Here is the official 2022 NFL Mock draft

By: Chris Thomas

There are exactly seven months until the 2022 NFL Draft. But it is never too early to speculate on which prospect can be drafted early and which teams they could fit well with. The first three weeks of the NFL season have shown some surprising potential contenders and a few teams who could take a step back this season. While in the first four weeks of college football some prospects have confirmed their preseason hype that they could be early selections of the upcoming draft. Other prospects have not lived up to their preseason hype.

The draft order was created using NFL Playoff Predictor. Here is a brand new 2022 mock draft.

1. New York Jets (1-16): Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Regardless of who lands the first overall pick, unless the team desperately needs a quarterback Kayvon Thibodeaux should be the first overall pick. Robert Saleh could build a defensive line rotation similarly to how he built his in San Fransisco with Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins, Shaq Lawson, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Thibodeaux. 

2. Atlanta Falcons (2-15): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The Atlanta Falcons were wildly criticized for passing on a potential franchise quarterback prospect in Justin Fields this past year. They could select this year’s QB1 Malik Willis whose mobility adds a dynamic to this offense that Matt Ryan lacks. 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-15): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Pittsburgh desperately needs offensive line help and a replacement for Ben Roethlisberger. At the top of the draft, they could take Matt Corral who many believe has been the best quarterback in college football this season. 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Both Trevor Lawerence and Urban Meyer have struggled to transition to the NFL. Giving Trevor a new blindside protector in Evan Neal would help him feel a lot more comfortable in the pocket.

5. Houston Texans (3-14): Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

After taking Davis Mills in the third round this past draft the Houston Texans may opt to go with the best player available in the first round. Derek Stingley Jr. is both the best player available and fills a need at cornerback which they have had since they were a playoff team. 

6. New York Giants (3-14): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Outside of a few players, it seems the New York Giants could replace anyone on the roster. Adding an edge rusher like George Karlaftis would give New York a legitimate pass rusher to play opposite 2021 second-round pick Azeez Ojulari. 

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears (3-14)): Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

After how the Chicago Bears have looked during the first three weeks the New York Giants could likely land a top-10 pick from the Justin Fields trade. The offensive line must be a priority for the Giants and Kenyon Green would be a massive help to what many believe is the worst unit in the league. 

8. Indianapolis Colts (4-13): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

If Carson Wentz plays less than 70% of the teams and the team makes the playoffs snaps or 75% of the snaps and doesn’t make the playoffs the Colts could retain their first-round pick. Indianapolis could add the best receiver in the draft Chris Olave to replace T.Y. Hilton and be Wentz’s number one receiver.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11): DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M

This past offseason the Cincinnati Bengals said goodbye to an all-time franchise great Geno Atkins. They could fill the void left by Atkins with a talented prospect like DeMarvin Leal whose addition would potentially put the Bengals defensive line into elite territory. 

10. Detriot Lions (6-11): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Detriot Lions have lost three heartbreaking games at the beginning of the year that were each in reach of winning. For the second straight season, Detriot could elect to go with the best player available and take safety Kyle Hamilton to help this struggling young secondary. 

11. Washington Football Team (6-11): Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA

A quarterback could be tempting to take in the first round for Washington, but they may want to give Taylor Heinicke a chance to be the team’s starting quarterback without anyone breathing down his neck. Washington can look at Sean Rhyan as their Trent Williams replacement since 2021 second-round pick Samuel Cosmi is playing right tackle. 

12. Minnesota Vikings (6-11): Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Minnesota has holes across their defense that need to be filled. Since this draft is so deep at cornerback they could address their needs at pass rusher by adding Aidan Hutchinson to play opposite Danielle Hunter. 

13. New England Patriots (8-9): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

It seems very clear that the New England Patriots and Stephon Gilmore will part ways this offseason. Taking a productive cornerback like Ahmad Gardner in the first round could help fill the void of the former defensive player of the year. 

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Marcus Peters will miss the entire season with a torn ACL and could be a cap casualty because the Ravens need to give Lamar Jackson an extension. Andrew Booth Jr. is a raw cornerback with a lot of talent that could be coached up well by Baltimore’s coaching staff. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-9): Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky

Philadelphia has dealt with a lot of injury issues over the last couple of seasons across their roster, especially along the offensive line. Offensive lineman Darian Kennard could replace Brandon Brooks who the Eagles tried to trade away last offseason and potentially take over for Lane Johnson who is also often injured. 

16. New Orleans Saints (9-8): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

There is no receiving core in the league with less depth than the New Orleans Saints. Since Michael Thomas’ long-term status with the team is in question, taking a player like Treylon Burks would give New Orleans a potential number one receiver or great number two to give Jameis Winston. 

17. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins (10-7)): Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern

Somehow this offseason the Philadelphia Eagles managed to sign Anthony Harris to a contract for one year $5 million. The Eagles could take ballhawk Brandon Joseph to replace him next year and going forward. 

18. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks (11-6)): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The New York Jets cornerback group may be the least talented position group in the entire league. They could take Kaiir Elam in the first round with Seattle’s first-round pick to give them a legitimate cornerback to cover the talented receivers in their division.

19. Denver Broncos (10-7): Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

The Denver Broncos appear to be the favorite to land Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, but cannot bank on it until the trade is official. Strong arm quarterback Carson Strong would be a perfect fit for Denver as their franchise going forward. 

20. Dallas Cowboys (10-7): Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

After addressing defense early and often in last year’s draft Dallas’ defensive rebuild isn’t entirely over. Dallas could take edge rusher Myjai Sanders to give DeMarcus Lawerence some help rushing the quarterback. 

21. Arizona Cardinals (11-6): Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

The combination of Patrick Peterson leaving in free agency and the sudden retirement of Malcolm Butler has opened up a gaping hole on this roster at cornerback. Derion Kendrick’s skillset feels like a perfect fit in Arizona and his addition would move Byron Murphy back to the slot where he is a lot more comfortable. 

22. Miami Dolphins (via San Fransisco 49ers (11-6)): Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

A shocking cut Miami made this year was linebacker Bernardrick McKinney who they acquired from Houston in a trade with the Houston Texans for Shaq Lawson. Miami could take their third former Alabama Crimson Tide player in the first round in three years in linebacker Christian Hill to fortify their front seven and run defense.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (13-4): Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

Since Mike Mayock has taken over as the general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders they have become completely unpredictable in the first round. Tyler Linderbaum would be a safe pick to help improve this offensive line that had three starters from last season traded away. 

24. Los Angeles Chargers (13-4): Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

Through three weeks it appears that Los Angeles is ready to compete in AFC. Since both Uchenna Nwosu and Kyler Fackrell are free agents this offseason the Chargers could take local prospect Drake Jackson in the first round to fill their void opposite Joey Bosa. 

25. Tennessee Titans (11-6): Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington

The Tennessee Titans’ secondary and offensive line has been exposed early as the team’s biggest weaknesses on their roster. Jaxson Kirkland is a nasty offensive lineman who is versatile to play either right tackle or guard wherever they don’t play 2021 second-round pick Dillon Radunz. 

26. Carolina Panthers (12-5): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Carolina appears to be a playoff contender after going undefeated after the first three weeks. One glaring need on this roster is at the offensive line which could be addressed with small school prospect Trevor Penning who has been shooting up draft boards in recent weeks. 

27. Green Bay Packers (13-4): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

This offseason has the potential to have some major roster changes this offseason including trading away 2020-21 MVP Aaron Rodgers and figuring out what to do with Davante Adams. If the Packers trade away Adams (on a franchise tag) or let him walk in free agency they could add wide receiver Garrett Wilson to try to fill the void against who many believe is the best receiver in the NFL. 

28. Cleveland Browns (15-2): Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

The Cleveland Browns have one of the most complete teams in the league and could contend for a Super Bowl this year. They may have to take an edge rusher early in next year’s draft to replace Jadeveon Clowney if they cannot afford him after Baker Mayfield’s extension. 

29. Detriot Lions (via Los Angeles Rams (14-3)): Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

Even though the Lions are thin at wide receiver, it doesn’t seem like a position Dan Campbell and this new regime would address early in the draft. They could add linebacker-hybrid Brandon Smith who could develop into one of the best defensive players on their roster. 

30. Buffalo Bills (14-3): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Buffalo Bills have invested three top-61 picks on defensive lineman over the last two seasons. They can potentially spend another one on their defensive front in Jordan Davis to improve the interior of their defensive line and to give them insurance in case Ed Oliver extension talks get uncomfortable.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (13-4): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Over the first few weeks, Kansas City has played sloppy at times which has made them look mortal. They could address a need they have had at cornerback by taking Trent McDuffie in the first round. 

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4): Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma

Even after a Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay should still be considered Super Bowl favorites. They may take raw defensive tackle prospect Perrion Winfrey in the first round to replace veteran Ndamukong Suh who will be a free agent this offseason.