By Jack McNicholas

3.31.2022

Mock Draft 2.0 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Aidan Hutchinson has all the tools to be the first pick. Despite my last mock draft I had Alabama Left Tackle Evan Neal in this spot. The Jaguars pair their former first round pick Josh Allen on the defense. Hutchinson had 14 sacks last season and was a Heisman finalist on the defensive side. He has an NFL frame with 6’7-260LBS and the Jags have plenty of young talent on the offensive line they have invested in recent years.

2. Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

A pass rusher going in both of the top two picks? Don’t think much further than the drafts highest riser as fast as draft stock goes. Walker is a freak who can create a disaster for opposing pass protection off the edge. In this draft scenario where Hutchinson goes first overall, the Lions have plenty of options, however they go with the athletic upside of Walker who was a part of the National Championship Georgia team this past season. The Lions are looking for physical players and they can add one here at pick No.2. 

3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

There has been talk this offseason that Texans Tackle Laremy Tunsil will be on the move. This Texans team now has two first round picks in this draft after trading away their quarterback Deshaun Watson earlier this week. The Texans must take the best player available at this number three spot and Neal is for sure the best option in my opinion. Neal was No.1 in my last draft but now he goes to help solidify the Houston offensive line for Davis Mills.

4. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Recent reports suggest that the Jets and Giants are interested in Gardner, the man they call “Sauce” is the top corner in the draft and has had an impressive college career. His most yards allowed to an opposing receiver was 39 yards and has not allowed a touchdown in his career. Cincinnati had a great defense in 2021 and had a college playoff appearance thanks to him shutting down opposing top receiving threats. He would be a day one starter who could help in a division that features, Tyreek Hill, Stephon Diggs and Jaylen Waddle.

5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C State

Ikem Ekwonu is a blue-chip offensive lineman prospect coming in and would be a day one starter on any team. The Giants are in need of help on the offensive line and even lost former second round Guard Will Hernandez this past offseason, they can add Ekwonu to add positively to the run game with making lanes for Saquon Barkley and providing Daniel Jones proper protection. He is athletic and has top 5 potential the Giants would be happy to get someone with as high of a ceiling as Ikem.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt

The Panthers showed flashes last year and could also go offensive line with this selection. Pickett has raised his draft stock the past couple of weeks and has great athleticism and arm strength to compete with Sam Darnold this coming summer. Malik Willis could be a pick here but Pickett looks like the most pro ready quarterback in this draft when you watch the tape from Pitt. Coming in he would have DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and Christian McCaffery. This could be a great fit for him to transition to the pro game and Carolina gets their next franchise QB.

7. New York Giants (Via Chicago): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Giants solidified their Offensive line with their first pick and now they must take the best player available, here that would be Kyle Hamilton who would be the top safety prospect in the draft. Hamilton is one of the best safety prospects coming into the NFL in recent years. He can play almost anywhere on the field on the defensive side. With Jabrill Peppers leaving the Giants for the Patriots earlier this week. The Giants could pair Hamilton with Xavier McKinney and they can solidify the secondary for the Giants. The Giants walk away with two solid players on both sides of the ball. 

8. Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Falcons have many holes, but the receivers must be address for new Quarterback Marcus Mariota. While they could move back and get Wilson as well as more pick the Falcons must address this position of need to pair alongside last years first round pick Kyle Pitts. Wilson is the pick here and his junior season last year was incredibly impressive with 70 catches, 12 TDs and accumulating 1058yds it would be wise for the Falcons to take the receiver with the highest upside. I

9. Seattle Seahawks (Via Denver): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Seattle now is back in the First round after the Russell Wilson trade they now have Drew Lock at Quarterback. Here it would be smart to protect Drew Lock or any quarterback for the long-term future in Seattle. Cross has an NFL frame and a will be a good piece to a Seattle offensive line that has struggled the past couple of years. Don’t be surprised if Seattle trades out of this pick as they are now in the Post Russell Wilson era.

10. New York Jets (VIA SEA): Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Once the top consensus for the number one overall pick many have speculated that Hutchinson and Travon Walker will indeed be picked ahead of Kayvon. The Jets double down on both of their top ten picks in this mock. They can add a premier pass rusher to the defense that they have been trying to build under Robert Saleh and give their defensive minded head coach a weapon for years to come.

11. Washington Commanders: Drake London, WR, USC

After acquiring Carson Wentz this off-season, the commanders will be looking to add weapons around their new quarterback. Washington already has Terry McLaurin but they desperately need somebody to be on the opposing side of the field. USC wide receiver Drake London brings size and athleticism to a team that needs depth at this position. Drake London had an injury plagued 2021 campaign but fully healthy he could be a very dangerous receiver in Washington.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley JR., CB, LSU

It has been announced that Patrick Peterson will be returning to the Vikings. Outside of Patrick Peterson Cam Dantzler would be the top option at corner for the Minnesota defense. Stingley provides a lockdown corner and youth for the secondary. Stingley has dealt with injuries in the past but a fully healthy Derek Stingley could be a top-five pick in this draft. The Vikings get a steal and the drafts second best corner with No. 12.

13. Houston Texans (Via CLE):  Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, FSU

After the trade for Deshaun Watson Houston now has its second selection in the top 13 pics. After adding Evan Neil with the third pick in the draft, I have them going with Florida State’s top pass rusher Jermaine Johnson. The Texans since they started as a franchise in 2002 have never shied away from getting a franchise pass rusher in the first round. Mario Williams, JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Johnson would fit well into the defensive philosophy that Lovie Smith is trying to instill.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

It appears Calais Campbell will not be returning to the ravens this season. After losing Matt Judon to off-season to go in Calais Campbell this off-season the ravens do need sheer athleticism on the Defense of line to disrupt opposing offenses. Davis can provide pass rushing and run stopping ability for a 300+ pound man who runs a 4.78 40 yard dash. The Ravens have built a franchise around tough defense and getting a National Champion added to a position of need.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Miami):  George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Eagles have now seen their defense that was once a Super Bowl defense now age out into what has become a demand for youth on the defensive line. They go here with the top pass rushing option. While they have three first round picks out of the next five picks they would be smart here to get a athletic pass rusher like Karlaftis to add along side Fletcher Cox and Derek Barnett. 

16. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Indianapolis): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Jamison Williams is the third receiver off the board here in the first round. The eagles use their second selection of the first round to grab a receiver who can really stretch the field. Williams is coming off an ACL injury but it’s fully healthy should be a key part of this Eagles Offense alongside of former Alabama college teammate Devonta Smith.   

17. Los Angeles Chargers:  Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

What do you get for a team that seems to have no holes after a solid Turn McDuffie has the athletic ability to be a corner at the next pro level but it would be smart for him to at least start out in the slot covering teams opposing speedsters and tight ends. McDuffie I would be adding to a secondary that already includes.  Asante Samuel and JC Jackson. The Chargers adding Mcduffie to their secondary would help shut down any questions about opposing AFC West Offenses being threats to the Chargers who are currently all in. 

18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, OSU

New Orleans could go with an office of line selection here that would not surprise me as they need to replace Terron Armstead. I do believe that they make the jump for Chris Olave out of Ohio State University who in his career has improved every season. Giving the Saints an opposing threat to Michael Thomas and giving Andy Dalton or Jamies Winston the best chance to get the ball downfield. Olave is an excellent route runner and deep threat. 

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Philadelphia caps off its third first round pick with one of the best office of line prospects as far as centers go in the last couple of drafts. Linderbaum could be in anchor for a teams offense of line for a decade to come. He has NFL size athleticism and blocking ability that every team will look for. I would be shocked if he goes this low but due to the lack of demand for centers in the first round his stock drops here to the Eagles. With Jason Kelce going to be 35 this season it would be smart to draft a successor.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty 

Malik Willis falls into a great situation here with the Steelers. A great coaching staff that will help him translate to the pro level. Mitch Trubisky being signed earlier this off-season will put less pressure on the Steelers to have their long-term future QB start right away. Willis will have time to learn the game under coach Mike Tomlin, surrounded by Chase Claypool, Dionte Johnson and Najee Harris. Not a bad spot for him to drop. I could see him going as high as six or nine to Panthers or Seahawks but this would be a great landing spot for the Liberty QB. 

21. New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

In a class with a large amount of talented edge rushers Lloyd would be the top Mike Linebacker in this draft. He is sideline to sideline the best middle linebacker in this class. The Patriots find themselves in a great spot to get youth at a position where Donte Hightower was the anchor of this defense. Lloyd has the athletic ability that New England would be looking to bring in and if he were to fall due to demand for other teams at other positions the Patriots would be happy to bring in a LB who had 111 total tackles, 22 for loss, 4 INT and 7 sacks. An all-around player and has been consistently mocked as a late first round gem.

22. Green Bay Packers(Via LV): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

As it is public knowledge now that Davante Adams will be no longer on the Packers and playing with the Raiders the Packers now have the first-round pick for the Raiders this season. Burks is an incredibly consistent receiver who in his time in Arkansas was able to make a name for himself as a speedster as well as an incredible route runner. While he may be getting lost in what could be another great receiver class Aaron Rodgers would maximize his abilities at the next level.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Booth JR., CB, Clemson

The Cardinals defense has slowly become one of the more exciting defenses to watch. While without chandler Jones they could opt for a pass rusher here it would be smart for them to work on clearing up their secondary since the division will be stacked with great speed receivers. Booth is a lockdown man-to-man corner who had a very productive career at Clemson and the Cardinals have not had that corner stone cornerback in their franchise since Patrick Peterson departed.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Dallas Cowboys defense was able to show up last year and be a big reason why they were able to win many close games. I believe that they are up for the top prospect available on the board which at this point would be Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt played alongside Jordan Davis on the national championship Georgia Bulldogs this past season. The Cowboys get a premier Defensive tackle to pair alongside Demarcus Lawrence.

25. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The bills fell short of their goal last season in a disappointing lost in the playoffs to Kansas City. A big reason for that was there a strong secondary did not have Tre’Davious white. Once Tre’Davious had gone out we had seen a decline in the play from the Buffalo secondary. The team will have to go with the top corner available on the board. Kaiir Elam has speed at 4.39 and has a 6’2 frame which helps him lock down taller opposing threats.

26. Tennessee Titans: Kenyon Green, OT, Texas A&M

The Titans do not have as many years left with Derek henry then they think that they do. With that they will need to utilize this pic to get him protection and with that they must go with the top guard tackle option in the draft. Texas A&M is Kenya in Green is 6’4 330 pounds. His interior help would protect his Titans offense especially during their play action passes.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan 

Going into his pro day and projected to be a top 10 pick. Ojabo was injured at his pro day last week and has suffered a torn Achilles. That injury will be a year long recovery so teams will be hesitant. I believe he falls here to the Tampa Bay buccaneers who have a great defense but are still drafting youth to replace the players they have already had there for years. Ojabo would have no pressure to start right away get a full recovery and be a part of one of the best defenses in the NFL. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa, OT

Since the Packers had secure the top pass option with their first pick they up here for Trevor penning who is becoming one of the draft highest risers from a small school. He has all the tools to be a great offense of lineman at the next level and with Aaron Rodgers going to be there for at least the next two seasons we would expect that he needs as much protection as possible.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: (From MIA Via SF): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

The Chiefs have back to back pics after the Tyreek Hill trade and although they could go with a receiver In that first pic. They did lose Tyrann Mathieu this off-season. Would that they will have to take the second top safety off the board from Michigan Daxton hill. He will be able to fit right into this Kansas City defensive scheme and be able to play on a successful team right away. 

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

Remember when I said that Kansas City would definitely get a receiver with one of these two pics. Here they go and get someone who can stretch the field not as well as Tyreek Hill who is second to none when it comes to being a deep threat. Has the potential to be one of the fastest prospects in this class. Dachshund would be a great opposition across from JuJu Smiths Schuster in Kansas City. 

31. Cincinnati Bengals:  Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The bangles are a talented team and they displayed that in the 2021 season with a Super Bowl run. It did not end up how they wanted. Well offense of line could be obvious there would not be an offensive linemen available that would justify this pick. So the Bengals go best player available. Nakobe Dean is a talented linebacker inside and off the edge. While three of his fellow Georgia front seven teammates have been drafted already the Bengals get a study here at 31.

32. Detroit Lions (Via LA Rams): Desmond Riddler.

If you got a chance to watch college football this year it would be hard to say you did not see Desmond Riddler play. An impressive season at Cincinnati showed that he was ready to take it to the next level. While quarterbacks are being undervalued as a hole in this draft class. Riddler could find after his excellent pro day last week that teams are indeed interested in reaching for him as early as late first round. The Lions would make sense here with one year left on Jared Goff’s contract they would have to be looking for a long-term option pass Jared Goff if the season is not successful.