2022 NFL Mock Draft | Options 1-16
The Eagles started on Monday with three first-round picks. They end the day with two after sending the 16th, 19th and 194th selection to the Saints. Here’s what the Eagles got in return: he chooses Nos. 18, 101 and 237 this year, a first-round pick in 2023 and a second pick in 2024. The trade gives the Saints three options in the top-50 this year and provides the Eagles with a fourth-quarter backup in case Jalen Hurts does not seize the starting position in the long run. The top 10 of the draft remains unchanged, although the Saints now have the equipment to make a big leap if there is a player they love. In this context, here is the latest blissful draft that reflects all these changes.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Jaguar’s offensive line in an off-season turns from passive to strength. Ikem Ekwonu will probably replace Cam Robinson, but in 2021, he will play with him.
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The choice of the Jaguars allows the Lions to acquire their new face of the franchise, Aidan Hutchinson, who went to high school and college within an hour of Ford Field.
3) Houston Texans: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Texans need help with the trenches, but they can handle it at 13. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner gives a little-ame- sauce to a minor who ranked 30th in yards per pass (7.5) and 25th in the EPA fall (0, 16) in 2021.
4) New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Jets make this choice by working with the belief that Kyle Hamilton’s actual speed is closer to the 40th time he posted on the NFL Scouting Combine (4.59) and not that of his professional day (4.7+).
5) New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Giants would probably prefer Ekwonu at 5, but they compromise – if that’s the right word – with Evan Neal, a 6-foot, 337-pound beast that can play on both the left and right sides.
6) Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Matt Rhule needs a general and does not seem to be in a hurry to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. This suggests that they are looking at the draft. Kenny Pickett is the most over-prepared.
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Giants sent five – FIVE! – Oregon’s pro Day representatives, including general manager Joe Schoen, to take a closer look at Kayvon Thibodeaux, who may be the most polarized player in the draft.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Falcons took over Kyle Pitts over Ja’Marr Chase in 2021, but can no longer pass a wide receiver after losing Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage in the last 12 months. Garrett Wilson is the best in the company.
9) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Pete Carroll could not be more obvious about his team’s intentions to add a big-handed general to the draft. Malik Willis has the biggest hand in the first division.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Jets rush was as expected on foot as Carl Lawson tore his Achilles in August and lost the entire season. But assuming Lawson is indeed well on his way to a full recovery, the Jets may have something special in him and Travon Walker.
11) Washington Governors: Drake London, WR, USC
The Commanders clearly believe that Carson Wentz is better than any general they could get at 11, so now they will give him every chance to succeed. Drake London’s combination with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel is a great start.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Vikings have a deep, strong front seven after the addition of Jordan Davis to a team that already includes Za ‘Darius Smith, Daniel Hunter, Dalvin Tomlinson and Jordan Hicks.
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
With the best offensive tackles off the board, the Texans combine with Jermaine Johnson II, an up-and-coming rapist who enjoyed great success in his only season in Tallahassee.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
You can never have too many corners in the NFL. Think of this lesson we learned in Baltimore. The Ravens were crushed by injuries in position in 2021 and lost the playoffs mainly because of that. Trent McDuffie gives them more depth in the back.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Eagles may be worried about the fourth tomorrow. Today, they have to worry about their haste. They ranked 31st in the dismissal rate in 2021 and are trying to correct it by taking Giorgos Karlaftis, a hasty pass that was in the third Pan American team in 2021.
16) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The Saints did not give up their first in 2023 without planning to get a quarterback in 2022. General manager Mickey Loomis probably believes that the one who can draft here will be better than the one who can draft next year. Lumis must also know that Willis will leave. Desmond Reader makes as much sense as any of the survivors.
