Official 2022 PSF Contributor NFL Mock Draft
Image Credit: nfl.com
The time has finally arrived.
Today, the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off as the next generation of NFL players is set to enter the league. We contributors at Pro Sports Fanatics have joined forces for one last pre-draft project to commemorate the occasion.
At Pro Sports Fanatics, we pride ourselves on creating awesome content to show our appreciation for our favorite teams and the sport in itself. And what better way to celebrate the start of the draft than with a classic mock draft.
For the draft, we split the 32 first-round picks amongst 14 contributors. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, we could not create a collaborative mock with trades.
Alright, now enough talking. Let’s hop into the first and final Pro Sports Fanatics contributor mock draft of the 2022 season.
2022 NFL Draft: Round 1
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
There's a lot of talk about what Jacksonville should do at number one. They can't go wrong with Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker. Here, I have them taking Walker with the first pick. His versatility should help the Jaguars' defense. - Rob Szolosi
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Jacksonville’s selection of Travon Walker opened the door for the Lions to land the best senior pass rusher in the draft. A Michigan native, Hutchinson wreaked havoc in the Big Ten on his way to a second-place finish in the Heisman race. He has uncommon athleticism for his size (6-foot-7, 260 pounds) and a motor that always runs hot. Head coach Dan Campbell will be ecstatic with the pick here. - Brian Newsome
3) Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
Houston needs to address many holes offensively and start at the offensive line, specifically with the tackle position. Neal may be the best offensive tackle out of this class; he has excellent pass and run blocking skills. He can move and get to the second level easily and create holes for a run game to develop and protect Davis Mills. - Tim Mellott
4) New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
It is clear that the Jets' ideal first selection is the edge rusher position. Thibodeaux is the ideal selection as a versatile pass rusher with great speed. He has a fantastic football IQ and is athletic enough to even drop into zone coverage which can go hand in hand with blitz packages. If available, Thibodeaux will add even more depth to this defensive line. - Raymond Sanchez
5) New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
The New York Giants need to win in the trenches, plain and simple. Dave Gettleman (tried to) improve the team’s skill player talent with little success, but it is Joe Schoen’s show now. Abandoning the Giants' old philosophy and embracing hard-nosed football that provides security for the team’s offensive players is a must. - Justin Krebs
6) Carolina Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Despite the holes on the offensive line, HC Matt Rhule puts his job security on the line and goes with the high-risk, high-reward signal-caller. Willis can sit behind Sam Darnold his first year and potentially develop into their franchise quarterback. - Kyle Manalo
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
With speculation that James Bradberry may be on his way out through a potential trade that frees cap space, the Giants are firmly in the market for a new CB1. After taking an offensive tackle with pick five, the Giants can fill a need on the defensive side of the ball by selecting Gardner, who is also arguably the best available player left on the board. Kyle Hamilton also merits consideration here, but “Sauce” Gardner is the pick. - Justice Mory
8) Atlanta Falcons: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
In a first-round as weird as this one, if you're Atlanta, you might as well look to your future and not your present. Enter Cross, a versatile and athletic tackle that will protect Marcus Mariota in 2022 but, most importantly, a new quarterback that will likely come in the 2023 NFL Draft. - Rob Szolosi
9) Seattle Seahawks: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Along with Uchenna Nwosu, Johnson could add more youth to the Seahawks’ defensive line. His ability to be physical and have a burst of speed when coming off the line of scrimmage would be a matter the Seahawks would need to pressure any offense. The Seahawks are ranked one of the worst teams to get after the quarterback, so getting Johnson could solve the issue. Sports analysts have Johnson or Derek Stingley with this spot, so Johnson landing with the ninth spot could be probable. - William Jones
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Jets’ attempt to trade for Tyreek Hill indicates that the team wants to invest a premium asset in the wide receiver position. Here, the Jets get the fastest receiver in the draft.
A former standout high school track performer, Williams has the top-end speed and acceleration to get behind defenses and create opportunities for the other receivers. With last year’s second overall pick Zach Wilson entering a critical second season, the Jets need to surround him with more playmakers. - Brian Newsome
11) Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Ron Rivera is a defensive-minded coach. If Kyle Hamilton falls this far, expect Washington to take him. Kyle Hamilton can take this secondary a step up. He’s a ball hawk that has excellent awareness and developmental traits. I could see him being a top safety for years to come. - Tim Mellott
12) Derek Stingley Jr, CB, Louisiana State
Vikings fans suffered through some very mediocre cornerback play last season. However, the problem can be fixed with the addition of another bearer of LSU’s No. 7 jersey to pair opposite Patrick Peterson. While Stingley Jr. looked like a certified top-five pick his freshman year, earning consensus All-American honors as a part of LSU’s legendary 2019 National Championship team, he has since battled injuries that may have lowered his stock. He has the potential to be the best player in this draft class if he can stay on the field. - Justice Mory
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
If Lovie Smith and the rest of the staff in Houston believe they have someone special in Davis Mills, then let's get him some protection right away. So let’s double down at tackle here. Now admittedly, Penning isn't necessarily a fun prospect as he hasn't exactly shown out or impressed many scouts in the pre-draft process. However, there's a real chance for Houston to mold him into a franchise tackle. That is something Davis Mills desperately needs if he turns into a franchise quarterback. - Rob Szolosi
14) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. They need a receiver to pair with Hollywood Brown and Rashod Bateman. Why not the former Ohio State receiver, who some can argue was the top selection at drafting. With Wilson, Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Wilson, the Ravens will have a talented receiving core that oozes potential. - Justin Krebs
15) Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Philadelphia needs a solid WR2, which is what they get in Olave. With Williams and Wilson coming off the board before him, Olave makes sense at 15. He's an exceptional route runner and brings speed to the team, with a 40-yard dash of 4.39. Being paired with another small, shifty, explosive route runner in Devonta Smith, the offense will open up more and give Hurts another quality weapon. Expect him and the Eagles' passing offense to take flight in 2022. - Brandon Furtado
16) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Drake London, WR, Southern California
Mike Thomas’s extended absence has exposed New Orleans’ lack of depth at the receiver position. Here, the Saints select a running mate for Thomas out wide. At 6-foot-4, London is an elite 50/50 ball catcher whose basketball background is evident in his playstyle. Surprisingly agile for his size, London is a good route runner and makes catches well outside his frame. - Brian Newsome
17) Los Angeles Chargers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
With adding Khalil Mack and JC Jackson, drafting Lloyd could be the final piece for the Chargers to have a complete defense. Lloyd’s ability to go burst from sideline to sideline would be great with Kenneth Murray as a young duo in Los Angeles. He could play downhill and physically, which head coach Brandon Stanley could develop under his coaching. - William Jones
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
Philadelphia selected a wide receiver at 15, allowing them to fill a hole on the defensive side of the ball. Devin Lloyd gets swept up right underneath their feet, but they will gladly take the athletic corner from Clemson. Booth Jr. can learn from Darius Slay and potentially grow into that CB1 role when the time comes. - Kyle Manalo
19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Despite re-signing Jameis Winston to a two-year contract, the Saints take a risk on a quarterback. A four-year starter at Cincinnati, Ridder has the experience and physical traits to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Winston’s presence affords New Orleans the ability to sit Ridder if he’s not ready to start from Day 1. - Xavier Jones & Brian Newsome
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Tomlin and Colbert take a quarterback as they try to fill the absence of Big Ben. Tomlin said in January that they would most likely be having a 3-way competition. Pickett has great accuracy. He lacks arm strength, but he’s more of a designed pocket passer that fits their system. He can evade trouble and roll out when needed but doesn’t use his legs to scramble often. Going from Pitt to Pitt, he’s very familiar with the offensive style and can fit in with the team. - Tim Mellott
21) New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
With quickness and sideline to sideline speed, PFF ranked Dean the #19 overall prospect in this year’s draft, and rightfully so. In addition, Dean was the recipient of the 2021 Butkus Award, marking him the best linebacker in the country. He can cover anything from a running back to a tight end in the passing game, being very effective between the hash marks. - Justin Krebs and Michael Sideri
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
With plus size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) and game-changing (yet somehow underrated) speed, Burks has the potential to become a top receiver in this league. The former Arkansas wideout is super versatile and has a huge catch radius, something Matt Lafleur would love. He’s used to running a lot of screens and short quick routes, another integral part of Lafleur’s scheme. If the Pack traded away Davante Adams, they better be willing to select someone with game-changing potential or trade for a player of that caliber with this pick.– Matt Eichenbaum
23) Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Going best player available, adding Jordan Davis to this already great defensive line provides stability and someone to tighten up the Cardinals’ rush defense. That was ranked 20th in rush yards allowed and top ten in rush attempts and rushing touchdowns. - Allan Isidro
24) Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
With so much money invested in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas needs to add more depth to its once-vaunted offensive line to help create more explosive plays for the offense.
Able to play both guard and center, Johnson is a plug-and-play offensive lineman who will help keep the star attractions in Dallas upright. - Brian Newsome
25) Buffalo Bills: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
With Levi Wallace leaving in free agency and Tre’Davious White coming off an ACL injury, the Bills need another starter at corner. The Brandon Beane regime has always valued prospects with athletic intangibles that their coaching staff can mold into top-tier talent in the NFL, and Gordon certainly meets that criteria. He’s a scheme-versatile, physical player, and a great tackler, something that the Bills also look for in their corners. He can come in and start day one and could truly excel in the NFL if he fixes his technique issues. - Conor Kennedy
26) Tennessee Titans: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
With unproven players at multiple positions on the offensive line, the Titans could use an infusion of young talent.
Green has logged significant snaps at all offensive line positions other than the center and would provide Tennessee with another mauler to pave the way for Derrick Henry and their vaunted rushing attack. - Brian Newsome
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Despite signing Keanu Neal, the Buccaneers should still look to add to its secondary. Hill is a versatile player with experience at safety and in the slot. With his elite physical traits, Hill has the chance to be a valuable piece in Todd Bowles’ defense. - Brian Newsome
28) Green Bay Packers: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
A wide receiver at 22 was a must. With the 28th selection, the Pack are in a weird spot. There will probably be no first-round caliber receivers or offensive tackles left for Green Bay by this point.
So here, I like them taking Ebiketie out of Penn State. With Za’Darius Smith out the door and Preston Smith entering the latter stage of his career, a young and explosive edge rusher is perfect for the green and gold.
He’s super quick and has excellent pass-rush moves to disrupt the pocket. He’s not a guy that’ll be the next T.J. Watt, but a good solid NFL ready linebacker who’ll be able to make a great impact early in his career – Matt Eichenbaum
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
With back-to-back picks, the Kansas City Chiefs have many positions to address along the defense side of the ball. With the addition of McDuffie, the Chiefs look to fix an inconsistent secondary that ranked near the bottom or middle of the pack in passing yards, attempts, completions, and touchdowns allowed. - Brandon Furtado
30) Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Although it is not certain the Kansas City Chiefs will keep both picks in this year’s draft, Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis would be a great pass rusher to add to a defensive line that ranked 28th in sacks last season. - Brandon Furtado
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
After seeing Eli Apple get trashed by Cooper Kupp in the Super Bowl, the Bengals' first-round pick should be shoring up their secondary after improving their offensive line via free agency. Never draft after one game, but the Bengals’ secondary does need a younger and talented body. McCreary is the top cornerback on the board and fills a hole for Cincinnati as they continue to take the NFL world by storm- Justin Krebs
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
With Jared Goff under the contract, the Lions do not need a plug-and-play starter at the quarterback position. Instead, they selected Howell with the final pick of the first round, securing the fifth-year option clause in his contract.
Howell has a great arm and the requisite toughness to man the quarterback position in Detroit. In time, he could develop into a plus starter. - Brian Newsome
