x
Breaking News
More () »

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Scouting Combine predictions for all 32 picks

With the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in the books, we project the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with our latest mock draft.

CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.

With the NFL Scouting Combine taking place in Indianapolis last week, NFL Draft season is officially underway.

RELATED: More NFL coverage from WKYC

With that in mind, let's project all 32 first-round picks for the 2022 NFL Draft, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday, April 28.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

For the second straight year, the Jaguars find themselves with the top pick in the draft. While there's been buzz about Jacksonville taking an offensive tackle, its decision to franchise tag Cam Robinson could allow the Jaguars the freedom to take this year's top pass rusher -- and arguably top overall prospect -- in Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson.

2. Detroit Lions - Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

On paper, the Lions have bigger holes on their roster -- particularly in the secondary. But the opportunity to take a pass rusher as talented as Kayvon Thibodeaux, who could earn consideration as the top overall pick, could prove too tempting for Detroit to pass.

3. Houston Texans - Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Still in the early stages of a multi-year rebuild, the Texans lay claim to an expansion-level roster. With Laremy Tunsil's future with the team uncertain, Ikem Ekwonu could provide a building block for Houston's offensive line.

4. New York Jets - Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

A strong showing at the scouting combine may have solidified Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner's status as the top cornerback in this year's class. That should be of note to the Jets, who will be looking to overhaul their secondary in the offseason ahead.

5. New York Giants - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

With Nate Solder headed to free agency, the Giants have a hole at right tackle. Scouting Combine standout Evan Neal could fill that void and pair with Andrew Thomas to give New York a pair of promising tackles on both sides of its line.

6. Carolina Panthers - Malik Willis, QB Liberty

There may not be a head coach on a hotter seat entering 2022 than Carolina's Matt Rhule. Unless the Panthers make a move at quarterback in free agency or on the trade market, it would make plenty of sense for them to try to sell their fanbase hope in the form the most dynamic signal-caller in this year's class, Malik Willis.

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears) - Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

The Giants' defensive line is in need of a massive upgrade. A former 5-star prospect, Georgia's Travon Walker possesses the talent and versatility to provide just that.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

Calvin Ridley's indefinite suspension has left the Falcons with a hole at wide receiver, but Atlanta is just one year removed from using a top-four pick on tight end Kyle Pitts. In a wide receiver class as deep as this one, the Falcons can afford to use its first-round pick to upgrade its putrid pass rush with one of this year's biggest risers in Jermaine Johnson II.

9. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos) - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Trading Russell Wilson seems to signal the start of a rebuild in Seattle. If that's the case, then it would make sense for the Seahawks to use their pick on a high-level talent like Charles Cross, who could serve as a cornerstone of Seattle's offensive line for years to come.

10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the top prospects in this year's draft, but his position could result in him sliding. If that happens, the Jets could fast-track their secondary overhaul by using one of the picks it received in the Jamal Adams trade on another playmaking safety.

11. Washington Commanders - Drake London, WR, USC

The Commanders found their answer at quarterback by trading for Carson Wentz and will likely spend the rest of their offseason trying to surround him with weapons. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Drake London is the type of big-bodied receiver who Wentz has found success with during his time in both Philadelphia and Indianapolis.

12. Minnesota Vikings - David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

The Vikings have an immediate need at cornerback, but new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will likely take a long-term approach this offseason. After a standout showing at the combine, David Ojabo likely checked off many of the boxes that Adofo-Mensah is looking for in a defensive cornerstone.

13. Cleveland Browns - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Regardless of whether the Browns keep or cut Jarvis Landry, Cleveland is in desperate need of an upgrade at wide receiver. After a standout career down the road at Ohio State, Garrett Wilson could provide the big-play ability the Browns' passing game has lacked in recent years.

14. Baltimore Ravens - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

The Ravens' secondary should be healthier in 2022 than it was last season, but the unit still lacks depth. LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. has been on the radar of NFL teams since his All-American freshman season in 2019 and could provide immediate depth and versatility for the back end of Baltimore's defense.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins) - Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Outside of Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, the Eagles' secondary is looking thin. Clemson's Andrew Booth Jr.'s ability to thrive in both man and zone coverage should make him an immediate fit for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts) - Devin Lloyd LB, Utah

Philadelphia's analytically-driven front office doesn't place a high premium on the linebacker position, but having three first-round picks could afford the Eagles some flexibility. Plus, considering his athleticism and ability in coverage, Utah's Devin Lloyd is hardly a traditional linebacker.

17. Los Angeles Chargers - Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia

With Linval Joseph set to hit free agency, the Chargers have a sizable hole in the middle of their defense. A 6-foot-6, 341-pound playmaker, Jordan Davis could fill that void.

18. New Orleans Saints - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Considering their salary cap situation, the Saints appear headed for a rebuild post-Sean Payton. That could make selecting a high-level prospect like Jameson Williams -- who may not be ready for the start of the 2022 season as he recovers from a torn ACL -- more palatable for New Orleans than it would be for another team.

19. Philadelphia Eagles - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

After using its first two first-round picks on defense, Philadelphia turns its attention to the offensive side of the ball. Despite drafting players at the position in the first round of each of the last two drafts, wide receiver remains a position of need for the Eagles. Treylon Burks' size and versatility could pair nicely next to DeVonta Smith.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

For the first time since 2004, the Steelers are in the market for a quarterback. If that player doesn't come via trade or free agency, Pittsburgh might not have to look far to find its answer in Pitt's Kenny Pickett, who is arguably the quarterback most ready to start in his rookie season.

21. New England Patriots - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Patriots' have their franchise quarterback in Mac Jones and will now do their best to continue to surround him with weapons. Chris Olave has the type of speed and versatility that could open up new dynamics for New England's offense.

22. Las Vegas Raiders - Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Following Henry Ruggs III's arrest and subsequent release last season, the Raiders have a pressing need at wide receiver. Penn State's Jahan Dotson's ability as a downfield threat could help prevent opposing defenses from keying in on Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.

23. Arizona Cardinals - Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Cardinals' glaring need and cornerback and salary cap situation could dictate that they use their first-round pick on a cornerback. Washington's Trent McDuffie is immediately best suited as a nickel, but also possesses the upside to play on the outside.

24. Dallas Cowboys - Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Jerry Jones has never been shy to prioritize talent over need. Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, however, checks both boxes and could help to further unlock Micah Parson's skill set in the Cowboys' defense.

25. Buffalo Bills - Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

With Harrison Phillips and Vernon Butler set to hit free agency, the interior defensive line stands out as one of Buffalo's few immediate needs. A four-year contributor at Georgia with three-down ability, Devonte Wyatt could contribute immediately next to Ed Oliver.

26. Tennessee Titans - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

David Quessenberry is set to hit free agency and Taylor Lewan is nearing the later stages of his career. Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning plays with the type of toughness that would likely appeal to Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

The Buccaneers enter the offseason with holes at both guard positions and center. Arguably the best guard in this year's draft, Kenyon Green could provide an immediate boost to Tampa Bay's interior offensive line.

28. Green Bay Packers - George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

The Packers' salary cap situation could dictate them losing both Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith. While his showing at the scouting combine was somewhat of a disappointment, Purdue's George Karlaftis would be a steal this late in the first round.

29. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers) - Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Simply put, the Dolphins have one of the worst -- if not the worst -- offensive lines in the NFL. Bernhard Raimann's age -- he'll be 25 in September -- could a negative for some teams, but could also make him more ready to contribute immediately.

30. Kansas City Chiefs - Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

While the Chiefs' passing attack is one of the best in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes could use some more reliable weapons outside of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, combine standout Christian Watson could add a new dimension to Mahomes' arsenal.

31. Cincinnati Bengals - Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

The Bengals' needs on the offensive line are so glaring that they'll likely need both free agency and the draft to address them. Likely out of range to draft one of the top tackles, it's conceivable Cincinnati could still select the No. 1 center in this year's class in Iowa's Tyler Linderbaum.

32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) - Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

With Jeffrey Okudah coming off a ruptured Achilles, the Lions have an obvious need at cornerback. A physical corner with the ability to play both man and zone coverage, Kaiir Elam could fill in for Okudah or start opposite of the No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft.

Before You Leave, Check This Out