaux might be more of a project than people are thinking right now, while the Texans are years away from contending. Perfect match. He does have All-Pro upside.

The Eagles get a monster playmaker in Hamilton, who will boost the back seven in Philadelphia in a major way.

Neal falls into the Jets lap, and they couldn’t be happier with the thought of Mekhi Becton and Neal protecting their quarterback for years to come.

The Jaguars did have a tremendous defensive effort in Week 9 but are still in need of an alpha at the corner spot. Stingley can be that guy.

The Football Team isn’t gettijng a marquee, high-end prospect here, but Corral presents the best combination of NFL-readiness and upside.

With Derek Barnett set for free agency and Brandon Graham nearing the end of his career, this is a no-brainer for the Eagles.

Dean is a big-time athlete who can run, hit, and cover like some of the best linebacker prospects we’ve seen over the past three or four draft classes.

How about more protection for Daniel Jones up front? Ekwonu can play tackle in the NFL despite his shorter arms because of his outstanding balance and power.

The Dolphins might end up with a top 10 pick after all, given the 49ers’ recent downward spiral. And how about a sure thing along the offensive line for Miami? That’s what they’d get with Linderbaum.

McDuffie is a majorly gifted athlete with fantastic instincts in coverage. He’s the type the Jets need in their secondary.

The Vikings finally part ways from having an exact type at the quarterback spot — see: Kirk Cousins — with the selection of Willis, a raw but immensely high upside quarterback prospect.

The Panthers have to get nastier inside. Green is the definition of a mauler, and while he’s played multiple positions at Texas A&M, his best NFL position will be guard.

As such a young prospect, Cross is a bit of a project, but he’s played like a first-round pick this season and has All-Pro potential given his smooth athletic traits.

GM George Paton was in Minnesota for the Vikings’ draft selection of Teddy Bridgewater and signing of Kirk Cousins. With Pickett, he’d get another multi-year college starter with a strong resume inside the pocket.

Gardner is a physical, in-your-face cornerback who would be a welcomed, youthful addition to the Cincinnati defensive backfield.

With Odell Beckham Jr. gone, the need for receiver in Cleveland is clear-cut. Wilson is a twitched up speedster bound for Round 1.

Suddenly, I think we’re realizing the Chiefs might need secondary weapons on offense. Williams is sudden and excels after the catch. He’ll be a riser during draft season.

Huge value selection for the Falcons here with Leal, who can win at any defensive line position.

Given his juice to get open down the field, great ball skills, and craftiness underneath, Dotson would fit perfectly in New England.

London plays to every inch of his 6-foot-5 frame but has the quickness to get open.

Elam would be a glorious fit in Pittsburgh’s man-heavy coverage scheme because of his length and physicality at the line.

Kendrick would be a high-floor cornerback for the Raiders. Exactly what that secondary needs.

With Micah Parsons destined to play mostly on the edge and Leighton Vander Esch a free agent, the Cowboys dip into the off-ball linebacker well again with Lloyd, a sizable and rangy ‘backer.

The Bills have a major hole at guard but can’t pass on the SEC-tested McCreary, who plays the ball awesomely in the air and has an NFL body that will allow him to thrive against the run.

Burks would be a tremendous complement to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in Los Angeles.

Brisker has been a steady producer at Penn State for years and would add more youthful talent to Tampa’s secondary.

Howell hasn’t been as dynamic as he was in 2020, but he’s done a good job of late elevating those around him. He can be a project-type in Detroit.

The Ravens love oversized defensive linemen, and that’s precisely what Davis is. Brandon Williams is a free agent at the end of the season.

I’d love Dotson in Green Bay, given his vertical capabilities and how he plays bigger than his size in traffic.

Kirkland is a pass blocking specialist, but with more power he can be rock-solid for the run too because of his great feet.

Hill is a former monster recruit with incredible twitch and good ball skills.