Sports on Draft

Sports on Draft’s Official 2022 NFL Mock Draft

_{NFL Draft live in Las Vegas, Nevada at 5:00 PM PT}

_{Photo Credits SN Illustration – Sporting News}

With only a couple hours left until the 2022 NFL Draft, Sports on Draft has (albeit a little late) finally composed its own ‘Round 1 NFL Mock Draft’

Chris Marlin and Max McLaughlin got together to mock out a projected 2022 NFL Draft, while all Mock’s are a crap shoot here’s our stab in the dark. We chose to alternate picks, with Marlin taking the odds and McLaughlin taking the evens, below is our results, enjoy.

Round 1 Pick 1: Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

With the No.1 overall pick, The Jacksonville Jaguars select Travon Walker. NFL scouts and media in Jacksonville expressed they like the upside of Walker, more or less than the proven leadership that the No. 1 prospect Aidan Hutchinson posses. Also with recent news on Wednesday via ESPN — the Jags’ extend LT Cam Robinson– shows they are trending away from Hutchinson.

Round 1 Pick 2: Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Hutchinson’s record setting year at Michigan last year was pure dominance that will quickly translate to the NFL. The best Defensive End prospect in the draft will fit in perfectly with Dan Campbell’s ‘Motor City Maniacs.’ While Detroit is still a long shot away from reasonable contention, adding Hutchinson will definitely make Detroit a fun team to watch on Sundays, especially in those classic NFC North Rivalries.

Round 1 Pick 3: Houston Texans – Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The Houston Texans snag Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner away from the Jets. He is a true Jalen Ramsey-type lockdown corner, and the Texans know he is just too good to pass up, even if their needs are prioritized elsewhere.

Round 1 Pick 4: TRADE (New Orleans Trade No. 16 and No. 19 to New York Jets for No. 4) – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Trade: The Jets could go Thibodeaux here but I just don’t think it’s “their guy.” That was Sauce, New York sees a chance to add some first Round Draft capital and find a quality player in a deep draft class later on. Meanwhile, the Saints use their extra Draft capital to leap frog their NFC South rival and take the first QB in the Draft.

With the 4th pick the New Orleans Saints make a reach for Kenny Pickett, they have just as much interest in the signal caller as their NFC South foes, and knowing his talent throughout the pre draft process, they don’t want to face him. He could benefit sitting behind Winston to start, possibly taking over before the season ends.

Round 1 Pick 5 : New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

The Giants have a lot to address on defense, and while there are a lot of top prospects on the offensive line, Thibodeaux might just be the pass rusher in the draft that simply cannot be taken for granted. Thibodeaux was the USA Today’s High School Football Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and No. 1 overall College Football recruit in 2019. He was been making a difference everywhere; his incredible athleticism/size make him a no brainer in the top 10.

Round 1 Pick 6: Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

With New Orleans leap-frogging up to No.4 seemingly stealing Pickett from the Panthers, they easily grab the other top QB they’ve had there eye on. Linked to many different QB’s throughout the offseason (Watson, Mayfield, Garoppolo) the Panthers have been sold on Willis since his Liberty pro-day. They get exactly the QB they wanted.

Round 1 Pick 7: New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Ekwonu is a mauler, and just simply toys with any edge rushers coming his way. He was named a unanimous All-American and was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Round 1 Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons – Garett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Falcons take the most Day 1 ready starting wide-out in the draft, coming out of the Wide Receiver Factory that is Ohio State. The Falcons get the difference making weapon they need. Atlanta could go O-Line or EDGE here but after losing Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley over the past two seasons, Atlanta needs an perimeter weapon for Marcus Mariota.

Round 1 Pick 9: Seattle Seahawks – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Seahawks are practically in rebuild mode, and why not start by addressing one of the most important postitions in football. Will they trade for Mayfield? Only time will tell, but they need to address a building block for whatever quarterback comes along their way.

Round 1 Pick 10: New York Jets – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Jets take undoubtedly the best receiver in the draft. Williams stock has taken a hit since his ACL injury, but he is already ahead of schedule and showing great signs of recovery; I easily see him having a shot to play more than half the 2022 NFL Season. Just imagine Wilson’s deep ball at last year’s BYU pro day becoming routine games of catch with Williams at the next level.

Round 1 Pick 11: Washington Commanders – Drake London, WR, USC

Washington fills in one of the biggest position voids with the No. 2 ranked wide receiver in the draft, London is a future Pro Bowl talent. His incredible hops and athleticism would make a perfect target for QB Carson Wentz.

Round 1 Pick 12: Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Stingley once a sure fire Top 10 pick had an INSANE year during LSU’s 2019 Championship season, as a Freshman he locked down elite SEC receiver allowing only 29 catches on 69 targets as well as leading the SEC in INT’s and Pass breakups. Injuries and inconsistent play have limited him his past two seasons, but if he can regain that freshman form in Minnesota we could be seeing a whole new level of competition in the NFC North.

Round 1 Pick 13: Houston Texans – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi

The Texans made a big splash on defense, now is the time for a value need on the offensive line. While Davis Mills seems to be the lone option at the quarterback position, Houston still can’t pass on of the best lineman in the draft.

Round 1 Pick 14: Baltimore Ravens – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Ravens Get the best Lurker in the Draft, many Mock’s have him going in the top 10 and if he falls to the Ravens at No.14 there is no way they can pass him up. This is the type of player they were looking for when they gave Earl Thomas that big contract a few years ago.

Round 1 Pick 15: Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Philadelphia is about to pull another DeVonta Smith, and why not? Smith proved to be a great pick early for them last season, and he has already appeared to make a good camaraderie with QB Jalen Hurts. With now Olave added to the wide receiver corps, this could be a contending offense in the NFC least (East).

Round 1 Pick 16: New York Jets – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Missing out on Ahmad Gardner stung a bit, but the Jets trade down and still find a strong CB, playing against some talented Pac-10 receivers McDuffie gives the Jets the perfect Secondary partner for DJ Reed and Bryce Hall.

Round 1 Pick 17: Los Angeles Chargers – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

While most options on the offensive line are taken, there is still Trevor Penning, a prime option at offensive tackle from Northern Iowa. Penning will be a wonderful pick to protect the Chargers’ franchise QB, Justin Herbert.

Round 1 Pick 18: Philadelphia Eagles – Arnold Ebiketie, OLB, Penn State

Eagles added an offensive weapon first here they bolster a Linebacking core that has been subpar for many year, Ebiketie provides the Eagles with rotational package rusher early on with the potential to evolve into a strong every down pass rusher down the road, something the Eagles have been lacking in the second level of their defense for years.

Round 1 Pick 19: New York Jets – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum is a stud at the center position. Linderbaum would be a great centerpiece on the offensive line to help protect Jets’ QB Zack Wilson. Linderbaum won the Rimington Trophy and was named a unanimous All-American in 2021.

Round 1 Pick 20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Steelers can’t pass on Jordan Davis here, while QB is there biggest need they’ve missed out on the two they really liked, Davis makes the Steelers Defense a QB’s nightmare, there is no way to block 340 lbs, and double team TJ Watt, and block Devin Bush, and Bud Dupree… you just can’t. Great value pick here for Pittsburgh

Round 1 Pick 21: New England Patriots – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

It’s really no telling what Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will do on draft day or really anything else in the future for that matter, but it will be hard for them to pass on one of the premier defensive tackles in the draft. Wyatt will help stop the force that is the AFC, and all the loaded, opposing Pro Bowl Quarterbacks.

Round 1 Pick 22: Green Bay Packers – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Almost every receiver is elevated with Rodgers at QB, but taking Jahan Dotson out of Penn State gives Rodgers the fast and shifty target he’s been missing since Greg Jennings, almost identical combine results and same college competition this is the weapon that Rodgers has been missing, sorry Davante Adams.

Round 1 Pick 23: Arizona Cardinals – Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State

While me and my colleague agree that we have Jermaine Johnson too low on this draft, Johnson would be a great fit for the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are already missing Chandler Jones dearly, and if somehow they get lucky enough to see Johnson on the board, they will grab him. It is certainly a long shot for having Johnson falling at No. 23 overall, but he would be the franchise player for Arizona if the opportunity is there.

Round 1 Pick 24: Dallas Cowboys – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The Cowboys continue to do questionable front office moves with the organization, but hey, it’s the Cowboys. Letting Amari Cooper go was definitely a questionable move, but obviously they have a great deal of trust in Cedric Wilson and Michael Gallup. QB Prescott, moments last season, targeted Wilson and Gallup even more than Cooper, which caused frustration for the Pro Bowl wide receiver. Treylon Burks would make another fantastic wide receiver trio for the Cowboys.

Round 1 Pick 25: Buffalo Bills – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

The Bills are going to face some offensive firepower in the AFC next season, and what better way to add another solid cornerback at Andrew Booth Jr. along with Tre’Davious White.

Round 1 Pick 26: Tennesee Titans: Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia

The captain and voice of the Georgia defense that has already produced three first round picks goes to the Titans at No. 26. Nakobe Dean has excellent vision and amazing open field tackling, his play recognition is NFL ready and he’ll be an essential part in helping the Titans get past the talented offenses in the AFC playoffs.

Round 1 Pick 27: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

The Buccaneers add more depth at the offensive line position with Kenyon Green to protect Tom Brady and look for another Super Bowl run.

Round 1 Pick 28: Green Bay Packers – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Packers satisfied Rodgers with an offensive weapon at No. 22 now they need to replace Za’Darius Smith. Lloyd is able to play multiple linebacking position he’ll be the swiss army knife of Green Bays defense, and an integral part in locking down Lions WR Amon Ra St. Brown and Vikings Adam Thielen.

Round 1 Pick 29: Kansas City Chiefs – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

A true Mike Evans-prototype; Watson not only has speed, but his size at 6’5” will help fill in a trait at the wide receiver position for Patrick Mahommes.

Round 1 Pick 30: Kansas City Chiefs – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Chiefs may have signed Justin Reid in Free Agency but they still need to build on that secondary and adding Daxton Hill out of Michigan is exactly what the Chiefs need to do in order to get back to the Super Bowl they will need extra help on the deep end, think covering Davante Adams, Keenan Allen, Ja’Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs… Chiefs are going to need all the secondary help they can get.

Round 1 Pick 31: Cincinnati Bengals – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida Gators

The Bengals are going to need to find a replacement for cornerback, Eli Apple, and Kaiir Elam is that option. Elam has good ball skills, has great size, and his speed will be well suited for the opposing AFC weapons.

Round 1 Pick 32: Detroit Lions – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Detroit closes out the first round grabbing the most interesting QB prospect in the draft, Ridder has the ability to become an elite NFL starter and he may be coming to Detroit at the right time to do so. I like his upside in an offense that features DJ Chark, Amon Ra St. Brown and De’Andre Swift, he may sit behind Jared Goff to start, but Ridder is in a prime place to do what Matthew Stafford couldn’t, make Detroit relevant.