Cory's Reads #21: 2022 NFL Mock Draft
Eagles land Kyle Hamilton, while two WRs go in the top ten.
It’s that time of year again, where my sickest hobby gets in the way of life’s many other responsibilities. Since I was a kid, I’ve been in an NFL Draft nut. Indeed, I’m a huge fan of the sport in general, but draft season has always offered me a particular high, and I’ve compulsively combed through its contents every year for as long as I can remember. So even as I find less and less time to dive into the draft process and put together my own 7-round mock draft, I still make time.
Like I said, it’s a sick hobby.
The writeups that follow are likely of very little interest to the average reader of Cory’s Reads. It’s almost selfish of me to have put so much time into this thing compared to, say, a careful analysis of Apple TV’s Severance (my other latest obsession. More thoughts to follow, I’m sure.) or a loving tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins (another piece I hope to write. RIP to a rock and roll legend.) or even an insightful reaction to “The Slap” (nobody wants that. That one’s a joke. I promise.) Alas, the sickness persists, so I appreciate you indulging me just this one time.
For the football fans, I hope it’s a fun read. I welcome bashing and praise, but especially the bashing.
If reading in your e-mail, be sure to click out to the website to read the full piece. Paid subscribers have access to all 7 rounds, whereas free subscribers can enjoy the first round.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Evan Neal OT/G Alabama
Is a mock draft an exercise or a projection? A little of both, I suppose, and so we kick off the mock with a pick that will almost certainly be wrong, and yet I refuse to imagine the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft going any other way.
The Jaguars will almost certainly select one of Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson, but I still don’t understand why Jacksonville is so split on the two edge rushers, all the while ignoring this draft’s pair of elite tackles in Evan Neal and Ickey Ekwonu. Both tackle and edge may be needs for the Jags, but particularly with new head coach Doug Pederson in place, building out the offense and supporting young QB Trevor Lawrence should be the clear organizational priority.
Jacksonville has made some modest investments along the offensive line, but it’s not like Cam Robinson or Jawaan Taylor are among the best players at the position. Evan Neal would immediately step in as the team’s best offensive lineman, and offer the versatility to start anywhere along the offensive line, including RG, where the team is desperate for a starter. Using the top pick on a guard might sound a bit strange, but Neal has a near-certain future as one of the premiere tackles in the NFL, and I can’t help but feel his presence would do a lot more to accelerate this franchise’s escape from mediocrity than Walker or Hutchinson ever could.
Lions - Aidan Hutchinson DE/OLB Michigan
The Lions should run to the podium if Hutchinson isn’t the first overall pick. Not only will the Detroit fans appreciate the selection of a Michigan lifer, but Hutchinson also happens to fill a huge need along the Lions’ front line. The entire Lions team improved vastly over the last couple weeks of the season, and there is reason for some mild optimism as the 2022 season approaches, although it’s fair to say a shakeup at QB may be in order. Nevertheless, the team finished second-to-last in pass rush win rate last season at 33%.
Hutchinson may not have the ceiling that guys like Nick and Joey Bosa once did, but he still fits the mold as a powerful and bendy edge rusher, with some added scheme versatility to boot. I’m not sure he’ll ever develop into an All-Pro type player, but he will certainly have a very high floor for years to come.
Texans - Travon Walker DE/OLB Georgia
If Evan Neal going first overall was a moment of personal bias, this pick is one of pure projection. I don’t view Travon Walker as a top-five talent in this draft, and I don’t even think he’s the best player available at his position. But the athletic edge rusher from Georgia is soaring up draft boards, and Houston is the exact kind of franchise I’d expect to fall in love with his potential, overlooking his startling lack of production at Georgia (speaking of Neal, Walker struggled mightily against the Alabama tackle).
The former basketball player’s rise reminds me too much of draft busts like Dion Jordan and Aaron Curry, but there is no denying the upside here. Perhaps Lovie Smith and company can squeeze the most out of Walker, but I’d be worried about a guy who struggled to shine on such a star-studded defense.
Jets - Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner might be my favorite player in this draft class, and the Jets would be wise to scoop him up inside the top five. Gardner possesses those rare traits that everyone loves in a defensive back these days. He’s long, physical, and aggressive. Richard Sherman may be the obvious prototype for such CBs, but Sherman really does feel like the appropriate comparison for Gardner.
The Jets will need to prioritize the growth of their offense in this draft so as to support young QB Zach Wilson, but the value of Gardner here remains the right way to start their draft.
5. Giants - Ikem Ekwonu OT NC StateThe Giants would be ecstatic to see the board fall this way. “Ickey” Ekwonu could make a case for himself as the best player in the draft, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Texans scoop him up third overall. Instead, he slides ever so slightly to the Giants, who address their glaring need at tackle for what feels like the hundredth time.
2020’s 4th overall pick Andrew Thomas is slowly finding his footing after a rough start to his career, but New York is still without a RT. Whether Ekwonu slots in on the right side, or Thomas is shifted over, bookending the offensive line with two of the most athletic offensive linemen prospects in recent years has to be exciting for whomever plays QB for the Giants (it can’t be Daniel Jones for much longer…can it?)
6. Panthers - Malik Willis QB LibertyNow here is where the draft swings wide open. The Panthers have needs along the offensive line, and will be tempted by Ekwonu or Neal if they fall. They could even select Charles Cross or Trevor Penning, who wouldn’t necessarily be huge reaches at this juncture either. But Matt Rhule is sitting on the hottest seat in football, and he needs a long-term answer at QB if he has any hope of sitting there much longer.
Much has been said about the weakness of the 2022 QB class, but I think Willis would have been an intriguing prospect in any of the last several draft classes. Sure, he is not nearly as polished or pro-ready as Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow were, but I could make a case for Willis over, say, Zach Wilson. His upside is certainly higher, even if his floor is dramatically lower.
Still, the reason I am comfortable with Willis as a top-ten investment for Carolina is that his talent as a rusher will always keep him competitive. He has an opportunity to produce much like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson did in their first seasons as starters. And his arm is likely stronger than both of theirs. The Panthers can let Willis sit to start the season, deploying him sparingly in special subpackages. Or, they can unleash him early, where he’ll face some growing pains but also offer some undeniable flashes. Willis is far from a sure thing, but the Auburn transfer would be an undoubtedly exciting piece to slot in alongside Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Terrace Marshall Jr.
7. Giants - Kayvon Thibodeaux DE/OLB OregonIt pains me to say it as an Eagles fan, but this would be an incredible 1-2 punch for the Giants with their two first-round picks. Kayvon Thibodeaux could easily go first overall in this draft and nobody would blink. He is reportedly sliding down draft boards due to interviewing poorly, but his athleticism makes him too enticing to pass up here. The L.A. native will start his career as a plus-defender against the run, and will almost certainly develop his repertoire of pass rush skills over time.
If Thibodeaux slides any further, expect several teams to start hitting the phones.
8. Falcons - Garrett Wilson WR Ohio StateI think the Marcus Mariota project is for real. Well, allow me to rephrase. I think the Falcons think the Marcus Mariota project is for real. The rest of us may have our doubts about revitalizing Mariota’s career in Atlanta, but head coach Arthur Smith has been down this road once with Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee (Tannehill replaced Mariota for the Titans…the NFL circle of life continues) and I believe he wants to prove he can salvage another busted QB’s career. The decision to do so is made easier here after division rival Carolina snags Malik Willis, of course, but I expect Atlanta to target a WR regardless of what happens in the leadup to their pick. With Calvin Ridley out for the season (and perhaps never suiting up for Atlanta again), the Falcons are starved for talent at the position.
Garrett Wilson is my personal favorite WR in this draft class, but you could make an argument for Drake London at this spot as well. The 2022 WR class is a choose-your-own-adventure group of prospects. You want the big-bodied redzone target? The short and speedy slot guy? The precise route-runner with a slender frame? With WR gaining more and more importance in the NFL, I expect there to be a run at the position earlier than expected, even with no obvious J’Marr Chase or Julio Jones in this draft class. And so Wilson, who may not fit neatly into any of the aforementioned category, emerges as the first WR off the board.
Atlanta will fall in love with Wilson’s playmaking ability after the catch, even if his route-running leaves a bit to be desired. His rookie season highlight reel will almost certainly include at least one eye-popping catch, and he should benefit from not having to be Mariota’s top pass-catcher as Kyle Pitts continues to grow. Pitts and Wilson will provide Mariota or whoever plays QB for Atlanta with a dynamic duo for years to come.
9. Seahawks - Jermaine Johnson DE/OLB Florida StateThe Seahawks are yet another team that could target a QB in this draft class, and if Willis is available, I’d expect him to be the pick. But Seattle may be well-positioned to target a QB atop the 2nd round, and can instead focus on their pass rush with this pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade with Denver.
Johnson has been on a long journey from the junior college ranks to Georgia to Florida State, where he finally received the playing time he needed to prove he was among the best edge rushers in college football. The perception around the NFL community seems to be that there is a major gap between the trio of Hutchinson-Walker-Thibodeaux and the rest of the first-round pass rushers, but I’d argue Johnson is neck-and-neck with those guys, and may even have a better career when all is said and done.
10. Jets - Chris Olave WR Ohio StateTrust me when I say the Jets will absolutely select a WR here, barring a trade for Deebo Samuel. They have made their desire for a WR clear this offseason, having lost the bidding war for Tyreek Hill to their own division rival. Selecting a WR #4 overall may be a bit rich, but this pick feels perfectly suited for bolstering the Jets’ offensive weaponry.
Olave wouldn’t be my choice for the second best WR in this class, but he joins college teammate Garrett Wilson as the top two WRs off the board due to his pro-ready style of play. In truth, Olave is a bit of a boring prospect, but only because he doesn’t offer many unknowns. He is a crisp route-runner with reliable hands, and if Zach Wilson can get him the ball consistently, Olave just might win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He may not be one of the two or three best WRs in this draft class, but the Jets will appreciate the security in drafting him, and can rest easy knowing he can effortlessly contribute from the jump.
11. Commanders - Drake London WR USCThe Jets’ surprising reach for Chris Olave is music to Ron Rivera’s ears, as his newly named Commanders land the WR they coveted all along.
Drake London serves as the perfect compliment to Terry McLaurin, replacing McLaurin’s quickness and agility with strength and physicality. WRs like London scare me as an Eagles fan, having seen both USC receivers (Nelson Agholor) and big-bodied receivers (J.J. Arcega-Whiteside) fail miserably in the NFL. I do think London will struggle to get separation in the NFL, just as he did in college, but his size should theoretically make up for his lack of speed. If nothing else, his imposing presence on the field will open up further opportunities for McLaurin.
Washington is likely the last stop for Carson Wentz before his career officially implodes, but a supporting cast of McLaurin and London alongside Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, and even Dyami Brown, should offer Wentz ample opportunities to succeed.
12. Vikings - Derek Stingley Jr CB LSUThe Vikings would be elated to grab Derek Stingley here, as the LSU product could easily go inside the top 8 picks of the draft. Stingley was the top CB in the class once upon a time, and only fell due to some minor injury concerns. If the Minnesota doctors give new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah the clear, the Vikings should be able to land a new lockdown corner, who can adjust to the NFL under the tutelage of former LSU CB Patrick Peterson.
As with Thibodeaux, if Stingley falls any further, I’d expect phones to start ringing.
13. Texans - Charles Cross OT Mississippi StateThe Texans will consider an OT at #3, but are fortunate to land a great one at #13 in Charles Cross. It seems Davis Mills will get a chance to prove himself at QB for Houston, but if he has any hopes of surviving, he’ll need some protection upfront.
14. Ravens - Trevor Penning OT Northern IowaThe Ravens are an underrated candidate to trade up in this draft, as I expect them to be hungry for a tackle. And with so many other teams in the same boat, they may want to guarantee themselves one of the draft’s best. I would imagine Ozzie Newsome is particularly enamored with Evan Neal, but the price for Neal may be a bit high. Besides, Trevor Penning isn’t a bad consolation prize. It’s not too often a Northern Iowa product finds themselves anywhere near the first round of the draft, but Penning offers the kind of rare upside that NFL teams will covet. He can step in as a day-one starter for Baltimore, and while he may take some time to adjust to the elevated level of competition, he should be able to succeed on sheer strength alone.
15. Eagles (from MIA) - Kyle Hamilton S Notre DameCan you tell this is the mock draft of an Eagles fan? OK, so many things would have to go right in order for Kyle Hamilton to still be available for the Eagles at #15 on Thursday night, but it is certainly possible! Hamilton is reportedly sliding down draft boards due to his poor 40-yard-dash time at his Pro Day (reports suggest it was between 4.7-4.74). Hamilton put up a similarly disappointing 4.59 at the Combine, but can we just forget about those numbers for a second? Put on any Notre Dame game from this past season and you will see Hamilton absolutely flying across the field. He plays fast, and so the dip in his stock is unwarranted in my opinion.
Alas, the rest of the league’s loss is the Eagles’ gain, as Hamilton addresses the biggest need on Philly’s roster. They are quite literally without a safety opposite Anthony Harris at the moment, and Hamilton offers the kind of range and physicality that will remind fans of Brian Dawkins and Malcolm Jenkins. A stud safety has always been crucial to the Eagles’ identity, and if Hamilton falls outside the top 10, Howie Roseman should consider trading up to grab him, particularly as Washington and Minnesota may show interest as well.
16. Saints - Jameson Williams WR AlabamaPart of the fun of mock drafting is imagining dream fits between player and team. And Jameson Williams would be a perfect fit in New Orleans, where his field-stretching speed will pair wonderfully with Michael Thomas’ domination in the middle of the field, and Alvin Kamara’s operation underneath. Williams is far from a one-trick-pony, of course, and he could very well develop into the most complete WR in this draft class in a couple of years’ time. He will obviously need some time to recover from his torn ACL, but the Saints won’t be in any rush next season, as they essentially enter a soft rebuild anyway.
17. Chargers - Jordan Davis DT GeorgiaThe Chargers are yet another team who would be ecstatic to see the board shake out this way, as Jordan Davis may be their top target. Davis is one of the most freakish athletes in this draft class. No 341-pound human should be able to run a 4.78 40 yard dash, and yet Davis’ rare blend of size and athleticism is all too real. His lack of production as a pass rusher has kept him outside the draft’s top ten, but he won’t make it past Los Angeles here.
18. Eagles (from NO) - Treylon Burks WR ArkansasThe Eagles should have a wealth of options with their first pick in this year’s draft, but their second pick may be a bit trickier. They could very well seek out a trade with a team looking to move up (perhaps a QB-needy team hoping to jump ahead of New Orleans and Pittsburgh) but if they stay put, Treylon Burks should be the pick.
Burks is very divisive amongst football fans. Some view him as a gadget player who lacks the speed necessary to be effective without a creative offensive coordinator who can manufacture touches for him (all due respect to Shane Steichen and Nick Sirianni, but offensive creativity isn’t their strong suit). Others view him as a dangerous weapon who can be used as an offensive Swiss army knife. Place me in the latter camp. I view Burks as a big-bodied, speedy slot receiver who offers a unique skillset to the Eagles’ offense, manufactured touches be damned. Philadelphia has gone to the WR well early and often in the last several drafts, striking out often (sans DeVonta Smith). But Burks could finally end the team’s receiving woes, combining forces with Smith and TE Dallas Goedert to create a pretty imposing trio of pass catchers.
19. Saints (from PHI) - Kenny Pickett QB PittsburghI’m still getting used to Kenny Pickett as a first-round NFL prospect. To be fair, so is the rest of the league. Teams have wildly varying grades on Pickett, ranging from the first all the way to the fourth round of the draft. As a Pitt grad, I spent way too much time watching Pickett over the years (on the field but also at the local bar Mario’s). For much of his career, Pickett was a panicky scrambler whose pinpoint accuracy occasionally bailed him out of some boneheaded decisions. He seemed to put it all together last season, commanding the Pitt offense and helping future first-rounder Jordan Addison emerge as one of the best WRs in college football. And for that, Pickett was rewarded with a healthy media campaign touting him as the best QB prospect in the 2022 class.
Praise for Pickett has simmered down since then, which is probably for the best. Yet I can’t help but feel the reasoning is rather silly. Pickett was considered the top QB by many until his hands measured in at 8.625 inches at his Pro Day. Yes, this is a business where hand size really does matter. Pickett succeeding in the NFL would serve as a major outlier for a QB with such small hands, but if you ask me, hand size is really only a concern for cold-weather QBs who must protect the ball in wintry conditions.
Pickett did struggle with fumbles at Pitt, and will have to correct that in the NFL, but New Orleans and the NFC South should be a perfect home for him, and I wish him the best, even if I’m still not quite sold on his potential as a legitimate NFL starter.
20. Steelers - Tyler Smith OT TulsaCould this pick be a QB? The Steelers reportedly like Desmond Ridder, and so do I. Still, I wouldn’t expect Pittsburgh to force a QB this offseason. They’re a competent enough franchise to find success even with a mediocre QB like Mitch Trubisky at the helm (hell, they did it with Devlin “Duck” Hodges once upon a time). Instead, they bolster their offensive line as they look to build an offense suited for one of 2023’s several great QB prospects.
Tyler Smith may or may not go in the first round on Thursday night, but I think he deserves consideration here. He plays with an explosiveness that can get him into trouble at times, but also suggests a level of strength and speed that can be hard to find at the tackle position.
21. Patriots - Nakobe Dean LB GeorgiaNakobe Dean was the leader of the best defense in college football last season, and I expect him to be the first linebacker drafted on Thursday, ahead of Utah’s Devin Lloyd. Both linebackers are high-floor guys, but Lloyd’s tackling remains a tad inconsistent, whereas Dean plays with a ferocity that forces him to be in on each and every play. The only knock against him is that he is undersized for the position, but Bill Belichick has never been one to worry about such minutia. He knows a good football player when he sees one, and Dean could quickly quarterback a defense already filled with talent elsewhere.
22. Packers (from LV) - DeVonte Wyatt DT GeorgiaThe Packers will absolutely be in the market for a WR on draft night, but for now they follow their board and take one of the best players available at another position of need (you have to let Aaron Rodgers stew for at least a little longer, right?) DeVonte Wyatt is yet another standout from the Georgia defense. He may not have the rare traits that make his teammate Jordan Davis such an exciting prospect, but he still possesses a lateral quickness that makes him a talented pass rusher from the interior.
23. Cardinals - George Karlaftis DE/OLB PurdueThe Cardinals are fortunate to land Karlaftis here, as replacing Chandler Jones has emerged as one of the team’s top offseason priorities. Karlaftis compares quite conveniently to former Boilermaker Ryan Kerrigan, and should have a lengthy career as a powerful setter on the edge.
24. Cowboys - Tyler Linderbaum C IowaDallas has long been committed to investing in its offensive line with early draft picks, and this year should be no exception. Current center Tyler Biadasz was actually the only member of Dallas’ offensive line to start all 17 games last season, but his actual play was rather inconsistent. Still, Biadasz has likely earned another crack at the starting job. But the Cowboys still have a major hole next to him at LG, with Connor Williams departing for Miami. Linderbaum doesn’t offer immense versatility, but he could certainly be a formidable LG in the NFL, ready to fill in at C if Biadasz’ struggles continue. Based on talent alone, Linderbaum deserves top-15 consideration in this draft.
25. Bills - Kenyon Green OG/C Texas A&MThe Bills are the only team in this first round that doesn’t have any true needs. Still, the closest thing to a weakness on Buffalo’s roster is along the interior of their offensive line, where Cody Ford and Jon Feliciano have struggled. Even if Kenyon Green isn’t called upon to start during his rookie season, he provides some necessary insurance at all five offensive line positions. He is at his best at guard, but can fill in at tackle or center if needed. That kind of versatility should intrigue a team who can’t afford any lapses in protection during their pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.
26. Titans - Daniel Faalele OT MinnesotaThe Titans could quietly consider a QB here, as Ryan Tannehill’s best days are likely behind him. But I still think their window remains open as one of the more competitive teams in the AFC, so they’d be wise to bolster their offensive line and keep pushing forward for now. Like the Eagles’ Jordan Mailata, Daniel Faalele is a former rugby player in Australia who fell in love with football via the IMG Academy. He enters the NFL with a bit more polish than Mailata did, however, having put together three fantastic seasons with the Golden Gophers. At 6’9 and nearly 400 lbs, Faalele is a massive mauler who should be able to start immediately RT, transitioning over to LT as Taylor Lewan’s career winds down.
27. Buccaneers - Zion Johnson OG/C Boston CollegeThe Buccaneers will almost certainly target one of the interior offensive linemen with this pick, and Zion Johnson just might be the best of the bunch. He doesn’t offer the athleticism that makes Green and Linderbaum so enticing, but he has a high floor as a dependable run blocker who can fill in at various positions along the offensive line, where the Buccaneers are hurting for depth after the retirement of Ali Marpet.
28. Packers - Christian Watson WR North Dakota StateI believe there are better WRs available than Christian Watson at this juncture, but the North Dakota State product just screams Green Bay. He has the height and speed that the team has long coveted, and his ceiling is certainly much higher than guys like Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling who have previously fit this mold for the Packers. He can slide in behind Lazard and recent signee Sammy Watkins, and should be productive as the team’s WR3 before taking on a larger role.
My concern with Watson is that he didn’t absolutely dominate his competition at the FCS level. Typically, FCS first-rounders emerge because they put up ridiculous numbers against lesser competition. But Watson’s 2021 season amounted to a modest 800 yards and 7 TDs. It’s one of those awkward moments where my distance from the NFL scouting community makes it hard to understand how he ever emerged as such a highly touted prospect. I see the potential, no doubt, but he feels like a bet I’d rather make in the 2nd or 3rd round.
29. Chiefs (from MIA via SF) - Jahan Dotson WR Penn StateLike the Packers, the Chiefs are in desperate need of a WR, even after signing the hyphenated duo of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The revamped receiving room in Kansas City still needs a more complete player to compliment JuJu’s action in the intermediate passing game and MVS’s stretching of the field. Dotson can do a little bit of everything. He may never take over a game like Tyreek Hill could, but he’ll almost certainly offer a reliable set of hands with which Patrick Mahomes can do the rest.
Dotson essentially reminds me of what the Chiefs hoped Mecole Hardman could be when they took him in the 2nd round in 2019. Dotson offers similar potential as a return specialist and as a big-play-in-waiting on each and every snap.
30. Chiefs - Dax Hill S MichiganWith their second of two back-to-back picks, the Chiefs select one of the most underrated players in the draft. Dax Hill could go inside the top 20, but he instead lands in Kansas City, where he can slide in alongside the newly signed Justin Reid. What makes Hill so exciting is his versatility, so even if he does not supplant Juan Thornhill at the strong safety position, he can easily play any of the corner positions for the Chiefs. His ball skills are likely the best in this draft class, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him put up gaudy interception numbers early in his career. With Russell Wilson, Derek Carr, and Justin Herbert all in the division, an elite pass defense will be key to keeping the Chiefs atop the AFC West.
31. Bengals - Devin Lloyd LB UtahIt was clear in the Bengals’ loss to the Rams in Super Bowl LVI that the team’s lack of offensive line talent was the difference-maker. Fortunately, Cincinnati invested heavily all along the offensive line this offseason. They’ll likely continue to address the position throughout the draft, but their activity in free agency affords them the opportunity to take the best player available here in Devin Lloyd.
Logan Wilson has quickly grown into one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL, but the Bengals remain pretty barren at the position otherwise. Devin Lloyd would instantly form a formidable tandem with Wilson, and provide Cincinnati with the defensive core necessary to remain relevant in a crowded AFC.
32. Lions (from LAR) - Desmond Ridder QB CincinnatiThere’s a big difference between the first and second round of the NFL draft from a contractual standpoint. If you want a franchise QB, you want to draft him in the first round, affording you the vaunted fifth-year option. If you draft a player in the first round, you are entitled to a fifth-year option on their rookie contract, allowing you to retain their services for an additional year at the cost of their rookie contract. And if a QB plays well enough to earn a second contract? Well, there’s almost certainly a handsome reward in store for them.
So, a team like the Lions should absolutely target a QB at the back end of the first round. The Ravens made the distinction between first and second round QBs clear with their selection of Lamar Jackson in 2018, as did the Vikings with Teddy Bridgewater in 2014. Those teams had to wheel and deal to land at the 32nd pick and snag their guy, but the Lions are already perfectly situated to land a QB, and Desmond Ridder should absolutely be their guy.
Ridder may be the third QB off the board, but I’d rank him above Pickett, and his floor is likely higher than Willis’. Pittsburgh will likely consider him at #20, and Tennessee could have interest as well. But I love Detroit as a landing spot for Ridder. He’s a proven winner, having transformed the Cincinnati Bearcats into one of the best teams in college football over the last several seasons, with a confident command over the offense. His arm strength is only decent, but Ridder can “make all the throws” as the draft analysts like to say. At worst, he’s a game manager like Alex Smith. But with surprising speed outside the pocket, Ridder can turn broken plays into chunk gains, and should benefit from Detroit’s trio of safety valves in T.J. Hockenson, D’Andre Swift, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. If the Lions want to sit him behind Jared Goff for a few games, fine, but Ridder is one of the more pro-ready QBs in this class, and could absolutely start Day 1.
ROUND 2
33. Jaguars - Boye Mafe DE/OLB Minnesota
34. Lions - Lewis Cine S Georgia
35. Jets - Arnold Ebiketie DE/OLB Penn State
36. Giants - Breece Hall RB Iowa StateThe Giants moving on from Saquon Barkley? It could happen sooner than you think. And Breece Hall has the kind of homerun appeal out of the backfield that the Giants should covet as a Barkley understudy and, perhaps, replacement.
37. Texans - Andrew Booth Jr CB Clemson
38. Jets - Bernhard Raimann OT Central Michigan
39. Bears - George Pickens WR GeorgiaThe Bears may not have a first round pick in 2022, but they land a first round talent in George Pickens, whose upside is uncapped after an injury-ridden albeit explosive career at Georgia.
40. Seahawks - Christian Harris LB Alabama
41. Seahawks - Sam Howell QB UNC
42. Colts - Matt Corrall QB Ole MissThe Colts may have Matt Ryan, but they can’t keep this “new QB every year” system chugging along for too much longer. Corrall can sit behind Ryan for a year or two, and finally offer Indianapolis the consistency they so desperately need.
43. Falcons - Trent McDuffie CB Washington
44. Browns - DeMarvin Leal DT Texas A&M
45. Ravens - Kyler Gordon CB Washington
46. Vikings - Travis Jones DT Connecticut
47. Commanders - Kaiir Elam CB Florida
48. Bears - Nick Petit-Frere OT Ohio State
49. Saints - Jalen Pitre S Baylor
50. Chiefs - David Ojabo DE/OLB MichiganThe Chiefs are the exact kind of team that can afford to be patient with a talent like Ojabo. He won’t play as a rookie, but he would have been a first round pick before he tore his Achilles.
51. Eagles - Perrion Winfrey DT Oklahoma
52. Steelers - Roger McCreary CB Auburn
53. Packers - Rasheed Walker OT Penn State
54. Patriots - Logan Hall DT/DE Houston
55. Cardinals - Dylan Parham OT/G Memphis
56. Cowboys - David Bell WR PurdueThe Cowboys are rumored to be in the WR market, and Bell provides good value in the back half of round 2.
57. Bills - Chad Muma LB Wyoming
58. Falcons - Jaquan Brisker S Penn State
59. Packers - Kingsley Enagbare DE/OLB South Carolina
60. Buccaneers - Wan'dale Robinson WR Kentucky
61. 49ers - John Metchie III WR Alabama
62. Chiefs - Kenneth Walker III RB Michigan State
63. Bengals - Darian Kinnard OT/G Kentucky
64. Broncos - Cameron Thomas DE/OLB San Diego State
ROUND 3
65. Jaguars - Skyy Moore WR Western Michigan
66. Lions - Quay Walker LB Georgia
67. Giants - Trey McBride TE Colorado State
68. Texans - Jalen Tolbert WR South Alabama
69. Jets - Phidarian Mathis DT Alabama
70. Jaguars - Tariq Castro-Fields CB Penn State
71. Bears - Nik Bonitto DE/OLB Oklahoma
72. Seahawks - Max Mitchell OT Louisiana
73. Colts - Josh Paschal DE/OLB Kentucky
74. Falcons - Ed Ingram OG LSU
75. Broncos - Tariq Woolen CB UTSA
76. Ravens - Isaiah Spiller RB Texas A&MYou can never have enough RB depth, at least when you’re as run-heavy as Baltimore. Isaiah Spiller and J.K. Dobbins could form a lethal 1-2 punch for the Ravens.
77. Vikings - Verone McKinley III S Oregon
78. Browns - Drake Jackson DE/OLB USC
79. Chargers - Abraham Lucas OT Washington State
80. Texans - Troy Andersen LB Montana State
81. Giants - Thayer Munford OG/T Ohio State
82. Falcons - Channing Tindall LB Georgia
83. Eagles - Myjai Sanders DE/OLB Cincinnati
84. Steelers - Carson Strong QB Nevada
85. Patriots - Calvin Austin III WR MemphisCalvin Austin III won’t be a fit for every team, but the Patriots will know how to deploy him, and we could be looking back on this pick as a major steal.
86. Raiders - Sean Rhyan OG UCLA
87. Cardinals - Justyn Ross WR Clemson
88. Cowboys - Jelani Woods TE Virginia
89. Bills - Jerome Ford RB Cincinnati
90. Titans - Alec Pierce WR CincinnatiThe Titans are another team looking to bolster their WR corps, and they are likely familiar with Alec Pierce after scouting his QB Desmond Ridder throughout the pre-draft process.
91. Buccaneers - Kyren Williams RB Notre Dame
92. Packers - Velus Jones Jr WR Tennessee
93. 49ers - Cam Jurgens OC Nebraska
94. Chiefs - Damone Clark LB LSU
95. Bengals -Josh Jobe CB Alabama
96. Broncos - Brian Asamoah LB Oklahoma
97. Lions - Jamaree Salyer OT/G Georgia
98. Saints - Isaiah Likely TE Coastal Carolina
99. Browns - Matt Waletzko OT North Dakota
100. Ravens - Cole Strange OG/C Chattanooga
101. Eagles - Darrian Beavers LB CincinnatiThe Eagles make it back-to-back Bearcats by selecting an old-school linebacker who profiles as one of the hardest hitters in this draft class.
102. Dolphins - Leo Chenal LB Wisconsin
103. Chiefs - Derion Kendrick CB Georgia
104. Rams - Cordell Volson OT North Dakota State
105. 49ers - Sam Williams DE/OLB Ole Miss
ROUND 4
106. Jaguars - Cade Mays OT/G Tennessee
107. Texans - Brian Robinson Jr RB Alabama
108. Texans - Bryan Cook S Cincinnati
109. Seahawks - Matt Hankins CB Iowa
110. Ravens - Micheal Clemons DE/OLB Texas A&M
111. Jets - Brandon Smith LB Penn State
112. Giants - Khalil Shakir WR Boise State
113. Commanders - Zach Tom OT/C Wake Forest
114. Falcons - Amare Barno DE/OLB Virginia Tech
115. Broncos - Jake Ferguson TE Ohio State
116. Broncos - Cam Taylor-Britt CB Nebraska
117. Jets - Reed Blankenship S Middle Tennessee State
118. Browns - Samori Toure WR Nebraska
119. Ravens - John Ridgeway DT Arkansas
120. Saints - Zachary Carter DT/DE Florida
121. Chiefs - Braxton Jones OT Southern Utah
122. Colts - Dare Rosenthal OT Kentucky
123. Chargers - Tyreke Smith DE/OLB Ohio State
124. Eagles - Damarri Mathis CB Pittsburgh
125. Dolphins - Alec Lindstrom OC Boston College
126. Raiders - LaBryan Ray DT Alabama
127. Patriots - Chasen Hines OG LSU
128. Ravens - JoJo Domann LB Nebraska
129. Cowboys - Esezi Otomewo DE/OLB Minnesota
130. Bills - Josh Williams CB Fayetteville State
131. Titans - Jack Sanborn LB Wisconsin
132. Packers - Greg Dulcich TE UCLA
133. Bucs - Jack Jones CB Arizona State
134. 49ers - James Cook RB Georgia
135. Chiefs - Jeremy Ruckert TE Ohio State
136. Bengals - Nick Cross S Maryland
137. Panthers - Obinna Eze OT TCU
138. Steelers - Sterling Weatherford S Miami(OH)
139. Ravens - Bubba Bolden S Miami
140. Packers - Jesse Luketa LB Penn State
141. Ravens - Cade Otton TE Washington
142. Rams - Matt Araiza P San Diego State
143. Titans - Coby Bryant CB Cincinnati
ROUND 5
144. Panthers - Lecitus Smith OG Virginia Tech
145. Broncos - JT Woods S Baylor
146. Jets - Rachaad White RB Arizona State
147. Giants - Smoke Monday S Auburn
148. Bears - Montaric Brown CB Arkansas
149. Panthers - Chigoziem Okonkwo TE Maryland
150. Bears - David Anenih LB Houston
151. Falcons - Sincere McCormick RB UTSA
152. Seahawks - Spencer Burford OT/G UTSA
153. Seahawks - Eric Ezukanma WR Texas Tech
154. Eagles - Dameon Pierce RB Florida
155. Cowboys - Marcus Jones CB Houston
156. Vikings - Kyle Phillips WR UCLA
157. Jaguars - Kerby Joseph S Illinois
158. Patriots - Myron Cunninham OT Arkansas
159. Colts - Stanley Berryhill III WR Arizona
160. Chargers - Peyton Hendershot TE Indiana
161. Saints - Vederian Lowe OT Illinois
162. Eagles - Charlie Kolar TE Iowa State
163. Jets - Alontae Taylor CB Tennessee
164. Raiders - DeAngelo Malone DE/OLB Western Kentucky
165. Raiders - Martin Emerson CB Mississippi State
166. Eagles - Luke Fortner OC/G Kentucky
167. Cowboys - Dane Belton S Iowa
168. Bills - Dontario Drummond WR Ole Miss
169. Titans - Daniel Bellinger TE San Diego State
170. Patriots - Tycen Anderson S Toledo
171. Packers - Tyler Badie RB Missouri
172. 49ers - Kalon Barnes CB Baylor
173. Giants - D'Marco Jackson LB Appalachian State
174. Bengals - Luke Goedeke TE Central Michigan
175. Rams - Chris Paul OG Tulsa
176. Cowboys - Thomas Booker DT Stanford
177. Lions - Tyquan Thornton WR Baylor
178. Cowboys - Tyrese Robinson OG Oklahoma
179. Colts - Mario Goodrich CB Clemson
ROUND 6
180. Jaguars - Jalen Wydermyer TE Texas A&M
181. Lions - Sam Webb CB Missouri Western
182. Giants - A'qeel Glass QB Alabama A&M
183. Texans - Gerrit Prince TE UAB
184. Vikings - Terrel Bernard LB Baylor
185. Bills - Jake Camarda P Georgia
186. Bears - Hassan Haskins RB Michigan
187. 49ers - Matthew Butler DT Tennessee
188. Jaguars - Matt Henningsen DT Wisconsin
189. Commanders - Amari Carter S Miami
190. Falcons - Bailey Zappe QB Western Kentucky
191. Vikings - Dominique Robinson DE/OLB Miami(OH)
192. Vikings - Brock Purdy QB Iowa State
193. Cowboys - Logan Bruss OT Wisconsin
194. Saints - Joshuah Ezeudu OG North Carolina
195. Chargers - Danny Gray WR SMU
196. Ravens - Romeo Doubs WR Nevada
197. Jaguars - Pierre Strong Jr RB South Dakota State
198. Jaguars - Ali Fayad DE/OLB Western Michigan
199. Panthers - Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa DE/OLB Notre Dame
200. Patriots - Mike Rose LB Iowa State
201. Cardinals - Zamir White RB Georgia
202. Browns - Zakoby McClain LB Auburn
203. Bills - James Mitchell TE Virginia Tech
204. Titans - Christopher Hinton DT Michigan
205. Texans - Cole Kelley QB Southeastern Louisiana
206. Broncos - Ty Chandler RB North Carolina
207. Texans - Chris Owens OG/C Alabama
208. Steelers - Ben Stille DE/OLB Nebraska
209. Bengals - Curtis Brooks DT Cincinnati
210. Patriots - Haskell Garrett DT Ohio State
211. Rams - Cade Hall DE/OLB San Jose State
212. Rams - Tyler Allgeir RB BYU
213. Falcons - Austin Allen TE Nebraska
214. Chargers - Damarion Williams CB/S Houston
215. Cardinals - Zyon McCollum CB Sam Houston State
216. Colts - Elijah Hicks S California
217. Lions - Jean Delance OT Florida
218. Rams - Isaiah Pola-Mao S USC
219. Titans - Zaquandre White RB South Carolina
220. 49ers - Micah McFadden LB Indiana
221. 49ers - Leon O'Neal Jr. S Texas A&M
ROUND 7
222. Jaguars - Malcolm Rodriguez LB Oklahoma State
223. Browns - Isaac Taylor-Stuart CB USC
224. Dolphins - Mike Woods II WR Oklahoma
225. Steelers - Bo Melton WR Rutgers
226. Bengals - Reggie Roberson Jr. WR SMU
227. Raiders - Joshuah Ross LB Michigan
228. Packers - Akayleb Evans CB Missouri
229. Seahawks - Tyler Goodson RB Iowa
230. Commanders - Grant Calcaterra TE SMU
231. Bills- Eyioma Uwazurike DT Iowa State
232. Broncos - Tre Turner WR Virginia Tech
233. Chiefs - Mike Harley WR Miami
234. Broncos - Jack Snyder OG/T San Jose State
235. Jaguars - Jalyn Armour-Davis CB Alabama
236. Chargers - Jerrion Ealy RB Ole Miss
237. Eagles - Jordan Stout P Penn State
238. Rams - Jaylen Watson CB Washington State
239. Commanders - Jack Coan QB Notre Dame
240. Colts - Cole Turner TE Nevada
241. Steelers - Eric Johnson DT Missouri State
242. Panthers - Chance Campbell LB Ole Miss
243. Chiefs - Zachary Thomas OG/T San Diego State
244. Cardinals - Kellen Diesch OT Arizona State
245. Texans - Josh Thompson CB Texas
246. Browns - Connor Heyward TE Michigan State
247. Dolphins - Christopher Allen DE/OLB Alabama
248. Bucs - Yusuf Corker S Kentucky
249. Packers - Qwynterrio Cole S Louisville
250. Vikings - Dohnovan West OG/C Arizona State
251. Chiefs - Otito Ogbonnia DT UCLA
252. Bengals - Alex Wright DE/OLB UAB
253. Rams - Aaron Hansford LB Texas A&M
254. Chargers - Xavier Newman-Johnson OG Baylor
255. Chargers - Nick Grant S Virginia
256. Cardinals - Darien Butler LB Arizona State