Joint mock draft by Zach and Jack

This is our first mock of the 2022 draft season. It is being called unofficial as this mock is being done with no prior film study being done. It is based on the team’s positional needs without trades and by using the consensus positional rankings we’ve seen.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to protect their franchise QB Trevor Lawrence. No ifs, ands, or buts. We don’t believe that they take a tackle at 1, unless one of them blows the combine away, but need to go O-line. As with a few picks, they may trade out of here for a team that wants to take one of the EDGE rushers, but without trades we have them staying put and continuing to work on the offense.

2. Detroit Lions- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

This team over-performed projections, and they seem to have a great coach in Dan Campbell. While they did better than most thought, they still need a lot of help all over the place.The Lions have their pick of the defensive prospects here.  Since their pass rushers are hardly their biggest need, the team could use a superstar safety that can play sideline to sideline; Hamilton is that guy. 

3. Houston Texans- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

The Texans need help everywhere except QB and LT. If they could take multiple players here they should, but they can’t. You have to go get the best player available, as they should be doing at every pick for the next couple seasons. With Hamilton off the board, Hutchinson is probably that player. 

4. New York Jets- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

According to reports we are hearing, the Jets are really unhappy with Mekhi Becton, and Morgan Moses is an aging free agent. The Jets take the best tackle on the board to continue building around Zach Wilson. People will argue Evan Neal is the best available; however, we’ve heard reports of inconsistency with Neal and that Cross is a riser. Wilson was hit way too many times this season, and that has to change. 

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

Assuming the Giants keep Barkley and Jones, they will need to address the offensive line. Andrew Thomas took a huge step forward this year but they need a bookend tackle to go with him. They are also losing multiple starters on their iffy line to free agency. Neal is the best available tackle available and will have to be prepared to go against the pass rushers of the Commanders, Cowboys, and Eagles, among others. 

6. Carolina Panthers- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Panthers need a quarterback, but we think it’s way too early to be drafting one this year. Will they pick one anyway as a reach? Possibly as Rhule may look to buy himself time. The correct pick though, would be a non quarterback. They have spent 3 early picks(2-1st, 1 2nd) on their D-Line as well as the secondary(Horn, Chinn, trade for Henderson). They need to get Shaq Thompson help at the second level to continue the attempt of building up a strong defense. You could argue Dean here, but he compares to Thompson in size, so we think they take the lengthier backer in Lloyd.

7. New York Giants (Originally Chicago Bears)- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

The Giants could double down on the offensive line here, but we think they address the defensive side. They have a decent secondary in place with players like Bradberry, Jackson, and Ryan. They could go corner, but we think the Giants take the best overall defensive piece available and Thibodeaux could fill in for Lorenzo Carter who is a free agent, and be a massive upgrade. 

8. Atlanta Falcons- Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati 

The Falcons are another team that needs help everywhere. Sauce, as they call him, established himself as a lockdown corner. He didn’t allow more than 13 yards to any receiver lined up across from him this past season and hasn’t given up a single TD in his entire college career. At 6”3 and 200 pounds, he has the size to match the production. Gardner will make a nice 1-2 on the outside with AJ Terrell to form one of, if not the best young duos at corner in the league.

9. Denver Broncos- Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

Stingley had a crazy freshman year at LSU helping lead them to a National Championship and being called the best corner in college. The following season, Stingley was awarded the number seven which is a huge deal in LSU football as it is given to the best player on the defense. Stingley suffered an injury as well as contracted COVID. His name wasn’t thrown around this season the way it was his freshman year, but is still a top cornerback who can hopefully return to his freshman year form. Great testing could propel him higher and give hope that he is the elite, top level talent many claimed he was early in his college career. Much like theFalcons pick, Stingley would give the Broncos a very good, young, cornerback pair with Patrick Surtain in a super pass heavy AFC West.

10. New York Jets (Originally Seattle Seahawks)- Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M 

The Jets need CB and WR help here, but with the top 2 CBs off the board we think they pass on secondary, and the receivers are good enough to last until later assuming they don’t sign a free agent. Zach Wilson showed a lot of promise toward the end of the season, but you need to invest in the O-Line. Green will fill in at guard for Laurent Duvernay-Tardif who’s a free agent this year. That would give them three first-round lineman on the offensive side drafted in the last two years, and hopefully allow Wilson to take that sophomore leap.

11. Washington Commanders- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty 

The Commanders are fairly strong overall on paper but the big glaring hole seems to be quarterback. The Commanders go and get our number one quarterback based on athletic profile and upside. Could you take a Corral, Pickett, or Howell? You could but at pick 11, you can’t go with the safe pick, you need to bet on upside. You have the safe quarterback type in Heinicke. Willis gives you the potential that no other one can match in this class, either in the draft or free agency, and can sit for a year as he develops. In the meantime, the team can spend draft picks and sign free agents to continue building until Willis can take over.

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

The Vikings have a few needs that could be addressed here, and we were debating between Linderbaum, Karlaftis, and Booth. It seems as though O’Connell will be looking to compete right away and that may go as far as to extend Cousins. If that is the case, they probably want an immediate difference maker. The Vikings secondary without signing Woods back is essentially Cam Dantzler, Harrison Smith, and Mackensie Alexander. Booth will slide into a starting CB role right away. 

13. Cleveland Browns- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas 

The Browns are another team we debated on between players like Karlaftis, Jordan Davis, and Treylon Burks, and Drake London. The defense has some young pieces to work with. They need to find an effective running mate for Myles Garrett, we believe the Browns will try to bring in veterans for that. The Browns offense doesn’t have a number one receiver. I guess technically it’s Landry, but we’ve heard he’s unhappy and wants out. If Landry does get traded you only have receivers such asPeoples-Jones and Schwartz. Burks possesses size and speed and most likely becomes the number one right away. 

14. Baltimore Ravens- Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia 

The Ravens were plagued by the injury bug this year, but with health they should be back to playoff form. The Ravens have veteran D-Linemen Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams hitting free agency this year. Jordan Davis will step in on day one and have a huge influence in the run game in a division where you have to see Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Najee Harris, and Joe Mixon twice a year. Davis also possibly brings some untapped potential in the pass rush if the Ravens choose to play him on all three downs.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (originally Miami Dolphins) – George Karlaftis, DL/EDGE, Purdue

The Eagles are a team who somehow snuck into a playoff spot, but that does not mean they are good. They have a lot of holes to fill due to free agency, lack of talent, and age. The Eagles are lucky to have three firsts because they definitely need it. Take your pick of what you want here. If Willis were here, it could be argued they would go that route. It is also possible one or more of their firsts are moved in a trade for a massive QB upgrade.  We think secondary could be one of the picks here but we don’t think there is a CB or S that could be taken without it being a reach. They go with George Karlaftis here, who will immediately find himself playing time thanks to his ability to rush the passer with inside/outside versatility. 

16. Philadelphia Eagles (Originally Indianapolis Colts)- Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

The Eagles finessed the Colts lol. They use the pick they got for Carson Wentz on Linderbaum who will step in for Jason Kelce. Yes, Jason Kelce hasn’t retired yet; however, you can’t wait to replace a center of that caliber. If Linderbaum is really sitting here at this point the Eagles need to take him and if Kelce wants to come back figure it out later. Linderbaum’s talent is too much to pass up when there is potential of losing an all time team favorite in Kelce.

17. Los Angeles Chargers- Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

I didn’t watch many Chargers games, but on social media I consistently watched Jerry Tillery get abused and bullied by offensive lineman in the run game in particular. With aging Linval Joseph most likely hitting free agency, the Chargers need to find their run stuffer for Brandon Staley’s defense. Jordan Davis is the perfect fit here, but is off the board, so we think they take his counterpart in Devonte Wyatt, who is a nice balance of run stuffer and pass rusher. Wyatt should step into a starting role without question.

18. New Orleans Saints- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

On paper the Saints defense still looks like they could compete for a super bowl.The offense though, with Thomas’s injuries, Kamara’s legal troubles, and a black hole at quarterback causes concern. On top of this, the Saints are roughly $77 million in the hole. It is likely the Saints begin to trade pieces away in an effort to try to fix the cap for the future. This roster could be flipped on its head and look much different in a couple months. Don’t be surprised if the Saints take a massive step back. With their money issues it is going to be hard to sign a QB, so you could draft one here, but we think they go and get a running mate for Michael Thomas. The Saints have been missing a number two receiver for years, and Wilson not only fills that role, but brings some speed to this receiver room.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Drake London, WR, USC

The Eagles receiving room has Jalen Reagor and JJ Arcega-Whiteside, do I have to say more? Quez Watkins is a nice piece, but is by no means a number two receiver. Eagles take Drake London to throw a big target into their receiving room alongside rookie standout Devonta Smith and speedster Quez Watkins. I know many analysts and mock drafts have the Eagles taking a linebacker, but why? No matter what, they just do not do it. If they did not draft Micah Parsons, they will not change their mindsets this year. They are more likely to sign one or take one on day two or three.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Steelers are yet another team who could debate multiple positions here with corners, receivers, and quarterback all a need. However, if they want better blocking for both Najee and whoever their QB is next year, they have to fix their line. Their offensive line is aging, with three of them being free agents anyway. Penning comes in and steps into a starting role without question. 

21. New England Patriots- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Patriots are pretty strong all over. Their secondary could be in question with Devin McCourty and JC Jackson hitting free agency, and their receiver room could use a clear number one for Mac Jones, but Nakobe Dean screams Belichick. Belichick stops the slide for Butkus award winner Dean, and most likely steps into a starting role with Hightower, Collins, and Bentley all free agents. This is a case where talent outweighs need, as they look to keep the defense strong and win that way.

22. Las Vegas Raiders- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Raiders could use secondary and defensive tackle help, but with the big names off the board we think McDaniels tries to build up his offense with this pick. It could be Johnson from Boston College at guard,to solidify the O-Line, but we think you take Olave here. Bryan Edwards hasn’t developed the way they thought he would from what we’ve heard, Zay Jones is a free agent, and other than that it’s pretty much just Renfrow. Olave steps in on day one and helps take the pressure off Waller and Renfrow.

23. Arizona Cardinals- Travon Walker, DL/EDGE, Georgia

The Cardinals are another team who made the playoffs that are not nearly as good as one may think. They have multiple holes on the team, with a screaming need that is the defensive line. An edge rusher maye be necessary too with superstar Chandler Jones hitting the free agent market. Travon Walker steps in and provides versatility across the line and even as an edge rusher who can drop into coverage. Walker fits in with this “hybrid” defense that consists of pieces like Isaiah Simmons and Budda Baker. 

24. Dallas Cowboys- Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

In our opinions Diggs is a highly overrated CB who should consider a move to safety where his ball hawking skills can be more valuable without the cost of a ton of big plays given up. On top of that their number two, Anthony Brown, is rough. Cowboys who sit pretty comfortably at most other positions, take McCreary to fill the glaring need at corner. 

25. Buffalo Bills- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

This is a luxury pick for the Bills who are strong across the board. We believe that Buffalo is missing some speed at the receiver position, and Williams, if he is able to return to form after his torn ACL should fit nicely in this receiver room that includes Diggs, Davis, and Beasley. The nice thing about coming to Buffalo is that he doesn’t need to rush his recovery because the Bills don’t necessarily need him right away. It is a major value pick as, if healthy, he may have gone ten picks earlier.

26. Tennessee Titans- David Ojabo, DL/EDGE, Michigan

The Titans have some cap issues they need to figure out as they are in the negatives. Young up-and-coming pass rusher Harold Landry is a free agent this year and is most likely going to be looking for a pay day. The Titans should prioritize bringing Landry back, but if they are unable to do so a guy like Ojabo can fill the void rushing off the edge, but can also provide some versatility across the line to give Jeffrey Simmons some help in the defensive front.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Tampa Bay is most likely going to lose young superstar wide receiver Chris Godwin. After looking into Tampa Bay’s free agents, they are another team who could take another huge step backwards this year, but Dotson could come in and take over Godwin’s role as the number two behind Mike Evans. This way, whoever is throwing the passes in Tampa has more than Evans and the backups who did not impress this year. 

28. Green Bay Packers- George Pickens, WR, Georgia 

Pickens missed most of this season after tearing his ACL in spring ball at Georgia, but made it back in time for the playoffs. He did not disappoint as he made a crucial play against both Michigan and Alabama. Pickens stats aren’t going to pop as Georgia likes to rotate receivers and are obviously a run first team, but that’s exactly why Pickens fits in a place like Green Bay. Adams and Valdes-Scantling are both free agents. Regardless of whether they are retained (most likely not since there are major cap issues with the Packers), Pickens will most likely step in and be a day one starter. The Packers are most likely going to run more with a young developing duo of Jones and Dillon, and Pickens will step in and make an impact as a blocker and receiver. 

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

The defense was built up nicely by now former coach Brian Flores. They may trade top cornerback Xavien Howard. But even if they do, they have some young pieces behind him ready to step up. We believe Mike McDaniel was brought in to help save the career of Tua, and if you are going to do that it starts with building the offensive line. Raimann most likely becomes a day one starter to help protect Tua. 

30. Kansas City Chiefs- Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

The Chiefs could really use another WR to take the pressure off Hill, but we believe it gets addressed in free agency. Defensively they could use help on the defensive line but with most of the big names off the board we think the Chiefs look to build up a secondary that has been an issue for years. Brisker steps into a starting safety role next year whether he beats out Thornhill or fills the void left by Mathieu if the Chiefs choose not to re-sign their defensive leader. 

31. Cincinnati Bengals- Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

Joe Burrow was sacked 70 times this year in 20 games. In Andrew Luck’s first 30 games he was sacked 73 times. For an up and coming superstar QB, they need to protect him if they want to keep him long term. The same was said about KC after their super bowl loss to the Bucs, and KC went out and beefed up the O-line adding Orlando Brown Jr., Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith. The Bengals need to invest heavily in the offensive line through both free agency and the draft. We think it should be a tackle here, but with the top guys off the board already, you take best lineman available in Zion Johnson

32. Detroit Lions (Originally Los Angeles Rams)- Sam Howell, QB, UNC

Although Jared Goff started to look better at the end of the year, we still think the Lions add to the QB room. With Malik Willis being the only QB off the board so far in this mock, the Lions take the guy I think is the most pro ready. Howell is a strong QB with a quick release and sneaky mobility. Howell can go into training camp and challenge Goff for the starting spot, and if he loses then it gives him time to develop a little more before it’s time to start which is always a great option. It also provides the Lions a better backup plan than Tim Boyle.

STAY TUNED AS WE WILL BE RELEASING OUR FIRST OFFICIAL MOCK DRAFT ON FEBRUARY 28!!