By Lourence Alturino
Image from NFL
Welcome to Faithful Sports' 2022 NFL Mock Draft. We will be going over the first round and predicting where each prospect ends up. To clarify, this will be a mock draft of what I would do if I was the GM of said team mixed with what I think they will do based off of rumors and other insights. Also, no trades will be made, but fully expect several trades to be made on Thursday night.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
For the second year in a row, Jacksonville is on the clock with the first overall pick. There has been plenty of chatter of the Jaguars picking Travon Walker with this pick, but that's not what they should do. Hutchinson is a complete EDGE rusher and the "safe" pick, who does very well in both stopping the run and the pass. Jacksonville needs a young leader on that defense and that's what the Michigan EDGE will bring. Lastly, an Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Allen on both ends will be a dangerous duo.
2. Detroit Lions - Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
This isn't a pick I would make, but one I think Detroit makes. The Lions should go with Kayvon Thibodeaux, but Dan Campbell, head coach, does not seem to be a big fan of him. Therefore, Walker is the pick. Walker is an elite run stopper, but is still finding his footing with pass rush. However, if Campbell and company believe they can help him reach his full potential, then the Lions should take the chance.
3. Houston Texans - Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Houston needs a lot of help. Lucky for them, they own two picks in the first round. The Texans need those elite players that will help them win in the long run. A pure lockdown corner will do so. Sauce Gardner, not only has the coolest nickname in football, but did not allow a single touchdown during his college career. This pick could be considered a reach, but that stat alone should be all the information Houston needs to get one of the biggest stars in this draft.
4. New York Jets - Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Robert Saleh, head coach, gets another pass rusher. Some would say he's the best EDGE rusher in the draft, but there is one thing that you can't dispute about him, and that's that he has the most potential in this year's DE class. An EDGE isn't a huge need for New York, but with Saleh's defense, he needs players to be able to rush the quarterback. Kayvon's explosion off the edge is a sight to behold and do not be surprised if he ends up as the best overall player in the draft. He had an amazing pass rush in San Francisco and now he should look to replicate that with the Jets. Thibodeaux, Quinnen Williams, and Carl Lawson make for a really good unit to sack the QB.
5. New York Giants - Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The first offensive player off the board and it's the best run blocker in the draft. The Giants desperately need protection, especially in the run game. Saquon Barkley has all the abilities in the world to be the best RB in the league, but has been hindered with injury after injury. A main reason for that is Barkley had no blockers. Now he has Ekwonu, whose run blocking tape is outstanding. The way he is able to move up the field to the second level of the play is something you just can't teach. He can definitely be moved to guard, but either way, Ikem Ekwonu will make a big impact on the Giants' offensive line.
6. Carolina Panthers - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Carolina needs a quarterback. However, I don't believe they pick one here. I'm certain they will find a solution at QB, whether that is drafting one here at 6 or trading for a veteran (Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo). Whatever they choose to do with that position, they need pass protection. In comes Charles Cross, the best pass protector in the draft. Cross to Carolina seems like a perfect fit and whoever is under center for the Panthers next year will feel well protected on the left side.
7. New York Giants - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The Giants are at $1.89 million in cap space. Clearly, they will not be able to afford two top 10 picks. There's two solutions for that. Trading down or cutting their premier cornerback, James Bradberry. Cutting Bradberry is inevitable at this point, so to fill that void, New York grabs Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley could very well be the best corner in this draft, however there is a potentially concerning injury history. The LSU CB is super athletic and has world-class ball skills. Though, even with the recent injuries, you can't deny his dominant skillset at the CB position.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is the complete prospect at the WR position. Great at creating separation, 4.38 40-yard dash time, good hands, and amazing after the catch. Atlanta needs a receiver more than every other team in the league. After losing Calvin Ridley due to the gambling controversy, the Falcons have to go all out and grab who's presumably the best receiver in the draft. Garrett Wilson and Kyle Pitts creates for an exciting pass catching duo in Atlanta.
9. Seattle Seahawks - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Seattle is officially in rebuilding mode. The main reason why Russell Wilson opted to leave the Seahawks was their refusal to give Wilson help, especially on the offensive line. This should be their main priority from now on. Well Seattle is in luck as Evan Neal falls into their lap and they cannot pass him up. Neal is the most talented tackle in this class and is incredibly versatile. Excels in both run and pass blocking, which Seattle is deeply searching for. The Seahawks won't succeed now with Drew Lock as their QB1, but they won't succeed ever if they don't fix the problem with the line up front.
10. New York Jets - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Jets have been making strong pushes during this offseason for star receivers, such as Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel. They are the betting favorites to land the San Francisco WR, however unfortunately for them, Deebo doesn't get traded in this mock universe. So to remedy their need at receiver, New York picks the speedy deep threat out of Alabama. A lot of teams in the league view Jameson Williams as the WR1 in this class. And if you watch his tape, you can see why. Williams will be a reliable target for Zach Wilson as he will stretch the defense and create huge plays downfield for New York.
11. Washington Commanders - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Washington fans should be ecstatic if they were to land Kyle Hamilton as this would be a highway robbery. Hamilton is by far the best player in this draft. The only reason why he would drop in this draft is because of positional value. Also, tons of people are worried about his "slow" 40-yard time (4.59) and sure it's not what everyone expected, but this shouldn't be what pushes every team away from him. His tape is incredible and his talent is indisputable. The Commanders have a bigger need at receiver than safety, but if there's a player that can potentially be a generational talent and franchise piece on your defense, you can't not make that pick.
12. Minnesota Vikings - Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State
The Vikings aren't at a frantic need for a defensive end, but it would really help them to have a dominant one. Johnson has all the tools needed to be a great EDGE rusher in this league. Explosiveness, a plethora of pass rush moves, length, and power. He is also regarded as one of the best DEs at stopping the run, which will come in handy against the opposing RBs in the NFC North (Aaron Jones, D'Andre Swift, and David Montgomery). Also, Johnson's from Minnesota, so it will be a homecoming of sorts. Again, this isn't a big need for Minnesota, but a pick I think they should make.
13. Houston Texans - Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Houston goes with defense once again and it's with the DT1 in the draft. Jordan Davis absolutely won everyone over with his legendary combine performance. Davis has jumped up the draft boards ever since he ran a 4.78 40-yard time, which is mind blowing for someone at his size and stature. Davis is a super athletic defensive lineman, which helps him rush the pocket with ease. Jordan Davis is a three-down player, who will be a strong piece for the Texans' defense moving forward.
14. Baltimore Ravens - Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
I've heard nothing but good things about Zion Johnson during the pre-draft process. Johnson's stock elevated after an excellent performance at the Senior Bowl. Zion Johnson is versatile, great at erasing defenders from the play, and athletic enough to be able to move up to the second level on the field. Baltimore could really use protection for their heavy run attack. Johnson would not only help their run game, but he is a solid pass protector as well. Zion Johnson to the Ravens makes too much sense.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Drake London, WR, USC
Jalen Hurts needs help. He can't just heavily rely on DeVonta Smith to catch his passes, he needs someone else. That someone else will be Drake London. Personally, London is my WR1. He's tall, his hands are on another level, athletic, and physical after the catch. London's ability to catch the ball is special, throw any ball to him and he will catch it, especially contested. Philadelphia now gives Hurts a reliable and dynamic playmaker for him to throw to.
16. New Orleans Saints - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburg
The first QB has been selected and it's Kenny Pickett heading to New Orleans. Jameis Winston is a solid QB, but is he the answer for the Saints' future? I don't believe that they think he is, considering their semi-strong push for a QB during this offseason. Pickett is the most "pro-ready" QB in the class and it makes sense for a team that's ready to win now to draft him. Pickett is accurate, intelligent, and is fairly mobile. Though, his arm strength is a bit of a concern, but his other traits are good enough to mask that. Still, the Saints find what could be their long-term answer under center.
17. Los Angeles Chargers - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers heavily focused on defense during free agency, so I say they go the opposite for the draft. Grabbing Chris Olave will be the start. Justin Herbert is already a top 5 QB in the league, but he's still on his rookie contract. You have to max out his contract one way or another. The Chargers now have a stacked defense on paper, so giving Herbert another weapon wouldn't hurt. Olave is ridiculously fast, has good hands, great route runner, and can get in and out of his breaks with ease. This all makes him the best deep threat in the class in my opinion. The Chargers adding a vertical threat along with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gives Justin Herbert a dangerous trio to play along with.
18. Philadelphia Eagles - Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Philadelphia's secondary needs help. Darius Slay needs a CB2 to assist him in defending these pass catchers. Andrew Booth lands in Philly. Booth isn't a big cornerback, but is athletic and has great recovery speed. Not to mention his astounding ball skills. The Eagles should feel very comfortable having Slay and Booth down field covering the game's best receivers.
19. New Orleans Saints - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
I am not the biggest fan of Trevor Penning, but the Saints really need a replacement for Terron Armstead, who they lost to the Dolphins via free agency. Penning is incredibly physical, which is a good thing, but also a really bad thing at the same time. Physicality is great trait for a linemen, but Penning is overly physical, which causes him to be a penalty merchant. He is very raw, but all he needs is a coaching staff that will discipline him and turn him into a better player. Hopefully for his sake, New Orleans does that for him.
20. Pittsburg Steelers - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Steelers get their guy without having to trade up. Pittsburg is clearly in love with Malik Willis as he gives them something Big Ben couldn't, mobility. Willis has topnotch athleticism and an absolute rocket for an arm. He definitely has the highest ceiling out of all the QB prospects this year, but he's also the biggest boom or bust prospect. Willis will be stepping into the perfect scenario as he can sit out for a year and the team around him just made the playoffs last year. Malik Willis has all the potential in the world to be a premier QB in this league and Pittsburg is the perfect team to unlock said potential.
21. New England Patriots - Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
New England's defense could use more talent. Devin Lloyd is a complete linebacker in my eyes. Speed, athleticism, smart, solid coverage skills, and has the ability to rush the QB. Linebacker is a big need for the Patriots, so they should definitely grab the consensus LB1 in the draft. Bill Belichick is a defensive genius, therefore adding an all-around three-down LB will do wonders for New England.
22. Green Bay Packers - George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
A pass rusher is a massive need for the Packers, they definitely have more important needs. However, they could address those later in the draft. In this situation, Green Bay gets the best player available at a position that can be improved upon. George Karlaftis is an excellent EDGE rusher. Karlaftis has power, a solid arsenal of pass rush moves, decent speed off the edge, and is versatile enough to line up anywhere on the defensive line. Karlaftis will be a key piece in the Packers defense from now on.
23. Arizona Cardinals - Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
In a division with receivers such as Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, and DK Metcalf (just to name a few), you're going to need a lockdown corner to cover these star receivers. Kaiir Elam is a very polished cornerback. Excellent ball skills, excels in press coverage, has great length, and has the recovery speed needed. Elam does have a tendency to hold the receiver and draw penalties, but that can be fixed. Kaiir Elam will make an immediate impact for the Cardinals.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Tyler Linderbaum is one of the best players in the draft and it's indisputable. Linderbaum is an athletic freak and is super strong as well. He is a bit small, but those two traits listed previously should be able to hide that fact. He was also PFF's highest graded player in all of college football last season. The Dallas O-Line isn't as feared upon as it once was. Adding Tyler Linderbaum to the interior line instantly changes that narrative.
25. Buffalo Bills - Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
I don't support drafting running backs in the first round as usually the top backs will still be available in the upcoming rounds. Nonetheless, Breece Hall to the Bills has been a trending topic. Buffalo certainly can use an RB like Hall to add to their already high powered offense. Hall has size, speed, vision, the ability to break tackles, and can make catches in the backfield. Breece Hall could very well be that final piece to elevate the Bills' offense to the next level.
26. Tennessee Titans - Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
Tyler Smith has been a name that many said could sneak into the first round and I think Tennessee takes the chance on him. Smith is athletic, strong, explosive, and has plenty of upside. Smith's best trait would be his tremendous run blocking ability. And for a team with the best RB in football in Derrick Henry, great run blocking will definitely come in handy. Tyler Smith will probably start off as a guard, but his run blocking should help the Titans instantly.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Tampa hasn't had a bad O-line with Tom Brady under center. But with Ali Marpet's retirement, the Bucs need to fill a hole in that line and that would be at guard. Kenyon Green is the best available guard on the board. Green's best skill is his versatility. He'll mostly be at guard, but can line up at tackle if needed. Green is strong, tough, and explosive. Kenyon Green should be able to start right away for the Bucs and do well on the O-line.
28. Green Bay Packers - George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Finally, the Packers draft an offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay lost Davante Adams this offseason and that's a brutal loss since Adams is the consensus best receiver in the NFL. Yet, the Packers find the perfect replacement in George Pickens. Pickens has the highest potential out of all the receivers in the class. Physical, has hands made out of glue, fast, and a solid route runner. George Pickens should be able to easily slide into the the Packers offense and be their X receiver.
29. Kansas City Chiefs - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Just like the Packers before them, the Chiefs also lost their best receiver, Tyreek Hill. Kansas City have back to back picks here at the end of the 1st round, so there is no way they don't grab a receiver with one of these picks. Treylon Burks is the best receiver still on the board and this would be one hell of a pick for the Chiefs. Burks is incredible after the catch, has great hands, and can line up anywhere on the field. He gets a lot of Deebo Samuel comparisons and a player like that would be very beneficial for the Kansas City offense.
30. Kansas City Chiefs - Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill is listed as a safety, but he can also play corner and linebacker. Hill's versatility is his best skill and it's a very important one to have. The Chiefs did sign Justin Reid in free agency, but again Daxton's ability to line up anywhere will tremendously help the Kansas City defense. Hill is also smart, athletic, hard-hitting, good coverage skills, and is a leader. Daxton Hill can be used as a chess piece in the Chiefs defense.
31. Cincinnati Bengals - Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Bengals heavily focused on building up their offensive line during free agency and they should still do so here in the draft, but all of the top linemen have already been picked. Cincy shouldn't reach here, so fill in another position in need, that being cornerback. The Super Bowl showed that another cornerback is a necessity. Trent McDuffie is a pure shutdown corner with great athleticism and ball skills. McDuffie to the Bengals would be an absolute steal for Cincy.
32. Detroit Lions - Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
With the final pick of the first round, Detroit goes with defense once again. They went with Travon Walker with their first pick and now they get his teammate, Nakobe Dean next. Dean is a playmaker point blank. Dean will make plays all over the field with his explosiveness and play recognition. Nakobe Dean will give Detroit's defense a three-down LB and teaming him up again with Walker, could the Lions a little bit of that Georgia magic they had last college season.
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