Rocio Robles
After sharing the experts’ picks for the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s now our turn to share ours here at JefeBet. As of today, all indications are that the league will not turn the draft into a transfer fest, so you will not see any trades that have not been agreed upon prior to the contest. We will cover only the first 32 picks that correspond to the first round of the draft.
With a quarterback class that doesn’t quite stand out, and with more defensive players than wide receivers to choose from, we could see a lot of surprises when it’s all under paper and ink in this edition of the draft. But before we start, we want to clarify something for that audience that is not familiar with the main term we use in this topic.
What is a Mock Draft?
It is a simulation created to predict/indicate the selections of each team in the prospect competition, often used to reference a specific order either by the talent level of the players available, team needs or any other variable. It has become a tradition in every North American sport, but has its greatest boom within the NFL and NBA.
Without further ado, we present the 2022 NFL Mock Draft, by JefeBet.
Predictions, Picks and Previews for the First Round of the 2022 NFL Football Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aidan Hutchinson, DE, University of Michigan
Even if it’s not exactly what the Jaguars do, let’s play it safe: Hutchinson is considered to be the top prospect of the whole 2022 crop by 95% of all scouts and analysts, with the potential to be an impact defensive player from the moment he steps onto an NFL field. There is a strong possibility that Jacksonville will be tempted by one of the tackles available, giving the gift of a lifetime to the Detroit Lions, who have the next pick.
2.- Detroit Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, University of Oregon
Relinquishing the opportunity with the star homegrown prospect, the Lions will have to settle for the second-highest potential defensive end in the entire draft. Regardless of the rumors that NFL teams have lost interest in him due to the way he conducts himself, and the possibility that he will lose interest in the sport in the future, the reality is that if Kayvon can consolidate all of his tools, Detroit will have nothing to complain about if Jacksonville chooses Hutchinson.
3.- Houston Texans – Evan Neal, T/OL, University of Alabama
Given that they are the club with the greatest needs in the competition, I believe the Texans will go for the safest choice: one that will support them for the long term. For the lucky one who has to deal with the rest of the team’s gaps, offensive line protection will be crucial; at the very least, they’ll know that whoever handles the ball is competent and won’t be fouled by teammates. Evan Neal has all the tools and physique necessary to become a star at his position.
4.- New York Jets – Travon Walker, DE, University of Georgia
The Jets are clearly in dire need of someone to give them hope in the defensive backfield, and with the top prospects at the position out of reach, New York will take Travon Walker in the hopes that his tactical skills will grow exponentially along his physical ability. Thanks to strong performancecs in draft camp, the 21-year-old has been one of the most popular names in recent weeks. It has its risks, but the final output could be key to the future of the organization.
5.- New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, T/OL, University of North Carolina St. Louis.
With the top DEs out of the picture for the Giants, the decision becomes even simpler for management: Daniel Jones must be protected and youth and longevity must be injected into the offensive line to avoid future headaches. Ekwonu is the perfect choice thanks to his versatility to play almost every position within the defensive line. Additionally, he will make a great duo alongside Andrew Thomas.
6.- Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett, QB, University of Pittsburgh
What can you say about the Panthers? They only have one pick to address two major issues that require from each other: a quarterback and help on the offensive line. The smartest thing to do in this situation would be to take one of the excellent prospects that remain at the tackle position, so that whoever sends the passes can do so with more peace of mind.
We don’t expect that kind of reasoning from the Carolina franchise, so the circus should continue. They will go for a quarterback, with two clear choices: Malik Willis (Notre Dame) or the player well known by Matt Rhule: Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh). Both are considered prospects that do not deserve to be selected so high in the draft. Additionally, Panthers fans deserve a board that makes better decisions. We go with Pickett because of the previous relationship he had with the organization’s head coach.
7.- New York Giants (via Chicago Bears) – Ahmad Gardner, CB, University of Cincinnati
With the top DEs already out of options for the Giants, Gardner is someone who can fill in with the needs of their defense and also gives them the freedom to comfortably trade James Bradberry and/or Adoree Jackson should a market opportunity come their way. When it comes to speed, “Sauce” can share with anyone, and the sentence “never allowed a TD in coverage during his collegiate tenure” will always look good on your résumé.
8.- Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State University
Technically, the Falcons have a quarterback for next season (well, Marcus Mariota can be considered one), and with Calvin Ridley’s suspension for the full season, the best option for Atlanta is to match him with a receiver capable of putting up big numbers so as to not leave an offensive performance that may be humiliating.
Wilson is likely to become Mariota’s top target once the season starts, and he is also a sure bidder to the Offensive Rookie of the Year award without question.
Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos) – Charles Cross, T/OL, University of Mississippi St. Louis.
If Seattle’s goal was to pick a quarterback when they traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, they went for wrong year to do it. With such a high pick in a QB class that lacks creativity (not to mention the fact that all of the premier DEs have already been selected), the best option short of trading down the draft order is to bolster the offensive line.
Charles Cross is still available, which is an excellent choice for the Seahawks at this position. The 21-year-old can be a starter from the beginning of the season for the organization without any problem, and he will be a great help when the time comes to define who is Wilson’s true successor in the team.
10.- New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) – Drake London, WR, USC
While they could go with Derek Stingley Jr., the top cornerback in the draft class, the Jets’ goal in improving the target line for quarterback Zach Wilson this preseason may be answered by their most recent first-round pick. London is a triple threat with physicality, skill and maturity in his game. He could quickly become one of the biggest names in New York’s offense.
11.- Washington Commanders – Kyle Hamilton, S, University of Notre Dame
With Landon Collins leaving the recently revamped franchise and all of the top WRs who can play from the start in the offseason off the board, Hamilton makes all the sense in the world for the Commanders, even with his disappointing numbers in draft camp.
With the ability to cover multiple positions on a defense that should (or rather, is bound to) improve, the potential of the Notre Dame product fits well with what they are building in Washington today.
12.- Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
If he stays healthy, this selection could prove to be a complete steal for the Vikings, who would be solving one of their defensive problems. Stingley has the physicality and skill to become one of Kevin O’Connell’s mainstays going forward, with several veterans who can help him adapt, such as Patrick Peterson.
13.- Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns) – Jordan Davis, DT, University of Georgia
The Texans should take the best at their position for defense as they did for offensive line in Evan Neal. Jordan Davis is another piece that can become the future foundation of the Texans. He has all the qualities to be the fundamental anchor on the defensive line, not to mention his physicality.
14.- Baltimore Ravens – Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State University
Jordan Davis would have been perfect for the Ravens, but with the Texans spoiling their party, they have no other choice but to reinforce with another DE like Jermaine Johnson II who has been winning over more people than many expected. Few have it as low as this mock draft, but those kinds of observations are positive things for any team.
One of the things he brings to the table, besides an excellent physique and a way of playing that resembles a veteran more than a rookie, are the 12 sacks he got in his last college year, which will be a great help in the Ravens’ defense, who are in urgent need of them.
15.- Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins) – Jameson Williams, WR, University of Alabama
It would be totally understandable if the Eagles would prefer to pick a CB like Trent McDuffie, but quality receivers are running out fast and it is a position that desperately needs improvement in Nick Sirianni’s offense. The only downside to this selection is the fact that Williams is recovering from torn ligaments in his left knee, and is presumed to make his debut around mid-season.
Had it not been for his injury, Williams would have been the number one pick at his position without question, and most likely would have been selected in the first eight selections of the tournament. He has all the potential to be a protagonist in any attack.
16.- New Orleans Saints (via Eagles/Colts) – Trevor Penning, T/OL, University of Northern Iowa
The Saints reportedly acquired this pick in order to select a quarterback, but they have other priorities, especially given the lack of pitching quality in this draft. A better use of their pick would be to replace Terron Armstead, and Trevor Penning is ideal for the job, as he is the only offensive lineman capable of fulfilling the value of the position they are drafting at, given the possibilities available.
17.- Los Angeles Chargers – Trent McDuffie, CB, University of Washington
Without high-quality alternatives to upgrade Justin Herbert’s offensive line, the Chargers’ best option is to select the best talent available while also giving the defense depth with another available cornerback (yes, you took away the Eagles’ chance to have a perfect draft, which earns you points). McDuffie is a great talent who, despite giving the impression that he lacks physicality, has a style that makes it clear that he has what it takes to succeed at the position.
18.- Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints) – Nakobe Dean, ILB, University of Georgia
You have no choice but to keep patching necessary holes after being robbed in front of your own eyes by the Chargers. Another option for Philadelphia at this position is George Karlaftis, but since the team has a major deficit on defense and with speculations that Nakobe Dean was producing a lot of favorable vibes in multiple NFL organizations due to his speed and playmaking skills, we see him as a suitable matchup for the Eagles.
19.- New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia Eagles) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State University
Olave is the best current choice for the Saints to have someone fast, with good pass-catching and touchdown-scoring skills, given the team’s short-term approach. There is not much more logic behind this selection as the offense needs to be improved in some way or another, and with no tempting options at quarterback, a more-than-capable receiver fits the bill.
20.- Pittsburgh Steelers – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty University
The presence of Mitch Trubisky indicates that Willis’ transition to the NFL would be well underway, and we assume that the Steelers will do all possible to help him improve. The potential is there, but they must be willing to put up with his mistakes in the early days, since experience isn’t his strongest suit and he definitely lacks maturity in his decision-making.
Matt Corral is an underrated option as well, but Willis has more popularity right now that puts him above the remaining candidates.
21.- New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd, LB, University of Utah
This is one of the most complicated selections to define, as the Patriots have several needs; none so urgent, however, as to prefer a specific position, and they also have a range of options in case they do not want to go for a receiver. The talent Lloyd has is would make an immediate impact on New England’s defense, and he fits all the demands Bill Belichick can ask for. A safety is not a bad option for the team either.
22.- Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas Raiders) – Treylon Burks, WR, University of Arkansas
After losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, there is no doubt that the primary need for Green Bay is to get Aaron Rodgers destinations for his passes, and it probably won’t be enough with just one receiver. Treylon Burks could fall a little further and be selected by the Packers with their next pick, but with his versatility to play multiple positions, his speed, physicality and ability to catch multiple passes, he is ideal to land in Green Bay.
23.- Arizona Cardinals – George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue University
The Cardinals have two options here: they may pick the best available talent that fits well within their roster, even if it isn’t an urgent need, because they need new bodies on defense due to the inconsistency of J.J. Watt and Markus Golden to stay on the field. The other is to take a reinforcement for the defensive line. Devonte Wyatt would be the other possible selection. Karlaftis has two great mentors to help him adapt quickly to the league, but his talent already places him as a key piece to start contributing to his team as soon as he debuts.
24.- Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Linderbaum, C/OL, University of Iowa
Several key players left via free agency for the Cowboys this preseason (Amari Cooper, La’el Collins and Randy Gregory), and with DEs in short supply at this point in the draft, Linderbaum is definitely the guy to bolster Dak Prescott’s offensive line this season. The Iowa product is the best at his position in this crop, and he represents a direct and positive reinforcement of both Dallas’ present and future.
25.- Buffalo Bills – Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson University
For one of the most complete teams in the entire NFL, the Bills don’t have much to look for in the draft other than depth in case of injuries, and with Tre’Davious White coming off a significant knee injury, Andrew Booth Jr. is more than enticing at this time in the competition. True, Booth Jr is a long-term project due to his lack of maturity, but his technique is flawless, and I believe the best place to watch him develop would be Buffalo.
26.- Tennessee Titans – Zion Johnson, G/OL, Boston College University
Johnson is a safe bet for the Titans, who don’t have much variety as regards wide receivers and can afford to draft someone at such a high position because of his history with head coach Mike Vabrel. In this way, the reinforcement on the offensive line is more than welcome so as not to rely directly on Dillon Radunz exclusively.
27.- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt, DL, University of Georgia
Zion Johnson would have been perfect for the Buccaneers; however, Wyatt is an excellent consolation prize at this point. The second half of the University of Georgia sophomore duo falls so low not because of his talent, but because of issues that his position is not as sought for, despite the fact that the talent and potential are there. Paired with Vita Vea in the event Tampa Bay decides not to bring back Ndamukong Suh, he is a more than competent replacement with plenty of capacity for future growth.
28.- Green Bay Packers – George Pickens, WR, University of Georgia
With no prospects available to consider upgrading the offensive line (and personally, I find it highly unlikely that they will use their second overall pick on a DE), the Packers have no choice but to take another WR, and in this case, the one with the most potential seems to me to be the best fit. Despite having recently returned from injury, the 21-year-old has the size, technique, and strategies to contribute significantly for Green Bay.
29.- Kansas City Chiefs (via Dolphins/49ers) – Kaiir Elam, CB, University of Florida
After losing Charvarius Ward in free agency, Kaiir Elam is a great addition to refresh the Chiefs’ defense and to prepare them for the future. He is a young man ready to add minutes from day one and with his great pressing ability, he could make his mark quicker than many consider in Kansas City’s defense. It’s the best gamble they can make knowing that there are no viable options available this high in the draft to deal with their offensive line and receivers’ absences, with the exception of…
30.- Kansas City Chiefs – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State University
He’s one of the fastest receivers in the entire class, even though his size may raise questions. Dotson is someone who can cover (if only momentarily) for Tyreek Hill’s departure. Clearly there are big differences between the two, but the important thing here is to secure another comp option for Patrick Mahomes, and despite his physicality, the skilled 22-year-old sprinter has a great ability to secure balls.
31.- Cincinnati Bengals – Daxton Hill, S/DB, University of Michigan
This selection for the NFL’s underachievers is fantastic. I could argue that if they wanted to be safe and provide more options for Joe Burrow’s protection, Kenyon Green was a smart option. But having done their homework in free agency, upgrading the defense feels like the right choice for the Bengals at this position.
With the ability to dominate two defensive positions, Hill is a solid addition in either facet that Cincinnati needs to cover. With a little luck, he could be the steal of the draft.
32.- Detroit Lions – Boye Mafe, DE, University of Minnesota
I could have placed this last pick as a free draft. The Lions can go in so many directions here: WR, Safety, even a QB if they want to watch the world burn, but I preferred to go with more reinforcements for their defense, which is what they have to work on the most. In any case, Mafe serves as plan B if his Kayvon Thibodeaux selection ends in the worst way. The potential is very good, but it needs work, development and patience.
