2022 NFL Mock Draft: Will Travon Walker Go First?
With the 2022 NFL Draft just two days away, it's time to look at whose name might get called in the first round. Let's take a look at this year's top prospects and where they will land in the first round.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Travon Walker, Georgia
Jacksonville has a ton of holes to fill on their roster on both sides of the football. The Jags have had a decent offseason after acquiring some playmakers who will make Trevor Lawrence’s second year in the NFL much more successful. Jacksonville signed wide receivers Zay Jones and Christian Kirk, as well as former New York Giants tight end, Evan Engram. Although the Jags’ biggest need isn’t an edge rusher, it’s hard to envision them passing on perhaps the top prospect in the entire 2022 class. Hutchinson seemed to be that prospect for a long time but according to all the sportsbooks, Travon Walker has become the favorite to be the top pick in this draft. Walker has more upside than any prospect in this draft and can really transform Jacksonville’s defense. He was a dominant force on the college football championship team and has great size and athleticism. It doesn’t hurt that he was one of the top performers at the combine either.
2. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Although I think the Lions are hoping Walker slides to this spot, they won’t be upset with Aidan Hutchinson. I’d be very surprised if Hutchinson and Walker aren’t the first two picks of this draft. Predicting the order is the difficult part. Ultimately, I believe Jacksonville will roll the dice rather than play it conservatively which means the Lions will end up with the Michigan man. Hutchinson will give the Lions a massive boost on the edge.
3. Houston Texans: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Ever since J.J. Watt and Javadaeyon Clowney left the Texans, Houston has struggled to get after the quarterback. The Texans may miss out on the top two pass rushers in this year’s draft class but that doesn’t mean that they will avoid filling this significant hole on their roster. Thibodeaux was an absolute monster and showed his excellent pass-rushing skills throughout the Pac-12. Love Smith’s Cover 2 scheme also needs a guy who can get consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. The former Oregon Duck can be that guy.
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4. New York Jets: CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
The Jets haven’t had a true shutdown cornerback since the days of Darrelle Revis. This team has so many holes to fill but the defense is more of a problem than the offense. After Tyreek Hill was traded to the Dolphins in a blockbuster deal, the Jets need someone who can defend Hill and Stefon Diggs in two games apiece every season. The 6’4” corner out of Cincy could help the Jets slow down their AFC East rivals’ passing games. Ever since Revis Island, the Jets have failed to slow down opposing receivers. Gardner could be the first step toward rectifying that issue. The Jets allowed the third-most passing yards per game last season. It’s impossible to make the postseason with a defense that can’t defend high-octane passing offenses. Gardner makes the most sense in this spot.
5. New York Giants: OT/G Evan Neal, Alabama
The Giants haven’t had a good offensive line since their last Super Bowl victory back in 2012. Former first-round selection Andrew Thomas struggled in his first few games in the pros but has improved over time as Daniel Jones’ left tackle. However, the acquisition of Nate Soldier was a complete bust. Soldier is no longer the elite tackle he once was. The G-Men must add an offensive tackle to protect the right side of the line if Jones is going to excel in a make-or-break season. Coming out of Alabama, Neal should transition well to the NFL. Despite being a whopping 360 pounds, the kid is fairly agile given his size. The Giants could also go for Charles Cross or Ikem Ekwonu but Neal is the most NFL-ready and can play multiple positions. There is no way that the Giants don’t address the offensive line with this pick.
6. Carolina Panthers: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
I’m not sure why the Panthers hired Ben McAdoo but the former Giants head coach made a huge blunder when he stated that Sam Darnold would start under center this season. Darnold began the 2021 season with a bang and led his team to a 3-0 record. He even led the league at that point with the most rushing touchdowns by anyone in the NFL. However, Carolina had just about the easiest schedule to start the 2021 campaign in the entire league and Darnold struggled the rest of the season with his accuracy, decision-making skills, and health. Carolina desperately needs a franchise quarterback who Matt Rhule, McAdoo, and the rest of the team can truly get behind. The Panthers do not want to waste Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore’s prime so they need a quarterback who will be ready to start if not this coming season, at least by 2023. Kenny Pickett has enjoyed monumental success over his collegiate career although Malik Willis of Liberty is also an option. Still, Willis is more of a project. Pickett is NFL-ready evidenced by the plethora of awards he received last year (Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Senior CLASS Award, second-team Associated Press All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and Offensive Player of the Year). Pickett also finished third in voting for the Heisman Trophy. Pickett led Pitt to the ACC Championship and set a school record with 4,319 passing yards and an ACC-record of 42 passing touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. Pickett finished his collegiate career with 12,303 passing (another school record) and broke Dan Marino’s record with 81 passing touchdowns. Plus, he proved he can use his legs to get the job done by rushing for 241 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. Pickett is the answer to Carolina’s quarterback problem even if he’s not the next Kyler Murray.
7. New York Giants: DE Jermaine Johnson II, Florida St.
If Ahmad Gardner falls this far in the draft, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the G-Men select the top cornerback in the draft given that they will most likely have to trade James Bradberry. Bradberry is New York’s top cornerback and has been quite successful shadowing the opposing team’s top wideouts. However, if Gardner is gone, the Giants will likely select Jermaine Johnson. New York is at its best when they are strong in the trenches. This team hasn’t had a truly dominant edge rusher since the days of Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul. They do have Leonard Williams who has 18 sacks in his last two seasons with the G-Men. It would be prudent for the Giants to select Johnson, who can line up on the opposite side of Williams and wreak havoc in the backfield.
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB Malik Willis, Liberty
Many pundits expect the Falcons to pass on a quarterback despite the end of the Matt Ryan era. Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota but does anyone still have faith in him as a true starting quarterback in the NFL? I certainly don’t. The Falcons can get a solid dual-threat quarterback to build around. That said, Justin Fields was a much more highly touted prospect heading into last year’s draft and Atlanta passed on him with the fourth pick of the draft. However, it’s hard to envision the Falcons competing with Mariota under center after missing out on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. Atlanta has a ton of holes on their roster but everyone knows that without a solid quarterback, it’s next to impossible to make a run in the playoffs. With Matty Ice now in Indianapolis, the Falcons will take who many views as the top quarterback in this year’s class.
9. Seattle Seahawks: CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
While many Seahawks fans may want the franchise to draft a quarterback who can compete with Geno Smith and Drew Lock for the starting gig, this year’s class of signal-callers are the least talented in perhaps a decade. Instead of reaching for a quarterback if both Pickett and Willis are off the board, Pete Carrol could use an elite defensive back to help Jamal Adams. Stingley out of LSU had one of the best freshman seasons for a player at his position. No team dared to throw the ball towards the side of the field he was covering. Having a shut-down cornerback is a massive advantage in the evolving pass-dominant NFL. Stingley has had some injury issues but his size (6’1”) and raw talent outweigh those concerns.
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10. New York Jets: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio St.
The Jets reportedly offered this pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for standout wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Since Seattle didn’t bite, Joe Douglas will likely select the talented receiver out of Ohio State. Quarterback Zach Wilson struggled significantly last season and the Jets need to get their second-year quarterback another weapon with game-changing playmaker skills. Wilson is that guy. Wilson to Wilson for the touchdown. I can already see and hear the highlight reel.
11. Washington Commanders: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
Washington upgraded at the quarterback position by landing Carson Wentz. However, Wentz won’t have much help in the wide receiver room outside of terry McLaurin unless the front office elects to add another explosive playmaker to the roster. That playmaker is Williams. Williams would probably be the first wide receiver off the board if not for a significant knee injury that perhaps cost Alabama the National Championship. Still, Williams could suit up at some point in 2022 and make an immediate impact.
12. Minnesota Vikings: CB Trent McDuffie, Washington
I could see the Vikings trading down out of this slot but if they do not, they still need to bolster up the defensive back position with Aaron Rodgers in the division. The Vikings brought back Patrick Peterson but he’s a veteran at the end of a long career. Minnesota could select McDuffle and have him learn from Peterson (an eight-time Pro Bowler). McDuffle is short (5’11”) but he is tremendous in coverage. This is another player who should be ready to start for a strong defense in his rookie season and perform well.
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13. Houston Texans: OT Ikem Okwanu, N.C. St.
If Okwanu slips this far, the Texans may have no choice but to scoop up a guy who some pundits think is the top offensive tackle in this year’s draft class. Houston may be tempted to add a wide receiver at this point so Davis Mills has more weapons in his arsenal but it’s even more important to keep their quarterback upright if they want to truly evaluate his long-term potential. Houston was outplayed in the trenches on both sides of the football. Now that they addressed the defense, it’s time to add the best available offensive lineman and that is Okwanu out of N.C. State. Some think this kid could be a top-five selection. This would be a steal.
14. Baltimore Ravens: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi St.
The Ravens won’t be upset if another potential top-five pick slips to this slot. Baltimore has really struggled on the offensive line in recent years after the retirement of Marshal Yanda and Ronnie Stanley’s inability to stay healthy. Cross has tremendous footwork and technique for an offensive tackle and would immediately help protect Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has other needs but Cross is too good of a prospect to pass on in the middle of the first round.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
The Eagles have enjoyed a strong defensive line for a very long time, largely due to Fletcher Cox. Philadelphia needs to start planning for the inevitable day that Cox is no longer in the locker room. Cox signed a one-year extension but this will likely be his last season in the city of brotherly love. There is no better way to prepare for Cox’s departure than to draft Jordan Davis of the 2021 champion Georgia Bull Dogs. Cox can mentor Davis before he moves to a new team after the 2022 campaign. Not only was Davis dominant this past season, especially in his 2021 debut against Clemson but his draft stock has only increased after running a 4.78 40-yard dash. Davis could serve as a great defensive tackle who can stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
16. New Orleans Saints: QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
The Saints have two draft picks in the first round this year. Some fans may want them to package those picks to move up to grab Pickett or Williss, the top two quarterbacks in this draft class. However, I don’t think fans would be upset if Desmond Ridder fell to this spot. Ridder is a competitive kid and would immediately compete for the starting gig with Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, two veterans signed to very short deals. The Saints need a long-term answer at the quarterback position and they just may be willing to roll the dice on Ridder. Ridder may not be the complete package but he has a winning attitude and commands the offense with respect every time he steps onto the field. It would be interesting to see how long it would take for him to rise to the top of the depth chart. He may not be ready to start in Year 1 but by 2023, Ridder could definitely be ready to lead an offense with big-time playmakers such as Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
The Chargers have built a team that is capable of making a serious playoff run. The biggest weakness is the right tackle position after cutting the injury-riddled Bryan Bulaga. Penning would be the perfect replacement. Penning is a massive guy and is more athletic than you might anticipate when first observing him. He’s got discipline and seems eager to learn and improve. That’s the type of attitude coaches love in the locker room. This pick makes too much sense. That said, there is a chance that Penning could go as early as ninth to the Seahawks. If he falls this far, the Chargers won’t hesitate on this one. It’s a no-brainer.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Drake London, USC
For the third consecutive year, the Eagles will select a wide receiver in the first round of the draft. Jalen Reagor has not panned out but DeVonta Smith was more than what they could have ever hoped for in his rookie season. London would join a group of young and talented pass catchers with immense upside to help quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles employed one of the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL last year due to their lack of talent at the receiver position. London was spectacular at USC and would probably slot in as the WR2 in this offense. Howie Roseman knows this team still needs receivers and London is the perfect player to compliment Smith on the outside.
19. New Orleans Saints: DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
After landing a quarterback with their first pick in the draft, the Saints will either add a receiver since they have nobody with much talent outside of Michael Thomas or they will address the defense. Wyatt is one of the best three-techniques in this draft class and was pivotal to Georgia’s success last season as he wreaked havoc in opposing backfields. Wyatt has some issues off the field but the Saints clearly don’t mind that type of thing considering they still have Thomas on the roster. Nobody would benefit more from this selection than Cameron Jordan. With Wyatt in the middle of the defensive line, it would be much more difficult for opposing offenses to double-team Jordan. New Orleans could form a top-five defensive line by selecting Wyatt here. Georgia could see three of their top defensive lineman drafted within the top 20 picks of this coming draft. I don’t think that has ever happened before.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
The Steelers would be ecstatic if Hamilton fell this far though he could go as high as seventh to the New York Giants. That said, it’s very possible that Hamilton slips to the 20th pick. Hamilton did not perform well in front of NFL scouts at his pro day and many scouts clocked him at 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. Hamilton has a ton of talent but teams aren’t so sure where to use him. He’s a bit of a hybrid safety-linebacker, similar to Isaiah Simmons in that regard. And thus far, Simmmons has not lived up to his lofty expectations in Arizona. Although the Steelers love Willis and need a quarterback, they also have holes at the safety and linebacker positions, the two positions that Hamilton can play. Unless they pull off a blockbuster trade, this pick makes too much sense considering their defnsive liabilities.
21. New England Patriots: LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
I would be shocked if the Patriots didn’t select Lloyd if he’s still available with this pick. D’Onta Hightower is a free agent and Kyle Van Noy was released. Bill Belichick is smart enough to know that he needs a young and electric linebacker to fill this very important role in New England’s top-tier defense. Lloyd is versatile and can play both on the edge or inside linebacker, which is more useful than most know in the NFL. Being able to move pieces around due to injuries is a luxury not all teams have. The product out of Utah has impressed everyone with his raw athleticism, his pass-rushing skills, and his ability to drop back in coverage. He would fit in perfectly in New England.
22. Green Bay Packers: WR Chris Olave, Ohio St.
Now that Davante Adams is out of town, will this be the year that the Packers finally address the wide receiver position in the early rounds? The answer is yes. Allen Lazaard has improved over the years but the Packers don’t have much else in terms of receivers. Marques Valdes-Scantling has disappointed for the most part and despite signing Sammy Watkins, the Packers know that’s not enough to give Aaron Rodgers what he needs to make another Super Bowl run. In steps Chris Olave out of Ohio State. The Packers would be very happy if Olave falls this far in the draft due to the immense talent at the wide receiver position in this draft class. Another option would be Jahan Dotson but Green Bay is definitely hoping for Olave and may be willing to trade up to acquire him if they have to.
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23. Arizona Cardinals: WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas
The Cardinals lost one of their most consistent wide receivers in Christian Kirk and Treylon Burks out of Arkansas could be the perfect replacement. Arizona seems to have all the pieces to make a deep postseason run but they need consistency at the wide receiver position so that everything doesn’t fall on Kyler Murray to make things happen with his legs. Burks would take a ton of pressure off of Arizona’s signal caller and help open things up for All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins just needs to stay healthy and this team will be scary good on offense yet again in 2022.
24. Dallas Cowboys: G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Ezekiel Elliott struggled immensely last season in large part due to the Cowboys’ declining offensive line. Dallas had the best offensive line at one point and Zeke showcased what he can do when given actual holes to burst through. The Cowboys may be tempted to take a wide receiver after losing Amari Cooper but given how deep the talent pool is at that position this draft (and the fact that they still have CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup), Dallas should shore up their offensive line to make things easier for Zeke and Dak Prescott. The Cowboys are at their best when Elliott is rushing for 100 yards per game. Kenyon Green would immediately start on the interior of this offensive line and provide much-needed help to the Cowboys’ running game.
25. Buffalo Bills: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
The Bills were eying Eric Stokes in last year’s draft before the Packers sniped him in the first round. The Bills already have Tre’Devious White but they haven’t addressed the position since last season. In the AFC East, it’s critical to have a strong defensive backfield, especially with the arrival of Tyreek Hill. Booth would slot in as the CB2 in Buffalo and immediately impact the game. Buffalo already has one of the best defenses in the league. This pick might be the cherry on top.
26. Tennessee Titans: OL Zion Johnson, Boston College
Tennessee is another orginization that may be tempted to select a wide receiver despite bringing in Robert Woods to play opposite A.J. Brown. However, it’s much more important for the offensive line to protect veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill. With the top receivers off the board, it makes sense for the Titans to target someone who can help keep their quarterback on his feet. In five college seasons (two years at Davidson and one at Boston College after transferring), Johnson started 36 games at guard and 13 at left tackle. Johnson has proved that he is incredibly durable after never missing a game due to injury. He’s probably more effective on the interior of the line rather than at tackle, which is why he will slide this far before the Titans scoop him up. Johnson’s experience and football I IQ are why many general managers are confident that Johnson can start as a rookie at the next level.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: G Tyler Linerbaum, Iowa
The Bucs are another franchise that will be tempted to take a wide receiver after releasing Antonio Brown at the end of last season. However, with Tom Brady back in the fold after unretiring, it’s way more important to get him some protection on the interior of the offensive line. Tampa Bay currently has nobody capable of starting at the guard position. Linderbaum, the product out of Iowa, will help protect the soon-to-be 45-year-old quarterback.
28. Green Bay Packers: DE David Ojabo, Michigan
Ojabo has fallen way back in the draft due to a torn Achilles this spring. Still, he should be ready by the second half of the regular season. The Packers don’t need an edge rusher with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary already getting after the quarterback. That said, you can never have too many players who are this talented at pressuring quarterbacks and setting the edge to stop the outside run. This is a bit like the Montes Sweat situation from a few years back. While many expect Ojabo to fall to the second round, I expect his name to be called at the end of the first round.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State
The Chiefs acquired this pick in the Tyreek Hill trade so it only makes sense that they find someone who can find open space and give Patrick Mahomes a consistent and steady target. Dotson doesn’t have the same speed as Tyreek (almost nobody does) but he is absolutely capable of stepping in as the second option behind tight end Travis Kelce. Dotson was a senior at Penn State and was very dependable. The Chiefs will be happy to get Dotson should he still remain on the board.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: S Lewis Cine, Georgia
The Chiefs not only lost Hill but they also lost former Honey Badger, Tyran Mathieu, this offseason. Even with Mathieu, the Chiefs were often burned in the secondary in 2021. The secondary must be addressed if the Chiefs are going to defend the immensely talented quarterback in the division (Justin Herbert, Derek Carr, and Russell Wilson). Cine was incredible for the Bull Dogs as the quarterback of the defense. He patrolled the middle of the field and helped lead the team to a championship. That kind of experience and leadership is not easy to come by and the Chiefs won’t let Cine slide past the 30th pick of the draft.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Trey McBride, Colorado St.
The Bengals lost C.J. Uzomah and addressed the situation by signing veteran tight end Heydan Hurst. Somehow, I don’t think Hurst is the long-term answer for Cincy considering this will now be his third team in his last four years. The Bengals were so close to winning the Super Bowl. They need a tight end who excels as poth an inline blocker and as a posession receiver. McBride caught a team-high 90 passes last year on a team that was incredibly run-heavy. The Bengals are still going to give Joe Mixon plenty of opportunities but they like to sling it with Joe Burrow under center and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the outside. Cincinnati also has a history of filling their biggest holes through the draft. This pick makes a ton of sense for the Begals.
32. Detroit Lions: WR Christian Watson, North Dakota St.
Amon-Ra St. Brown flourished down the stretch of his rookie season but the Lions don’t have many trustworthy pass catchers outside of him and perhaps tight end, T.J. Hockenson. To end the first round, the Lions will add the explosive Christian Watson to help Jared Goff out on offense.
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