2022 NFL Mock Draft V. 2: Predicting Round 1

2. Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan Syndication Usa Today

2021 Stats: 36 SOLO, 14 SACK, 2 FF

The Jaguars’ shocking decision to franchise tag left tackle Cam Robinson doesn’t completely reveal their intentions with the first overall pick. But unless they plan to move Robinson to guard and sit 2021 second-round pick Walker Little, taking a tackle is much more unlikely now. That leaves a much more obvious decision between two players. 

There’s no question that of the two best pass-rush prospects, Aidan Hutchison has produced a stronger draft process. He knocked the combine out of the park, and projects as an excellent compliment across from Josh Allen. He’s a Day 1 impact defender with a high floor.

2021 Stats: 2,857 YDS, 27 TD, 12 INT

Things could get awkward immediately for the Lions if Hutchison goes first overall. They could go with a top defender, but this offseason has shown how hard it is to land an upgrade at quarterback. The Lions also can’t bank on picking so high in 2023 after an impressive end to this past season.

Criticisms of this quarterback class are fair, but there is a potential superstar in Malik Willis. The former Auburn and Liberty quarterback is much more accurate than given credit and boasts an arm as strong as Matthew Stafford’s and Josh Allen’s. He has a natural feel for the game that Detroit’s staff, which is filled with former players, will embrace and love.

2021 Stats: 35 SOLO, 7 SACK, 2 FF

On the field and on paper, Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best prospect in this class. He’s long, fast, athletic, and has solid production to reflect his raw skill set. Yet, he’s considered a wildcard as he furthered the concern he’s not committed to football after not completing his combine workout. 

Houston is in a good position to take that risk. Lovie Smith has experience coaching veterans and young players alike, and might be the best candidate to get the most out of Thibodeaux. If he hits, Houston’s defense can mold their strategy around Thibodeaux for the foreseeable future.

2021 Stats: 28 SOLO, 3 INT, 4 PD

The Jets could justify going with an edge defender, Kyle Hamilton, an offensive lineman, or a corner here. They must decide which direction they want to take with last year’s top selection Mekhi Becton first. Then this pick will be easier to predict. However, it’s hard to imagine they’d take a safety after seeing how little of an impact Jamal Adams had on an otherwise below-average unit.

The best cornerback in the class is Sauce Gardner. The 6’3”, 200-pounder was dominant throughout his career as a sticky defender. His leap from 2020 to 2021 included becoming a better press technician, and Jets head coach Robert Saleh must love his developmental path.

Size: 6’7”, 350 LBS

Beefing up both sides of the trenches is a must for Brian Daboll and the new Giants regime. Years of failed investments into the offensive line doomed previous coaches, but Evan Neal is a rock-solid, high floor player who can play left or right tackle immediately. His powerful 336-pound frame would fit into an NFC East loaded with pass-rushers.

Getting their top choice at tackle is also a major steal. Theoretically, three teams before them could grab a tackle due to the class depth and importance of the position. This would be a metaphorical and literal huge addition for the Giants.

Size: 6’5”, 310 LBS

The Panthers sit in a difficult predicament with the sixth pick. They need a quarterback upgrade and would love to nab Deshaun Watson if his legal process is over. Whether they’re willing to wait out some of that for Watson will determine their entire offseason.

If the Panthers still have this pick, they’ll desperately need to add a quality blocker. Overhauling their offensive line is a must. Charles Cross is the best technician entering the draft and would start at left tackle on Day 1.

2021 Stats: 6 SOLO, 1 FF

The biggest thing Derek Stingley needed to prove at the combine was that the Lisfranc injury he suffered in 2021 was on track to fully heal. There’s much optimism the LSU product will be back to 100 percent sooner than later, and his natural talent could lead to him being the best overall player from this class. The Giants can overlook other needs for a big swing on his star power. 

New York needs help on every level of their defense so taking the best playmaker makes sense. James Bradberry won’t be in the Big Apple long due to cap constraints. Stingley can be an upgrade with his ballhawk ability. 

2021 Stats: 70 REC, 1,058 YDS, 12 TD

There’s not a better example of how quickly things change in the NFL than the shocking suspension of Calvin Ridley. Losing Julio Jones and Ridley in back-to-back offseasons is crushing for Atlanta’s offensive upside. Matt Ryan needs another premier weapon to pair with Kyle Pitts.

Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson is as close of a clone to Stefon Diggs as any prospect will come. He’s a tremendously explosive athlete both off the line and also at the catch point. Atlanta’s offense would be ready to go after re-signing Russell Gage and Cordarrelle Patterson and adding Wilson.

2021 Stats: 19 SOLO, 3 INT

Seattle could truly go in any direction. Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder is a great fit for what Pete Carroll wants, but the roster is now in shambles without Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner. The Seahawks should take the best overall player.

We rarely see safeties drafted this highly since so few are difference-makers in coverage. The Notre Dame product is the next whole package at the position, though. The 6’4”, 220-pounder is unusually experienced and skilled as a prospect, making him a can’t-miss safety in the 2022 class.

2021 Stats: 24 SOLO, 11 SACK, 5 FF

The Jets already grabbed a lockdown corner with the fourth overall pick and now they bolster their trenches with a pass rusher. David Ojabo is being overlooked a bit in this loaded edge class. He showed off a great raw skill set at the combine, validating his 2021 breakout at Michigan.

There will also be a temptation to add a receiver or an offensive lineman. Both also make sense. In this mock, Ojabo is the best value though, and helps Robert Saleh inch towards an elite defense.

Size: 6’4”, 320 LBS

A player commonly mocked first overall before the combine, we could see Ikem Ekwonu protecting new Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz next season. Ekwonu has great film at guard and tackle, and would presumably take the place of free-agent Brandon Scherff. Ekwonu’s combine performance left concern over his physical upside after timing much slower and less explosive than his peers.

Still, Washington needs the help along their line and Ekwonu is arguably the safest lineman in the class thanks to his ability to stone defenders as a guard. His gigantic frame creates unbelievable power. Ron Rivera should immediately think of Trai Turner while watching Ekwonu.

2021 Stats: 19 SOLO, 6 SACK, 2 PD

Rebuilding the defensive side of the ball will be critical for new Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. The offense should be productive enough with their veteran talent. But there’s not a second edge defender or lockdown cornerback on the roster.

Combine star Travon Walker would be a slick addition to the Vikings’ defensive front. Walker had dominant film on a loaded Georgia Bulldogs defense then tested better than most of his competition at the combine. He’s moldable just like how current Vikings star Danielle Hunter was.

2021 Stats: 65 REC, 936 YDS, 13 TD

Cleveland will be tempted to take Georgia big man Jordan Davis to shore up the middle of their defense but the need for speed at receiver can’t be overlooked. The free-agent class has more possession-type receivers than downfield threats. Baker Mayfield needs new weapons to succeed in a critical 2022 season.

Olave dominated the combine with his blazing speed. He was virtually un-guardable at Ohio State, and his smooth route-running can translate quickly in Kevin Stefanski’s scheme. There’s not a more pro-ready receiver in the class.

2021 Stats: 25 SOLO, 4.5 SACK, 2 FF

Free agency hasn’t been kind to Baltimore in recent years and they’ll have several holes to plug this offseason. Key veterans Calais Campbell, Justin Houston, and Brandon Williams highlight defensive departures. An influx of youth is needed for Baltimore to start dominating the trenches once again.

Karlaftis is a big-bodied, NFL-ready lineman who can play as a strong-side end in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. Baltimore loves these versatile, bulky bodies who can get after the quarterback. Karlaftis profiles as a potential star with his pressure rate and athleticism.

2021 Stats: 60 SOLO, 8 SACK, 4 INT

The second step is to add an impactful second-level presence like Lloyd. The combination of Alex Singleton and TJ Edwards racked up 267 tackles between them, but also only two interceptions and one forced fumble. That’s not impactful.

Lloyd was all over the field for Utah, flying from sideline to sideline and forcing offenses to account for his presence. He tallied eight sacks and four interceptions in 2021. He could be the next great linebacker for the next decade.

2021 Stats: 17 SOLO, 2 SACK

There’s no question that seeing Jordan Davis run a sub-4.8 40-yard dash at the combine was impressive for a 341-pounder. Davis will be an immediate upgrade in the middle of any defense he lands in, much like Vita Vea was for the Buccaneers. Los Angeles allowed the fourth-highest yards per-carry (tied with two other teams) on the ground this past season.

All the Chargers would need to do to push their defense into elite territory is to land Bobby Wagner. Davis is key here, though, as he opens up so much room for pass-rushers and linebackers alike to explode through. This is arguably the cleanest fit in the draft.

2021 Stats: 79 REC, 1,572 YDS, 15 TD

The Saints appear poised to bring Jameis Winston back after a solid start to his 2021 campaign before suffering a torn ACL. It’s possible they like a rookie enough to stash behind Winston, but giving Winston a full season with a healthy Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara would be wise. There’s not a quarterback still on the board here with Winston’s upside.

Instead, adding a valuable second receiving threat to this unit is needed. Jameson Williams may have torn his ACL in January but is the most dynamic speedster in the class. He’ll be worth waiting for as he returns to full health.

2021 Stats: 88 REC, 1,084 YDS, 7 TD

A hot end to the 2021 season changed the trajectory of not only first-year head coach Nick Sirriani’s outlook but also Jalen Hurts’. The Eagles were justified to look into Russell Wilson since Hurts is clearly not at that level yet, but Hurts has earned a second season as a starter. He needs more help around him, though.

Upgrading from Jalen Reagor to Drake London would be massive for this Eagles passing attack. London is a jump ball king, but is also able to move inside to slot and win on underneath routes when given the chance. The duo of London and DeVonta Smith would be cost-controlled and highly potent for the next four seasons.

2021 Stats: 3,334 YDS, 30 TD, 8 INT

The Steelers have been linked to several different quarterbacks already this offseason, but the best available option at this point is to sign a veteran with upside and draft a rookie. The only other first-round caliber rookie in this class is Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder. The four-year starter has solid physical tools to help develop into an above-average starter long-term.

Ridder has a strong arm and effortless accuracy on short and intermediate throws. He’s clearly put in the work to improve his passing mechanics after being a scattershot thrower early at Cincinnati. Pittsburgh should also prefer Ridder’s decision-making and field vision to Kenny Pickett’s, who struggles despite being a similarly experienced quarterback.

2021 Stats: 36 SOLO, 6 SACK, 2 FF

There’s not a more Patriots player in this draft than Nakobe Dean. The Georgia star flies to the ball thanks to elite mental processing, an incredible first step, and discipline to wade through blockers. He probably shouldn’t last this long based on pure talent but his 5’11” frame will scare off some suitors.

Bill Belichick will love Dean regardless and maximize his immense physical traits all over the field. The Patriots need to replenish their linebacker corps, and replacing Dont’a Hightower with Dean can be as seamless as such a transition could be. Dean will star for years in New England.

2021 Stats: 42 SOLO, 4.5 TFL, 2 INT

This is far from a one-man safety class. In fact, I’d argue that Daxton Hill isn’t far behind Kyle Hamilton, and Hill is another Day 1 impact defender. Las Vegas has invested significantly into their defense recently but would love to add Hill’s versatility.

Hill can truly line up all over the field and compliment any teammate’s playing style. Ideally, he’d roam next to 2021 second-round pick Trevon Moehrig, and allow 2019 first-rounder Johnathan Abram be more of a downhill blitzer and linebacker. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham could trust Hill to play in man coverage, rotate as a single-high safety, or simply police the middle of the field in zone.

Size: 6’3”, 312 pounds

It’s easy to see why Zion Johnson has been a fast riser since the Senior Bowl. His tape was downright dominant in 2021 after transitioning from tackle to guard. He’s a plug-and-play starter for a Cardinals team desperate for trench talent.

This pick will certainly be dependent on how free agency goes. Arizona will also be on the lookout for edge defenders but their interest in re-signing Hassan Reddick may allow them to pounce on a blocker here. Replacing Chandler Jones will be impossible with a rookie. 

2021 Stats: 30 SOLO, 11.5 SACK, 1 FF

This already has the look of a rough offseason for Jerry Jones and his Cowboys. The decision to trade Amari Cooper to Cleveland, and to offer DeMarcus Lawrence a pay cut bodes poorly for a team supposedly all-in on winning. Those are star-level players who could be kept if the team wanted to restructure deals over losing them.

With Randy Gregory also slated to be a free-agent, the Cowboys must replenish the trenches. Cameron Thomas is an athletic, highly productive edge who can play early. Dan Quinn would love Thomas’ variety of pass-rush moves and unleash him on third downs.

2021 Stats: 17 SOLO, 1 INT, 5 PD

Credit must be given to Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam. He’s fighting the recent trend of Gators corners who have busted in the NFL, and he’s off to a good start with a killer combine performance. He showed off with a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash and measured in at 6’ 1.5” and 191 pounds. 

Those numbers make evaluators raise their eyebrows with intrigue. Elam would be perfect in Buffalo as their No. 2 corner across from Tre’Davious White. He’s physical, fast, and as smart as they come.

Size: 6’3”, 290 pounds

The Titans’ overhaul of their offensive line began as they cut veteran guard Rodger Saffold to save cap space. That means the Titans may have as many as three new starters along the line, which is a good thing after seeing the unit struggle in 2021 with injuries and decreased effectiveness. Plugging in Tyler Linderbaum would help tremendously.

Linderbaum measured in light at the combine for many teams’ liking. He’s still a silky smooth mover in space and recognizes blitzes pre and post-snap effectively. But he becomes a bigger value target since he’s more of a scheme-dependent player than initially thought pre-combine. 

Size: 6’4”, 323 pounds

The sudden return of Tom Brady changes everything for the Buccaneers. Instead of patiently revamping their veteran roster, the Buccaneers must balance adding youth to fill holes and still draft for the long-term. We already saw the Buccaneers quickly re-sign center Ryan Jensen shortly after Brady’s announcement. 

Now, the Bucs must fill Ali Marpet’s guard spot if they can. Landing a premier guard prospect like Kenyon Green here is a solid value. He’s a huge body who wins with power, much like how Marpet carved out a successful career. 

2021 Stats: 5 REC, 107 YDS

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are back in the fold for 2022. Now the Packers must further surround their back-to-back MVP with more talent. Luckily for them, this class is deep with receiving talent.

The receiver most slept on right now is Georgia’s George Pickens. The former 5-star recruit has excellent leaping ability, strong hands, and plays with an edge that Rodgers will love. He has the “my ball” mindset that is desperately needed on this Packers offense.

Size: 6’5”, 324 pounds 

We’ll see the Miami Dolphins aggressively rework their offense this offseason. That means multiple bodies added to the offensive line in particular. The Dolphins sit in a good position to take a highly athletic and nasty blocker like Tyler Smith.

The Tulsa big-man is incredibly physical and has immense gifts. Mike McDaniel will love running behind Smith and can get the most out of his upside as a pass-blocker. Depending on free agent additions, Smith could play left or right tackle.

2021 Stats: 38 SOLO, 2 INT, 5 PD

After four straight AFC championship games, the Chiefs need to reboot their defense a bit. It’s likely the team will move on from both Tyrann Mathieu and Frank Clark after inconsistent performance levels. That means it’s time to reinvest into the defense and become more versatile.

Brisker can play in three-safety sets with ease. His 6’1”, 200-pound frame allows him to play man coverage in the slot or play closer to the box in run coverage. Juan Thornhill and Brisker can be the future of the safety position for Kansas City.

Size: 6’ 6”, 303 pounds

The Bengals figure to be aggressive in free agency as they pursue help at cornerback and along the right side of the offensive line. There’s a ton of competition for blockers, though, so the Bengals should rely on the draft for at least one starting lineman. They’d be thrilled to have Bernhard Raimann fall to them.

Raimann is a massive body with great length but he’s far from a statue thanks to surprising flexibility. He’s an older prospect who turns 25 this fall but that’s a positive for a team wanting to compete. He’ll help keep Joe Burrow upright for the entire 2022 season.