2022 NFL mock draft: Quarterbacks and top defensive prospects go early

A recent 2022 NFL mock draft has teams not veering far from the script. Here’s why two quarterbacks go in the first two picks, followed by top defensive prospects. 

NFL mock draft season is in full swing, and before even seeing the 2021 rookie class in regular-season action, fans are already looking ahead to see which top-end prospects they could target in the 2022 NFL Draft.

As we draw closer to the 2022 college football season, many of these prospects are surging in popularity – especially with establishing their own ‘brands.’ These are the prospects who find themselves among the top of a recent NFL mock draft.

Jordan Reid of The Draft Network took the liberty of releasing his newest first-round mock this week, and he doesn’t stray far from the book. Here’s a look at some of the names he has going early next April:

Two quarterbacks go back-to-back to kick off the draft

If you have been following along closely this offseason, you probably already know of which two quarterbacks I’m referring two. Those would be Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler and North Carolina’s Sam Howell.

Reid has Rattler being the first player taken by the Houston Texans in his latest mock draft. Rattler was thoroughly impressive as a 19-year-old to begin the 2021 season last year – showing remarkable poise and an innate ability to extend the play. The Texans have a big question mark at quarterback with pending civil suits against Deshaun Watson, so they will very likely be in the market for a franchise passer next year.

With the second pick in his 2022 NFL mock draft, Reid has the Detriot Lions taking Sam Howell. Howell has arguably even more arm talent than Rattler and his production has been off the charts. However, he needs to be more consistent passing down the field and cut down on questionable decisions. Though the Lions have Jared Goff under contract, there’s a reason why the Rams were willing to ditch him. They will need a new quarterback soon.

2022 NFL mock draft is defense-heavy

After these two quarterbacks, Reid has 6 of the next 8 players taken on the defensive side of the ball. Kayvon Thibodeaux is arguably the best overall prospect entering the 2022 college football season, and Reid has the New York Jets taking him with the third overall pick.

With the fifth pick, he has the Jacksonville Jaguars taking star Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton is already being regarded as one of the best safety prospects of the past decade. He could give a weak defense a big boost.

In addition to these two high-end prospects, Reid’s 2022 NFL mock draft has CB Derek Stingley, DL Demarvin Leal, EDGE Drake Jackson, and CB Andrew Booth all being drafted inside the top ten picks.

There weren’t a lot of surprises in this recent 2022 NFL mock draft, but these are some important names to know for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on their progress this year, as these names will have huge implications on the NFL Draft next April.