2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 4/2/22

With less than a month until the NFL draft and free agency coming to a close, it is time to release my first mock draft of the off-season. These predictions are not what I would do if I were the GM of each team, rather what I think will happen come April 28th. After analyzing each team’s roster and needs along with prospect value, I have tried my best to give each team exactly what they need to come out of the 1st round happy. I have also not included any trades in this mock, since those are near impossible to predict, and with the lack of top tier quarterbacks in this class, I would not be surprised if teams are more passive with their assets come draft day.

For a more detailed analysis on each prospect selected, click on their picture and you will be taken to their official scouting report. With that being said, enjoy the mock draft and let me know your thought in the comments below!

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aidan Hutchinson EDGE Michigan

After franchise tagging LT Cam Robinson and adding OG Brandon Scherff in free agency, it makes sense for the Jaguars to take the top edge rusher in this class. Hutchinson has a relentless motor and pairing him with current Jags EDGE Josh Allen is a strong start in rebuilding their defense.

2.

Detroit Lions - Travon Walker EDGE Georgia

After drafting defensive tackles Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzarike in last years draft, the Lions desperately need a dominant pass rusher. Walker plays with the intensity that head coach Dan Campbell is looking for and he has the physical upside to be a pro-bowl caliber edge rusher in the NFL.

3. Houston Texans - Evan Neal OT Alabama

Although the Texans already have Laremy Tunsil playing left tackle, Evan Neal is a high upside prospect who can play on the right side or even on the interior. If the Texans truly believe in Davis Mills, they need to give him the protection he needs to succeed. Neal can do just that.

4. New York Jets - Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner CB Cincinnati

Even after signing CB D.J. Reed in free agency, the Jets need a true lockdown corner on the opposite side of him. Gardner is a long, athletic corner who can become a dominant number 1 corner early on in his career.

5. New York Giants - Ikem Ekwonu OG N.C. State

The Giants are in need of an identity on offense and with the addition of Ekwonu, they can establish the run early and often with star RB Saquon Barkley. Ikem Ekwonu is a mauler in the run game and with a move to guard, he can be a dominant lineman in the NFL.

6. Carolina Panthers - Malik Willis QB Liberty

The Panthers coaching staff needs to make a big splash in this draft to try and jump start the franchise. Willis has elite rushing talent with the arm strength to develop as a passer. If he can put it all together, he can be a very special player.

7. New York Giants - Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE Oregon

After taking OG Ikem Ekwonu with the 5th pick, the Giants decide to add one of the best pass-rushers in this class. Thibodeaux has the physical talent to be a franchise edge rusher and he would love to play in a big market, like New York

8. Atlanta Falcons - Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State

The Falcons are in a complete rebuild after trading QB Matt Ryan and losing star WR Calvin Ridley for this season, and maybe more. They desperately need a number one receiver and Wilson can be just that. He can truly do it all as a receiver and his route running allows him to get open against top corners and he will be the immediate number one target for new QB Marcus Mariota.

9. Seattle Seahawks - Charles Cross OT Mississippi State

With OT Duane Brown hitting free agency, the Seahawks have a huge hole at tackle. Cross is the best pass blocking tackle in this class and can be a franchise left tackle for the next decade. Seattle needs to have a strong draft to jump start their rebuild and Cross is the safest pick to be an immediate starter at a prime position of need.

10. New York Jets - Jameson Williams WR Alabama

After securing their new lockdown CB in Ahmad Gardner with the 4th overall pick, the Jets now get a new number 1 receiver for QB Zach Wilson. With Williams coming off a torn ACL, this is a big risk for New York. When Williams is healthy though, he is a dominant receiver and can be a match-up nightmare at the next level.

11. Washington Commanders - Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame

The Commanders stay put at pick 11 and get arguably the best player in the draft. After losing S Landon Collins to free agency, Washington gets an immediate upgrade in Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton has the size, athleticism and football IQ to play anywhere on the field and adding him to an already talented defense will give Washington what they need to compete in a very weak NFC.