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Johnny’s NFL Mock Draft 3.0

April 28, 2022

Even without the star power of prior drafts, this 2022 group provides so much intrigue leading into the final hours ahead of round one. Most folks know the blue-chippers but once we hit the mid-to-late teens, all bets are off.

After last year’s somewhat predictable first-round, expect this class to be anything but. That’s due to the fact that, based on scouting reports, there isn’t a huge discrepancy between players picked in the twenties compared to those that will land between picks 30 through 50. Which means the true value could be to those who are able to accumulate multiple picks for Friday night.

For now, we’ll keep this mock relatively modest in terms of outlandish trade scenarios and shocking selections. This specific exercise will aim for accuracy based on what’s being reported/rumored hours before Jacksonville is officially on the clock.

As far as growing trends, expect to see a record setting amount of receivers taken, with the o/u set firmly at 6.5 (via DraftKings). Couple that with a more than modest quarterback group, and we should see plenty of big heavies upfront go early and often.

Lastly, I do not expect to see either a running back nor a tight end taken until Friday. Both positions, while relatively deep in terms of quality, lack the signature stars seen in year’s prior that typically warrant a first-round selection.

With that said, let’s dive into the final mock of draft season.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
When all else fails, you lean with the sharks in Vegas who tell us that Walker is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall to the Jaguars. While his ceiling may be limited compared to someone like Thibodeaux, he did anchor one of the greatest college defenses in recent memory.
Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Even with the smoke that they may go elsewhere, I’m sticking with the marriage made in football heaven between Aidan Hutchinson and Lions coach Dan Campbell. You just can’t pass on a local product this talented who is openly campaigning to go to your sorry franchise. For reference, ask the Cardinals how that worked out with Terrell Suggs all those years ago.
Houston Texans – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
This is one of the first true shockers of the evening, as the Texans opt to go with the cornerback prodigy over an impact tackle or edge rusher. For a team that needs almost everything, this is a gamble but Stingley Jr. does possess elite traits for the position. At the writing of this article, Stingley Jr. is now even money to go third overall to Houston.
New York Jets – Ickey Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
With the disaster that is Mekhi Becton in New York, I think Joe Douglas does right by Zach Wilson and nabs the draft’s best pass protector. Ekwonu gets to stay on the east coast and anchor a Jets offensive line that actually showed improvement last season with the addition of Alijah Vera-Tucker.
New York Giants – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Giants sport one of the least talented rosters in the NFL, but can’t risk this pick on a player like Thibodeaux given the concerns over his work ethic. They need safety and assurance, which screams Evan Neal. At 330 pounds, Neal was the poster child at Alabama when it came to work ethic and consistency. The Giants could certainly use some of that.
Carolina Panthers – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Much to the dismay of those behind them, Carolina isn’t feeling the pressure of going quarterback at sixth overall. Which means they look to their defense and Kayvon Thibodaux to replace the departing Haason Reddick. While concerns remain about his love for the game of football, there is no denying his physical abilities are unmatched in this year’s class.
New York Giants (via Chicago) – Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
While this spot may scream pass rusher, Sauce Gardner’s current o/u draft slot is right at 7.5. It should also be noted that the Giants have more than done their research on this Cincinnati standout who never once surrendered a single touchdown at the collegiate level. Character also remains a plus, as New York aims to scrub away the memories of Deandre Baker.
Atlanta Falcons – Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State
With a full-blown rebuild in place, the Falcons can truly sit back and allow the first-round to come to them. Which means they nab a top five talent in Johnson who will immediately feast on the immobile quarterback smorgasbord that is the NFC South.
Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
In a pick that harkens back to their last rebuild when they took Russell Okung sixth overall, Seattle kicks off a new era of Seahawk football with the uber-physical Charles Cross. For a team desperate to run the football, Cross represents a franchise cornerstone at the tackle position in the same mold of Tampa’s Tristian Wirfs. He’s not Russell Wilson, but you could certainly do worse if you’re Pete Carroll and John Schneider.
New York Jets (via Seattle) – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The run on receivers is bound to begin at the tail end of the top ten, with the Jets eyeing perhaps the draft’s most complete pass catcher. Wilson may not be the caliber of athlete of a Jameson Williams, but his floor represents a consistent Pro Bowl threat. This pick remains a wild card should Deebo Samuel force his way out of San Francisco.
Washington Commanders – Drake London, WR, USC
With current star receiver Terry McLaurin firmly cemented on the outside, that leaves USC’s Drake London the opportunity to dominate underneath via the slot. Now that Carson Wentz is under center for Washington, it’s imperative that the Commanders surround the talented yet inaccurate quarterback with quality pass catchers capable of bailing him out. London has some Mike Evans to his game.
Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Following the departure of former coach Mike Zimmer, the Vikings now have an offensive identity firmly cemented under new head man Kevin O’Connell. Which means that this once proud defense most be flooded with quality bodies capable of complimenting Justin Jefferson and company. Davis represents the draft’s top interior defensive linemen, as the former National Champion Bulldog put together a combine performance for the ages last month.
Houston Texans (via Cleveland) – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
If healthy entering this process, Jameson Williams is undoubtedly the first receiver drafted and potentially a top five pick. Given his ACL injury suffered in January, however, it will take a patient organization to select the former All-American in the first half of round one. With Houston firmly in a rebuild, coupled with their obvious interest in pass catchers, Williams finds a solid landing spot that should include reasonable expectations for year one.
Baltimore Ravens – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Whether or not anyone wants to admit it, positional value in the NFL Draft is a very real thing. While important, safety has been somewhat devalued in recent years given the defenders inability to strike hard at full speed. Hamilton is as complete of a prospect as this draft has and thankfully finds a home with a more than competent organization with a history of great safety play.
Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
After striking out earlier this offseason in their pursuit of Atlanta’s Calvin Ridley, there is no doubting Howie Roseman’s eagerness to add yet another elite player-maker at receiver. Olave may have some rough edges, but what he does possess is straight-line speed unmatched in this year’s class. That’s easily worth a top 16 selection in today’s NFL.
New Orleans Saints (via Philly through Indy) – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Admittedly, it’s hard to place these quarterbacks especially after last year’s robust class. I am confident Willis ends up somewhere in the top 20 with New Orleans being a prime landing spot given their two selections. Saddled in for a rookie season in which the former Liberty standout can learn under Jameis Winston, Willis should be primed for a breakout campaign come 2023.
Los Angeles Chargers – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Even after their offseason acquisition of Pro Bowler J.C. Jackson, anyone who watched the Chargers regularly last season knows they aren’t a mere one corner away from competing. Their backend defensively needs a complete makeover that is likely to include former Washington standout Trent McDuffie. With a history of churning out quality defensive backs at the NFL level, McDuffie’s ceiling is no worse than a consistent starter with Pro Bowl potential.
Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans) – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Even with his off the field issues concerning more than a few teams, it’s reasonable to expect Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt to hear his name called relatively early come Thursday night. At the end of the day, you just can’t teach the kind of talent the Georgia native possesses, as the Eagles will seamlessly slide him beside franchise legend Fletcher Cox.
New Orleans Saints (via Philly) – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
With Winton’s injury history a real concern, Penning represents a true blindside protector capable of engulfing defensive ends at the pro level. In terms of off the field measurables, there are few that can match Penning’s physical traits.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin has been scouring the draft process for quarterbacks with the hopes of finding his next franchise signal caller. Whether that’s Pickett or Malik Willis, it definitely feels like the Steelers are one of the few wild card teams capable of trading up for a quarterback come Thursday night.
New England Patriots – George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
After striking out on so many skilled players in prior first-rounds, Bill Belichick gets back to basics and nabs a defensive line prospect with plenty of upside. Karlaftis fits the mold of a Rob Ninkovich, as Belichick is known for maximizing the potential for these oversized edge rushers.
Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas) – Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
Even with their issues at the position, until this front office makes it a priority to add talent at pass catcher, it’s impossible to mock them a receiver early in this draft. Zion Johnson is a typical Green Bay pick, as Packer brass has a connection with the BC program after drafting AJ Dillion several years back. Outside of adding weaponry on the outside, there’s nothing more important than keeping Aaron Rodgers upright.
Arizona Cardinals – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
As we inch closer to Thursday night, it appears as if Arizona’s continued preference is to go with an offensive player at pick 23. Baring something unforeseen, they’ll likely be forced to pick between their 4th or 5th favorite receiver compared to potentially their top interior offensive line prospect. Dotson is a name that has been continually linked to this franchise, with his ability to play outside receiver serving as the x-factor. Arizona general manager Steve Keim has quickly learned the value of the receiver position following the Jaguars gross overpay to now former Cardinal Christian Kirk. Dotson’s comp is a vertical threat in the same realm as an Emmanuel Sanders.
Dallas Cowboys – Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State
Based on numerous reports, it’s clear that the Cowboys preference is to exit round one with an elite pass rushing talent. If they are unable to swing a trade that would send them someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie is a nice consolation prize.
Buffalo Bills – Travis Jones, DT, UConn
With a loaded offense capable of scoring points in bunches, the theme of Buffalo’s offseason clearly seems to be loading up their defensive front for a championship run. Taking a flier on “local product” Travis Jones, a stout defensive tackle capable of rushing the passer from the interior, isn’t a bad way to go if you’re Sean McDermott.
Tennessee Titans – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
As tempting as it may be to target a receiver to replace Julio Jones, reinforcing what the Titans do upfront has to be a priority. Enter Kenyon Green, who is the perfect successor for the recently departed Rodger Saffold. Green has an ability to manhandle opposing defensive linemen and should ease nicely into Tennessee’s run heavy offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
A fast riser as we move closer to Thursday night, Lewis Cine projects as that single-high safety that so many teams value. While his ball skills leave something to be desired, Cine is fully capable of calling an NFL defense and should be a prime target for new Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
Green Bay Packers – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Packers strike gold with one of the most talented, yet erratic prospects in this year’s draft. Burks dominated the SEC but lacks the polish of many of his draft counterparts including Jahan Dotson. Patience will be needed in Green Bay, with Burks likely regulated to 3 and 4 receiver packages early on.
Kansas City Chiefs (via Miami/San Francisco) – Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
After the offseason trade that sent Tyreek Hill down to South Beach, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes find their heir-apparent in Skyy Moore. While his burst is not comparable to that of Hill, Moore does play with a high-end pace and is able to create enough space within his routes.
Kansas City Chiefs – Drake Jackson, DE, USC
Once thought of as an eventual top 10 selection, Jackson’s production took a hit alongside USC’s struggles this past season. Despite this, Jackson has made the most of his off the field workouts and private visits. Expect him to be a name that intrigues the likes of Kansas City at the tail-end of the first-round.
Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Even after their run to the Super Bowl, it became all too evident that the Bengals needed to flood their offensive line with new bodies. Linderbaum, while undersized, is just too good of a player to not hear his name called within the first 32 picks come Thursday.
Detroit Lions (via LA Rams) – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
In a perfect world, a receiver of note would be available for Detroit but in this scenario the board remains relatively picked over. While Christian Watkins and George Pickens are quality options, the Lions can’t pass up a talent like Andrew Booth Jr. to help solidify their struggling secondary.