2022 NFL Draft: Round 1 Prediction

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Dave

April 26, 2022

by David Earl

My First Mock Draft

I decided to throw my hat in the ring and predict what I think is going to happen, only to find out later that I have no clue. I referenced some random mock drafts on the Mock Draft Database plus used team needs to put together what I felt was the most logical scenario in round one. Each pick made is followed by my rationale for the pick plus added a wildcard selection too. I included a few trade up scenarios and had a few players drop outside their projected spots, not because of talent concerns but just how I saw this mock draft flowing. Without any more delay here is my very first official mock draft.

Round 1:

1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Team Needs: WR, Edge, OL
Pick Rationale: While upside and athleticism favor Travon Walker from Georgia and he could very well be the best edge guy in this draft, Hutchinson is the safest pick. Jacksonville spent serious money this off-season in a win-now mode so taking this pick makes the most sense as a plug-and-play guy.
Wild Card Pick: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

2) Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

Team Needs: Safety, Edge, WR
Pick Rationale: Detriot’s defense was just horrible at every level last year and while a DB here could be a wise selection, adding a dynamic and high upside rusher in Walker is what the doctor ordered. I’ve seen some mock Kayvon Thibodeaux here but that could happen if Jacksonville takes Walker with the top pick.
Wild Card Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

3) Carolina Panthers (via Houston Texans): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Team Needs: QB, LT, Edge
Pick Rationale: Projecting a trade-up moving the 6th overall pick and any combination of day 2 picks and /or future picks, Carolina secures their future at quarterback. Willis provides the highest upside of any quarterback in this draft and with the potential of a Seattle trade-up they push all their chips in for this selection.
Wild Card Pick: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU (If Houston keeps the pick)

4) New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Team Needs: Edge, WR, DB
Pick Rationale: With Walker and Hutchinson off the board, the Jets give Zach Wilson another target. Elijah Moore finished strong last year but that is it as Wilson will need more weapons and the fast-rising Garrett Wilson could very well be the pick. Jameson Williams is regarded as the best wide receiver in this draft but his torn ACL most likely pushes him outside the top 10. Garrett Wilson runs every route with precision and is a great yards after catch player.
Wild Card Pick: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

5) Atlanta Falcons (via New York Giants): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Team Needs: QB, WR, Edge
Pick Rationale: I’m not convinced Atlanta sees Marcus Mariota as the answer long term, so they swap picks with the Giants to draft the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft. His accuracy and presence in the pocket plus an above-average arm will entice Atlanta enough here although not the wisest of moves. I think they panic a bit after Carolina trades up that Seattle may do the same and leapfrog them too.
Wild Card Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon (If Giants keep the pick)

6) Houston Texans (via Carolina Panthers): Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Team Needs: DB, DE, RB
Pick Rationale: The Texans need a playmaker in the defensive secondary and Hamilton could be that guy. Although his 40 time was not appealing, his game speed and anticipation on tape is eye-popping. Lovie Smith won’t allow his Combine results and pro day to deter him from making a heavy push for this kid.
Wild Card Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

7) New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Team Needs: Everything
Pick Rationale: While some scouts view Thibodeaux as a bit stiff in his movements and an inconsistent motor, his upside may just be too good to pass on. In desperate need of an anchor on that defensive line, the drop-off in talent after Thibodeaux may also force their hand on what could be a risky pick too.
Wild Card Pick: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

8) New York Giants (via Atlanta Falcons): Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

Team Needs: Everything
Pick Rationale: They will focus on defense here and address their second level with arguably the best corner in this draft. He has the length, speed, anticipation, and everything else you could ask for in a future shutdown corner. In a division with Terry McLaurin, CeDee Lamb, and Devonte Smith, they would be wise to get a potential lock-down guy. Trading back could be in the cards here is they select Stingley with pick 7.
Wild Card Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

9) Seattle Seahawks: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Team Needs: QB, OT, LB
Pick Rationale: Losing out on Malik Willis, Seattle will shore up an offensive line that was highly ineffective last season. While this tackle class isn’t the strongest, Evan Neal is the only true LT worthy of a high first-round pick and is regarded as the best tackle in this class.
Wild Card Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

10) New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Team Needs: Edge, WR, DB
Pick Rationale: After getting the weapon need for their franchise quarterback, the Jets will anchor their secondary with a highly touted (few regard as highest ceiling CB) Ahmad Gardner. Their secondary is void of any true game changers and Gardner could quickly change that story.
Wild Card Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

11) Washington Commanders: Drake London, WR, USC

Team Needs: WR, LB, Safety
Pick Rationale: Washington will surely hope Kyle Hamilton falls here, because in my eyes, its either Hamilton or Drake London at this pick. Personally, I’ve always been weary of the USC receivers but Washington seems to like him a lot and his measurables are exceptional. After spending capital on Wentz and no trade back option exists (which I don’t think will), they would be wise to pair up Terry McLaurin which a true viable number 2 guy who many seem to view Drake as.
Wild Card Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

12) Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Team Needs: CB, WR, DL
Pick Rationale: Regarded as the best WR in this class and with a torn ACL dropping him down, the Eagles potentially strike gold with Jameson Williams and paring him with another form Alabama wide receiver rookie phenom Devonte Smith. Giving Jalen Hurts more weapons and a true opportunity to prove he’s a franchise quarterback will be their top priority.
Wild Card Pick: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

13) Houston Texans: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Team Needs: DB, DL, RB
Pick Rationale: After shoring up the back end of their defense with the Hamilton pick, they grab a mountain of a man in Jordan Davis to anchor the interior of the defensive line.
Wild Card Pick: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

14) Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State

Team Needs: Edge, CB, OL
Pick Rationale: A bit of a surprise here especially passing on Purdue’s George Karlaftis but the difference here is Baltimore may see his capability in defending the run over Karlaftis. Then, adding in his size and speed combo coming off the edge, Johnson could be that impact piece they are searching for after Za’Darius Smith flipped on his decision to sign.
Wild Card Pick: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

15) Minnesota Vikings (via Philadelphia Eagles): Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan

Team Needs: CB, Edge, TE
Pick Rationale: This will be the first overdraft of the night as Minnesota’s need for a corner combined with his latest rise on draft boards (mainly because of his versatility), Daxton Hill could very well be tops on their board at this time.
Wild Card Pick: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

16) New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Team Needs: WR, OT, Safety
Pick Rationale: This pick just makes too much sense as Winston needs weapons. When teams don’t fear your wide receiver core and focus on Alvin Kamara, that is not a recipe for success and Chris Olave brings a great combination of hands, speed, and technical route running. If Michael Thomas returns healthy and ready to go, Winston could have this offense humming in the 2022 season.
Wild Card Pick: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

17) Los Angeles Chargers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

Team Needs: OL, DL, RB
Pick Rationale: The Chargers have got to protect their future quarterback and after signing wide receiver Mike Williams to a big extension, Justin Herbert will need time to throw the ball. Ikem Ekwonu is a good value pick here as a projected starting LT needing some further development in pass protection who can move inside without a problem.
Wild Card Pick: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

18) Philadelphia Eagles: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Team Needs: CB, WR, DL
Pick Rationale: Off-field baggage won’t scare the Eagles in finding the eventual replacement for Fletcher Cox in Devonte Wyatt. While he most likely won’t be as dynamic as Cox, as a pass rusher, his ability to clog the middle and stuff the run is as good as anyone in this class.
Wild Card Pick: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

19) New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Team Needs: WR, OT, Safety
Pick Rationale: They pass on Desmond Ridder, although I’ve listed him as a wild card pick again. Anything could happen but I think they are happy with Winston. Now that they’ve secured a new toy for him in Olave, it is time to protect him going forward. Trevor Penning has a good mix of size and athleticism to line up against pro-level edge rushers.
Wild Card Pick: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Team Needs: QB, DB, WR
Pick Rationale: Whether they saw Dwayne Haskins a potential future core piece or not, Mike Tomlin’s hand will be forced after his recent sad and untimely death. They will fail to move up for Malik Willis but will roll the dice on the upside Desmond Ridder has to offer.
Wild Card Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

21) New England Patriots: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

Team Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick Rationale: The Patriots are in dire need of interior offensive line help and Kenyon Green is just sitting here ripe for the picking. There really isn’t any other late-round pick more of a slam dunk than Green for the Patriots. He’s a strong run blocker who is solid in pass protection plus position versatility to move outside at tackle if needed.
Wild Card Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

22) Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Team Needs: WR, OL, Edge
Pick Rationale: Meet Aaron Rodgers‘ new toy and a strong replacement for Devante Adams. A poor 40 time of 4.55 (Adams was 4.56) will not scare Green Bay away from a wide receiver who is highly physical and a great 50/50 ball. Burks is dangerous yards after the catch play-maker who probably uses his big frame better than any wide receiver in this class.
Wild Card Pick: Charles Cross, G, Mississippi State

23) Arizona Cardinals: Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

Team Needs: WR, Edge, OL
Pick Rationale: George Karlaftis could be a value pick here at 23, but there seems to be too many questions about whether his game will translate to the NFL. One of the best pure pass rushers in this class, Kwity Paye fills a role Arizona has yet to fill after the loss of Chandler Jones.
Wild Card Pick: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

24) Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Team Needs: OL, WR, TE
Pick Rationale: While OT Charles Cross here would be very tempting, the interior of the Dallas line is without any true standout, and the importance of keeping Dak Prescott upright and getting Zeke going, this pick is all but too obvious. Zion Johnson brings size and solid athleticism so, in a weak draft class for the interior offensive line, now is the time to address a major need.
Wild Card Pick: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

25) Buffalo Bills: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Team Needs: CB, RB, WR
Pick Rationale: While this pick could be used on the defensive side of the ball like LB Devin Lloyd or CB Trent McDuffie but Breece Hall brings Josh Allen and this offense their missing piece. Devin Singletary is a great 3rd down running back capable of running between the tackles but Hall brings a true three-down player who is a threat in the passing game. This is just a slam dunk pick for Buffalo getting an immediate impact player.
Wild Card Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

26) Tennessee Titans: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Team Needs: OL, WR, Edge
Pick Rationale: Charles falling in Tennessee’s lap here at 26 couldn’t have been scripted any better for the Titans. With David Quessenberry gone and Dillon Radunz probably best suited for the interior, Charles Cross’s excellent feet and athleticism grade him out as a future bookend tackle that Tennesse needs to keep their running game going.
Wild Card Pick: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Team Needs: DL, TE, OL
Pick Rationale: This is both a need and value pick here this late in the first round. George Karlaftis needs work on releasing off blocks better and is not a stout run defender but he’s a solid player here with a very good ceiling.
Wild Card Pick: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

28) Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Team Needs: WR, OL, Edge
Pick Rationale: The value was too good here for the Packers as they add a strong presence in the middle of their defense and with the loss of Za’Darius Smith gone they can add a smart instinctive player in the second level of their defense.
Wild Card Pick: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Logan Hall, DE, Houston

Team Needs: Edge, CB, WR
Pick Rationale: A fast riser in this year’s draft, Kansas City takes a shot on drafting who most regard as a day 2 pick. With a now-loaded AFC West, Logan Hall’s size and athletic profile give the Chiefs a high ceiling rusher off the edge.
Wild Card Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

30) Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Team Needs: Edge, CB, WR
Pick Rationale: After the trade of Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs are certain to add a wide receiver here in a very deep and talented class. Dotson could end up being a steal here as he is truly one of the top targets in this class who suffered from terrible quarterback play. A great combination of speed, technical route running, and body positioning makes him the ideal replacement for Hill.
Wild Card Pick: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

31) Cincinnati Bengals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Team Needs: CB, Edge Rusher, OL
Pick Rationale: Falling this far to Cincinnati may be unrealistic but there’s always that one player that falls inexplicably and this year it’s Trent McDuffie. He’s a polished cover corner with speed and anticipation who’s probably best suited in the slot.
Wild Card Pick: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

32) Detroit Lions: Matt Corral, QB, Old Miss

Team Needs: Safety, Edge, WR
Pick Rationale: Regardless of the commitment the Detroit front office seems to be giving Jared Goff, having the opportunity to have a 5th year option for a potential franchise quarterback is just too valuable.
Wild Card Pick: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State