2022 NFL Mock Draft | Options 1-16
Here you go. Which teams did the transactions, who exchanged and who did they finally choose? Let’s run our latest Mock Draft NFL 2022 with trades.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There are no trades at the top of this virtual draft as the Jacksonville Jaguars grab the top defender at Kayvon Thibodeaux. An amazing athlete, Thibodeaux shows an improvement on all aspects of the Jags defense. He can rape the passer-by with the greatest ease and his athletic ability and quick first step allow him to go down to the running defense like no other.
2) Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
A quick starter in the pre-draft process, Travon Walker is now in the mix to land with Jacksonville at No. 1, according to PFN Insider Tony Pauline. After the Thibodeaux is selected, the Detroit Lions get a gift with Walker at No. 2. Walker is an amazing passer, but he has an amazing set of flexible skills. He can reduce the coverage as well as fill the course as the best linebackers in this category.
3) Houston Texans: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
What a comforting prize even though the first two selections were defenders. The Texans of Houston grab Aidan Hutchinson to start a new era of defensive ability. Hutchinson tackles from time to time, but can go fast with his great first step. He is much more than a hurry and could be the next big defender of the Houston Big Ten.
4) New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The best player overall goes to the New York Jets in selection No. 4. New York grabs Kyle Hamilton, as not only fits a need but takes on many roles in defense. Hamilton can rush the passer through the box or play a natural free safety position, as he closes space better than anyone in it or in any recent draft class. It goes beyond the security position and is definitely worth the investment.
5) New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The first tackle selected is Charles Cross, as he heads to the New York Giants with their first pick in the first round. At Cross, the Giants get a natural pass protector in a lesser need position, as they really need a proper tackle with Andrew Thomas locking the left side. As Cross adjusts to an NFL attack, he will learn it from the right tackle. However, it will not take long for him to put his feet under his healthy basics.
6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Carolina Panthers are said to be locked in two tackle prospects and Ikem Ekwonu is the only one left. It covers a great need, stays local and comes with a huge upward trend. The 2021 season was dominant and is both healthy and technical. Ekwonu is destined for greatness in Carolina.
7) Seattle Seahawks (fake trade from CHI via NYG): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Trade: The Seahawks send numbers 9 and 40 to the NFL 2022 draft, as well as a second round option in 2023, to the Giants for No. 7. The first round of the first round involves one of the many teams with many first round options. The Seattle Seahawks are coming up to plan their future general franchise in Malik Willis. They send two second rounds and the selection of the first round to go up two places. New York wins No. 40 in 2022 and a runoff in 2023. Willis is the choice, as he can receive Patrick Mahomes treatment behind Drew Lock in Seattle. While you can guess he would put a pencil right away as a key, this should not be the case here. Let Willis acclimatize to the NFL attack and speed as the Seahawks continue to build around him for the future.
8) New Orleans Saints (mock trade from ATL): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Saints send numbers 16 and 19 to the NFL 2022 draft, as well as a fourth round option in 2023, to the Falcons for No. 8 selection. The New Orleans Saints had to come to the table with a huge offer to trade with rival Atlanta Falcons. By sending two first round options (Nos. 16 and 19), as well as a future fourth round, the Saints secure their greatest immediate need by grabbing Evan Neil. The slide for Neil stops here as the Saints get James Winston the last piece he needs to see success in 2022. Atlanta gets two options in the first round as they continue to rebuild.
9) New York Giants (fake trade by DEN via SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio
Trade: The Giants received numbers 9 and 40, as well as a second-round pick in 2023, from Seattle in exchange for their No. 7 pick. An ideal scenario unfolds for the Giants as they gain two extra options by simply moving two positions – and still land the best receiver on the board. Garrett Wilson heads to the Giants to be the top threat to Kenny Golladay. Daniel Jones will have no other excuses as he gets a top receiver who can win at every level of the pitch.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets stand at No. 4 and No. 10, but come up with two of their top goals in positions they need to improve their pass defense. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a lockdown cornerback in every sense of the word. He did not leave the touchdown in three years in Cincinnati. In addition, he ended his career by not allowing a slot for more than 13 yards in a dominant 2021 season.
11) Washington Governors: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Running on the defenders to start the draft forces the hands of the Washington Governors at No. 11. However, they grab Jermaine Johnson II, a top five player in the PFN Grand Consensus Council. Johnson dominated 2021 and won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in his first season in Florida State. His motor is intense and his passing skills are top notch.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
LSU Pro Day proved what everyone wanted to see about Derek Stingley Jr. He is a top athlete and reportedly handled himself with the utmost professionalism. Stingley still has to atone for a year he achieved in 2021 and the 2020 campaign that was influenced by COVID, when his level of play dropped. But the fact remains: The 2019 cassette is the best we’ve seen from a corner in a long time.
13) Detroit Lions (fake trade by CLE through HOU): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Trade: The Lions send Nos 32 and 34 to the NFL 2022 draft, as well as a fourth-round pick in 2023, in exchange for Houston No. 13 pick. Entering the commercial action like the other teams with multiple first round options, the Detroit Lions send a first and a second round, as well as a fourth round in 2023, to move up to No. 13. The Texans have the capital and are in a position reconstruction so that they can afford to move. The Lions come up to grab Jameson Williams, giving them a full host body. Williams may not be able to play right away, but his excellent speed and ball watching may be the best in the class.
14) Baltimore Ravens: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The fifth defender taken in the 14 top selections, George Karlaftis heads to the Baltimore Ravens, where he can fit right into their hybrid defensive front. Karlaftis strengthens with tackles or speeds around a guard with a rare mixture of power and speed. It also comes with the flexibility to play many positions on the Baltimore defensive line.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (by MIA): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
After transferring one of their options to the first round in exchange for big capital in the next two drafts, the Philadelphia Eagles are left with options No. 15 and No. 18. They grab Devin Lloyd first here, as the former Ute is the best linebacker in class. His ability from side to side is awesome, but he excels in coverage. Lloyd fits in perfectly with today’s NFL.
16) Atlanta Falcons (fake trade from IND via PHI and NO): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Falcons received numbers 16 and 19 in the NFL 2022 draft, as well as a selection in the fourth round of 2023, from the Saints in exchange for number 8. With the first of two new options in the first round, the Atlanta Falcons grab the Arkansas WR Treylon Burks. They needed a receiver even before Calvin Ridley was punished with a one-year ban and they grabbed the Burks to become their original X receiver. Berks has football speed like few others in this category, and once he develops it, they can not catch him. It can also top football and come with questionable catches better than most.
