FPC 2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Jags Address D-Line, Rather Than O-Line

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Today marks exactly one month until the official start of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28th. We have now seen free agency settle down. Many teams have filled numerous needs, as a result. However, the shock and awe of recent blockbuster trades have opened up new needs or draft strategies for teams that hope to contend in 2022. This mock includes a couple of trades itself, as well as some prospects dropping more than what the consensus has traditionally had. Plus, which prospects may be rising up draft boards at the right time? Let’s kick it off with the third edition of our FPC 2022 NFL Mock Draft. To read our first and second FPC Mock Draft, click here and here.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

For the second straight draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars possess the number one overall pick. Offensive tackle seemed like a possibility here for Jacksonville. Yet, the team opted to franchise tag left tackle Cam Robinson for the second consecutive season. Aidan Hutchinson has a much clearer path to immediate playing time, making him the pick in the end. The pass rusher brings a tremendous combination of power, length and speed to the fold. Hutchinson could easily be a running mate for Josh Allen, while K’Lavon Chaisson continues to develop.

2. Detroit Lions: QB Malik Willis, Liberty

Recently, there has been hype building for this pick to become a reality. Call me crazy, but I think the hype is real. Liberty’s Malik Willis may not hold the value worthy of being the second overall pick. On the other hand, he is just the kind of passer that the Detroit Lions could be looking for during the early stages of their rebuild. His cannon of an arm could create explosive plays for guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown and TJ Hockenson. Meanwhile, his athleticism and elusiveness allow him to manipulate defenses with his legs. He is strictly difficult to defend. No matter how long he has to wait behind Jared Goff, Detroit will eventually be able to infuse a new, young quarterback that has the best traits to bet on at the position.

3. Houston Texans: OT Evan Neal, Alabama

We saw considerable growth throughout the second half of Davis Mills‘ rookie season. And now that the Deshaun Watson headache is no more, the Houston Texans appear ready to build around Mills. Why not surround him with more protection upfront? Alabama’s Evan Neal is not just a commanding blocker. But, he can play multiple positions along the offensive line. Houston could allow him to assume the right tackle spot, while Laremy Tunsil maintains the post as the blindside protector. That gives Mills a pair of powerful and dense offensive tackles attempting to keep him clean.

4. New York Jets: OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State

The New York Jets did well in free agency to sign Laken Tomlinson. Because of that, this team now has a pair of stud guards on the interior of the offensive line with he and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Though, offensive tackle appears to be a different story.

There are questions swirling surrounding former 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton. Issues about his injuries, weight and peak performance have possibly put him in a bind with the Jets. Could he or other offensive tackle George Fant be traded soon? With the addition of Ikem Ekwonu, it either pushes Becton with more competition or eventually pushes him out the door. The NC State product brings physicality and smooth movement skills for his size. Ekwonu could be a perfect stylistic fit within the Jets’ wide zone blocking scheme.

5. New York Giants: EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

Travon Walker could honestly go a couple of spots higher than this when it is all said and done. But here, the New York Giants look to add significant athleticism to the pass rush. His explosive get-off at the snap and heavy hands allow him to create production from both defensive end and as an interior defensive lineman. Furthermore, Walker has plenty of different pass rush moves within his toolbox. His ability to set a firm edge allows him to make plenty of run stops as well, proving he is more than just a designated pass rusher.

6. Carolina Panthers: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

The Carolina Panthers appear to be wandering aimlessly into the future. They have continued to swing the bat countless times at the quarterback position. No clear cut answer has been found. Meanwhile, it feels like head coach Matt Rhule is working with an awfully short leash. The problem is, no quarterback can immediately step in and produce to try and save this regime’s jobs.

Charles Cross is a blocker that could handle the difficulties of left tackle. His athleticism and instincts within his pass blocking technique makes him more of a fit in a zone offense. Getting a dependable left tackle like Cross could eventually make it easier for Carolina to get a quarterback, once the roster is more set to add one.

7. New York Giants: OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

New York has traditionally valued the trenches heavily. Thus, their second pick in the first round switches over to the offensive line after taking an EDGE defender. There may be no blocker that is more mean and nasty in this draft class than Trevor Penning. He would certainly make things easier for Daniel Jones with his finishing power and ability to provide vertical movement. Additionally, this new Giants regime recently took a former Northern Iowa offensive tackle that provided toughness while they were in Buffalo (Spencer Brown). So, Penning would likely fill that same play style that this team is looking for. Last year’s breakout of Andrew Thomas also helps make this pick more of a luxury, rather than just simply filling a need.

8. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

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There seems to be a real possibility that Kayvon Thibodeaux drops slightly in round one. Well, the Atlanta Falcons should feel lucky because of that. This roster is arguably the worst in the entire NFL, as things currently stand. They just need to add talent. Why not go with a pass rusher? Thibodeaux could provide heavy hands, explosiveness and bend as a possible 3-4 outside linebacker in Atlanta’s defense.

9. Seattle Seahawks: CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

The Seattle Seahawks are due for a youth movement in their secondary. Especially when you look at the pass catchers in the NFC West division, and that becomes even more pressing for this defense. The cornerback position is extremely bare. And it just so happens, that no cornerbacks have been selected yet, giving the Seahawks their pick of the litter. Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner is the type of cornerback that can lead a secondary as the team’s top lockdown man. Overall, he brings plenty of confidence to go along with elite ball skills, instincts and speed.

10. New York Jets: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

The Jets were reportedly in on a possible Tyreek Hill trade. But instead, the Kansas City Chiefs were more encouraged with the offer from the Dolphins, sending the wide receiver to Miami. With that, adding another playmaker at wide receiver still stands. Giving Zach Wilson as many weapons as possible should be at the top of New York’s list. Despite waiting on him to recover from an injury, Jameson Williams is well worth the wait. His ability to outrace opponents and win in deep areas pairs well with the plus arm strength of Wilson. In addition, Williams knows how to get open and separate quickly. Do not let the injury scare you, if you are the Jets.

11. Washington Commanders: S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

Arguably the draft’s best overall player, Kyle Hamilton tumbles a bit, due to the NFL’s view on positional value. Derwin James felt the same fate in his respective draft year while playing the same position. Hamilton provides a rare combination of size, length, instincts and ball skills. Moreover, he can play single-high coverage, in the box, or in split zones. Washington just cut Landon Collins. While not a carbon copy, Hamilton could play a similar role and help give the Commanders a possible bounce back season for their young defense.

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

The Minnesota Vikings have tried many times to find a game changer at cornerback. But, the need still stands for this below average defense. Outside of Cameron Dantzler, there is not much promise with names like Chandon Sullivan, Kris Boyd and Harrison Hand. Minnesota could take a chance on LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr.

Despite not living up to his unbelievable 2019 campaign in the last couple of years, the ball skills and athleticism is nearly elite for Stingley Jr. His instincts make him a pest for opposing wide receivers to go up against as well. In what may be a slight gamble, the Vikings land the cornerback who may have the highest ceiling in this particular class.

13. Houston Texans: EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Florida State

Once again, addressing the trenches is the play for the Texans. New head coach Lovie Smith is notorious for utilizing pass rushers that win with power and length. In fact, that is just what Jermaine Johnson does. He wins in a variety of ways. There is quite the array of pass rush moves that Johnson has in his repertoire. With his short area burst, he would be a nice complement to the bulk that Houston currently has at defensive tackle.

14. Baltimore Ravens: DT Jordan Davis, Georgia

Both Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams remain unsigned in free agency. As a result, the need to add new blood at defensive tackle is ripe for the Baltimore Ravens. There have been questions about Jordan Davis being only a two-down defender. However, his quickness in the defensive line’s interior is not common for a man of his size. The Ravens also play in a division that is known for toughness and is full of some of the best young running backs in the league. While developing early, Davis could use his dominance and quickness to slow down the run game. His ability to command double teams could also open the door for more advantageous matchups for his teammates.

15. Green Bay Packers: WR Drake London, USC

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TRADE!

Packers Receive: First-Round Pick (15 Overall)

Eagles Receive: First-Round Pick (22 Overall), Third-Round Pick (92 Overall), Fifth-Round Pick (171 Overall)

With our first trade, the Green Bay Packers jump up to finally select a wide receiver in the first round for Aaron Rodgers. It obviously comes at the price of not having Davante Adams anymore. USC’s Drake London wins in ways that make him a tremendous scheme fit with Rodgers and the Packers. His mix of physicality and agility can make him dangerous in the quick passing game. At the same time, his prowess in contested catch situations and deep down the field could make someone like Rodgers extremely comfortable.

16. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

The Philadelphia Eagles have used a lot of premium draft picks on wide receivers recently. Last year’s selection of DeVonta Smith was the greatest one yet. However, adding more impactful options around Jalen Hurts is still a possibility. Philadelphia could use Garrett Wilson in a multitude of ways. His ability to create extra space for himself and ball skills make him a threat at all three levels. Meanwhile, Wilson’s separation skills could make him someone who receives a high volume early on. That is just what Hurts may need to pair with Smith.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

After a run of receivers, this was a difficult spot with the Los Angeles Chargers. They have had one of the best offseasons in the NFL. Quietly, they added two stout defensive tackles in Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson. But, why not add more explosiveness and athleticism to the position with arguably the draft’s best defensive tackle. Devonte Wyatt is someone who can easily control gaps and lives in the opponents’ backfield. With already having Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, Wyatt would be quite the handful for offensive linemen to have to handle.

18. New Orleans Saints: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

The recent re-signing of Jameis Winston may make this less likely for the New Orleans Saints. But in the meantime, it may be beneficial for a team like this to draft a quarterback while a veteran is still in house. The Saints can let Winston play and have Kenny Pickett learn and develop. To boot, the team can look to further reshape their pass catching group for when Pickett takes over. That could be more likely as more money gets pushed down the line for the Saints. Pickett may be the most accurate passer in this class, and he has the instincts and field vision to build off of.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Trent McDuffie, Washington

Avonte Maddox has been a nice slot corner for the Eagles. But outside of Darius Slay, Philadelphia does not have much reliability at outside cornerback. Washington’s Trent McDuffie is one of the smoothest movers among this cornerback class. His lateral mobility and flexibility within his lower half make him just as comfortable in zone coverage, as he is in man coverage. More importantly, McDuffie has the physicality that he can lean back on as well. He is not necessarily small for the position. McDuffie can often sneak up on receivers and play bigger than his size, because of that physical play, however.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Lewis Cine, Georgia

This one may be a bit of a shock. But after making some worthy investments in free agency, an offensive lineman does not have to be forced here. The Pittsburgh Steelers do already have Minkah Fitzpatrick. On the other hand, Terrell Edmunds remains unsigned. Lewis Cine could be the replacement to man the strong safety role over the top of the defense. His athletic ability is a bit underrated. Pittsburgh could also be influenced by his punishing power as a tackler and at the catch point.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Boye Mafe, Minnesota

TRADE!

Chiefs Receive: First-Round Pick (21 Overall), Fourth-Round Pick (127 Overall)

Patriots Receive: First-Round Pick (29 Overall), Third-Round Pick (94 Overall)

With the aforementioned trade of Hill, the Chiefs could attempt to trade up in round one now that they have two first-round picks. Kansas City is starting to get younger and more athletic with these recent offseason changes. They add another athletic pass rusher here in Boye Mafe, as they move up to secure one of the top pass rushers available. He can bend around the corner, rush the backfield with a swift get-off and can separate from offensive tackles with his length. Mafe has a bit more density than some may realize, allowing him to rush the passer in a variety of ways.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

Jason Kelce is returning for 2022. Although, finding an eventual replacement for him remains for the Eagles. Tyler Linderbaum is extremely refined with his hand technique at center. That may go back to his wrestling background. More importantly, Linderbaum does play with a stout and sturdy anchor, despite a somewhat leaner build. Philadelphia’s focus on the quick passing game and play action passing game could suit someone like this prospect best from a play style perspective.

23. Arizona Cardinals: G Zion Johnson, Boston College

Kyler Murray does not appear to be completely happy in Arizona. Why not get him some new protection upfront and hope that helps mend things a bit? The Cardinals have not re-signed guard Max Garcia in free agency. Elsewhere, both Rodney Hudson and Justin Pugh are well into their 30s and could be nearing the end of strong runs. Getting Kyler a younger, more aggressive guard could help Arizona in making Murray much more happy in their offense. Zion Johnson is smart, has a polished hand technique and maintains consistent balance throughout his blocks. He is a rare guard who may be more comfortable as a pass blocker, as things currently stand.

24. Dallas Cowboys: G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

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The Dallas Cowboys could look to add more depth on the offensive line. Tyron Smith has dealt with many injuries recently. La’el Collins is no longer a member of the team. On the flip side, Tyler Biadasz is still in need of much more refinement. Kenyon Green is a versatile offensive lineman in how he plays and where he plays. He can play either guard spot or right tackle. And, Green has no restraints between either playing physical or needing to rely on athletic ability. Dallas could be adding a blocker that can be both a road grader and a technician at the same time, so to speak.

25. Buffalo Bills: DT Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma

The Buffalo Bills lost a couple of key contributors at defensive tackle this offseason. Furthermore, their focus on maintaining an imposing defensive line has been evident. The selection of Perrion Winfrey likely means he will need some time to develop. He is far from a finished product, but Buffalo has not shied away from drafting players like that early throughout recent years. Winfrey can wreak havoc with an urgent first step and power at the point of attack.

26. Tennessee Titans: WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

The Tennessee Titans went out and traded for Robert Woods, pairing him with AJ Brown. Nonetheless, there is still more depth that could be injected into this Titans receiving corps. Chris Olave is a technician in everything he does. There may not be a more pure route runner in this draft class. His ability to sell routes and win vertically could fit with Tennessee’s heavy play action style and vertical passing game.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have many defensive linemen that remained unsigned after last year. Someone other than Shaq Barrett or Vita Vea will be needed to rush the passer. Enter Purdue’s George Karlaftis. He is more of a power rusher. However, do not sleep on his short area quickness. The crashing, tilted style that he uses could mix well with the aforementioned Barrett and Vea. Karlaftis is also more suited to join an assertive defense like this, knowing they will be relentless with their blitz packages.

28. Green Bay Packers: OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

Bernhard Raimann is far from a finished product. Admittedly, he may be too rich of a pick here for me at 28 overall. The fact of the matter is, Green Bay needs to add more pieces to the blocking unit. Raimann offers mammoth strength and tantalizing athleticism for an offensive tackle. The way in which he is able to move in space and corral the edge against defenders is what helps his increasing potential. Finally, Raimann may be destined to join a wide zone blocking scheme like the Packers use.

29. New England Patriots: LB Devin Lloyd, Utah

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The New England Patriots could go in many different directions here. After trading back to pick 29, they opt to address the second level of their defense and take the first linebacker off the board. Utah’s Devin Lloyd has plenty of versatility to his game, which could excite Bill Belichick. He can rush the passer from either inside or outside. Lloyd showed encouraging progression as a zone coverage defender when dropping against the pass. On top of all that, he can be a possible thumper within the center of a linebacker group. Neither Dont’a Hightower nor Jamie Collins Sr. have been re-signed. The Patriots opt to get younger with a new captain at linebacker.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

This is sort of a rarity, as the Chiefs have not traditionally taken cornerbacks high under this current regime. We have begun to see a sort of change in philosophy for Kansas City, however. They need to replenish the cornerback position after losing Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes in free agency, two players who played many snaps for them last season. In Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr., the Chiefs would be getting a smart and fiery defender at the position. Booth Jr. also has the ball skills and quickness that make him a possible late first-round steal.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Kaiir Elam, Florida

The Cincinnati Bengals did bring back Eli Apple on a one-year deal. But, more depth is still needed on the outside behind he and Chidobe Awuzie. Kaiir Elam is one of the more dense cornerbacks in this class. He is someone who wins with length and physicality, frustrating opposing receivers by throwing them off-balance. That does not mean that Elam cannot move well in space either. A player that seems to be lost in the shuffle right now, Elam can provide immediate ball production for a defense.

32. Detroit Lions: EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State

Detroit is back on the clock to end round one. Just getting good players and not solely focusing on needs should be the emphasis for the Lions. They take Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie. He may still be a bit raw. Nevertheless, it is hard to ignore his quickness, twitch and length as a pass rusher. He has some more flexibility than some may expect. Plus, Ebiketie uses his heavy hands in a violent manner, allowing him to wear down offensive linemen.

Be on the lookout for more FPC 2022 NFL Draft analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.