Cobi's 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

What a time it is to be a football fan right now! The College Football Playoffs are right around the corner, Bowl games are approaching, and the NFL season is kicking into the final stretch of the regular season. In these times, one of the most important processes that bridges NCAAF to the NFL is often forgot about to the casual fan - that process is the NFL Draft. By this time last year, I had already had multiple NFL mock drafts completed, but I decided to take things slower this year to get a better read on the prospects. I still have only managed to do my deep scouting on the top quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers in this class, but I have a strong sense of where my other players will rank from my casual watching. Of course, my scouting process will still change my opinion on various different prospects, so I will keep my analysis on each pick in the mock short since I haven't fully watched all positions. Also, it is the first iteration of my mock with the draft order bound to change by the end of the season, so this is mostly to familiarize people with the top names of the draft anyway. If you would like to read my full scouting reports for the players I have checked out so far, click here. Let's dive in to my first 2022 NFL Mock Draft!

1. Detroit Lions - Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon), EDGE

The Lions would love to find a franchise quarterback here, but there isn't one worthy of the first overall selection. Despite Aidan Hutchinson's rise, Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best player in the class with his insane athletic profile and will be a centerpiece of the franchise for years to come.

2. Houston Texans - Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan), EDGE

Much like the Lions, the Texans would usually search for their future quarterback at this spot, but there are much better options in this class. Aidan Hutchinson is the second best player in this draft at a premium position. Houston may have found their next JJ Watt.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame), Safety

There are plenty of places that the Jaguars could go with this pick, so I think selecting the best player available at a position of need should be the move. Kyle Hamilton is a chess piece that will primarily operate as a safety, but can play anywhere in the back seven with his freakish athleticism.

4. New York Jets - Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU), CB

The Jets drastically need help at the cornerback position, and luckily for them, one of the best corner prospects in recent memory is still available at their selection. Derek Stingley Jr. has been sought after as a top prospect ever since his phenomenal season as a true freshman, and will immediately trail opposing receiver ones in the NFL.

5. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) - Evan Neal (Alabama), OT

Currently selecting with back-to-back picks, the Jets have plenty of options that they can consider with their latter selection. Despite investing a lot into their offensive line in the past two seasons with first round selections Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, they still need more help protecting their franchise quarterback Zach Wilson. Evan Neal is a top prospect in this class and will immediately slot in as a high-caliber starting tackle.

6. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears) - Ikem Ekwonu (NC State), OT

Even though Daniel Jones has been through three NFL seasons, no one really knows his talent as the team has been plagued by abysmal offensive line play and injuries to their weapons. Selecting a quarterback here isn't out of question, but I think there are bigger needs. Offensive line must be addressed with one of these picks, and Ikem Ekwonu possesses the athleticism, power, and technicality to be a star tackle.

7. New York Giants - George Karlaftis (Purdue), EDGE

Double dipping into the offensive line is a real possibility for the Giants here, but the best player currently available in this situation, George Karlaftis, is also at a position of need. The Giants currently rank near the bottom of the league in sacks produced, so selecting the Purdue star pass rusher is an easy choice.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Corral (Ole Miss), QB

Finally, the first quarterback of the draft is selected. It is clear that Matt Ryan has severely regressed in past seasons, and he will be 37 years old by the start of the 2022 NFL season, so the Falcons shouldn't waste an opportunity to get the best QB in the class, even in a weak year for the position. The Ole Miss quarterback has phenomenal arm talent with versatility as a runner - a dangerous combination. The torch is passed from one Matt to another.

9. Carolina Panthers - Charles Cross (Mississippi State), OT

I was tempted to give the Panthers a quarterback here as well, but after giving up a second and third rounder to acquire Sam Darnold, they should ride him out for another year. Offensive tackle is the biggest need for the team right now, and a borderline top-10 talent in Charles Cross is still available for an easy choice.

10. Minnesota Vikings - DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M), IDL

The Vikings have positional needs spanning across the entirety of their defense, so adding the best defensive player available should be their priority. In this case, that happens to be Texas A&M's DeMarvin Leal, who will be a great pairing with Danielle Hunter. Leal can be played anywhere on the defensive line, and is stout at defending both the run and the pass.

11. New Orleans Saints - Garrett Wilson (Ohio State), WR

The New Orleans Saints are another team that could be in the quarterback sweepstakes this year, but I think there are bigger needs on their roster. Their offense possesses virtually no weapons aside from Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, so acquiring an athletic beast and play-maker in Garrett Wilson seems like an excellent pairing. The Saints love their Ohio State players, making this selection make even more sense.

12. Philadelphia Eagles - Andrew Booth (Clemson), CB

The Philadelphia Eagles will possess three first round selections in this draft, with the first of those currently coming at the 12 spot. They have holes all across their back seven, with one of the most glaring needs being cornerback. Andrew Booth is a well-rounded corner who possesses excellent athleticism, ball skills, and coverage ability, and will be a candidate to be their best secondary player from day one.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins) - Devin Lloyd (Utah), LB

With the second pick in their back-to-back selections, the Eagles should address another defensive positional need that wasn't covered with their former selection. With linebacker being a need for the team, Utah star Devin Lloyd makes all the sense in the world. A fast riser in this class, Devin Lloyd is a do-it-all linebacker who has tremendous range and good coverage skills.

14. Denver Broncos - Carson Strong (Nevada), QB

The Denver Broncos have one of the more talented rosters in the NFL, but have been held back by their quarterback play. It is clear that Drew Lock is not the answer, and Teddy Bridgewater has proven to be nothing better than a bridge player, no pun intended. Despite this being a weak quarterback class, the Broncos should target the position regardless of where they are picking. Although many would disagree, Carson Strong is my second ranked quarterback in the class, and seems like the Broncos type of quarterback with his size and arm strength.

15. Las Vegas Raiders - Kenyon Green (Texas A&M), IOL

The Las Vegas Raiders could go many different ways with this pick, but offensive line is currently their biggest need. Kenyon Green is a powerful people mover who has the versatility to play tackle or guard at the next level, although he probably suits better on the interior. Immediately upon selection, Kenyon Green will have a real argument for being their best lineman.

16. Cleveland Browns - Jordan Davis (Georgia), IDL

Widely regarded as a top-10 talent in this draft, Jordan Davis sees a minor fall because of positional value. It is difficult to project the value of pure interior defensive lineman, but there is no doubt that Jordan Davis will dominate that spot for years to come. Athletically gifted for his massive size and overwhelmingly powerful, there aren't many picks safer than this one. The historical Georgia defense sees their first player selected.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts) - Chris Olave (Ohio State), WR

After focusing their prior two selections on addressing their defensive dilemma, the Eagles add a weapon to pair with DeVonta Smith for the future. It is clear that Jalen Reagor was a huge miss, so the team desperately needs another threat, and Chris Olave is just that. Although lacking elite athleticism, Chris Olave is the most polished receiver in the class and will promptly become a stellar WR2 in the NFL, with WR1 capabilities.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh), QB

Like Mac Jones to the Patriots last season, the pairing of Kenny Pickett to Pittsburgh can almost write itself. Ben Roethlisberger has recently stated that he expects this to be his last season with the Steelers, which opens up the Steelers with a quarterback need, although they had one with him behind center already. Following the best collegiate season of any quarterback in this class, Kenny Pickett stays in Pittsburgh and becomes the heir to Big Ben.

19. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers) - David Ojabo (Michigan), EDGE

Like many of the non-playoff teams, the Miami Dolphins could go multiple ways with this pick, with the most obvious positional needs being offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, or linebacker. As has been a theme in this mock, when a team has multiple needs, I believe in selecting the best player available from those needs. To me, that is Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo. Ojabo is an excellent athlete who has all the tools to be a phenomenal sack producer at the next level.

20. Washington Football Team - Sam Howell (North Carolina), QB

I view the Washington Football Team very similarly to that of the Denver Broncos - they have one of the more talented rosters in the NFL, but are lacking a true franchise quarterback, although Heinicke has played alright this season. Regardless, I don't think he is the long-term answer for this franchise, so I believe they should look to draft a quarterback, especially since some of the top ones will likely be available at their later selection due to the shape up of this draft. Although Malik Willis is probably the better fit for the Washington scheme, I think Howell, who was once thought of as a potential first overall pick, is the safer option.

21. Buffalo Bills - Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa), IOL

The Buffalo Bills have a loaded defense and superstar quarterback, so I believe they should improve their offensive line with their pick. Running back is probably the biggest need for the team, but there is no player that I would consider worthy of a first-round selection this year. Tyler Linderbaum, the dominant center from Iowa, is the pick. Tyler Linderbaum is viewed by many as a top-15 talent in this draft, so he fulfils a big need while also being one of the best players available.

22. Cincinnati Bengals - Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa), OT

After failing to address offensive line in the prior draft with their selection of Ja'Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals must go there with their first selection this year. Although the team has been surprisingly good this season, Burrow has still been sacked the second most of any player in the league. Coming from Northern Iowa, Trevor Penning hasn't faced the best competition, but he displays all the tools that you look for in a starting left tackle.

23. Los Angeles Chargers - Drake Jackson (USC) - EDGE

The Los Angeles Chargers currently sit as one of the most well-rounded NFL rosters, so they could go almost anywhere with this selection. They could utilize another defensive end next to Joey Bosa, so selecting one here would bolster the team's defensive front. Drake Jackson is a toolsy defensive end that would be staying in Southern California in this mock.

24. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) - Malik Willis (Liberty), QB

After securing the best player in the draft in Kayvon Thibodeaux with the first overall pick, the Detroit Lions could target a receiver or secondary player with this selection. However, they may not have the chance to land a quarterback like Malik Willis at this late of a pick again, so they capitalize. Malik Willis has arguably the most upside of any quarterback in this class, but has not shown the consistency to warrant a top selection just yet. With Jared Goff under contract still, this would be the perfect opportunity for Malik Willis to learn behind Goff and the coaching staff for a season or two. I wouldn't be shocked if Malik Willis is the first quarterback taken in this class, or if he falls out of the first round - I really have no clue how the NFL will view Willis, but if Jordan Love was taken in the first, he definitely should be.

25. Dallas Cowboys - Jaquan Brisker (Penn State), Safety

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most dominant offenses in the league, so they should look to improve their defense with their first pick, with a particular emphasis on their weak secondary. Although I am not in love with their cornerback room, I think their most glaring need is the safety position as they are currently starting Jayron Kearse and Damontae Kazee. Jaquan Brisker, the Penn State safety, is similar to Kyle Hamilton with his versatility, but is a little bit lesser of a talent.

26. Kansas City Chiefs - Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati), CB

Although they have sharpened up some after their horrific start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs defense is still not great. With how loaded their offense is, I wouldn't mind if they spent every pick they had in this draft on defense. They could use a player at any level of their defense, but Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner stands out as the top available option. Ahmad Gardner is a great athlete that can play in a man or zone coverage schemes, although his best play comes in zone.

27. Baltimore Ravens - Kaiir Elam (Florida), CB

The Ravens are a well-balanced team who have positioned themselves to pick the best player available at their selection. With the way this mock has unfolded, that is Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam. With a blend of size, physicality, and athleticism, Kaiir Elam would slot well across from star cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Darian Kinnard (Kentucky), IOL

Of all the teams in the NFL, the Buccaneers have truly have the most complete roster. Even though none of these positions are necessarily holes for the team, I still am between an offensive lineman, receiver, or secondary player in this spot. Although there are stars across their line, there are some spots that could be upgraded, and you can never have too many versatile lineman. Darian Kinnard is a versatile player who has played right tackle at Kentucky, but projects well as a guard at the next level too.

29. Tennessee Titans - Treylon Burks (Arkansas), WR

The Tennessee Titans are one of the more interesting stories in the NFL this season as they haven't looked very good without Derrick Henry, but still boast one of the best records in the NFL. Addressing their poor secondary could be a priority here, but Treylon Burks is ultimately too difficult to pass on at this spot. AJ Brown has continued to battle injury, and Julio Jones is the only other capable receiver on the roster, and he isn't getting any younger.

30. Green Bay Packers - Jameson Williams (Alabama), WR

With uncertainty within the organization among the futures of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, this pick is a true question mark. Even if Davante Adams stays with the franchise, the team still drastically needs a second receiver to pair with him. As a speedster who can stretch the field and have touches manufactured for him, Jameson Williams would be the ideal coupling.

31. New England Patriots - Jahan Dotson (Penn State), WR

The New England Patriots are back as contenders once again, and there are no apparent holes on the team. Although there is no one spot that I would classify as a glaring need, they could go with adding receiver or corner talent to their roster. Between those positions, I view Jahan Dotson as the best fit for New England of the players available. Jahan Dotson is a threat at any of layer of the field, and is dynamic with the ball in his hands.

32. Arizona Cardinals - Roger McCreary (Auburn), CB

Everyone knew that the Arizona Cardinals would be a threat to reach the playoffs this season, but I don't think anyone quite expected them to be this dominant throughout the regular season. Although they currently sit with the best record, they have needs at the tackle, edge, and cornerback. With Robert Alford and Marco Wilson currently seeing playing time, it should be apparent that cornerback is a top priority. Roger McCreary has shown time and time again that he can match with the top receivers in college football, so he will immediately slide in as a starter.

Cover Picture Attribution: Maize & Blue Nation, Aidan Hutchinson 2021 (cropped), CC BY 2.0