NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images via SB Nation Pride of Detroit

The NFL draft is just over a month away. Seems like everyone and their dog has begun to draw up hypothetical scenarios for next month, and at Go For Two, we’ve decided to hop on the bandwagon. With the combine over and done with, and pro days also in full swing, coupled with the fact that the free agent market keeps getting thinner and thinner, the picture is certainly becoming a lot more clear. While projecting what NFL teams will do on draft day is anything but an exact science, it’s always fun to take a stab and see how accurate you end up being. Changes are inevitable, as you will see quite clearly in future installments of this article. Without further ado, here is Go For Two’s first mock draft of 2022.

Note: to keep things simple, I did not project any trades in this particular version.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan

The Michigan product returned to school for his senior year in 2021, and it paid off in a big way, as he was a truly dominant force all year long. The Jags spent a ton of money on their offense this spring, so here, they can shift their focus to the defensive side of the ball. A duo of Hutchinson and the “other” Josh Allen off the edge has the potential to terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.

2. Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

The idea of the Lions taking a quarterback at this spot is seemingly gaining momentum. However, I still think the most likely outcome is they will use the rest of this offseason to try and improve the rest of the roster, and attack the quarterback position next year in a seemingly stronger class. On the surface, 2nd overall may seem a bit early to take a safety. That said, a rangy, do-it-all safety in the mold of a Derwin James type is the kind of player that every team should covet in the modern NFL. Besides, Hamilton is arguably the best player available at this juncture. A team like Detroit that is desperate for elite talent should have no reservations taking him this high.

3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, Tackle, Alabama

After a disastrous start to his career during the early portion of last year, a strong argument can be made that Davis Mills has earned himself a longer look as the Texans QB, given his performance down the stretch. The Texans have arguably the least talented roster in football, and as previously mentioned, it’s looking like next year is the better year to invest this highly in a quarterback. It appears likely that Laremy Tunsil will be back in Houston in 2022, but why not provide your young signal-caller with an elite duo of bookend tackles? At approximately 360 pounds, Neal is a freak of nature,and along with the aforementioned Tunsil, would provide Mills with some excellent protection against opposing pash rushers.

4. New York Jets, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

The Jets have added some nice weapons and blockers for Zach Wilson over the last 2 springs, so this would be a perfect opportunity for them to bolster their leaky defense. Once the presumptive favourite to be selected 1st overall, Thibodeaux’s stock has fallen a little in recent months. That said, he still possesses elite upside, and the Jets should have no qualms about taking him at this spot. He could very well turn into the game-wrecking type of edge rusher that Robert Saleh so desperately covets.

5. New York Giants, Ikem Ekwonu, Tackle, NC State

Andrew Thomas took a big step forward this past year after a tough rookie season in 2020, however he remains the only quality tackle on the roster. If Daniel Jones is ever going to break out, it would make sense for the Giants to provide him with the best offensive line possible. Thomas and Ekwonu could form a lethal duo for the G Men for the foreseeable future.

6. Carolina Panthers, Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

The Panthers become the first team to hop on the quarterback bandwagon in this installment. It should be pretty apparent that Sam Darnold isn’t going to be a thing, and I’m personally sick and tired of watching DJ Moore try to haul in hospital balls on a weekly basis. While he isn’t a perfect prospect by any means, no quarterback in this draft class possesses a higher ceiling than Willis, in my opinion. His tantalizing skillset could allow him to become a legitimate dual-threat at the most important position in sports should he reach his potential. For a team that is so desperate for a quarterback, and also has some talented players on the active roster, a player like Willis is entirely worth the risk at the 6 slot given his upside. If he hits, the Panthers would become relevant and watchable for the first time since the Cam Newton prime days.

7. New York Giants (from CHI), Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

The Giants bolstered Daniel Jones’ protection two picks ago, and at this slot, they add a much-needed edge rusher. While he may not have posted eye-popping numbers in college, Walker is a freak athlete who possesses a considerably high ceiling. He’s a guy who’s stock continues to rise, and may very well be selected earlier than this come April.

8. Atlanta Falcons, Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

The Matt Ryan trade signified an end of an era in Atlanta. That said, there are a number of different directions the Falcons could head in at this spot, especially given the general lack of talent on the roster. A grown man who excels at contested catches and has drawn comparisons to the likes of Mike Evans and Tee Higgins, London would be a tremendous help for Marcus Mariota (or whomever ends up starting week 1).

9. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN), Charles Cross, Tackle, Mississippi State

Obviously, Russell Wilson is no longer in the picture. That said, it is entirely possible they pass on a signal-caller at least in the first round, thanks in large part to the lack of legitimate options. I think a trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy G is entirely possible, and this team is out of touch enough that a Drew Lock week 1 start cannot be ruled out, either. Regardless of who is throwing passes to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this fall, what everyone can agree on is that offensive line play has been a major issue for this team for a number of years. The potential departure of Duane Brown would only make matters worse. Regardless, Cross would not only satisfy a major need for this team, but would also provide great value at the 9 slot.

10. New York Jets (from SEA), Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

The Jets addressed a major need in the edge rusher position at pick 4, and here, they shift their attention to their extremely leaky secondary. Cornerback is an especially important position in a division that features the likes of Stefon Diggs and now Tyreek Hill, and in Gardner, the Jets are getting themselves a potential stud who has emerged as arguably the top corner in this year’s class.

11. Washington Commanders, Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

If the Commanders really want the Carson Wentz experiment to pan out, it would make sense to provide him with as many weapons as possible. A precise route runner with speed to burn, Wilson would give Washington a potent trio of former Buckeyes at the wide receiver position.

12. Minnesota Vikings, Derek Stingley Jr , Cornerback, LSU

Cameron Dantzler is the only viable cornerback on the active roster, which is especially problematic considering Aaron Rodgers still plays in the NFC North. Once considered a potential top 2 or 3 overall pick, Stingley’s stock has also fallen a little, largely due to the fact that he hasn’t quite matched his truly elite freshman season in 2019 over the past couple of years. That said, the LSU product still possesses elite upside, and satisfies a major need for the Vikings to boot. 

13. Houston Texans (from CLE), Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Texans continue to stockpile talent at the premium non-quarterback positions at this spot. The Texans have rather famously had a terrible defense that constantly gave up big plays in recent years, so this selection would be a positive step in the right direction in terms of fixing their issues.

14. Baltimore Ravens, George Karlaftis, Edge Rusher, Purdue

The Ravens thought they were bringing back Za’Darius Smith, but he ultimately decided to sign with the Vikings instead. However, that should tell you that bringing in another high-impact pass rusher is a top priority for them, meaning the likes of Karlaftis will likely firmly be in play come draft day.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA), Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Taking a receiver in the first round for the 3rd year in a row might seem strange, but here we are. While 2021 1st rounder Devonta Smith looks like a hit, the same cannot be said about 2020 selection Jalen Reagor. The former is the only true difference-making talent they have at receiver, and with 3 first round picks this year, there’s really no excuse to not address the position. With his freakish combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Burks figures to be a major help for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from IND), Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia 

The Eagles use their second pick on the closest thing this draft has to Micah Parsons, stylistically speaking. Of course, Parsons is a rare, freakish talent, and it is unfair to realistically compare anyone to him.  That said, it would make sense for one of the Cowboys biggest rivals to make every effort to try and find their own version of the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. With a rare combination of speed, versatility, and playmaking ability, Dean would be a welcome addition to a defense looking to make a splash this offseason.

17. Los Angeles Chargers, Jordan Davis, Defensive Interior, Georgia

Anyone who played fantasy football last year could tell you that the Chargers couldn’t stop the run if their lives depended on it. Obviously, that is a top priority for the team to fix this spring. A 341 pounder with sub-4.8 speed, Davis has skyrocketed up draft boards after blowing up the combine. He happens to be pretty good at football, too. While Davis safely projects as a strong run defender at the next level, he is admittedly raw as a pass rusher. The potential for him to develop into a more well-rounded player is there, however. Both his size and freak athleticism (plus his aforementioned floor as a run stuffer) make him a player worth taking a chance on.

18. New Orleans Saints, Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss

The Saints are now a full year removed from the Drew Brees era, and it is still unclear who their quarterback of the future will be. Jameis Winston was just OK last year before tearing his ACL, while Taysom Hill (who may need to be downgraded without Sean Payton) is best suited as a gadget player. Like every other quarterback in this class, Corral has his flaws, but he has enough talent and athleticism that he just might be able to make it work at the NFL level. He doesn’t scream week 1 starter to me, which is fine. He can sit behind Winston to start his career before eventually being given a chance to show what he’s made of.

19. Philadelphia Eagles, Andrew Booth Jr. , Cornerback, Clemson

Darius Slay is still Darius Slay, while Avonte Maddox is coming off a career year. However, the Eagles don’t have much at the cornerback position beyond those two. In Booth, the Eagles use their 3rd 1st rounder to fortify their depth in the secondary.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

The Steelers recently brought in Mitch Trubisky to give him a chance to revive his career, but by no means should his addition deter them from continuing to add at quarterback. For a while, I was of the belief that the hype surrounding Pickett was getting a little out of hand, but said hype seems to be cooling down a little now, thanks in large part to concerns surrounding his extremely small hands for a quarterback. I still believe it is more likely than not that some team will take a chance on him in round 1, especially considering the kind of season he had at Pitt.The Steelers dip into their own proverbial backyard in this mock, crossing their fingers they’ve found the heir apparent to Big Ben.

21. New England Patriots, Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Patriots should desperately be looking to provide Mac Jones with more weapons this offseason. While they have a collection of serviceable receivers, none of them are true gamebreakers. A dynamic weapon with field-tilting speed, Olave would give the Pats the potential difference-making receiver that they so desperately need.

22. Green Bay Packers (from LV), Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Packers needed to add another receiver even before they traded away Davante Adams, so naturally, multiple additions at the position are now required. Although he tore his ACL during the National Championship, the Alabama speedster is still fully expected to be a 1st rounder. It’s all about the playoffs for this team anyway, so they can afford to let him heal properly and wait until he’s 100 percent before inserting him into the lineup.

23. Arizona Cardinals, Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida State

The Cardinals desperately need to add another edge rusher after losing Chandler Jones to free agency. I actually believe Johnson has an excellent chance of being selected earlier than this come draft day, so the Cards are getting great value here.

24. Dallas Cowboys, Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Interior, Georgia

A true difference-making interior lineman to complement Demarcus Lawrence has been an area of need for America’s Team for a number of years now. An explosive and powerful athlete on the interior, Wyatt could be exactly what this team needs to bolster their defense up front.

25. Buffalo Bills, Trevor Penning, Tackle, Northern Iowa

The Bills have one of the most talented rosters in football, and are very clearly in win-now mode. That said, they could stand to add another tackle across from Dion Dawkins. Although he faced weaker competition at the collegiate level and could face a steeper learning curve compared to his peers during the early portion of his career as a result, Penning most certainly has the skill set and upside to thrive at the NFL level.

26. Tennessee Titans, Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Georgia

Although their defense performed better than expected last year, The Titans could stand to continue adding to their cornerback room. A taller corner with playmaking ability, Elam would serve as a nice complement to stud safeties Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zion Johnson, Guard, Boston College

Obviously, the shocking return of Tom Brady has extended this team’s Super Bowl window for however long he decides to keep playing, and this team very much has the talent to win their 2nd ring in 3 years. They did lose both of their starting guards from last year, however. The Shaq Mason trade has satisfied one of those vacancies, while the other figures to be addressed in some way on or before draft day.

28. Green Bay Packers, Tyler Linderbaum, Center/Guard, Iowa

The Packers gave Aaron Rodgers another weapon at pick 22 in this mock, so they will now shift their focus to the offensive line. The Packers have a couple of weak spots on the interior, and Linderbaum is another example of someone who I believe has an excellent chance of being selected much earlier than this. The Iowa product would be a no-brainer selection if he happens to still be available at this juncture. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA via SF), George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia

It’s virtually impossible to find a one-for-one replacement for Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs should still be making every effort to try and replace his production on aggregate this offseason.  Tall and athletic, Pickens would have a chance to be a day 1 difference-maker in a wide open Kansas City receiver room.

30. Kansas City Chiefs, Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan

It appears likely that Tyrann Mathieu will not be returning to the team, so with that in mind, the Chiefs would undoubtedly be in the market for another playmaking safety. Hill has the exact type of skill set that is perfect for the modern NFL and would be a great addition to this team, especially considering all of the potent passing attacks in the AFC.

31.Cincinnati Bengals, Drake Jackson, Edge Rusher, USC

The Bengals spent a ton of money on their offensive line this March, and rightfully so. That said, they can now shift their focus towards adding playmakers on the defensive side of the ball come draft day. The team lacks depth off the edge beyond Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, and adding another high-end athlete at a premium position is never a bad thing.

32. Detroit Lions, Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

The Lions continue to add talent to a defense that frankly needs help at all levels. Extremely versatile, Lloyd has all the tools to emerge as a perfect modern-day linebacker. He’s the type of player you just know Dan Campbell will fall in love with in an instant.