KL’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Mock DraftRookie

It’s never too early to start looking at the upcoming rookie class and even mock it up a little. The 2022 class should be a fun one, as the class currently lacks surefire prospects at important positions such as QB. There should be plenty of mystery surrounding this draft all the way up until the end of April.

While many mocks base draft order on current standings, I decided to at least try to predict the future a little bit and place the NFL teams in what I expect the end of season standings to be close to. This prediction exercise was finished prior to week ten’s results, so some teams may seem slightly out of place. Sorry if your favorite team is picking earlier than you’d hope.

Pick 1: Detroit Lions – DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

While the Lions would love to find a franchise QB at the top of the draft, there’s no QB prospect in this class that deserves to go ahead of elite EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux.  Thibodeaux boasts insane athleticism in a massive 6’5″ frame. His long arms and quick burst make him a matchup nightmare for many an offensive tackle.

Statistically, Thibodeaux has been absolutely stunning for the Ducks across his two and a half college seasons. Straight out of high school, Thibodeaux posted 9 sacks, the most by a PAC-12 freshman since 2009. The COVID-shortened 2020 season couldn’t slow Thibodeaux down, as the dynamic defensive end posted 3 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in just seven games. This year, Thibodeaux missed a couple of games early in the season due to injury, but in 6 games so far the Junior already has 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.

Pick 2: Houston Texans – QB Matt Corral, Mississippi

While the 2022 class does lack QB talent in comparison to 2021, the Texans really, really need a franchise QB. Even with Deshaun Watson on the roster, the star vet has seemed adamant he will not play for the Texans again. Meanwhile, 2021 third-round pick Davis Mills has flashed a couple of times in his short NFL career, but HC David Culley handing the reigns back over to Tyrod Taylor makes it seem as though the Texans aren’t particularly impressed by the young signal-caller.

Under HC Lane Kiffin, Matt Corral has taken massive steps forward as the starter for Mississippi. The redshirt Junior is a dynamic talent with both passing and rushing ability, as he’s completed 66.8% of his career attempts while also racking up 1,174 rushing yards across his 30 career games. His physical tools are impressive, as he has both the requisite size and arm strength to play the position at the pro level. However, the questions surrounding Corral have often been about his mental skills, as he put up a few performances in 2020 where interceptions plagued him, racking up 14 INTs on the season last year. However, Corral has cleaned up most of those mental mistakes in 2021. Through 9 games, Corral has only thrown 2 interceptions on 271 attempts.

Pick 3: Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Derek Stingley Jr, LSU

Stingley Jr has been pegged as one of the top prospects in this class since his standout freshman season during LSU’s national championship run. However, he’s failed to sustain the same level of play over the last two seasons and he’s suffered a couple of injuries in that span. But NFL teams are always looking for elite cornerbacks to slow down elite passing attacks, and Stingley still has the upside of being an elite lockdown defender.

Pick 4: New York Jets – OT Evan Neal, Alabama

Evan Neal is a mountain of a man at 6’7″, 350 lbs, and he uses all of that mass incredibly well to protect his QBs. Surprisingly, despite his size, Neal also possesses good athleticism and mobility while protecting the edge. Neal can both protect his quarterback from edge rushers and also move defensive linemen and linebackers out of the way for his running back. With all this in mind, Neal is an amazing offensive tackle prospect and a great player to build an offensive line around.

While the Jets already have young OT Mekhi Becton, they currently rank 23rd in Brad Wire’s offensive line rankings and both tackles behind Becton will be over 30 years old next year. Adding Neal could really help the struggling Jets offense by giving Wilson more time to process the field.

Pick 5: Carolina Panthers – QB Sam Howell, North Carolina

It’s becoming more clear with every passing game that Sam Darnold was not the answer for Matt Rhule and Co. However, the Panthers still have the personnel to build a strong team with D.J. Moore, Christian McCaffrey, and a strong defensive group. Howell could provide Carolina with a franchise quarterback, as he possesses a cannon of an arm and can make plays with his legs to extend plays.

With Cam Newton joining the field, where Carolina picks in the first round and how they feel about the QB position will largely hinge on his performance.

Pick 6: New York Giants – S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

Hamilton has been an excellent safety in coverage throughout his three-year career and he possesses elite physical traits, especially his speed that allows him to cover vast swathes of the field. He’s allowed only a 47.6% completion percentage when targeted, per PFF, and he’s racked up 8 INTs while only being targeted 82 times.

While the Giants have attempted to find safeties through many different means in recent years, both Xavier McKinney and Jabrill Peppers have failed to show great skill and Logan Ryan is approaching the twilight of his career. Hamilton would elevate their defense immensely and allow them to play a more aggressive style similar to what the Bears did with Vic Fangio as DC and Eddie Jackson at FS.

Pick 7: New York Giants via Chicago Bears – OT Darian Kinnard, Kentucky

Alongside their local friends, the Jets, the Giants are also struggling to piece together a competitive offensive line. Brad Wire had the unit ranked 26th in the league and starting RT Nate Solder is already 33 years old while young LT Andrew Thomas has struggled with injuries while acclimating to the NFL.

Kinnard likely would have been a day 2 pick in last year’s draft, but his decision to return for his senior season led to him being featured in what is likely a weaker offensive line class. At 6’5″, 345 lbs, Kinnard is yet another massive offensive tackle prospect with surprising mobility. He’s an explosive blocker who can road-grade in the run game while also protecting his Quarterback.

Pick 8: Washington Football Team – OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

Everything has gone wrong for Washington this season. After coming into the year with high hopes based on the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the return of what was an outstanding defense in 2021, Ron Rivera and Co. saw Fitzpatrick go down with an injury and the defense fail to perform to expectations. I expect the Football Team to once again be aggressive in finding a veteran QB next offseason and look elsewhere in the draft.

Starting LT Charles Leno Jr joined the team this offseason on a one-year deal, and has failed to make an outstanding impact in his short stint. With this in mind, finding a replacement for the 30-year-old will be high on the priority list for WFT no matter who is at QB. Penning may not have played the best competition in his time at FCS Northern Iowa, but he’s been absolutely dominant against the lower-tier competition. He’s 6’7″, 340 lbs and squats 625 while power-cleaning 385. This excellent athleticism will make him super exciting for NFL scouts come April.

Pick 9: Philadelphia Eagles – CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has been one of the best group of 5 players in the NCAA over the past three seasons. Allowing a 41.4% completion percentage while targeted and intercepting 8 passes over his three-year career. Gardner has excellent length alongside strong mental ability with quick instincts and reactions to the thrown football. Alongside Darius Slay in Philly, Gardner could help the Eagles smother opposing passing attacks and allow the rest of the defense the freedom to stop opposing rushing attacks.

Pick 10: Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins – OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

With back-to-back picks in the top 10, the Eagles have an opportunity to strengthen both sides of the ball. Under Howie Roseman, the Eagles have shown a propensity to draft linemen in the first round, with 6 of his 11 first-round picks playing on the offensive or defensive line. Now, with Jason Kelce approaching retirement, the Eagles will likely turn to last year’s second-round pick Landon Dickerson at Center and look to fill the starting guard spot that Dickerson currently holds.

Green is an excellent all-around guard prospect, and he’s very pro-ready. He uses all of his 325 pounds to explode off the line and open up large holes in the rushing game, consistently making it to the second level. Green is a large part of why the Aggies rank in the top ten in the nation and 2nd in the SEC in yards per carry.

Pick 11: Minnesota Vikings – EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be pro sports’ only Greek Freak for long. Karlaftis, originally from Athens, Greece, clocks in at 6’4″, 275 lbs, and can reportedly run a 4.69 40 yard dash while boasting a 37″ vertical jump and 10-1 broad jump. He’s been on pro scouts’ radars for years now, as he joined Purdue as a 5-star prospect according to 247Sports.

On the field, Karlaftis is an incredibly talented, pro-ready EDGE. His understanding of the game and deep bag of rush moves make him a real nuisance for any opposing offensive line. I would not be surprised at all if he moves even farther up rookie boards before the season is over.

Pick 12: Atlanta Falcons – CB Kaiir Elam, Florida

The Falcons have seemingly struggled to defend the pass for a few years now, and this year has been no different – they currently allow the 7th-highest Passer Rating to opposing QBs. Kaiir Elam could give them a true cover corner to lock down some of the amazing WRs they have to face twice a year in the NFC South. Per PFF, Elam has allowed just a 44.4% completion percentage and a 53.8 NFL Passer Rating when targeted. In addition, Elam has 6 interceptions compared to allowing just 5 touchdowns on his 90 career targets.

Pick 13: Miami Dolphins via San Francisco 49ers – EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

While the Dolphins desperately need offensive line help, most of the standouts on that side of the ball are already gone. Luckily for Miami, there’s still a great player for them to draft with their pick. In recent years, Hutchinson has been an amazing pass rusher for the Wolverines, accounting for 7 sacks, 29 hurries, and 24 tackles for loss in 9 games this season. Hutchinson is largely a power rusher, but he has good enough athleticism to attempt some speed moves around the edge. He can be an elite pass rusher at the next level while also providing help in the run game.

Pick 14: Las Vegas Raiders – CB Derion Kendrick, Georgia

The senior CB, Kendrick, has learned from some of the best defensive coaches in the NCAA, as he played his first three seasons with the Clemson Tigers before transferring to Georgia prior to this season. With all that past experience, Kendrick is absolutely pro-ready and could plug-and-play for a Raiders defense that has been just slightly above-average against the pass this year, but just lost former first-round pick Damon Arnette.

Pick 15: Pittsburgh Steelers – IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

The Steelers’ offensive line has been one of the worst in football this season, but Najee Harris is ready to shine when they fix their issues. One of many steps in fixing those issues could be taking Tyler Linderbaum in the first round. Linderbaum is very likely the best Center prospect in this class, with great athletic tools and mental processing.

While the Steelers snagged Kendrick Green from Illinois in the third round of last year’s draft and plugged him in at Center this season, he largely played Guard in the college ranks and could likely switch back to that position.

Pick 16: Denver Broncos – DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

DeMarvin Leal has been one of the better defensive ends in the country this season, but he plays at 290 lbs and could likely provide versatility at the next level as he can play end or tackle. He has great strength and athleticism that would make him a nightmare for offensive guards, so I think he projects better as a tackle. With that move, he has game-changing upside and he’d likely anchor the Broncos defense for years and years to come.

Pick 17: New England Patriots – WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas

While the mainstream NFL Draft pundits haven’t fallen in love with Burks quite yet, we in the devy community are super excited about the athleticism and ball skills the 6’3″ Junior possesses. He could give Belichick and the Patriots a receiving weapon in the mold of Randy Moss, who saw staggering success in this offensive system. While the Pats tried to find that kind of receiver in 2019 when they selected N’Keal Harry, Burks’ speed and route-running make him a much better separator than Harry.

Pick 18: Philadelphia Eagles via Indianapolis Colts – DL Jordan Davis, Georgia

Like I mentioned before, Howie Roseman and the Eagles love first-round linemen. While Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave are great interior defensive linemen, both are approaching the end of their contracts, and cap space is always running tight in Philly. Meanwhile, Jordan Davis is a special, special player. While he may not get the hype that other defensive guys get because of his lack of sacks, he’s a game-changer as he consistently forces interior offensive linemen 5+ yards deep into their own backfield. He opens holes for other pass rushers and does all the dirty work you want to see from your inside big men.

Pick 19: New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati

With Cincinnati making a playoff push this season, it has been the defense, not the offense leading the way for the Bearcats. Luke Fickell’s team is currently allowing the 3rd-least ppg to opposing offenses, and that’s largely due to Ahmad Gardner and Myjai Sanders. The Senior accounted for 7 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in 10 games last year and has 3 sacks so far this season. Even with the low sack total, he’s still been affecting quarterbacks, with 34 pressures and 30 hurries.

Pick 20: Cleveland Browns – WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

With Odell Beckham Jr no longer with the team, what the Browns plan to do with the WR position will likely hinge on the performance of Donovan Peoples-Jones throughout the rest of the season. If he fails to prove he can be the long-term starter at X, Garrett Wilson would definitely be an improvement. The junior has been outstanding for the Buckeyes over the past two years, accounting for 1,842 yards and 17 touchdowns over his two and a half seasons.

Pick 21: Cincinnati Bengals – OT/OG Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

At 6’4″, 320 lbs, Ekwonu is one of the best run-blockers we’ve seen enter the draft in recent years. In his three seasons starting for the Wolfpack, PFF has graded his run blocking at 85.0, 91.2, and 94.9, respectively. In addition, Ekwonu is strong in the passing game as well, allowing just 8 sacks (1 this season) and 33 hurries (7 this season) on his 2,087 career snaps. With the Bengals choosing to pass on the offensive line at the top of the draft for game-changing WR Ja’Marr Chase last year, they could definitely use someone like Ekwonu to help extend Joe Burrow’s career.

Pick 22: Kansas City Chiefs – CB Trent McDuffie, Washington

The Huskies have been amongst the best in the country at developing defensive back talent in recent years, with draft picks like Elijah Molden, Desmond Trufant, Budda Baker, and Marcus Peters all having walked the halls in Seattle. Trent McDuffie is the next guy up for the Huskies, and he’s done more than enough in his career to prove his mettle. His elite mix of athleticism and decision-making will make him a strong pro for a number of years. KC’s terrible defense could absolutely use a guy of McDuffie’s caliber to help slow opposing passing attacks.

Pick 23: Dallas Cowboys – OT Zion Nelson, Miami

Yet another offensive tackle comes off the board, as a deep class at one of the league’s most important positions sees the possibility of six players taken in the first round. For the Cowboys, an age-old commitment to the offensive line has paid off for them historically, so continuing to build on what is already a strong position group can help keep them on top of the division. In recent times, Tyron Smith has struggled with injuries and Terence Steele has not been good in replacement so adding Nelson could be vital. Nelson offers great athleticism and a wealth of experience at the LT position, having played 2,074 snaps there over his three-year college career.

Pick 24: New Orleans Saints – WR Drake London, USC

Drake London looked to be solidifying his draft stock this season, catching 88 passes for 1,084 yards and 7 TDs in just 8 games before an injury ended his season. London’s season-ending ankle fracture will likely be the biggest story concerning his draft stock, as without it he’d likely be locked into the first round but he’ll now likely be teetering between day 1 and day 2.

Pick 25: Buffalo Bills – LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia

Nakobe Dean has excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and intelligent field processing. However, he’s slightly undersized for an NFL LB at just 6’0″, 225 lbs. With his size limitations, he’s not someone you would expect to fill rushing gaps and stop opposing RBs, but he absolutely makes up for those inabilities with excellent coverage and pass-rush skills. Per PFF, Dean has accounted for 5 sacks and allowed just a 22.2 NFL Passer Rating when targeted in 2021.

Pick 26: Green Bay Packers – WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

While the Packers weren’t able to complete an OBJ signing and have largely failed to add WR talent sans Davante Adams for a number of years, this might finally be the year they use a first-round pick on the position. With Aaron Rodgers possibly on the move, Davante Adams could very likely choose to move on as well after his contract expires following this season. Without Adams, the Packers’ WR corps would be one of the worst in the league. Jameson Williams could provide a lot of help at the position, as he’s been excellent for Alabama this year. He’s racked up 45 receptions for 870 yards and 7 TDs so far this season, and he possesses elite top-end speed that can help crack defenses wide open.

Pick 27: Los Angeles Chargers – OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

The Chargers took huge steps in improving the offensive line after Justin Herbert’s rookie season. Drafting RaShawn Slater and adding Corey Linsley both helped immensely, but there’s still plenty of room to improve. Not unlike many other tackles in the class, Cross also brings great athleticism and physicality to the position. He’d be yet another great piece to help protect Justin Herbert and open up holes for Austin Ekeler.

Pick 28: Arizona Cardinals – CB Andrew Booth Jr, Clemson

A former five-star prospect, Booth has a litany of physical skills. He’s quick and explosive, making plays all over the field, and has a massive catch radius. However, Booth has failed to put all his tools together in coverage this season, allowing far too many receptions for someone considered near the top of his class. He’d likely be a bit of a project for whoever drafts him, but his tools and ability in run-support can secure him time to improve.

Pick 29: Baltimore Ravens – S JaQuan Brisker, Penn State

JaQuan Brisker has been making plays all over the field for the Nittany Lions this season. His elite speed and quickness allow him to range the field in pass coverage and make big stops in pursuit. Brisker would be yet another strong playmaker for the Ravens’ defense and help them to continue to stifle opposing passing attacks.

Pick 30: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Henry To’oto’o, Alabama

To’oto’o began his career at Tennessee, where he shined against the run and was one of the best tacklers in the SEC. After the drama surrounding Jeremy Pruitt’s departure, the young LB headed south for the Crimson Tide. This season, he’s leading the Tide in tackles and continuing to show his strong skillset. However, To’oto’o has been exploitable in coverage throughout his entire college career. He’ll need to improve there to join the NFL’s best, but he can start his career as a good complement to Devin White.

Pick 31: Tennessee Titans – TE Trey McBride, Colorado State

AJ Brown is great, Derrick Henry is great, Julio Jones has been great. However, this Titans offense still needs one more piece in my opinion. I wavered between Kentucky WR Wan’Dale Robinson and CSU TE Trey McBride, but I eventually landed on McBride as I do believe Julio Jones will return to form before the season ends. McBride is the clear-cut TE1 of this draft class to me, as he’s been an incredible receiver for the Rams. This season, the senior has 74 catches for 838 yards and a score in just 9 games on an anemic CSU offense. In addition, at 6’4″, 260 lbs, McBride is no slouch as a blocker and he’s shown he’s extremely willing to put up a fight against opposing defenders.

Pick 32: Detroit Lions via Los Angeles Rams – QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Pickett has been one of the great draft risers of the 2021 season, but I can’t say I’m sold on him yet. However, with the Lions holding this late 1st thanks to the Stafford trade, I absolutely believe they should use the pick on a quarterback to secure the possible fifth-year option. After Corral and Howell flew off the board, the next two names to watch are Pickett and Liberty QB Malik Willis. Willis failed to impress against Mississippi in what was Liberty’s only big game of the regular season, so I’m giving this last QB pick to the 5th-year Pickett. He’s completing 67.5% of his passes this season and accounted for 3,517 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions.

Thanks for reading, I hope to keep these coming as we await the draft in April.

All stats are credited to PFF and ProFootballReference.

 

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Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson
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