FPC 2022 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: WRs Early and Often

In the latest FPC NFL Mock Draft, EDGE rushers and offensive tackles dominate early, but wide receivers fly off the board late.

It is time for the fifth FPC NFL Mock Draft of the season with just a few weeks away from the real thing.

Within the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, you will see reaches and confusing picks. Yet, this draft, as a whole, could be better than most of the recent years. Overall, the draft possesses game-changing talent at just about every position. What it lacks in quarterback depth, it excels everywhere across the board. Fans of the following teams should enjoy this first round, due to the diverse nature of the talent assembled.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars sit atop the NFL Draft with the first selection. This is clearly an indication that the team needs help across the board. The team selects Aidan Hutchinson out of the University of Michigan, who has been the frontrunner at this spot for quite some time. Hutchinson comes into the league as an astute run defender with room to grow in the pass rush game. Which is impressive, considering he has had 74 pressures of the QB last season in Ann Arbor. At 6’7″ and weighing in at 260lbs, Hutchinson has the highest potential of any edge rusher in this class.

2. Detroit Lions: Trayvon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Trayvon Walker has had a meteoric rise up the draft board after an impressive scouting combine in Indianapolis. The former Bulldog opened eyes when he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, especially considering his 6’5″, 272 pound frame. Walker is a height-weight-speed prospect who has yet to reach ceiling, and his position flexibility up and down the defensive line is appealing. The Detroit Lions had the 31st ranked defense last season in terms of scoring, and their rush defense ranked 29th overall. Walker will add some youth and flexibility to a team in dire need of it.

3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

The Texans need help everywhere, including a porous offensive line that ranked 29th in PFF’s end of the season rankings. The Texans elect to pick Ikem Ekwonu here, who is generally regarded as the best run-blocker in this class. He would make a natural fit at the right tackle position, replacing Charlie Heck, who ranked 74th of 83 eligible tackles according to PFF’s blocking grade. Ekwonu would also be a strong compliment to Laremy Tunsil at the left tackle spot, allowing for the Texans to have a pair of bookend tackles.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Kavon Thibodeaux’s stock has been sliding as of late, due to a perceived belief that he “likes football, but doesn’t love it” and that he has “multiple interests” outside of the game. The slide stops here as Head Coach Robert Salah selects one of the best edge rushers in this class. The former 49ers defensive coordinator needs more bite from a relatively weak defensive line, and he understands the value of a pass rush coming from San Francisco. Thibodeaux also gets a defensive-minded coach that will foster his growth and highlight his strengths. This is a win for both sides.

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

The Giants offensive line has been a mess for quite some time, and with two selections in the top-10, they can finally address this lingering issue appropriately. The G-Men select Evan Neal, who is an absolute behemoth at the left tackle position standing at 6’8 and 330 pounds. The former Crimson Tide standout only allowed one pressure in all of the college football playoffs, and was credited with two sacks against him over 1073 snaps.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

For quite some time, I had penciled Liberty QB Malik Willis here, but Pickett-to-Carolina pipeline is too hard to ignore. While still coaching at Temple University, then-coach Matt Rhule heavily recruited Pickett to join his team in Philadelphia. Pickett originally committed to Temple, before decommitting and joining Pittsburgh. So there is a formed relationship there.

What further connects Pickett to Carolina is the fact that owner David Tepper is a Pittsburgh University alumnus and heavy donor to the program. I can see Tepper falling in love with Pickett and persuading his staff to make Pickett the selection. The Sam Darnold experiment has failed, and Pickett can starter sooner than later.

7. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The New York Giants make out like bandits with two elite prospects in the top-10. The Giants secondary needs improvement, and Hamilton can provide versatility and support to an underachieving group. Free Safety Xavier Mckinney had a strong season, but Hamilton would provide another dimension to this defense. He can play both safety positions, in the slot, or even navigate the middle of the field robber coverage. His presence would elevate the play of CBs James Bradberry and Adoree Jackson, turning a weakness into a strength.

8. ***TRADE*** Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

There is a lot of PDA in the Mike Tomlin-Malik Willis love affair, and the Steelers have not been bashful in showing their emotions. Pittsburgh breaks their traditional approach and make a draft-day trade that is uncharacteristic to them. Tomlin understands the value of a franchise quarterback–heck, he’s only had one throughout his career–so he makes the move to solidify a playmaker with massive upside.

The addition of Mitchell Trubisky will not deter the Steelers from making this move, especially considering the low cost of his addition (2 years/14 Million). They also want to jump ahead of the Seahawks, who may pounce on a QB themselves.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, T, Mississippi State

Seattle is clearly in rebuild mode with the departure of Russell Wilson to Denver. The team was hoping to select Malik Willis, but they may have to settle for Matt Corral at a later juncture. Therefore, the team takes the best remaining tackle off the board to replace their current LT Stone Forsythe, who was merely a sixth round selection last year. The Seahawks have been plagued with a poor offensive line for quite some time, and they take steps to rectify it here.

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

Although the Jets want to go WR here, it’s too hard to pass up the no.1 cornerback in this year’s draft class. Gardner has the height, weight, speed and mentality to excel at the next level. He just needs the experience. Gardner is known as having an incredible work ethic, and refrains from smoking and drinking. The guy is all about football. With a defensive guru for a head coach, Gardner will shine as a press corner and someone who takes away half of the field.

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11. Washington Commanders: Drake London, WR, USC

Washington is placed in a very interesting position in which all wide receiver options are still on the board. Yes, Derek Stingley could fill a need here as well, but I believe Coach Ron Rivera has a preference to insulate his new quarterback with weapons. Drake London offers intriguing upside as a high-volume, big-bodied receiver. At 6’4″ and 219 pounds, the former Trojan offers a different skillset than Terry Mclaurin and Curtis Samuel.

He will also provide a safety net for Carson Wentz, who has shown a propensity to favor taller receivers in his previous stints in Alshon Jeffrey (6’3″) and fellow USC Alum, Michael Pittman Jr. (6’4″).  London offers Washington a receiving option that can carry the burden of heavy targets, as well as offering something in the screen game and redzone. His presence should boost the Commanders 23rd ranked offense.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

The Vikings held the 28th ranked passing defense in the league last season, and gave up 29 touchdowns through the air. Therefore, Minnesota selects Derek Stingley to fortify their secondary. Stingley has immense talent, and will thrive playing along veteran Patrick Peterson, who can assist him in his growth.

13. Houston Texans: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

The Houston Texans are in complete rebuild mode, and will use this draft to build their team from the inside out. After selecting Ekwonu with the third selection in the draft, the Texans select Johnson here to improve their pass rush. Johnson is a three-down defensive end that popped in his first and only season in Tallahassee. The former Georgia Bulldog went from unknown reserve to ACC Defensive player of the Year in a matter of six months. Johnson had an amazing Senior Bowl and it’s easy project his his impact at the next level.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Ravens have make a living by running the football, and stopping the run. Baltimore elects to bolster the interior portion of their defensive line, and add the 6’6″ 330 pound Davis into the mix. The former Georgia Bulldog is a set-it and forget-it type of player that will instantly improve the Ravens’ run defense. He provides an interior presence for the Ravens’ 3-4 defense, and can play nose tackle if needed.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Eagles would like to improve their defense, and have various needs at linebacker, edge and defensive tackle.  There are a variety of ways Philadelphia can go here, but I believe Gang Green will select a cornerback with their first of two picks. For one, cornerback is a premium position and the team needs a true compliment to Darius Slay. Also, Mcduffie has put out some of the best tape in this year’s class in terms of sticky coverage. Philadelphia selects the former Huskie here and prevents him from getting snatched up by New Orleans and Los Angeles.

16. New Orleans Saints (From Philadelphia): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Realistically, I can see the New Orleans Saints trading up in the draft to pursue one of the top-two quarterbacks in this year’s class. However, if they elect to stay here, they are rewarded with one of the more explosive wide receiver prospects. Wilson is a raw talent who can create after the catch and plays bigger than size. His body control is top-notch and will fight for contested catches even though he’s slightly undersized.  The former Buckeye will provide Jameis Winston a steady outlet to compliment Michael Thomas and speedster Marquez Callaway. He’s an ideal complement to their skillsets.

.@FullPressNFL Staff writer, @GCarmi21 share his thoughts on draft prospect @GarrettWilson_V who is projected to go in the top-half of the 1st round.

Get the breakdown below. #Buckeyes #NFL #NFLDraft #FPC https://t.co/huesu3uwhD

— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) March 26, 2022

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The AFC West is an arms race, and the Chargers have one of the best QBs in the league under a rookie contract. Why not provide him with the best deep-threat in this class, to blow the top off of a defense? Williams offers a unique skillset to pair with the technician, Keenan Allen and big-bodied Mike Williams. The Chargers are loading up for a 2-3 window of Super Bowl runs.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (From Saints): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Eagles have done an excellent job navigating the draft board and accumulating draft capital over the last few years. With a young core developing in Philly, the team finds itself in a fortunate place with the number one rated linebacker still on the board. The Eagles select Devin Lloyd, a 6’3″ jack-of-all-trades linebacker to sit in the center of their defense. Lloyd offers pass-rush capability as well as a dominating presence in pass coverage to disrupt the quarterback. This is an easy selection here.

19. New Orleans Saints (From Philadelphia): Trevor Penning, T, Northern Iowa

The Saints use their two first-round picks to add premium positions to their roster. New Orleans needs a Terron Armstead replacement, and Penning brings a physical nastiness to the Saints offensive line.

20. Atlanta Falcons (From Pittsburgh): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Falcons were in desperate need of a wide receiver, but wisely took the trade package to move down. They are awarded with arguably the best route-runner in class, in Chris Olave. Olave should slide in as an immediate starter and has been projected to be a long-term WR2.  Ironically, many analysts have claimed that he has the ceiling, and play-style of current Falcon Calvin Ridley.

21. New England Patriots: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The New England Patriots have a lack of high-end talent in their cornerback group, and that’s a problem for a Bill Belichick led team. Elam offers a diverse skill set and has the physical presence to play press-man in the Patriots’ scheme.

22. Green Bay Packers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

With the departure of Davante Adams, the Packers are in desperate need of adding a wide receiver. Dotson will provide Aaron Rodgers a slot receiver who will win quickly and consume a heavy dosage of targets. In his last year in Penn State, Dotson was targeted 137 times and only dropped the ball twice. Dotson has shades of a young Randall Cobb written all over him.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

The Arizona Cardinals are in desperate need of interior offensive line help. Right guard Josh Jones was constantly overwhelmed, and ranks 78th out of a possible 82 guard candidates according to PFF. Center Rodney Hudson is also in the twilight of his career, and the team need to protect Kyler Murray. The Cardinals take their first step here.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Cowboys pass rush took a hit with the departure of Randy Gregory to Denver. Wyatt offers an interior push and high-upside along the interior of the defensive line. Wyatt was part of the vaunted Georgia Bulldog defensive line, and should provide a disruptive force for the foreseeable future. The Cowboys get good value here.

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

When you are a Super Bowl favorite, you have the luxury to take the best player available and drop them onto your roster. Booth will form a dynamic duo with Tre’Davious White, who many consider a top-three cornerback in this league.

26. Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

It was tempting to slot Desmond Ridder here, but I believe the Titans are in “win-now” mode. Being the top-seed in the AFC last year, the team feels that their window may be closing. The Titans add a search-and-destroy linebacker who thrives in run support. Dean falls to 26 due to his size concerns, and he is unlikely to play the MIKE in the pros, but he adds speed and toughness to a Mike Vrabel team who wants to pound the rock and shut down the run.

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27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

With the departure of Ali Marpet, the Buccaneers have a large gap to fill along their interior offensive line. If Tampa Bay expects to contend this season, they need to keep Tom Brady upright. Therefore, Green is a logical choice here.

28. Green Bay Packers: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

With the departure of Za’Darius Smith, the Packers lack true bite on the outside of their pass rush. Karlaftis is a high-motored, technically sound edge rusher who slid down the draft board. Ther Packers get a high value selection here.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

With the departure of Tyrann Mathieu, the Chiefs have a glaring hole at the safety/defensive back position. Hill provides scheme versatility and the ability to line all over the team’s secondary. At Ann Arbor, Hill showed the that he was mobile enough to cover the slot receiver and provide sticky coverage. He also was a willing run defender and would come down crashing in run support. Hill will fit in well at Arrowhead, and will provide a competent replacement to the Honey Badger.

30. Kansas City: Sky Moore, WR, Western Michigan

This may seem like a luxury pick, but hey, you can do that when you’re Kansas City. Sky Moore may be the most elusive wide receiver in this class, and will provide a “you can’t touch me” trait that Andy Reid absolutely loves. The Western Michigan project is a highlight tape, and replaces some of the twitchiness left behind from Tyreek Hill. At worst, Moore is a slot receiver who will win instantly at the line, and give Mahomes an easy target to force feed. At best, he can be used as a weapon in the punt return game, jet sweep game and screens. He led the FBS with 26 broken tackles last year.

Who better to utilize these strengths than Reid? The Chiefs need to add WR talent, and their next selection is pick 50. They may miss out on high end talent if they wait.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Linderbaum is widely regarded as one of the best center prospects over the last few years. His presence in Cincinnati would fortify the Bengals offensive line, and be a final piece to a complete overhaul.  Currently, the Bengals have Ted Karras pegged to start at Center, but that shouldn’t precluded the Bengals from adding Linderbaum. Karras is a natural guard and would add some depth.

32. Detroit Lions: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

It would be a wise move for the Detroit Lions to draft a quarterback here. Not only would they have an eventual replacement for Jared Goff, but they would also secure a fifth-year option of a rookie contract which is prudent financially. Many have pegged UNC’s Sam Howell here, but Ridder has been the biggest draft riser after his strong Senior Bowl performance. He has the physical size and mobility that some of the other QB prospects lack, and regardless of who selects him, I believe he’ll go before Howell.