Sam Teets 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Early changes
The college football and NFL seasons are in full swing, which means it’s time to start thinking about the 2022 NFL Draft. Alright, maybe the average fan is content watching the games for a few months before thinking about one of the sport’s biggest annual attractions, but we’re not average fans here. Let’s start throwing some ideas at the wall and see what sticks.
Please note that the draft order follows my predictions for the entire 2021 NFL season after Week 1. That likely means everything looks unique compared to other mocks, but let’s view that as a good thing. I’ll produce a new mock draft each week after the games give us more insight into how the order could shake out.
1. Atlanta Falcons- Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma
The Falcons looked hopeless in Week 1 against an aging Philadelphia Eagles defense. Atlanta shipped arguably the greatest player in franchise history to Tennessee this offseason and still hasn’t fixed Matt Ryan’s crumbling offensive line. Speaking of the former MVP, he barely put a dent in Philadelphia’s secondary this past weekend.
Rattler is far from a guarantee to go in the first five selections, let alone first overall. However, Ryan is 36 years old and coming off two of the worst seasons in his career. We’ve seen this movie before. It’s time for the new Falcons coaching staff to find their future franchise quarterbacks before Ryan’s contract expires after 2023.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
Hamilton is the best defender in college football. He’s also the game’s best player, and it’s undeniable at this point. The Notre Dame product had an interception against Florida St. over a week ago where he read the play from the far hash, sprinted across the field, and made a diving interception along the near sideline. No other prospect makes that play.
I debated having Hamilton go first overall, but there’s such a deep and diverse free agent safety class in 2022 that I decided against it. The Jaguars won’t complain. They’re getting a franchise-altering player.
Did I mention Hamilton is 6'4'' and weighs 219 lbs.?
3. New York Jets- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon
Thibodeaux saw under 20 snaps before suffering an injury in Oregon’s season opener. He looked dominant during the limited showcase, forcing a fumble on a sack and making two tackles. Unlike superstar edge prospects in the past, Thibodeaux likely needs more high-level tape to secure his position as a top-five pick.
Thibodeaux had nine sacks as a freshman and three during the abbreviated 2020 season. He’s full of promise, but the 20-year-old is closer to Bradley Chubb for me than Myles Garrett or Chase Young. That’s still a glowing compliment, but it means I imagine Thibodeaux as a Pro Bowl pass rusher who lacks generational talent.
The Jets enter 2022 with Carl Lawson, Thibodeaux, and Quinnen Williams as starters on their defensive line.
4. Houston Texans- DeMarvin Leal, DL Texas A&M
The Aggies play Leal all along their defensive line. He’s shown enough versatility and athleticism to play defensive end or defensive tackle. A big season from the junior could precede him shifting outside in the NFL, but that seems unlikely. Leal is 6'4'' and weighs roughly 290 lbs., but you’d never know from watching his quick get-off and nimble movements.
Houston has plenty of more important needs than defensive tackle right now. The organization is rebuilding and auctioning its best remaining assets off for draft picks. However, Leal’s upside is too much to turn down in the absence of a worthy quarterback.
5. Carolina Panthers- Evan Neal, OT Alabama
Neal is an overpowering 6'7'' tackle who weighs 350 lbs. He began his collegiate career with Alabama at left guard in 2019 before switching to right tackle in 2020 and migrating to left tackle this season. Similar to Thibodeaux, Neal is far from a lock to go in the top five picks or even be the first player drafted at his position.
This season is crucial for Neal to prove he’s capable of holding up in pass protection. No one doubts his ability to create movement in the running game, but pass protection becomes significantly more difficult at the NFL level. If Neal can’t handle it in college, he won’t crack it in the pros.
The Panthers haven’t had a stable left tackle since Jordan Gross. Hopefully Neal changes that story. He and Taylor Moton give Carolina one of the best young tackle duos in the league.
6. Detroit Lions- Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU
Jeffrey Okudah is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Detroit took the Ohio St. product with the third overall pick in 2020, but he looked lost during his rookie season. This pick isn’t Detroit giving up on Okudah. Instead, the organization is trying to find him a running mate while snagging a tremendous talent that fell to them like Penei Sewell.
Stingley was nearly untouchable as a freshman. He intercepted six passes and broke up 16 others on his way to All-American honors. The 20-year-old still performed well last season but wasn’t as dominant. His regression continued through LSU’s first two games this year, making some wonder if he’s a lock for the draft’s top cornerback spot anymore.
Entering this season, I viewed Stingley as the best cornerback prospect since Jalen Ramsey. His play so far hasn’t matched those expectations, especially his tackling.
7. New York Giants (Via Bears)- Jaxson Kirkland, OT Washington
The Giants desperately need help along the offensive line, especially if Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones reach expectations this year. Andrew Thomas hasn’t worked out well so far, and the Nate Solder signing continues haunting David Gettleman. New York hopes Thomas develops into the anchor they drafted him as, but his future remains unclear.
Gettleman should consider drafting an offensive tackle, even if Thomas takes a massive step forward this season. Kirkland currently plays on the left side for Washington, but that shouldn’t rule out pitting him against Thomas in a battle for who starts where.
Kirkland is one of the best pass blocking tackles in college football, but he’s far from a lock as a top-ten pick. This entire offensive tackle class is highly volatile.
8. Philadelphia Eagles- Andrew Booth Jr., CB Clemson
Booth played well on limited snaps last year. His small sample sizes in 2019 and 2020 left analysts wanting more and wondering where he’d peak as a prospect. Players like Clemson’s Jordan McFadden showed superstar potential in the past before leveling out, but that hasn’t been the case for Booth two games into the season.
Booth was arguably Clemson’s best defensive player in the showdown against Georgia. He made several mind-bending tackles and allowed fewer than ten yards in coverage. Booth is a physical corner capable of making stops Stingley Jr. and other top cornerback prospects often miss. He’s also got some of the best hands in his class.
Philadelphia has a veteran cornerback duo in Steven Nelson and Darius Slay. However, Nelson is a free agent in 2022, and Slay hasn’t performed at a high level in several years. Booth gives Philadelphia hope for the future at cornerback.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Kenyon Green, IOL/OT Texas A&M
The Bengals had an atrocious offensive line in 2020 that was largely responsible for Joe Burrow taking a beating. Week 1 was promising for the retooled unit led by left tackle Jonah Williams and free agent addition Riley Reiff. We haven’t seen rookie linemen Jackson Carman, Trey Hill, or D'Ante Smith yet, but maybe they’ll contribute down the road.
Green played most of his snaps in 2019 at right guard before shifting to left guard in 2020. He turned heads during the COVID season, and Texas A&M moved him to right tackle for his junior campaign. Green is 6'4'' and weighs 325 lbs. His frame could work at tackle, but most evaluators envision him as a guard.
Reiff and starting left guard Quinton Spain are free agents this coming offseason. Drafting Green gives Cincinnati a player with experience at right tackle and a high ceiling at guard. He’s also available if Carman doesn’t work out.
10. Las Vegas Raiders- Chris Olave, WR Ohio St.
Las Vegas just pulled out a narrow win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Six separate Raiders finished the game with over 45 receiving yards. Maybe that means Jon Gruden’s team has its answers at wide receiver and plans on continuing to ride Darren Waller as their lone star pass-catcher. Or Las Vegas capitalized against an injured Baltimore secondary.
Henry Ruggs III deserves a fair evaluation, but he hasn’t come close to threatening defenses the way Las Vegas envisioned. His straight speed isn’t as valuable at the NFL level as Olave’s route running skills. The Ohio St. star comes from the Keenan Allen tree in that regard.
Olave is averaging over 100 receiving yards in his last nine games with the Buckeyes. He’s not the most physically gifted wide receiver in the 2022 class, but sometimes consistency beats talent. Gruden and Mike Mayock shouldn’t overthink this selection.
11. Minnesota Vikings- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan
Hutchinson beat the snot out of Kirkland (a top-ten pick in this mock) when Michigan beat Washington on Saturday night. Hutchinson finished the game with 2.5 sacks and four tackles. He looked unblockable at times, throwing Washington’s offensive tackles around.
Hutchinson is an athletic freak. He’s 6'6'', weighs 265 lbs., and the Wolverines are comfortable dropping him into coverage several times per game. Maybe he’s not the perfect fit for Minnesota’s 4-3 scheme, but if the Vikings thought Yannick Ngakoue was worth trading for last year, they’ll be perfectly content drafting Hutchinson.
12. New York Giants- George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue
Karlaftis is a mean, 6'4'' 275 lb. fighting machine that punches into work every Saturday and gets the job done. As a freshman, he recorded 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss before adding two sacks in his two appearances during the COVID season. The junior doesn’t have a sack yet this year, but he’s already amassed more pressures than in 2020.
The Giants play an interesting defensive front with several powerful down linemen and multiple smaller hybrids on the outsides. Rookies Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche could make some noise for New York this season, but the Giants need a proven pass rusher if those two can’t augment Leonard Williams’ internal push.
Karlaftis isn’t insanely athletic, but he’s strong and well-rounded. New York hasn’t had a defensive end of his caliber in a while.
13. Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Joseph, S Northwestern
Joseph and Northwestern haven’t had a hot start to the 2021 season, but he’s coming off a year where he intercepted six passes in eight games. That playmaking hasn’t shown up this year yet, but all it takes is one big game and the redshirt sophomore is right back in the mix. Very few safeties possess Joseph’s versatility.
Dallas should probably draft a cornerback here, but Joseph’s game-changing plays in 2020 are too good to overlook. The Cowboys have several half-answers in their secondary. Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee are intriguing, but they’re free agents this coming spring. Joseph won’t line up out wide, but he gives the secondary a clear leader.
14. Washington Football Team- Malik Willis, QB Liberty
Willis is an interesting prospect that could go anywhere from the top 15 picks to late second-round. He couldn’t win the starting job at Auburn before transferring to Liberty and attracting the attention of numerous scouts. Willis has the agility and speed many modern offenses want in their quarterback.
Teams are either all in or all out on Willis. There’s no in-between considering his playstyle, stature, and lack of experience against topflight competition.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is injured and a free agent after this season. Unless Washington likes what it sees from Taylor Heinicke, the Football team will draft a quarterback. They can’t afford to waste their terrific defense.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Colts)-Zach Harrison, EDGE Ohio St.
Harrison is a 6'6'', 272 lb. monster capable of altering game plans by himself. He still hasn’t played over 300 defensive snaps in a season because of COVID impacting his sophomore year, but we’ve seen plenty of highlight-reel plays already. Harrison’s week-to-week consistency is the one thing he still needs to improve.
Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Ryan Kerrigan, and Josh Sweat are free agents in 2022. That leaves Tarron Jackson as the only defensive end listed on Philadelphia’s Week 1 depth chart still on the team. Presumably, Philadelphia will extend Sweat and make a play at keeping Graham in the short term, but Harrison has a higher ceiling than Sweat and is cheaper than Graham.
16. New England Patriots- John Metchie III, WR Alabama
The Crimson Tide produce more impactful wide receivers than any other college program. Metchie isn’t the next Amari Cooper or Jerry Jeudy, but he’s worth a first-round pick. He has 1,062 receiving yards over his past 15 games, and the arrow is pointing up as Bryce Young continues developing as a standout sophomore.
The Patriots could survive with Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, N'Keal Harry, and Jakobi Meyers as their top wide receivers, or they could try to land a legitimate No. 1 option. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith buy New England some extra slack for its average receiver room, but reuniting Mac Jones with his former college teammate makes that offense better.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers-Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss
This is Ben Roethlisberger’s last season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers should tell him no if he asks to come back for 2022. He’s had a Hall of Fame career, but his arm is shot. The offense is predictable and unexciting. It’s finally time for what Steelers fans dreaded for the past five years, a succession plan.
Corral stepped into the full-time starting role for Ole Miss last season, tossing 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Lane Kiffin’s offense creates plenty of looks Corral won’t see in the NFL, but he has the tools to succeed as a pro. The Steelers have plenty of talented wide receivers waiting for him, which should ease the transition.
18. Denver Broncos- Nik Bonitto, EDGE Oklahoma
Bonitto is 6'3'' and weighs 240 lbs. He’s small for an edge rusher, especially in a class featuring several first-round defensive ends weighing over 265 lbs. However, Bonitto is a pressure monster. That’s all he does. Bonitto is always around the quarterback. He’s this year’s version of Azeez Ojulari, without the injury concerns.
Von Miller looked like his old self in Week 1, picking up two sacks against the Giants. Denver might even consider extending the 2022 free agent instead of replacing him if he looks that good the rest of the season. However, the Broncos must eventually find a replacement for the 32-year-old.
Miller could play one more year, or he could play four more. It’s too soon to know his plan.
19. Miami Dolphins (Via 49ers)- Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia
This isn’t a deep linebacker class, meaning the position’s top prospects are in high demand. Dean stepped into a large role with the Bulldogs last season, and his impressive production carried into 2021. Dean recorded five tackles and two sacks while holding up well in coverage during Georgia’s season opener against Clemson.
Miami traded for and released former Pro Bowl inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney this offseason. The Dolphins have some answers at linebacker, but most of their starters are replacement-level players. Jerome Baker and Jaelan Phillips are likely the only men in that unit who have guaranteed spots in 2022.
20. Tennessee Titans- Christian Harris, LB Alabama
Harris entered 2021 as the most recognizable name among the potential 2022 linebacker class. He played over 1,000 snaps during his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide, displaying an excellent nose for the football in the running game. Some concerns remain about his capabilities in pass coverage, which could scare off teams in the first-round.
I almost had Dean take a potential starting role away from his former teammate and current Titans rookie Monty Rice, but Dean went one pick earlier. Unless Rice wins a starting job before the 2022 NFL Draft, Tennessee must consider drafting Jayon Brown a new running mate. Rashaan Evans hasn’t worked out, and he’s a free agent in a few months.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Dolphins)- Jordan Battle, S Alabama
This coming safety class features at least three players worth first-round picks. Battle could slip into the second-round, but he’s coming off an impressive sophomore campaign. Like Joseph, Battle started 2021 slowly. However, there are plenty of tough matchups against SEC competition for the junior to showcase his skills.
K'Von Wallace is still learning the ropes in Philadelphia, and Anthony Harris is a free agent in 2022. Wallace was a fourth-round pick in 2020, and the Eagles seem surprisingly dedicated to the Clemson product. However, I wouldn’t put it past them to shift him around or bench him for a player as disruptive as Battle.
22. Los Angeles Chargers- Drake Jackson, EDGE USC
Jackson is an ultra-athletic edge rusher weighing 250 lbs. He won’t fit every scheme perfectly, but Brandon Staley’s defensive front should work with Jackson’s skill set. The USC star had a dominant freshman season, amassing 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Hopefully he takes the next step after COVID shortened his promising sophomore campaign.
The Chargers have Joey Bosa, one of the NFL’s top 20 players. However, the team hasn’t recovered from losing Melvin Ingram. There’s no clear second pass rush threat to draw coverage away from Bosa. Jackson gives the Chargers an athletic pass rusher capable of complementing Bosa’s dominant presence.
23. Arizona Cardinals- Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
Gardner is one of the most physical cornerbacks in the 2022 class. He’ll likely need to dial back the contact when he enters the NFL. Referees throw flags for pass interference and defensive holding more often at the next level. However, it’s much easier to reel in a physical player than inspire a meek one. Gardner should adjust to the pros just fine.
The Cincinnati star is also one of the most productive cornerbacks in college football. Gardner has three interceptions in each of the past two seasons and already has one in 2021.
The Cardinals and Jets are in constant competition for the NFL’s worst cornerback corps. At least Arizona has Byron Murphy, who held his ground against Tennessee’s dominant duo on Sunday. Tay Gowan and Marco Wilson are the only other corners in Arizona with long-term upside. Gardner spices things up a bit.
24. New Orleans Saints- Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio St.
Wilson has 197 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns two games into the season. He’s averaging 92 yards per game since the start of 2020. Some analysts, including PFF’s Mike Renner, even view Wilson as a better prospect than Olave. We’ll see if he can keep pace with the senior.
Losing Michael Thomas for at least five games exposed New Orleans’ extreme lack of wide receiver depth. Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harris, and Juwan Johnson are the team’s top receivers. That group stuck it to Green Bay this past weekend, but it won’t work forever. Drafting Wilson gives the Saints a top option besides Thomas.
25. Baltimore Ravens- Darian Kinnard, OT Kentucky
Kinnard is a 6'5'', 345 lb. right tackle for the Wildcats. Analysts remain unsure if he’s suited for the outside as a pro, but early indications from the 2021 season support his skill as a tackle. Kinnard uses his size well in the running game, but he’s shown strides in pass protection two games into his senior year.
John Harbaugh’s team needs to reload along the offensive line. Alejandro Villanueva got tossed around during his debut with the Ravens. Baltimore can’t wait too long before finding Orlando Brown Jr.’s replacement. The Ravens were spoiled with Ronnie Stanley and Brown flanking Lamar Jackson, but those days are over.
26. Cleveland Browns- Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE South Carolina
Enagbare is one of the most overlooked prospects eligible for the upcoming draft. The 6'4'', 265 lb. South Carolina product had two seasons of consistent production entering 2021, but he’s taken things to another level recently. Enagbare already has two sacks and nearly half as many pressures as he produced last year.
Cleveland has arguably the most talented team in the NFL. They can’t waste it or let it crumble in free agency. Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley are on expiring deals, meaning Myles Garrett needs a new partner for 2022. Enagbare doesn’t have Clowney’s ceiling, especially against the run, but he’s a significantly cheaper option than the former Pro Bowler.
27. Green Bay Packers- Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
Green Bay used its first-round pick on Eric Stokes last spring, making this pick difficult to justify. However, cornerback is one of those positions where teams should constantly take shots when good opportunities arise. Getting Elam this late is an absolute steal and offers better value than the Stokes selection.
Elam intercepted two passes during his freshman season at Florida and never looked back. He led the SEC with 11 passes defensed in 2020 and already has an interception this season. Elam opened the year as a top-three cornerback in the 2022 class, and he might still hold that title. However, other corners raised their stocks more in recent weeks.
28. New York Jets (Via Seahawks)- Trent McDuffie, CB Washington
The Jets desperately need cornerback help. They should take multiple shots at the position through the draft and sign any younger players with even the slightest upside. Bryce Hall, the team’s top cornerback, wouldn’t even start on many teams.
McDuffie is a fiery 5'11'' defensive back that doesn’t shy away from contact despite his smaller frame. He’s one of the nation’s best tackling defensive backs and is always making plays around the ball. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance McDuffie’s size removes him from the first-round conversation. I’ll keep him in for now.
29. Buffalo Bills- Thayer Munford, OT/IOL Ohio St.
Buffalo’s offensive line got demolished by Pittsburgh in Week 1. Don’t worry, reinforcements are on the way.
Munford played left tackle for the Buckeyes from 2018 through 2020 before shifting to left guard this season. He’s performed well at both spots so far, but concerns remain about his consistency in pass protection. Ohio St. never would’ve moved Munford to guard if he was truly an elite left tackle.
Drafting Munford gives the Bills a versatile lineman capable of taking over for Jon Feliciano or Cody Ford. He could project as a tackle in Buffalo’s long-term plan.
30. Detroit Lions (Via Rams)- Sam Howell, QB North Carolina
It’s highly unlikely that Howell slides to the back end of the first-round after the displays he put on as a true freshman and sophomore. However, analysts were already wary of his offensive system and physical limitations heading into 2021. A devastating loss to Virginia Tech raised some alarms, but that likely said more about UNC’s team than Howell as an individual.
Quarterbacks like Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis offer versatility Howell can’t match. Even Matt Corral offers more intrigue at this point, which is why Howell falls this far. The Lions continue having good players fall into their laps. Perhaps Howell can push Jared Goff for the starting job.
31. Kansas City Chiefs- Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
Burks hasn’t left his mark in Arkansas’ first two games this season, which could lead to him falling out of the first-round. However, the 6'3'' receiver weighs 225 lbs. and displays exceptional athleticism for his size. The Chiefs don’t have many big body receivers, but Burks’ speed should still meet Kansas City’s high standards.
Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s best quarterback. Andy Reid and Brett Veach can’t let Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson continue seeing significant snaps.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ikem Ekwonu, OT/IOL N.C. St.
Tampa Bay and general manager Jason Licht targeted their strengths in the 2021 NFL Draft, taking Joe Tyron-Shoyinka and Kyle Trask with their top picks. The Buccaneers already have a decent offensive line, but some of those pieces could fall away shortly as Tampa Bay tries to fit more large extensions under the salary cap.
Ekwonu plays left tackle for the Wolfpack, but some analysts like him better as a guard.
Best Remaining
Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati
Drake London, WR USC
George Pickens, WR Georgia
Zion Nelson, OT Miami
Tyler Linderbaum, IOL Iowa
Jordan Davis, IDL Georgia
Adam Anderson, EDGE Georgia
Myjai Sanders, EDGE Cincinnati
Noah Daniels, CB TCU
Josh Jobe, CB Alabama
Derion Kendrick, CB Georgia
Jaquan Brisker, S Penn St.