Sam Teets 2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

We keep throwing out new ideas

With Week 2 of the NFL season in the books, I can unveil my latest 2022 mock draft. The first edition is already live, and you can read it for free. I’m posting new mock drafts each week as we learn more about top prospects and how the draft order could shake out. Come back next Wednesday for mock draft 4.0.

Please note that I’ve generated the draft order below based on what I observed from the season’s first two weeks. This is not the official order as it stands right now based on win-loss records. I’ve included a list of all trades that alter the rankings at the bottom of the article, and they also appear next to the selecting teams.

Remember, we’re still in the spitballing phase of mock drafting. Don’t take anything too seriously. Now, let’s dive into the newest mock.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

The Jaguars have plenty of needs. They could take Derek Stingley Jr., Kayvon Thibodeaux, or even Evan Neal here, but Hamilton is the best player in this class. He impacts the game as much as any defender in college football. The 6'4'', 219 lb. safety already has three interceptions and two tackles for loss this season.

2. New York Jets- Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU

Stingley was a Consensus All-American as a freshman, but he hasn’t intercepted a pass since that historic 2019 season. The former superstar struggles as a tackler and hasn’t recorded a pass defense this year. However, Stingley is still this draft’s top cornerback until someone takes that title away.

3. Atlanta Falcons- Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma

Matt Ryan is in a three-year rut. His last dominant campaign came in 2018, and he looks defeated early this season. Ryan might have gas left in the tank, but the Falcons need some new leadership on offense. Rattler hasn’t improved enough from his redshirt freshman to sophomore years, but no other quarterback in this class has his gifts.

4. Detroit Lions- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon

Thibodeaux isn’t the perfect scheme-fit for Detroit, but the Lions should focus on just adding as many talented players as possible. Detroit isn’t anywhere close to competing for a title, so finding blue-chip talent takes precedence. Thibodeaux is 6'5'' and has a sack in his only appearance this season.

5. Houston Texans- Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss

Corral struggled with interceptions during his sophomore campaign, but the 6'1'' quarterback has a clean sheet three games into 2021. He’s far from a guaranteed first-round pick, let alone a top-ten selection, but the arrow is pointing up for Corral. He recently pulverized a Tulane team that gave Rattler fits in Oklahoma’s season opener.

6. New York Giants (Via Bears)- Evan Neal, OT Alabama

The Giants are still waiting on Andrew Thomas to come out of his shell. Things aren’t looking great for the former fourth overall pick. Neal is a pulverizing 6'7'', 350 lb. lineman with experience at both tackle positions and left guard. He could probably start at any of those positions for New York next year.

7. New York Giants- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan

In this mock, New York lucks into back-to-back picks and grabs a dominant 6'6'', 265 lb. monster from Michigan. Hutchinson beat the brakes off fellow future first-rounder Jaxson Kirkland when they squared off in Week 2. The senior already tied his previous career-high with 3.5 sacks, and he’s done it in only three appearances.

8. Cincinnati Bengals- Jaxson Kirkland, OT Washington

Cincinnati must protect Joe Burrow and give him more time in the pocket. He’s shown flashes of stardom but also threw three interceptions this past weekend. This coming tackle class is tricky. Kirkland has plenty of concerns and might not go in the top ten selections, but he’s the de facto second-best tackle in this class for now.

9. Minnesota Vikings- Andrew Booth Jr., CB Clemson

Booth dominated against Georgia in Clemson’s season opener before surprisingly struggling against Georgia Tech this past weekend. It’s likely Saturday’s dip was a minor blip on the radar given his elite play over the past year. Booth isn’t a lock for the CB2 spot, but he has amazing athletic traits that show up in game-changing ways.

10. Philadelphia Eagles- Kaiir Elam, CB Florida

Elam held his ground against Alabama’s assault this past weekend. The junior allowed two catches on seven targets and broke up two attempts. Elam’s tackling remains an issue, but he’s got over 1,100 reps of average to elite cornerback play. That’s a large enough sample size that all teams should feel confident in their evaluations of the Gator.

11. Dallas Cowboys- DeMarvin Leal, DL Texas A&M

Dallas lucked into getting one of the 2021 NFL Draft’s best defenders in Micah Parsons with the 12th overall pick. The Cowboys land another defensive stud in 2022, finally fixing the interior defensive line. Leal is 6'4'', weighs 290 lbs., and is capable of playing inside or outside. He has 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss this year.

12. Carolina Panthers- Kenyon Green, IOL/OT Texas A&M

Green started at right guard for Texas A&M during his freshman season. The junior also started at left guard in 2020 and is spending most of his time at right tackle this year. Carolina needs good linemen to plug in around Taylor Moton. Drafting a guard isn’t sexy, but Green’s versatility and evaluation make him a priority player.

13. New Orleans Saints- Chris Olave, WR Ohio St.

The Saints don’t have a threatening receiver outside of Michael Thomas. Deonte Harris and Juwan Johnson can create big plays, but they produce inconsistently. Olave is a senior coming off a year where he averaged over 100 yards per game. New Orleans needs a backup plan if Thomas’ return from injury goes poorly or he becomes disgruntled with the Saints.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Colts)- Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE South Carolina

Enagbare is flying under the radar this year, largely because he plays for the Gamecocks. The 6'4'', 265 lb. stud is one of the most effective pass rushers in college football, even if he’s not always reliable against the run. Philadelphia just lost Brandon Graham for the season, and he’s a free agent in 2022. It’s time to find Josh Sweat a younger running mate.

15. Washington Football Team- Malik Willis, QB Liberty

Auburn missed out on a huge opportunity when they watched Willis transfer to Liberty. The 22-year-old ran for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2020. Obviously there are concerns about his level of competition and how his passing game will translate to the next level. However, Washington could use that versatility if Taylor Heinicke isn’t the long-term answer.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Howell, QB North Carolina

Ben Roethlisberger can’t come back in 2022. It’s not an option for this Steelers team. Howell was a Heisman candidate entering the year, but he showed plenty of flaws against Virginia Tech in Week 1. His draft stock is in limbo for now, making the middle of the first-round a suitable landing spot.

17. Las Vegas Raiders- Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati

Gardner shut down Indiana’s Ty Fryfogle for most of their reps against each other this past weekend. The 6'3'', 200 lb. physical cornerback has seven interceptions in his past 23 games. Las Vegas needs someone like Gardner, considering Damon Arnette’s lack of playing time and Casey Hayward’s expiring contract.

18. Miami Dolphins (Via 49ers)- Ikem Ekwonu, OT/IOL N.C. St.

Miami threw plenty of assets at their offensive line over the past several years. None of them yielded high returns. Austin Jackson is barely playable at left tackle, and Robert Jones is the only starter with his head on straight. Ekwonu plays left tackle in college, but some analysts like him as a guard. He’s only allowed one pressure this season.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Dolphins)- Trent McDuffie, CB Washington

Philadelphia doubles down at cornerback, taking McDuffie to play in the slot. The Washington product is only 5'11'' and weighs 195 lbs., but he possesses the physicality to play outside. However, the Eagles already have Darius Slay and Elam out wide. That moves McDuffie inside, where he’ll remain until Slay’s release.

20. New England Patriots-Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio St.

New England set spending records in free agency but still failed to sign a true top receiver. Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne were nice additions, but they aren’t good enough to bail Mac Jones out of challenging situations. Wilson is arguably the top receiver in this draft class, making this selection another steal for Bill Belichick.

21. Tennessee Titans- Darian Kinnard, OT Kentucky

Kinnard entered 2021 hoping to prove he could play tackle at the next level instead of guard, and he’s off to a hot start. The senior right tackle always created movement in the running game, but he hasn’t allowed a pressure this season. He’ll help the Titans get over the Isaiah Wilson debacle.

22. Arizona Cardinals- Drake London, WR USC

London spent the majority of his first two seasons with the Trojans operating out of the slot, but he’s taking over 80.0% of his snaps out wide in 2021. After only three appearances, the 6'5'', 210 lb. receiver has 29 receptions, 375 yards, and three touchdowns. He should complement DeAndre Hopkins well.

23. Los Angeles Chargers- Drake Jackson, EDGE USC

Jackson combines a quick first step with the power of a 6'4'', 250 lb. edge rusher. He only has one sack this season and 8.5 total during his collegiate career, but Jackson’s physical attributes make him a highly coveted talent. The USC product should mesh well with Joey Bosa in Brandon Staley’s defense.

24. New York Jets (Via Seahawks)- George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue

New York already addressed its secondary with Stingley. Now the front office finds Carl Lawson a long-term running mate. Losing Lawson for the year was a massive blow, but he’ll have a new friend along the line next fall. Quinnen Williams should also benefit from the arrival of another talented pass rusher and run-stopper. Karlaftis is 6'4'' and weighs 275 lbs.

25. Denver Broncos-Jaquan Brisker, S Penn St.

Brisker is an incredibly well-rounded prospect that would rank as the top safety in most draft classes. The senior has over 600 snaps in coverage to prove he’s one of the best cover safeties in college football. Brisker also makes plays against the run and is always around the ball during a game’s crucial moments. He replaces free agent Kareem Jackson in Denver.

26. Baltimore Ravens-Thayer Munford, OT/IOL Ohio St.

Munford spent his three most recent seasons with the Buckeyes at left tackle before sliding to left guard in 2021. The senior had serious draft hype last year before returning to school. He’s usually shaky in pass protection but creates enough movement in the running game with his 6'6'', 321 lb. frame that Baltimore can use him at tackle or guard.

27. Green Bay Packers- Nik Bonitto, EDGE Oklahoma

Bonitto is one of the nation’s most effective edge rushers. He already has 2.5 sacks this season after posting nine in 2020. Unfortunately, Bonitto’s size (6'3'', 240 lbs.) is a limiting factor that forces him into the bottom third of the first-round. Green Bay could use an eventual replacement for their aging edge rushers, and Bonitto’s athleticism makes him an easy pick.

28. Cleveland Browns- Zach Harrison, EDGE Ohio St.

Jadeveon Clowney becomes a free agent this coming offseason, opening a premier starting position opposite Myles Garrett. Harrison has astonishing physical talent for a 6'6'', 268 lb. defensive end, but he was inconsistent through Ohio State’s first two games. A few more star performances could vault Harrison into the top 20 selections.

29. Buffalo Bills- Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas

Burks took a while to get involved in Arkansas’ offense this year, but he erupted for 127 yards this past weekend, including a 91-yard catch and run. The 6'3'', 225 lb. wide receiver operates primarily from the slot, which could cause a conflict with incumbent Buffalo slot receiver Cole Beasley. However, the Bills would love someone with Burks’ power and speed.

30. Detroit Lions (Via Rams)- Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia

The race for LB1 primarily features Dean, Christian Harris, Devin Lloyd, and Brandon Smith. Detroit could use any of those prospects after Green Bay torched the incumbent Lions inside backers on Monday Night Football. Of the four candidates, Dean and Lloyd have the highest ceilings in pass coverage. The Georgia product takes this spot by a slim margin.

31. Kansas City Chiefs-Myjai Sanders, EDGE Cincinnati

Sanders doesn’t have a sack this season yet, but he’s still terrorizing quarterbacks. The senior is only 255 lbs., which could pose an issue for some teams. Luckily, Frank Clark is only five pounds heavier, and Kansas City liked him enough to offer a $104 million extension. The Chiefs might move on from Clark this offseason, creating an opening for Sanders.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tyler Linderbaum, IOL Iowa

Linderbaum is a first-round talent, but finding a team willing to use such a high selection on a low-value position isn’t easy. Tampa Bay might chase offensive linemen next offseason as they look for cheap replacements for Alex Cappa and Ryan Jensen.

Unfortunately, Linderbaum isn’t a scheme fit for Tampa Bay, and his game is completely different from Jensen’s. The veteran center is a 6'4'', 319 lb. mauler while Linderbaum is only 6'3'', 290 lbs. I’m just spitballing for now, but this is easily my least likely projection.

Best Available

Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati

John Metchie III, WR Alabama

George Pickens, WR Georgia

Zion Nelson, OT Miami

Jordan Davis, IDL Georgia

Adam Anderson, EDGE Georgia

Christian Harris, LB Alabama

Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

Sevyn Banks, CB Ohio St.

Noah Daniels, CB TCU

Josh Jobe, CB Alabama

Derion Kendrick, CB Georgia

Jordan Battle, S Alabama

Brandon Joseph, S Northwestern

Pick Trades

New York Jets (Via Seahawks)

Detroit Lions (Via Rams)

Philadelphia Eagles (Via Dolphins)

Miami Dolphins (Via 49ers)

New York Giants (Via Bears)

Eagles (Via Colts if Wentz plays 70% of snaps in 2021)