Final NFL mock draft: Predicting where players will land this year

The 2022 NFL Draft is finally upon us and we have a long, crazy night ahead of us. Here’s my final mock draft. 

There promises to be many twists and turns and excitement along the way. Dreams will be realized and hopes will be crushed for teams and players alike tonight and this weekend overall.

With that in mind, I have released my final mock draft of the 2022 cycle. This six-round extravaganza includes my final predictions for the first six rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Take a look below and enjoy the big day!

Round 1

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, EDGE Georgia

This feels wrong, but the favorite for the number one pick has changed. Walker followed up a great season for Georgia with a tremendous Combine. He would provide an instant upgrade to the Jaguars’ pass rush and face of their defense for years to come.

2. Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan

The top player on my board for the 2022 NFL Draft, Hutchinson falls into the lap of his hometown team. He was the most dominant college player this past season and would be quite the coup for the Lions and Coach Dan Campbell with the second overall pick.

3. Houston Texans – Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

My favorite for the top talent in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hamilton would be an instant upgrade for Houston in their secondary. His range and playmaking ability make Hamilton the favorite here with the third overall pick.

4. New York Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon

Once considered the darling of the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux has seen his stock decline during the last few months. Even so, he’s a top-5 player that should be in the mix for the Jets here at number 4.

5. New York Giants – Evan Neal, OT Alabama

Neal started the 2021-2022 college season as the top college tackle available and winds up here as the first player taken at the position. He’s a massive human being with great length and would be a tremendous bookend with former first-rounder Andrew Thomas.

6. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh

The Panthers taking a QB here is one of the worst-kept secrets in the 2022 NFL Draft. Coach Rhule once recruited Pickett while he was at Baylor, so he may take this opportunity to make it right. Many have Malik Willis coming off the board first, but I believe it will be Pickett instead.

7. New York Giants (from CHI) – Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati

While Derek Stingley Jr. is also a tremendous player in his own right, I believe “Sauce” to be the safer and more polished option here for the Giants. This is a clean prospect with a limited downside that should be a cinch top-10 pick on Draft day.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Malik Willis, QB Liberty

With their rival team going in another direction with Kenny Pickett, the Falcons find Willis falling into their lap here at number 8. Willis may remind fans of former Falcons’ great Michael Vick with his explosive athleticism and rocket arm, but he may need some additional time to develop.

9. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Ikem Ekwonu, OT N.C. State

Ekwonu was another one of the top stars of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. He is a long and athletic prospect with experience both inside and out. His nasty demeanor and upside would provide a tremendous upgrade for Seattle on the offensive line.

10. New York Jets (from SEA) – Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU

Like Thibodeaux earlier, the Jets decide to gamble on the talent here with Stingley Jr. at the 10th pick. Stingley Jr. has the upside to become the best player in this class and presents lockdown potential at the next level for New York.

11. Washington Commanders – Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State

The Commanders were a shoo-in for a quarterback before the trade for Carson Wentz. However, they may now choose to upgrade their offense around Wentz with the top available WR in the draft. Wilson is an athletic playmaker outside with great hands that should complement Terry McLaurin nicely.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Davis, DL Georgia

One of the true athletic marvels of the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis wowed with his sub-5 forty-yard dash at the Combine and will be in the top ten mix in the 2022 NFL Draft. Minnesota needs reinforcements up front and Davis has the type of big body and athleticism to be a special player inside.

13. Houston Texans (from CLE) – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE FSU

A former transfer from Georgia, Johnson broke out in a big way for the Seminoles this past season. With a starting spot, Johnson was able to prove himself a legitimate force on the edge. After deciding on the safety at 3, Johnson would make a potential starter for the Texans in 2022.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Kaiir Elam, CB Florida

The Gators have been churning out talented defensive back prospects in recent years, and Elam could be the best of the bunch. The nephew of former Ravens’ DB Matt Elam, Kaiir is a long, sticky cover man that would fit in Baltimore’s defense nicely.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA) – Drake London, WR USC

The second receiver comes off the board here with USC’s big-bodied Drake London. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound London has a terrific blend of size and speed that can develop into a true number-one type for the Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts.

16. New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI) – Jameson Williams, WR Alabama

A legitimate top-10 talent with game-changing speed, Williams still comes off the board in the first round despite the late-season ACL injury. He has star potential as the deep option in this Saints’ offense next to target hog Michael Thomas.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State

Rookie offensive tackle Rashawn Slater was a massive part of the Chargers’ success in 2021. Therefore, the team turns back to the offensive line with this SEC star from Mississippi State. Cross would be a tremendous bookend to Slater on this ascending AFC squad.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO) – Trent McDuffie, CB Washington

The Eagles have struggled in the secondary for the past few seasons and could use the 2022 NFL Draft to address those needs on the back end. McDuffie is a feisty, lightning-quick slot corner prospect with the skill to play outside as well. He’s a rising player in the Draft community.

19. New Orleans Saints (from PHI) – Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa

I mentioned Penning as one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Saints bank on his talent here at 18th overall. With the loss of Terron Armstead in free agency, Penning would step right in as a starter from day one.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati

One of the first big surprises of round 1, I believe the Steelers’ to be very interested in the tall, athletic Ridder. His big arm and sneaky athleticism are reminiscent of former Steelers’ great Ben Roethlisberger. Ridder could be the long-term answer in the Steel City.

21. New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

Former defensive stalwarts Donta Hightower and Kyle Van Noy are no longer the playmakers they once were, and reinforcements are needed. Lloyd is a missile on the field and could be the man in the middle for New England for the next decade.

22. Green Bay Packers (from LV) – Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas

The loss of Davante Adams will be felt big-time in Green Bay this season, and a new number one is needed for Aaron Rodgers and company. The team also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, which makes the addition of Burks a big one for this offense

23. Arizona Cardinals – Andrew Booth, CB Clemson

The Cardinals spent multiple 2021 picks attempting to correct their secondary and they made some major strides in that area. However, the work is not finished in that area and Clemson’s Booth could provide another valuable piece to an improving Arizona defense.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Daxton Hill, S Michigan

Even with Trevon Digg’s breakout season in 2021, the Cowboys’ secondary still ranked in the bottom half of the league against the pass. Daxton Hill was all over the field for the Wolverines’ defense in 2021 and would provide an invaluable boost on the back end.

25. Buffalo Bills – Breece Hall, RB Iowa State

Buffalo is one of the more complete all-around squads heading into the 2022 season, but one area that has lacked consistency is the running game. Devin Singletary played admirably in the playoffs, but a true three-down workhorse like Hall could take this talented offense to the next level.

26. Tennessee Titans – Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs were loaded this past season and it shows here with the third or four potential players to come off in the first round. Dean is an extremely instinctual and athletic linebacker that has three-down potential and could quarterback Vrabel’s defense for the next decade.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Zion Johnson, OG Boston College

Boston College’s offensive line has been one of the more productive units over the past few seasons, and Johnson is a polished veteran that should go in the first round. The Buccaneers can use a starter inside following the retirement of Ali Marpet and the loss of Alex Cappa in free agency.

28. Green Bay Packers – Perrion Winfrey, DL Oklahoma

Despite making the playoffs again last season, the Packers have a multitude of needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Winfrey is a disruptive and nasty player on the defensive line that could man the middle and give this defense a big boost in 2022.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA) – Chris Olave, WR Ohio State

Losing Tyreek Hill could prove to be a fatal blow to Kansas City’s offense moving forward, so a replacement is needed badly. While Chris Olave is not the same type of prospect as Hill, he’s a polished route runner that could provide another valuable weapon for Mahomes and company.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue

After adding one of the Draft’s top receivers in Olave, the Chiefs turn to the defense with this pick of Purdue’s George Karlaftis. He has been one of the more productive pass rushers in the Big 10 for the last few seasons and should ease the potential loss of Melvin Ingram in free agency.

31. Cincinnati Bengals – Kenyon Green, OG Texas A&M

The AFC Champion Bengals took big strides this offseason to improve their sieve of an offensive line from the 2021-2022 season. The team added La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras and complete their overhaul with the versatile Kenyon Green here at 31.

32. Detroit Lions (from LAR) – Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State

Detroit went into the 2022 offseason dead-set on addressing their overwhelming need at the wide receiver position. Amon-Ra St. Brown played admirably as a rookie, but adding a field-stretcher like Dotson to the mix would work wonders for this offense.

Round 2

33.   Jacksonville Jaguars – Jaquan Brisker, S Penn State

34.   Detroit Lions – Matt Corral, QB Mississippi

35.   New York Jets – Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota

36.   New York Giants – David Ojabo, EDGE Michigan

37.   Houston Texans – Bernhard Raimann, OT Central Michigan

38.   New York Jets (from CAR) – Skyy Moore, WR Western Michigan

39.   Chicago Bears – Boye Mafe, EDGE Minnesota

40.   Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Tariq Woolen, CB UTSA

41.   Seattle Seahawks – Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE Penn State

42.   Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) – Logan Hall, EDGE Houston

43.   Atlanta Falcons – DeMarvin Leal, DL Texas A&M

44.   Cleveland Browns – Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

45.   Baltimore Ravens – Tyler Smith, OT Tulsa

46.   Minnesota Vikings – Lewis Cine, S Georgia

47.   Washington Commanders (from IND) – Kyler Gordon, CB Washington

48.   Chicago Bears (from LAC) – George Pickens, WR Georgia

49.   New Orleans Saints – Sam Howell, QB North Carolina

50.   Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA) – Jalen Pitre, S Baylor

51.   Philadelphia Eagles – Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa

52.   Pittsburgh Steelers – Darian Kinnard, OG Kentucky

53.   Green Bay Packers (from LV) – Sean Rhyan, OT UCLA

54.   New England Patriots – John Metchie III, WR Alabama

55.   Arizona Cardinals – Cameron Thomas, EDGE San Diego State

56.   Dallas Cowboys – Calvin Austin III, WR Memphis

57.   Buffalo Bills – Roger McCreary, CB Auburn

58.   Atlanta Falcons (from TEN) – Quay Walker, LB Georgia

59.   Green Bay Packers – Tyreke Smith, EDGE Ohio State

60.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Isaiah Spiller, RB Texas A&M

61.   San Francisco 49ers – Christian Watson, WR North Dakota State

62.   Kansas City Chiefs – Kenneth Walker III, RB Michigan State

63.   Cincinnati Bengals – Isaiah Likely, TE Coastal Carolina

64.   Denver Broncos (from LAR) – Christian Harris, LB Alabama

Round 3:

65.   Jacksonville Jaguars – Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Ohio State

66.   Detroit Lions – Chad Muma, LB Wyoming

67.   New York Giants – Jamaree Salyer, OG Georgia

68.   Houston Texans – Alontae Taylor, CB Tennessee

69.   New York Jets – Trey McBride, TE Colorado State

70.   Jacksonville Jaguars (from CAR) – Travis Jones, DL Connecticut

71.   Chicago Bears – Abraham Lucas – OT Washington State

72.   Seattle Seahawks – Carson Strong, QB Nevada

73.   Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) – Nick Cross, S Maryland

74.   Atlanta Falcons – Josh Paschall , EDGE Kentucky

75.   Denver Broncos – Drake Jackson, EDGE USC

76.   Baltimore Ravens – Ed Ingram, OG LSU

77.   Minnesota Vikings – Martin Emerson, CB Mississippi State

78.   Cleveland Browns – Alec Pierce, WR Cincinnati

79.   Los Angeles Chargers – Phidarian Mathis, DL Alabama

80.   Houston Texans (from NO) – Jalen Tolbert – WR South Alabama

81.   New York Giants (from MIA) – David Bell, WR Purdue

82.   Atlanta Falcons (from IND) – Khalil Shakir, WR Boise State

83.   Philadelphia Eagles – Myjai Sanders, EDGE Cincinnati

84.   Pittsburgh Steelers – Mario Goodrich, CB Clemson

85.   New England Patriots – Cam Taylor-Britt, CB Nebraska

86.   Las Vegas Raiders – Matthew Butler, DL Tennessee

87.   Arizona Cardinals – Tyler Badie, RB Missouri

88.   Dallas Cowboys – Nik Bonitto, EDGE Oklahoma

89.   Buffalo Bills – Brandon Smith, LB Penn State

90.   Tennessee Titans – Greg Dulcich, TE UCLA

91.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cameron Jurgens, C Nebraska

92.   Green Bay Packers – Leo Chenal, LB Wisconsin

93.   San Francisco 49ers – Cole Strange, OG Chattanooga

94.   Kansas City Chiefs – Coby Bryant, CB Cincinnati

95.   Cincinnati Bengals – Verone McKinley, S Oregon

96.   Denver Broncos (from LAR) – Matt Waletzko, OT North Dakota

97.   Detroit Lions* – Kerby Joseph, S Illinois

98.   New Orleans Saints* – Brian Robinson, RB Alabama

99.   Cleveland Browns* – Sam Williams, EDGE Mississippi

100.   Baltimore Ravens* – Justyn Ross, WR Clemson

101.  Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)* – Troy Anderson, LB Montana State

102.  Miami Dolphins (from SF)* – James Cook, RB Georgia

103.  Kansas City Chiefs* – Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin

104.  Los Angeles Rams* – Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE South Carolina

105.  San Francisco 49ers* – Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB Alabama

Round 4:

106.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Romeo Doubs, WR Nevada

107.  Houston Texans (from DET via CLE) – Jerome Ford, RB Cincinnati

108.  Houston Texans – Bailey Zappe, QB Western Kentucky

109.  Seattle Seahawks (from NYJ) – Brian Asamoah, LB Oklahoma

110.  Baltimore Ravens (from NYG) – Chris Hinton, DL Michigan

111.  New York Jets (from CAR) – Channing Tindall, LB Georgia

112.  New York Giants (from CHI) – Luke Fortner, C Kentucky

113.  Washington Commanders – Lecitus Smith, OG VIrginia Tech

114.  Atlanta Falcons – Rachaad White, RB Arizona State

115.  Denver Broncos – Pierre Strong Jr., RB South Dakota State

116.  Denver Broncos (from SEA) – Zion McCollum, CB Sam Houston State

117.  New York Jets (from MIN) – Dameon Pierce, RB Florida

118.  Cleveland Browns – Bryan Cook, S Cincinnati

119.  Baltimore Ravens – Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State

120.  New Orleans Saints – Leon O’Neal, S, Texas A&M

121.  Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA) – Mykael Wright, CB Oregon

122.  Indianapolis Colts – Kaleb Eleby, QB Western Michigan

123.  Los Angeles Chargers – Jesse Luketa, EDGE Penn State

124.  Philadelphia Eagles – Jeremy Ruckert, TE Ohio State

125.  Miami Dolphins (from PIT) – Alec Lindstrom, C Boston College

126.  Las Vegas Raiders – Jelani Woods, TE Virginia

127.  New England Patriots – Zachary Carter, DL Florida

128.  Baltimore Ravens (from AZ) – Charlie Kolar, TE Iowa State

129.  Dallas Cowboys – Marquis Hayes, OG Oklahoma

130.  Buffalo Bills – Thayer Munford, OT Ohio State

131.  Tennessee Titans – Shaun Jolly, CB Appalachian State

132.  Green Bay Packers – Tariq Castro-Fields, CB Penn State

133.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Haskell Garrett, DL Ohio State

134.  San Francisco 49ers – Braxton Jones, OT Southern Utah

135.  Kansas City Chiefs – Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor

136.  Cincinnati Bengals – John Ridgeway, DL Arkansas

137.  Carolina Panthers (from LAR via HOU) – Damarri Mathis, CB Pittsburgh

138.  Pittsburgh Steelers* – Cade Mays, OG Tennessee

139.  Baltimore Ravens* – Kyren Williams, RB Notre Dame

140.  Green Bay Packers* – Wan’Dale Robinson, WR Kentucky

141.  Baltimore Ravens* – JT Woods, S Baylor

142.  Los Angeles Rams* – Otito Ogbonnia, DL UCLA

143.  Tennessee Titans* – Amare Barno, EDGE Virginia Tech

144.   Carolina Panthers (from JAX) – Joshua Ezeudu, OT North Carolina

Round 5:

145.   Seattle Seahawks (from DET via DEN) – Zonovan Knight, RB N.C. State

146.   New York Jets – Chasen Hines, OG LSU

147.   New York Giants – Isaiah Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma

148.   Chicago Bears (from HOU) – Smoke Monday, S Auburn

149.   Carolina Panthers – Justin Shaffer, OG Georgia

150.   Chicago Bears – Chase Lucas, CB Arizona State

151.   Atlanta Falcons – Dohnovan West, C Arizona State

152.  Denver Broncos – Brock Purdy, QB Iowa State

153.  Seattle Seahawks – Thomas Booker, DL Stanford

154.   Philadelphia Eagles (from WAS) – Erik Ezukanma, WR Texas Tech

155.   Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) – Myron Cunningham, OT Arkansas

156. Minnesota Vikings (from BAL) – Alex Wright, EDGE UAB

157.  Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN) – Zamir White, RB Georgia

158.  New England Patriots (from MIA) – Kyle Phillips, WR UCLA

159.  Indianapolis Colts – Charleston Rambo, WR Miami (Fla.)

160.  Los Angeles Chargers – Jalen Wydermyer, TE Texas A&M

161. New Orleans Saints – Kalon Barnes, CB Baylor

162.  Philadelphia Eagles – Hassan Haskins, RB Michigan

163.  New York Jets (from PIT) – D’Eriq King, QB Miami (Fla.)

164.  Las Vegas Raiders (from NE) – Velus Jones, WR Tennessee

165.  Las Vegas Raiders – DeAngelo Malone, EDGE Western Kentucky

166.  Philadelphia Eagles (from AZ) – Zerrick Cooper, QB Jacksonville State

167.  Dallas Cowboys – D.J. Davidson, DL Arizona State

168.   Buffalo Bills – Neil Farrell Jr., DL LSU

169.   Tennessee Titans – Dawson Deaton, C Texas Tech

170.  New England Patriots (from TB) Sterling Weatherford, S Miami (Oh.)

171.  Green Bay Packers – Chris Paul, OG Tulsa

172.   San Francisco 49ers – Tay Martin, WR Oklahoma State

173.   New York Giants (from KC via BAL) – Jack Coan, QB Notre Dame

174.   Cincinnati Bengals – Zach Tom, OT Wake Forest

175.   Los Angeles Rams – Cade Otton, TE Washington

176.  Dallas Cowboys* – Joshua Jobe, CB Alabama

177.   Detroit Lions* – Dontario Drummond, WR Mississippi

178.   Dallas Cowboys* – Kennedy Brooks, RB Oklahoma

179.    Indianapolis Colts* – Dare Rosenthal, OT Kentucky

Round 6:

180. Jacksonville Jaguars – Luke Goedeke, OG Central Michigan

181. Detroit Lions – Dominique Robinson, EDGE Miami (Oh.)

182. New York Giants – Tyler Goodson, RB Iowa

183. Houston Texans – Michael Clemons, EDGE Texas A&M

184. Minnesota Vikings (from NYJ) – Emeka Ekezie, WR N.C. State

185. Buffalo Bills (from CAR – Conditional) – Slade Bolden, WR Alabama

186. Chicago Bears – Matt Henningsen, DL Wisconsin

187. San Francisco 49ers (from DEN) – Yusef Corker, S Kentucky

188.  Jacksonville Jaguars (SEA) – Aqeel Glass, QB Alabama A&M

189. Washington Commanders – Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE Maryland

190. Atlanta Falcons – Kolby Harvell-Peel, S Oklahoma State

191. Minnesota Vikings (from BAL via KC – Conditional) – Abram Smith, RB Baylor

192. Minnesota Vikings – Skylar Thompson, QB Kansas State

193. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) – Danny Gray, WR SMU

194. New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI) – Damone Clark, LB LSU

195. Los Angeles Chargers – Cordell Volson, OG North Dakota State

196.  Round 6 Pick 17 – Choice Forfeited (New Orleans)

197. Baltimore Ravens (from MIA) – Jack Sanborn, LB Ohio State

198. Jacksonville Jaguars (from PHI) – Darrian Beavers, LB Cincinnati

199. Jacksonville Jaguars (from PIT) – Joshua Williams, CB Fayetteville State

200. Carolina Panthers (from LV) – Terrel Bernard, LB Baylor

201. New England Patriots – Vincent Gray, CB Michigan

202. Arizona Cardinals – Cole Turner, TE Nevada

203. Cleveland Browns (from DAL) – Micah McFadden, LB Indiana

204. Buffalo Bills – Derion Kendrick, CB Georgia

205. Tennessee Titans – Max Mitchell, OT Louisiana

206. Houston Texans (from GB) – Dylan Parham, OG Memphis

207. Denver Broncos (from TB via NYJ and PHI) – Markquese Bell, S Florida A&M

208. Houston Texans (from SF via NYJ) – Kevin Austin, WR Notre Dame

209. Pittsburgh Steelers (from KC – Conditional) – Quentin Lake, S UCLA

210. Cincinnati Bengals – Sincere McCormick, RB UTSA

211. New England Patriots (from LAR) – Max Borghi, RB Washington State

212.  Los Angeles Rams* – Matt Araiza, P San Diego State

213. Los Angeles Rams* – CJ Verdell, RB Oregon

214. Atlanta Falcons* – Jerreth Sterns, WR Western Kentucky

215. Los Angeles Chargers* – Grant Calcaterra, TE SMU

216. Arizona Cardinals* – Reggie Roberson, WR SMU

217. Indianapolis Colts* – Marcus Jones, CB Houston

218. Detroit Lions* – Logan Bruss, OT Wisconsin

219. Los Angeles Rams* – Johnny Johnson II, WR Oregon

220. Tennessee Titans* – Obinna Eze, OT Texas Christian

221. San Francisco 49ers* – Keontay Ingram, RB Texas

222. San Francisco 49ers* – Peyton Hendershot, TE Indiana