By Marcus Mosher
Jan 26, 2022
Welcome to The Game Day’s 2022 NFL Draft coverage, including our frequently updated NFL Mock Draft (Round 1, but sometimes more), NFL college prospect rankings, team draft needs, team pick predictions, betting odds for the NFL Draft, and much more analysis and tips.
We are through the first round of the playoffs and that means the top 24 picks are officially set. So how will that change our updated mock draft? Here is our latest 2022 mock draft with some significant changes at the top of the draft.
Please note that all odds and lines are current as of 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 19.
2022 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 Predictions
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jaguars would love to trade down and pick up more draft capital to address all of their issues on defense. But with no player really deserving of a trade-up, they stay put and take the best offensive tackle in the draft in Evan Neal. He could play either tackle spot for Jacksonville in 2022, but his future is at left tackle in the NFL.
NFL Draft Bet: Evan Neal No. 1 Pick
Neal is currently +300 to be the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft at FOX Bet. Given that he is the best offensive tackle in the class and the Jaguars have a big need there, he is a good value at those odds.
Player Prop
+300
Evan Neal: No. 1 Overall Pick In 2022 NFL Draft
Bet $20, Payout $80
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2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
The Lions stay in-state and grab the best edge rusher in the class with Hutchinson. Hutchinson totaled 16.5 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks in his final season at Michigan.
Is he Myles Garrett or Chase Young as a prospect? No, but he should be a Pro Bowl rusher sooner rather than later.
NFL Draft Bet: Aidan Hutchinson No. 1 Pick
As one of the top defensive players in the draft, Hutchinson is a candidate to go first overall. Jacksonville’s defense was a mess last year, so they could certainly use a player with Hutchinson’s skill set to turn things around.
Player Prop
+140
Aidan Hutchinson: No. 1 Overall Pick In 2022 NFL Draft
Bet $20, Payout $48
3. Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
With Davis Mills improving in the second half of the year, the Texans might not feel pressure to grab a quarterback early.
Instead, they draft Thibodeaux, who should be a star in the NFL.
In just 30 games in college, he racked up 35.5 tackles for a loss and 19 sacks. Injuries are a bit of a concern, but he can take over a game with his size and athleticism.
NFL Draft Bet: Kayvon Thibodeaux No. 1 Pick
Thibodeaux is currently the odds-on favorite at FOX Bet to go first in the draft. After allowing the fifth-most points in the NFL this season, the Jaguars may look to address their defense with the first overall pick.
Player Prop
-100
Kayvon Thibodeaux: No. 1 Overall Pick In 2022 NFL Draft
Bet $20, Payout $40
4. New York Jets: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
This might be a little too high for Cross, but the Jets must improve their offensive line and get Zach Wilson better protection.
Mekhi Becton hasn’t proven that he can stay healthy and Morgan Moses suffered a serious injury in Week 18. Cross only played two years in college, but he is an ascending player who could be a franchise left or right tackle in the NFL.
5. New York Giants: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
After firing Joe Judge and the retirement of Dave Gettleman, the Giants have no attachment to Daniel Jones. Instead, look for one of their two first-round picks to be used on a quarterback.
Pickett had a monster senior season for Pittsburgh and has the right kind of moxie to thrive in New York.
6. Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Matt Rhule knows that the Panthers messed up by trading for Sam Darnold last offseason, and this is likely his last chance to get the quarterback position right.
Corral isn’t the perfect prospect, but he was productive enough in the SEC to warrant some consideration in the top 10.
7. New York Giants (via CHI): Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
After addressing the quarterback position at No. 5, the Giants get Pickett some help at No. 7. Ekwonu has experience playing multiple positions, including offensive tackle.
Considering his size and versatility, he might not even make it to No. 7 as he could be the second offensive lineman off the board behind Neal. It wouldn’t even be a complete shock if he were drafted over Neal as some teams have Ekwonu graded higher at this stage in the draft process.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
A.J. Terrell had an All-Pro-caliber season in 2021, but the Falcons could use someone to play opposite him going forward.
Stingley is one of the most talented cornerbacks to enter the NFL Draft in years, but his play has dipped since his freshman season.
Still, he is worthy of a top-10 selection based on his potential alone.
9. Denver Broncos: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Broncos are desperately searching for a franchise quarterback that can compete with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr in the division. Howell doesn’t have great size, but his arm strength and athleticism would make him a fit in Denver.
This does seem a bit high for Howell, but we know that quarterbacks always rise throughout the draft process. If Denver doesn’t solve their quarterback need in free agency, look for them to reach on a quarterback like Howell (or Pickett) in the top 10.
10. New York Jets (via SEA): Kyle Hamilton, SS, Notre Dame
Hamilton should be picked much earlier than this, but safeties tend to fall in the draft. You could actually make a case that he could be the No. 1 pick in this class after three incredible seasons at Notre Dame.
With Marcus Maye scheduled to become a free agent, Hamilton would be a perfect selection for the Jets at No. 10 as they look to rebuild their secondary. He is the leader and game-wrecker that Robert Saleh needs on defense.
11. Washington Football Team: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Washington had a ton of problems at the center position in 2021, but they can fix them with the selection of Linderbaum at No. 11. It’s unusual to see a center picked inside the top 15, but Linderbaum is a rare prospect.
12. Minnesota Vikings: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The status of Danielle Hunter with the Vikings remains up in the air and they don’t have many long-term options to replace him. Karlaftis totaled 29 tackles for a loss in 26 career games in college, and has the size and athleticism to be a fantastic defensive end in the NFL.
13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Browns have to find an outside receiver this offseason who can help Baker Mayfield. Wilson would be a good option inside the top 20 as he totaled over 1,110 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 11 games for Ohio State this year.
He doesn’t have great size, but he can get open with his speed and route running.
Is Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson the answer to the Cleveland Browns’ offensive woes? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
14. Baltimore Ravens: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Ravens were decimated by injuries in their secondary this season and it ended up costing them a postseason berth. Marlon Humphrey will return in 2022, but the rest of the cornerback room is up in the air.
Gardner is a physical press-man cornerback that likes to get up in the face of wide receivers. He would be a perfect fit in Baltimore’s defense.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
It’s been decades since the Eagles have taken a linebacker in the first round, but Dean is a special player. He is the modern NFL linebacker in every sense of the word, as he can run from sideline to sideline with ease.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Drake London, WR, USC
If the Eagles keep Jalen Hurts at quarterback, they need to continue to surround him with weapons. London is one of the best jump-ball receivers in the class as he has fantastic size and athleticism.
He would be the perfect complement to DeVonta Smith, who wins with route-running and quickness.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Chargers have to improve their front seven and it’s apparent that Kenneth Murray is not the answer at linebacker. It’s also worth noting that Kyzir White is a free agent and the team needs more speed in the middle of the defense.
Lloyd is an outstanding linebacker who can play on all three downs in the NFL. He would be among the best possible picks Los Angeles could make in the first round.
18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Saints love drafting Ohio State players, and Olave couldn’t be a better fit in New Orleans. He’s tough and knows how to get open.
No matter what quarterback the Saints end up starting in 2022, they will need some help on the outside. Olave would be a perfect match with Michael Thomas, should he return next season.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan
Brandon Graham played just two games in 2021 due to injury, so it might be time to replace him. And what better way to do that than by drafting another Michigan pass rusher?
Ojabo is raw, but he did total 11 sacks in 13 games this season. He’s got all the tools and traits to become a Pro Bowl pass rusher down the road for the Eagles.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenyon Green, OT, Texas A&M
The Steelers would have loved for one of the top three quarterbacks to fall in their laps, but that wasn’t the case as all were taken in the top 10. Instead, they upgrade their offensive line with one of the most versatile players in the draft in Green.
21. New England Patriots: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis is one of the biggest humans you will ever see and his game is very similar to Vince Wilfork. New England would be the perfect place for him to thrive as a run defender in Bill Belichick‘s defense.
He and Christian Barmore would be quite the defensive tackle tandem for years to come with the Patriots.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
If it weren’t for a torn ACL in the National Championship Game, Williams would be long gone at this point in the draft. But with his knee injury, he falls outside of the top 20.
The Raiders desperately need a receiver that can stretch the field after the loss of Henry Ruggs III. Williams might need 10-to-11 months to return to form, but he would be a nice long-term option for a team that can be a little patient at receiver.
As we saw in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, they just don’t have anyone who scares defenses down the field. Williams can help accomplish that for the Raiders at some point during the 2022 season.
23. Arizona Cardinals: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
J.J. Watt was a big addition for the Cardinals, but he can’t stay healthy. He’s also a free agent in 2022 and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cardinals allowed him to walk.
Arizona needs to add some more interior defenders to their defense to allow linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins to roam freely in the middle of the field. Leal isn’t a big sack producer, but he would be a fantastic pick late in the first round for the Cardinals.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Jaquan Brisker, FS, Penn State
The Cowboys usually don’t value safeties high in the draft, but they don’t have a ton of needs, either. Dallas does have multiple free agents in the secondary, including Damontae Kazee, Malik Hooker, and Jayron Kearse.
Brisker is a highly athletic defender who would make sense in the Cowboys’ defense. However, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys look to upgrade their offensive line in Round 1 as it let them down in the playoffs.
25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Bills don’t have a lot of needs on their roster, but they could use more cornerback depth. Booth is one of the best cornerbacks in the class and would be a fantastic fit opposite Tre’Davious White.
26. Tennessee Titans: Drake Jackson, DE, USC
The Titans have devoted a lot of resources to their defensive line, but that’s their calling card. Jackson isn’t a high-sack producer, but he is a versatile defensive end who can stand up and play off the line of scrimmage if needed.
With Harold Landry becoming a free agent in 2022, Jackson would make a lot of sense at the end of Round 1.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
The Buccaneers have some cornerback talent, but their depth was really tested in 2021. Look for Tampa Bay to add some reinforcements to their secondary in 2022.
Kendrick could be an option at the end of Round 1 as he is one of the most talented cornerbacks in this class.
28. Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Davante Adams is a free agent in 2022, but the Packers would obviously like to re-sign him to a long-term deal. If they don’t, look for them to add a receiver at the end of Round 1.
Burks has the height, weight, and speed to be a perfect fit with Aaron Rodgers.
29. Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Bengals are in the Championship Round of the playoffs due to the play of Joe Burrow. Now, the focus of this offseason is all about protecting him.
Penning is probably a right tackle in the NFL, but he boasts the size and nastiness that will play well in the AFC North. If the Bengals can find an adequate right tackle in 2022, they might just be the team to beat the AFC.
30. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky
The Dolphins have one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines, but Kinnard could come right in and solidify the right tackle spot.
However, they could still use three or four more starters this offseason. Kinnard will help, but he can’t be the only new piece they add.
31. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
After Jeff Okudah went down with an Achilles injury, the Lions really struggled in the secondary. They have quite a few young players that they are excited about, but Elam could be a starter right away for Detroit.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Chiefs have to find some young offensive talent to pair with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Dotson is a smaller receiver, but he has a knack for making big plays. He totaled 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns for Penn State as a senior.
Giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon on the outside would be almost unfair, and Dotson could not be a more perfect fit in Kansas City.
prop bet
+175
Chiefs to Win AFC Championship
Bet $20, Payout $55
2021 NFL Draft Picks & Mock Draft Results
| Pk | Team | Player | Mocked | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence | Lawrence | ✔️ |
| 2 | Jets | Zach Wilson | Wilson | ✔️ |
| 3 | 49ers | Trey Lance | Lance | ✔️ |
| 4 | Falcons | Kyle Pitts | Pitts | ✔️ |
| 5 | Bengals | Ja'Marr Chase | Chase | ✔️ |
| 6 | Dolphins (from PHI) | Jaylen Waddle | DeVonta Smith | ❌ |
| 7 | Lions | Penei Sewell | Sewell (LAC) | ↔️ |
| 8 | Panthers | Jaycee Horn | Justin Fields | ❌ |
| 9 | Broncos | Patrick Surtain II | Micah Parsons | ❌ |
| 10 | Eagles | DeVonta Smith | Jaylen Waddle | ❌ |
| 11 | Bears (via NYG) | Justin Fields | Rashawn Slater (NYG) | ❌ |
| 12 | Cowboys | Micah Parsons | Patrick Surtain II | ❌ |
| 13 | Chargers | Rashawn Slater | Kwity Paye (DET) | ❌ |
| 14 | Jets (from MIN) | Alijah Vera-Tucker | Christian Barmore (MIN) | ❌ |
| 15 | Patriots | Mac Jones | Jones | ✔️ |
| 16 | Cardinals | Zaven Collins | Jaycee Horn | ❌ |
| 17 | Raiders | Alex Leatherwood | Christian Darrisaw | ❌ |
| 18 | Dolphins | Jaelen Phillips | Alijah Vera-Tucker | ❌ |
| 19 | Washington | Jamin Davis | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | ❌ |
| 20 | Giants (from CHI) | Kadarius Toney | Teven Jenkins (CHI) | ❌ |
| 21 | Colts | Kwity Paye | Liam Eichenberg | ❌ |
| 22 | Titans | Caleb Farley | Samuel Cosmi | ❌ |
| 23 | Vikings (from NYJ thru SEA) | Christian Darrisaw | Greg Newsome (NYJ) | ❌ |
| 24 | Steelers | Najee Harris | Travis Etienne | ❌ |
| 25 | Jaguars (from LAR) | Travis Etienne | Trevon Moehrig | ❌ |
| 26 | Browns | Greg Newsome II | Azeez Ojulari | ❌ |
| 27 | Ravens | Rashod Bateman | Caleb Farley | ❌ |
| 28 | Saints | Payton Turner | Zaven Collins | ❌ |
| 29 | Packers | Eric Stokes | Elijah Moore | ❌ |
| 30 | Bills | Greg Rousseau | Rousseau | ✔️ |
| 31 | Ravens (from KC) | Odafe Oweh | Rashod Bateman (Pick 27) | ↔️ |
| 32 | Buccaneers | Joe Tryon | Jaelan Phillips | ❌ |
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results: 7-23-2
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 12-20
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