NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 4 (Final Edition)

Travon Walker, No. 2 to Detroit

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Fast-rising defensive linemen Travon Walker recently became the betting favorite to No. 1 in this week's NFL Draft, but those rumors seem like more smoke without fire than anything else to me. Aidan Hutchinson has consistently been the top name across most draft boards and offers Jacksonville a proven commodity with an extremely high floor. 

Previous Selection: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Other Possibility: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

2. Detroit Lions

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Walker's quick ascent up draft boards has been one of the most interesting storylines of the pre-Draft process. He was a solid contributor during his time in Athens, but never jumped out at you. To be fair, he was playing on one of the best college defenses of all-time, but his tremendous showing at the Combine was really what vaulted him into No. 1 discussion. Detroit needs help everywhere, so I think they'll go for whoever they believe is the best player available at this spot, leaving it down to Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Previous Selection: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Other Possibility: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

3. Houston Texans

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The mystery at the top of this Draft continues with Houston, who could choose between Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu on the O-Line, or instead take one of the top pass rushers. It will be tough to pass up on Thibodeaux, but the fact of the matter is that Houston needs significant offensive help and Neal is among the most hyped offensive line prospects of the past decade.

Previous Selection: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Other Possibility: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

4. New York Jets

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

For most of the 2021 college football campaign, Kayvon Thibodeaux was viewed as the top prospect of this cycle. He has been absolutely picked apart in the pre-Draft process, more than just about any other likely Top 10 selection, but I'd be floored if he makes it out of the Top 5. He has astounding physical traits and while some question his work ethic, his college tape speaks for itself.

Previous Selection: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Other Possibility: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

5. New York Giants

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

For years, the Giants have tried investing in their offensive line, without much luck. They rid themselves of veteran Nate Solder's hefty contract over the offseason and could find his replacement here in the form of Ikem Ekwonu. The NC State product can play just about any position on the O-Line and has one of the highest floors of any prospect in this Draft.

Previous Selection: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

Other Possibility: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

6. Carolina Panthers

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

I've said for awhile that when all things are all said and done, I believed Malik Willis was going to be the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. Well, here we are in the final mock of the year, and Willis goes off the board to Carolina. The Panthers know Sam Darnold is not the answer and Willis' skillset is superstar-esque, if he can round out the finer parts of his game.

Previous Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Other Possibility: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7. New York Giants

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

After addressing the offensive line earlier on, New York focuses on their next significant need: defensive back. Kyle Hamilton could certainly be in play at this spot, but corner appears to be the more obvious answer. While I have Gardner higher on my own board, Derek Stingley Jr. has a bunch of fans among NFL personnel, and I think he will be the top CB taken.

Previous Selection: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

8. Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Atlanta's one of those teams in the first round that could go just about anywhere with their first selection. They could address offense by going either quarterback or receiver here, although Marcus Mariota looks like he'll be the bridge QB in 2022. Pass rusher or corner is also a possibility, considering they have needs at those spots. With so much mystery around this pick, best player available seems like the best way to hedge your bets. Hamilton is my No. 1 player, regardless of position, in this Draft and gives Atlanta an immediate impact player on the back-end.

Previous Selection: Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

Other Possibility: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

9. Seattle Seahawks

Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

Seattle appears to be entering a sizable rebuild after trading Russell Wilson this offseason, meaning they're yet another team that could go plenty of different directions. My bet is they invest in a pass rusher with this selection, and the Seahawks and Jermaine Johnson II have been linked for some time. Johnson went the JUCO route and played at Georgia before a breakout 2021 at Florida State.

Previous Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

After going defense with the No. 4 pick, the logical move for the Jets would be offense with this selection. The Jets have been linked to both Tyreek Hill and D.K. Metcalf over the offseason, but weren't able to come to a trade agreement for either. Instead, they get their wide out No. 1 of the future in Garrett Wilson, the top in this class.

Previous Selection: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

11. Washington Commanders

Drake London, WR, USC

It would be ideal for Washington if either Kyle Hamilton or Derek Stingley Jr. were to drop to them at this spot, but I think the chances of that happening are slim. They could still choose to address the defensive backfield with Ahmad Gardner, but receiver makes more sense. Drake London is a big, physical target on the perimeter who could give Carson Wentz much-needed help.

Previous Selection: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

12. Minnesota Vikings

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Most mocks I've seen have both Stingley Jr. and Gardner gone before this selection. But I'd be surprised if the trio of Stingley, Gardner, and Hamilton were all gone; one of them has to drop. If it's Gardner, the Vikings don't wait on a chance to add an impact defender to their aging secondary. As a lukewarm Vikings fan, this is also a bit of a selfish pick for me, as Gardner is among my favorite players in this Draft.

Previous Selection: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

13. Houston Texans

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Outside of offensive line, Houston has two clear need areas: receiver and pass rusher. With most of the big-name pass rushers gone and with Neal taken earlier, wide out seems the likely route. Chris Olave has a fairly wide range where he could go, but he's a proven playmaker who I envision having a long NFL career. He's so polished, he could immediately be their top weapon, supplanting Brandin Cooks.

Previous Selection: Drake London, WR, USC

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

14. Baltimore Ravens

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

I'm conflicted here; I think Baltimore will go either offensive line or defensive line with this pick, but that only narrows things down so much. I've had Jordan Davis mocked in the past here, but with Charles Cross, Tyler Linderbaum, and Trevor Penning all available, O-Line seems the likelier route. If I were the GM, Linderbaum would be my pick, but Penning seems like a Ravens prospect to me.

Previous Selection: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

Other Possibility: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

It's easy to forget that Jordan Davis, not Travon Walker, was the most dominant defensive linemen on Georgia last season, and an All-American. The gigantic interior D-Linemen has been linked to several different teams around this range, with Philadelphia seeming like a good fit. He's the likely long-term replacement for Fletcher Cox, who was cut earlier this offseason before coming back on a one-year deal.

Previous Selection: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

16. New Orleans Saints

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

There's not an obvious landing spot for Kenny Pickett if Carolina doesn't take him at six. Atlanta or Seattle are the most likely places if another team doesn't trade up, but those teams seem to be interested in addressing other needs. With that being said, there's no way Pickett should last outside the Top 20 and while the Saints seem content with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston for now, his value at this spot is too good to pass up.

Previous Selection: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Other Possibility: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Although the Chargers invested a high-draft selection in tackle Rashawn Slater a year ago, the offensive line still needs reinforcements to adequately protect Justin Herbert. Most of the big names are gone, but Charles Cross offers great value here. He could go in the Top 10 or slide a bit, depending on team needs and what teams think of Trevor Penning.

Previous Selection: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Other Possibility: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

18. Philadelphia Eagles

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

While the Jordan Davis selection shores up Philly's D-Line, the secondary is getting old, fast. Adding a young, polished corner such as Trent McDuffie is an ideal move for the Eagles. McDuffie seems to be slowly ascending up draft boards and could fall somewhere in the Top 15, but this spot makes even more sense.

Previous Selection: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Other Possibility: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

19. New Orleans Saints

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Already addressing their passing game earlier by adding Kenny Pickett, New Orleans finds a franchise receiver for him in Jameson Williams. Williams probably won't be ready for the start of the 2022 campaign, but the former Ohio State transfer is a game-changer who will add some explosiveness to a mediocre Saint receiver corps.

Previous Selection: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Other Possibility: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Pittsburgh waited a long time on a long-term replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, but with "Big Ben" officially retired, they can't hold off any longer. Enter Desmond Ridder, the winngest QB in Cincinnati school history, who improved every single season in the college ranks. There's not a lot of flash in his game, but he's a reliable, well-rounded signal-caller who wins.

Previous Selection: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Other Possibility: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

21. New England Patriots

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

New England's defense wasn't bad by any means in 2021, but their lack of speed and athleticism proved to be a real issue against the elites of the AFC. Expect them to fix that early on by adding Utah's Devin Lloyd, a proven defender with tremendous sideline-to-sideline range. Lloyd just has the feel of a Patriot prospect and would fit in nicely on this defense.

Previous Selection: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Other Possibility: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

22. Green Bay Packers

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Treylon Burks seems to be sliding down draft boards late in the process, but the former Arkansas Razorback should still land somewhere in the first round. Green Bay is almost definitely going to take a receiver with one of their first-round selections and I don't see them waiting. Considering how productive Burks was in college while playing with mediocre to plain bad quarterback play, he could put up numbers in Green Bay.

Previous Selection: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Other Possibility: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

23. Arizona Cardinals

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Despite being rated as my No. 2 pass rusher in this Draft, there's a chance George Karlaftis could slide outside of the Top 20 based on team need and fit. That's great news for Arizona, who is leaning heavily on an aging J.J. Watt. Karlaftis can come in and play right from the get-go, as he did at Purdue, when he tallied 17 tackles for loss as a true freshman.

Previous Selection: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

24. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

I completely understand that drafting a center in the first round isn't a great value play, but Tyler Linderbaum is an exception. It's hard to accurately portray just how dominant he was during his tenure in Iowa City, and he should have a long NFL career. Dallas could use some extra help in the interior O-Line, making this one a no-brainer.

Previous Selection: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Other Possibility: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

25. Buffalo Bills

Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

With Levi Wallace gone and Tre'Davious White coming off a torn ACL, Buffalo needs to address the cornerback position early on in this Draft. They'd love if Trent McDuffie were to slide down to them at this spot, but I find that highly unlikely, particularly if Stingley and Gardner go early. Instead, the Bills get the ultra-versatile Daxton Hill, a well-rounded defender who can play either corner or safety in the pros.

Previous Selection: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Other Possibility: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

26. Tennessee Titans

Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

Tennessee lost a pair of starters along the offensive line over the offseason, leaving them a little thin for a team that leans on a power-run game to set up their entire offense. While last year's second-rounder Dillon Radunz is likely to be elevated to a starting role, the Titans could still choose to address this position by taking Boston College's Zion Johnson.

Previous Selection: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Other Possibility: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

I've had offensive line mocked to Tampa for some time now, but with all the defensive talent available at this spot, it's going to be hard to pass up. Devonte Wyatt is a quality selection at this juncture in the Draft; he can play multiple spots along the D-Line and has a high floor. If not for all the talent around him on that Georgia defense, he would probably go even higher.

Previous Selection: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Other Possibility: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

After drafting a receiver earlier, Green Bay's second first-rounder is more of a question. My feeling is they'll go best player available here and despite tearing his Achilles in the pre-Draft process, that's got to be David Ojabo. Ojabo was more than a complement to Aidan Hutchinson; he was one of the premier pass rushers in college football and would have been a Top 10 pick prior to his injury.

Previous Selection: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

Other Possibility: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Although Kansas City patched up the wide receiver corps by bringing in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marques Valdes-Scantling, they will be temped by this deep receiver group. Patrick Mahomes is talented enough to make any receiver corps work, but adding a dynamic weapon like Jahan Dotson would make this offense even more potent.

Previous Selection: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Other Possibility: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Yet another Georgia Bulldog finds their way into the first round, this time being safety Lewis Cine. Even though the Chiefs brought in Justin Reid to fill the hole vacated by Tyrann Mathieu, this is a defense that relies heavily on the safeties. Expect Cine to come in and play big snaps right away, providing Kansas City with an absolute punisher on the back-end.

Previous Selection: Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

Other Possibility: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

No matter your thoughts on Eli Apple's antics, there seems to be broad agreement that he's a below-average cornerback. For a team that wants to compete with the elites of the AFC, the Bengals can't keep sending out Apple in big moments. Instead, they bring on Andrew Booth Jr., who seems to be the consensus No. 4 corner in this Draft, even if I'm not as high on him as others.

Previous Selection: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Other Possibility: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

32. Detroit Lions

Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

If I had to put my money on it, I'd suspect Detroit probably trades this pick to a team looking to trade into the back-half of the first round for a QB. If they stick firm and most of the big name quarterbacks and defensive backs are gone, receiver makes the most sense. Christian Watson is no Calvin Johnson, but his imposing frame and his vast catch radius may remind some Lions fans of "Megatron."

Previous Selection: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Other Possibility: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

NFL Draft 2022: Defensive Player Position Rankings

Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

Defensive Linemen

1. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan -- Aidan Hutchinson could have left for the NFL in the spring of 2021 and be a first-round selection, but he instead decided to stay for one more year in Ann Arbor. The decision paid off, as Hutchinson was the leader of a CFB Playoff team and earned himself a seat at the Heisman ceremony. He's now the betting favorite to be the top selection next week and for good reason; the defensive end has the size, strength, and explosive first step needed to be an elite NFL edge rusher. He's not necessarily as freaky of an athlete as other top pass rushers in this cycle, but checks just about every box and has the highest ceiling of any defender in this Draft.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. George Karlaftis, Purdue -- George Karlaftis remains a forgotten name in this 2022 Draft. He's still likely to land somewhere in the Top 15, but I still think he has major steal potential. Karlaftis was high-profile recruit out of high school who chose to stay local with the Boilermakers. He started Day One for Purdue and was a three-year contributor. Despite facing double and triple teams at every opportunity in West Lafayette, Karlafts often dominated his competition and was regularly the best player on the field. He projects even better to the next level, as he's got the physical tools to continue it on to the next level and is just scratching the surface of what he can be as a football player.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon -- Kayvon Thibodeaux was the nation's top recruit before enrolling at Oregon and after a stellar career in Eugene, looks set to land somewhere in the Top 5 this spring. The physical traits are astounding; he's 6'5" and a hair under 260 pounds, but moves like someone 50 pounds lighter. He's got long arms to clog up passing lanes and is a decent run defender, despite being known for his pass rushing prowess. I have Thibodeaux rated slightly below both Hutchinson and Karlaftis because I think his floor may be lower than that pair, but I believe his ceiling is also higher than those two. He's in many ways a "boom-or-bust" prospect in my eyes, but I have a feeling the chance he "booms" is pretty high.

Projected Range: Early first round

4. Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State -- Want a reminder of just how talented this Georgia defense has been over the last several years? Jermaine Johnson II was a former Bulldog who left the loaded UGA front seven and had a career year at Florida State, with 70 total tackles and 12 sacks. He's now trending in the Top 10, and it's understandable to see why. The one-time junior college product has a limitless motor off the edge and a true nose for the football. He has the versatility you can imagine him playing either stand-up outside linebacker or traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, finding a way to produce at either spot. 

Projected Range: Early to late first round

5. Travon Walker, Georgia -- Every year, we see prospects rise at the right time in the Draft process and this year, it looks like one of those examples is Georgia's Travon Walker. A strong pre-Draft performance has him rising into Top 5 category, and there's even some that believe he could land in the Top 3. Scouts rave about his physical tools and potential in the long-term, even if he didn't get a chance to truly shine in Athens. That's not a knock against Walker; he was playing on a defense that could see as many as five first-rounders and may be go down as one of the best defenses in college football history. 

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

Linebackers

1. Nakobe Dean, Georgia -- Speaking of that dominant Georgia defense, how about Nakobe Dean? The former high-profile recruit was all the Bulldogs could have hoped for during his collegiate career, wrapping it up by winning the Butkus Award and earning All-American honors. He's clearly the top linebacker in this group in my mind, an absolute specimen with limitless range and decent coverage ability. Dean could theoretically play either inside or outside linebacker in the NFL at a high level and at 21, he could be getting even better. There aren't a ton of teams in the first round that have an obvious need at linebacker, which means he could slide some, but he's still a first-round lock.

Projected Range: Mid to late first round

2. Devin Lloyd, Utah -- Devin Lloyd is the other linebacker in this cycle who has a legit chance to go No. 1. He's not quite as flashy of a prospect as Dean, but was extremely productive throughout his collegiate career and checks a lot of boxes. Lloyd isn't as physically gifted as Dean, but is an intelligent, well-rounded defender who could fit in a wide range of NFL defenses. The ceiling isn't quite as high as Dean, but the floor is high, and he should find himself as a quality NFL defender for years to come.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

3. Christian Harris, Alabama -- There's a drop off here after the top two linebackers, but Alabama's Christian Harris is still worthy of an early Day Two pick. The injury to Dylan Moses in 2019 forced Harris into a premier role earlier than expected and he proved to be a twitchy, hard-hitting defender with elite closing speed. After a productive 2020, Harris was expected to be a Butkus Award frontrunner and while he was solid, he didn't quite live up to expectations. Even so, he looks to be the next in a long line of Alabama inside 'backers set to move onto the pros and have a quality career.

Projected Range: Early second to early third round

4. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma -- There seems to be a large variance in how NFL scouts view Oklahoma's Nik Bonitto. He was a dominant force throughout his time in Norman as a ferocious, pass-rushing outside linebacker, but how he projects to the NFL is slightly unclear. He's undersized for the pros at 240 pounds and hasn't demonstrated his football IQ is at the levels of others in this Draft. As a college football fan, I may be slightly biased based on what Bonitto did in the collegiate ranks, but I believe he can be a highly productive pro. I'm not sure if Bonitto will be an every-down linebacker, but he could be the type of specialized pass rusher that have grown in popularity in recent years.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

5. Damone Clark, LSU -- Even as LSU suffered a pair of frustrating seasons in 2020 and 2021, Damone Clark proved to be a real bright spot. He was particularly impressive in 2021, as he totaled 136 tackles and notched 5.5 sacks on an inconsistent defense. At 6'3", 240 pounds with superb range, he should be a tackling machine in the NFL. With that being said, I do wonder whether his production in college was more about playing on poor defenses than being a truly elite defender. Even though his numbers were strong, Clark didn't impact games the way you might expect, which I worry could carry on into the professional level.

Projected Range: Early second to mid-third round

Cornerbacks

1. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati -- The term "shutdown corner" is thrown around a lot when it comes to discussing defensive backs, but few players fit the definition quite like Gardner. Gardner did not allow a single touchdown pass in coverage throughout his time at Cincinnati, despite starting since he was a true freshman. It wasn't like teams weren't throwing at Gardner either; he totaled 16 pass deflections and nine interceptions during his three-year career. Sure, the NFL is a different challenge than American Athletic Conference football, but teams shouldn't overthink this. "Sauce" Gardner is a proven prospect with the size and intelligence to have a long career.

Projected Range: Mid to late first round

2. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU -- Few schools in the country have produced elite defensive backs at the rate LSU has the past decade-plus and after a superb freshman campaign, people assumed Derek Stingley Jr. was next in line. In fact, the corner was so good as a true freshman on the 2019 National Championship team, there was legit Heisman discussion entering 2020. Stingley wasn't able to quite build on that, putting up two solid, but rather underwhelming, seasons in response. To be fair, Stingley did suffer through injuries the last two years and played on a 2020 LSU defense that was ill-equipped to be successful, but his play soured some people's view. I still like Stingley as a prospect, but believe the value for corners in the modern NFL makes him a reach in the Top 5. He has higher bust potential in my mind than Gardner, which is why I place him second in the position group.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Trent McDuffie, Washington -- Speaking of schools that produce a lot of elite defensive backs, how about Washington? The program has been an absolute factory for NFL defensive backs this past decade and Trent McDuffie appears to be the next. He's a prospect without very many weaknesses in his game; he was extremely consistent throughout his time in college, and has the athleticism and ball skills that should translate to the next level. There's extra added value with McDuffie, as he returned punts in college and proved to be a real special teams weapon. Even if that's not in the cards in the NFL, it adds an extra element to a really well-built corner.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

4. Roger McCreary, Auburn -- If you're a cornerback-needy team in the late first or early second, I don't think you could go wrong with Auburn's Roger McCreary. He quietly had a very productive career on the Plains and despite being undersized, should be a good fit in the pros. McCreary is incredibly quick and a hard-hitting defender, but his lack of elite speed on the perimeter probably projects him more as a nickel corner in the NFL than anything else. That may limit is value overall, but I like him a lot as a low-risk, high-reward piece in early Day Two.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Kaiir Elam, Florida -- Florida had some of their worst defenses in school history the past two seasons, but that shouldn't be a negative reflection of Kaiir Elam, who was regularly the best defender on the field at UF. There's just something about the way Elam plays; he's a smooth athlete with proven coverage skills who plays with a certain swagger. He seemed to play some of his best ball at the biggest moments (just watch his Alabama tape) and has a diverse skillset. Most mocks have Elam landing somewhere in the first or second, which seems like a fair match for what he will bring to the pros.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

Safeties

1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame -- My favorite player in this Draft, regardless of position, is none other than Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton played immediately as a true freshman and had a stellar three-year career for the Irish, operating as their leader on the back-end. During his time with Notre Dame, Hamilton proved that he had true sideline-to-sideline range with elite closing speed, impressive instincts, and tremendous ball skills. He also showed that not only was he a proven commodity in pass defense, he could come up and make plays in run support. At 6'4", 220 pounds, Hamilton already has the look of an NFL veteran and should be an ideal fit in just about any NFL defensive scheme. No matter where he lands, I have no doubt he's going to make an immediate impact.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State -- Jaquan Brisker is a great story, a player who put up mind-boggling numbers in high school but due to academics, was forced to spend two seasons at Lackawanna Community College. He didn't stop those early struggles from a successful football career, earning JUCO All-American honors before getting a shot at hometown Penn State, where was a three-year contributor and two-year starter. Brisker now has a chance to sneak into the late first round, although he's more than likely a second day selection. He's a well-built, instinctive safety who isn't afraid to get downhill and make a big hit. Considering this safety class is fairly thin behind Hamilton, he easily takes the cake as the second best in this position group.

Projected Range: Early second to late third round

3. Jalen Pitre, Baylor -- One player I'm surprised isn't getting more attention is Baylor product Jalen Pitre. He was an unheralded recruit coming out of high school who grew into one of the best defensive backs in the nation, earning All-American honors and winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He followed that up with strong performances at both the Senior Bowl and Combine, yet projects firmly as a mid-round pick, if not later. Sure, he is slightly undersized at under 200 pounds and had previous injury concerns, but he's a hard-working defender who got better each year in college. I don't envision him as a Pro-Bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but think he can certainly carve out a nice career in college.

Projected Range: Early third to early fifth round

4. Lewis Cine, Georgia -- Plenty of NFL folks have Lewis Cine going somewhere in the first two rounds, set to become a high Draft selection. I'm lukewarm on Cine as a prospect; he's got size, good athleticism and is a ferocious competitor, but he was pretty inconsistent in college and is a bit of a tweener. I'm not sure whether free or strong safety is his future spot, although I do believe he should be able to pick things up quickly. There's rumors that NFL people are very high on Cine so I wouldn't be shocked if he's a late first-rounder or very early second-rounder.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Bryan Cook, Cincinnati -- Often the forgotten man in a Cincinnati secondary that included Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant, Bryan Cook is an underrated prospect in this cycle. He's a former transfer from Howard who had a breakout 2021, earning All-AAC honors after a campaign in which he had 93 tackles and nine pass deflections. Cook doesn't jump off the page athletically at you, but he's an intelligent football player who is exceptional in run support. NFL teams are also high on his mentality and mindset for the game, as a real leader on the back-end. He's probably a mid-round guy, but has the skillset to develop into a reliable NFL starting safety.

Projected Range: Mid-third round to early fifth round

NFL Draft 2022: Offensive Player Position Rankings

Malik Willis, Liberty

Spring has sprung across most of the United States, which means that the NFL Draft is right around the corner. This year's draft process has returned to normalcy after the wacky 2020 and 2021 editions, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of intrigue throughout the first round. In preparation for the impending event, it's time for my definitive rankings of each position group, beginning with the offense. It's important to note that this isn't the order I envision players to be drafted in, but instead where I would draft them if     I were an NFL GM. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Quarterbacks

1. Malik Willis, Liberty -- In an underwhelming quarterback class, Malik Willis takes the cake as the best signal-caller available. The former Auburn Tiger had an extremely productive career at Liberty, and has now caught the attention of NFL scouts with his electrifying playmaking ability and huge arm. That doesn't mean he's a perfect prospect; his mechanics are funky and his decision-making was suspect throughout his collegiate career. However, he's the one quarterback in this Draft that I could envision being a true superstar, even if the bust potential is similarly high. He reminds me of Robert Griffin III coming out college, even if he wasn't quite as accomplished. Willis is an even better fit in the modern NFL than Griffin was out of college and as long as he can stay healthy, I think he's worthy of a Top 10 selection this spring.

Projected Range: Early to late first round

2. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh -- Kenny Pickett is a prime example of how quickly opinions can change about quarterback prospects. For much of his Pittsburgh career, he was an average, rather underwhelming Power Five QB who didn't seem to have much of an NFL future. Then came the 2021 season, where he exploded for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns en route to being a Heisman finalist. He's now the favorite to be the top QB off the board in the Draft and likely a first-round lock. I can understand why Pickett has garnered significant support among NFL decision-makers; he's always had an accurate arm and poise in the pocket, while playing with a certain swagger and energy that you can't teach. Yet, I have him rated lower than Willis because I don't think the ceiling is quite there. I have a feeling Pickett will be a solid NFL quarterback with a long career, but I don't see him ever being a true superstar. With that being said, a huge portion of the league would love a stable, well-built quarterback like him leading the way.

Projected Range: Early to late first round

3. Carson Strong, Nevada -- Behind Willis and Pickett, there's a drop-off in quality of quarterback prospects in this class, but Carson Strong could be a huge steal, especially if he lasts until the second or third round like some are projecting. The Nevada product isn't an elite athlete and there are reports his medicals have been cause for concern, but he's 6'4" with potentially the best natural arm talent of this cycle. He put up monster numbers throughout his Nevada career and has followed that up with solid showings throughout the NFL Draft process. I've seen Strong compared to Phillip Rivers and I think it's an apt comparison; he doesn't move well in the pocket, but has a proven body of work in college and a great arm. How quickly he can pick up an NFL offense will determine what type of impact he'll be able to make early on at the next level.

Projected Range: Late first to mid-third round

4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss -- Matt Corral is a prospect you will hear a lot of differing opinions on. Some scouts love his arm talent and mobility, while others question his decision-making and fit in an NFL offense. I think you're going to have to weigh both sides of the equation with Corral. He makes some jaw-dropping plays, but many of the fundamental parts of his game still need plenty of refinement. It would be ideal if he landed in a scenario where he was able to take a "redshirt" year and learn behind a veteran QB, but that isn't always the reality of the modern NFL. 

Projected Range: Mid-first to mid-second round

5. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati -- As the winningest quarterback in Cincinnati school history and the first QB to lead a Group of Five program to the CFB Playoff, Desmond Ridder will always be somewhat of a living legend in college football lore. As for his NFL future, there's a lot to like and, of course, plenty that he needs to work on. He's a well-rounded quarterback who moves extremely well for his size and was extremely consistent in college. Ridder does need to prove he can throw the deep ball more consistently, something he wasn't asked to do much in the collegiate ranks, and also polish off his mechanics. With that being said, one thing I really like about him is the fact he improved each and every year while at Cincinnati. That doesn't mean he's an elite quarterback prospect, but demonstrates a certain work ethic and willingness to learn that should serve him well as he prepares for the next step.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round

Sleeper: Jack Coan, Notre Dame -- There's nothing flashy about the way Jack Coan plays, but the former Wisconsin and Notre Dame quarterback had a productive college career and should carve himself a backup role somewhere in the NFL. Coan has a decent arm, tremendous pocket awareness, and is a much better athlete than most give him credit for. He didn't put up gaudy numbers in college playing on run-first teams, but proved to be more than capable of running the show. He's likely to land somewhere in the late rounds, but is worth a flier for any team looking for an intelligent, capable quarterback to fill out their roster.

Projected Range: Early fifth to early seventh round

Running backs

1. Breece Hall, Iowa State -- Much like quarterback, this is not exactly a banner year for running backs, but Breece Hall is a proven commodity who was an absolute workhorse at Iowa State. Hall's known as a power back, but he has displayed decent shiftiness and open-field speed when needed. He's also a decent pass-catcher out of the backfield, as well as solid pass blocker. I don't expect Hall to ever round into an All-Pro tailback, but could certainly see him landing somewhere as an every down option for a power-run team. Don't expect to see him sneak into the first round, but Hall is likely to find his name called anytime shortly after.

Projected Range: Early second to early third round

2. James Cook, Georgia --  Zamir White is the Georgia back likely to go higher in this Draft but if I were an NFL GM, James Cook would be my choice. Dalvin's younger brother has electrifying playmaking potential, even if he wasn't able to show it very often while in Athens. Cook has elite open-field speed and explosiveness, and had a knack for breaking off huge runs for the Bulldogs. He's a tremendous pass-catcher out of the backfield and has the versatility to help offenses in countless ways. To me, he's reminiscent of Reggie Bush coming out of college, but obviously without all the accolades or the top-end speed. 

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

3. Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama -- It's no secret Alabama has had a long run of elite tailbacks, but with a mixed track record of success in the NFL. Robinson is no Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, but the Tide product had a long 'Bama career and proved to be more than capable. He's not known for his speed, but relies more on excellent vision, patience, and superb burst through the hole. Robinson was overshadowed by the success of his backfield mate, Heisman-winning Bryce Young, but still proved his worth with a 1,300-yard, 14 touchdown campaign. I think Robinson has a chance to settle in as more of a third-down tailback than anything else, although I think he's being a little too overlooked at this point in the process.

Projected Range: Early third to early fifth round

4. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State -- Few players in college football had the type of season Kenneth Walker III had in 2021. After sharing the backfield during his time at Wake Forest, Walker exploded this fall, running for over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns as Michigan State went 11-2 and won a New Year's Six bowl. While I understand why Bryce Young won the Heisman, to my mind Walker was the most consistently great player in college football all season long, with the lone exception being the Ohio State loss. He helped himself out with a strong performance at the NFL Combine, but is still likely a mid-round pick right now. There may be some concerns that his 2021 was merely a fluke, but there's no doubt in my mind he can be a productive NFL tailback. Simply look back to that Michigan game; against a defense full of future NFL players (including potential No. 1 selection Aidan Hutchinson) Walker went for nearly 200 yards and totaled five scores.

Projected Range: Late second to late fourth round

5. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame -- Kyren Williams burst onto the scene in 2020, as the surprise starter went for over 1,100 yards for the Playoff-bound Irish during the shortened COVID campaign. Although he still notched over 1,000 again last fall, it wasn't quite the encore some had hoped for the redshirt sophomore. As he looks ahead towards the NFL, teams are wary about his size and scheme fit at the next level. Fair concerns, but I'm higher on Williams than a lot of NFL personnel seem to be. He's a compact back with adequate quickness who does the little things, such as pass blocking, extremely well. I see a lot of Austin Ekeler in the way he plays and while he won't be a high draft selection, should offer great late-round value.

Projected Range: Early fourth to late sixth round

Sleeper: Max Borghi, Washington State -- After a solid career at Washington State, Max Borghi enters the NFL Draft as an unheralded name who could surprise some folks. He was often underutilized with the Cougars, spending most of his time in the Mike Leach Air Raid offense and struggling through injury. He offers plenty of playmaking potential as a shifty, elusive runner with decent burst. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, as evidenced by monster catching numbers in the Leach offense. Borghi is viewed more as a likely special teams weapon than anything else, but he could surprise some folks if he lands in the right spot.

Projected Range: Early fifth to late seventh round

Receivers

1. Garrett Wilson -- This receiver group isn't as strong as the last few editions, but Garrett Wilson is still worthy of a Top 10-15 selection in my eyes. Even though he split targets with Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wilson was highly productive throughout his time in Columbus, thanks in large part to his elite speed and deep threat ability. He's got a gigantic catch radius and despite not being the largest guy on the field, his ability to jump out of the stadium makes him a liability against any type of defender. The thing is, I think he's still growing as a receiver, and may just be scratching the surface. 

Projected Range: Early to late first round

2. Jameson Williams -- If not for a torn ACL suffered in the National Championship Game, Jameson Williams would seriously challenge Wilson for the top spot. Even with his future somewhat in question, the former Ohio State transfer is one of the best wide outs in this class. He got an opportunity to fully blossom after moving on to Alabama and put together a monster season. In my mind, he was the best receiver in college football this fall, and should have the Biletnikoff Award winner. Williams' mix of size and speed makes him a matchup nightmare, and he's the type of receiver who will fit in just about any scheme.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

3. Treylon Burks -- Most mocks have Treylon Burks going somewhere in the Top 15-20 and yet I still feel as though the Arkansas product is slightly underrated. He was a three-year contributor on Arkansas teams that were either terrible, like the 2019 group, or one-dimensional offensively, like the 2020 and 2021 teams. It's not the production either, he has ideal size-speed ratio, standing at 6'3", 225 pounds, but still proving to be an explosive weapon in the open field. Burks didn't run as well at the Combine, which has threatened to drop him to the late first round, but if you watch any of his tape in school, there's no question he's got burners.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

4. George Pickens -- If not for missing most of the 2021 college football season, George Pickens would have likely been a first-round lock in this Draft. Even with the injury costing him so much, Pickens still looks like he has a good chance to sneak into the bottom half of the first round. He's possibly the most purely talented receiver in the class and showcased vast potential with Georgia, but the primary concern surrounding him is maturity questions. There were several cases during his time with the Bulldogs that he made boneheaded moves that ended up costing the team. Pickens has some growing up to do and recovering from a torn ACL hasn't helped him in the pre-Draft process, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being one of the steals of this Draft.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Chris Olave -- Chris Olave had an illustrious Ohio State career, finishing with 2,711 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns, despite splitting targets and also playing during the shortened 2020 campaign. He's likely to go below his two former teammates in Wilson and Williams, but should still land somewhere in the first. Olave is a polished route runner with sure hands and while he doesn't have elite top-end speed, he can still move very well. Olave may not have the ceiling of other receivers in this group, but I think he will have a long, productive NFL career.

Projected Range: Mid-first to mid-second round

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama

A two-star prospect coming out of high school, Jalen Tolbert has exceeded expectations every step of playing career. After having a breakout 2019, Tolbert followed that up with two more stellar seasons for South Alabama, including going for 1,474 yards in 2021. Tolbert has then continued to improve his draft stock with strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, likely locking him in somewhere around the mid-rounds. Although he isn't the largest receiver at 6'1", 195 pounds, he's a smooth athlete who looks the part. He had occasional problems with drops during his South Alabama career, but the production speaks for itself. Even in a deep receiver class, Tolbert should be worthy of consideration within the first three rounds.

Projected Range: Late second to early fourth round

Tight Ends

1. Trey McBride, Colorado State -- Even on a Colorado State team that has suffered some rough years in recent memory, Trey McBride proved to be one of the best tight ends anywhere in the nation. He led FBS tight ends with 90 receptions for 1,121 yards this past fall and has the clear John Mackey Award winner, even with suspect play at the quarterback position. As he prepares for the NFL, scouts have no doubt that his reliable hands and proven route running ability will make him a worthy weapon for years to come. He isn't as strong of a blocker as you'd like to see at this point in his career but with the way the NFL is moving, I'm not sure that's a huge issue. I see McBride as an early second round prospect who offers excellent value, likely to have a long pro career.

Projected Range: Early second to late third round

2. Cade Otton, Washington -- Viewed by many as one of the top tight ends in the country before a quiet 2021, a lot of people seem to have forgotten about Cade Otton. In some ways, it's understandable; Washington was one of the most disappointing teams in college football this past season, their passing game was nonexistent, and Otton also missed time with COVID. However, somebody is going to be getting a steal in the mid-rounds with this guy. Although Otton isn't quite as athletic as others in this Draft, he's a tough, gritty competitor with soft hands. He's a well-rounded tight end prospect who could fit in just about any NFL offense and move the chains. I think he could be one of the major steals of this cycle nobody is talking about.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

3. Greg Dulcich, UCLA -- Greg Dulcich is a name that seems to be trending at the right time, as he's looking like an early Day Two pick. It's fair to see why there is interest in the UCLA product; he had a strong Bruin career, has great size, and excellent open field speed for the position. There were times throughout his career at UCLA where he looked and played more like a large boundary receiver than true tight end, and I think NFL teams can be creative with how they use him.

Projected Range: Mid-second to late third round

4. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina -- One of the primary reasons for Coastal Carolina's success the last two seasons, Isaiah Likely has the tools to be a very productive NFL tight end. He's one of, if not the, fastest players at his position in this Draft and his ability to contort his body and make contested catches is something you don't see often from tight ends like him. If there is one thing he clearly needs to work on it's his blocking ability, which is way below where it should be at this point in his career. If he doesn't round that out, he's more than likely a situational tight end than every-down starter,

Projected Range: Late third to early fifth round

5. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M -- One of the players I'm most conflicted about in this Draft is Texas A&M product Jalen Wydermyer. On one hand, he put up consistently great numbers during his Aggie career and isn't your typical tight end. On the other, he played in a Jimbo Fisher offense that absolutely leans on tight ends, likely inflating his numbers. Plus, he had a lot more drops in 2021 than previous years, so it's hard to tell whether that was an aberration or a reality of him as a player. Wydermyer still is a good athlete with a lot of the physical tools you like in a modern TE, but I'm not super sold on him going any higher than Day Three.

Projected Range: Early fourth to early sixth round

Sleeper: Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin -- As a Minnesota Gopher fan, I know first-hand the type of impact Jake Ferguson can have on the gridiron. The Wisconsin Badger product put together an impressive career in Madison, but is viewed more as a late round possibility than anything else. He doesn't jump off the page athletically like others in this class and the route running needs work, but I could certainly see a future for him in the pros. He has a lot of the tools necessary to be a real red zone presence and should be able to carve out a niche role somewhere in this league.

Projected Range: Early sixth round to undrafted

Offensive Line

1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC State -- While most NFL personnel view Evan Neal as the top offensive linemen in this Draft, Ikem Ekwonu would be the top off my board. Playing at NC State he didn't get a ton of national attention, but is an absolute mauler who had a highly productive career with the Wolfpack. Ekwonu can play either guard or tackle, but projects more as a tackle than anything else at the next level. He'll have work to do to refine his pass blocking, but the physical traits are there and I'm extremely impressed by his college tape.

Projected Range: Early first to mid-first round

2. Evan Neal, Alabama -- Clearly there's a lot to like about Evan Neal, and he still has a decent chance to go No. 1 overall. It's rare you see a guy who is 6'7", 350 pounds, who can accomplish the athletic feats that he can. He projects very well to the NFL, but I'm slightly wary on him, at least compared to most NFL scouts I follow. While he was a regular starter from the moment he stepped on campus at Alabama, I found Neal to be awfully inconsistent during his Tide career. There were several times in 2021 where he was outplayed by opposing defensive lines, which resulted in Bryce Young having to work his magic to get the Tide offense going. Playing in the SEC every week, it's understandable to have an off-day or two, but Neal never jumped off the page at me the way you might expect. He's still certainly worthy of a Top 10 selection, but proceed with some level of caution.

Projected Range: Early first to mid-first round

3. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa -- Based solely on the position they play, interior offensive linemen are always valued a bit different than other positions in the Draft, especially centers. Yet, Tyler Linderbaum is not only worthy of a first-round pick, I have him in my Top 10. It's nearly impossible to describe just how completely dominant he was throughout his Iowa career, playing on an O-Line that included Tristan Wirfs and several other NFL linemen. After racking up the awards in his time with the Hawkeyes, Linderbaum should become the next Iowa blocker to enjoy a lengthy pro career. Although he's slightly undersized for the position at 290 pounds, there's no doubt in my mind he'll have a successful NFL future.

Projected Range: Mid-first to late first round

4. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa -- Although he played at a "small school" Trevor Penning has big-time talent. Penning first earned recognition with impressive play during the wacky 2020 season, but followed it up with an even better 2021. However, Penning really cemented his first-round status with dominant showings throughout the pre-Draft process, where he dominated Power Five competition. Penning can play either left or right tackle and after a stellar college career, should acclimate quickly to the NFL.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

5. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M -- A highly decorated player coming out of high school, Kenyon Green did not disappoint, with an impressive career at Texas A&M. During his time with the Aggies, Green played both guard and tackle and was regularly one of the top blockers in the loaded SEC. He can play either spot in the NFL, but is significantly stronger at guard, where his physical traits really shine through. There were times when exotic blitzes or twists gave some troubles in the college ranks which will have to be ironed out, but I think he's more than capable of being a first-round selection.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

Sleeper: Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan -- While his teammate, Bernhard Raimann, is the one getting most of the potential first-round attention, I would not be shocked if Luke Goedeke ended up being the better pro. After missing all of 2020, Goedeke returned this fall and put together a strong campaign for the Chippewas. He hasn't been able to build on that too much due to the fact he left the Senior Bowl early, but he's a hard-nosed blocker who is deceptively athletic. Most mocks I've seen have him landing somewhere in the third or fourth round, which certainly puts him in steal territory.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 3

 

Kyle Hamilton to Detroit

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

The No. 1 overall selection has flipped a few times throughout the draft process, but the pendulum appears to be swinging back to Aidan Hutchinson. The Michigan product was a Heisman finalist this fall and has the athleticism and intangibles to be a fearsome pass rusher at the next level. After landing their franchise quarterback last spring, Jacksonville gets their franchise pass rusher.

Previous Selection: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

2. Detroit Lions

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Quarterback remains an intriguing possibility for Detroit with the No. 2 pick, but something tells me they will hold off, at least with this selection. Instead, the coaching staff adds an immediate impact defender in the form of Kyle Hamilton, who will shore up a secondary that has been an Achilles Heel for years. Hamilton is one of my favorite prospects in this Draft, a long, rangy defender who has a track record of success from his time with Notre Dame.

Previous Selection: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

3. Houston Texans

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Texans have surprisingly not moved Laremy Tunsil this offseason, indicating they're likely to hold onto the veteran tackle into the fall. Even if they do, an offensive linemen makes sense, and Evan Neal is the top on the board. Neal could start right away at right tackle or move inside, as he started 13 games at guard for Alabama back in 2019.

Previous Selection: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

4. New York Jets

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

It's been years since the Jets had a truly fearsome pass rusher, so both the front office and coaching staff would be thrilled if Kayvon Thibodeaux were to drop here. Thibodeaux isn't quite as complete of a prospect as Hutchinson, but his raw physical gifts make him worthy of a Top 5 selection.

Previous Selection: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

5. New York Giants

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

Few teams in the league have invested as much draft capital in offensive line the last few years as the New York Giants. They simply have not gotten the production up front they would have liked, which has in turn crippled Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. They're hoping taking Ikem Ekwonu at this spot finally solves their O-Line woes and provides them with a consistent, versatile blocker for years to come.

Previous Selection: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

6. Carolina Panthers

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Carolina may be the most fascinating team drafting in the Top 10. They have a hot seat head coach, an obvious need at quarterback, but also holes along both lines. Throwing a young QB into the mix seems like an unwise move, but Kenny Pickett is the most safe QB prospect in this Draft and has the mental makeup to make the most of this situation.

Previous Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7. New York Giants

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Few players in this Draft have seen their stock rise as rapidly as Georgia product Travon Walker. Once considered a mid-to-late first rounder, Walker has a legit chance to land somewhere in the Top 3. I think it's more likely he finds himself somewhere in the 5-10 range with a team looking to snag a high upside edge rusher, like the New York Giants.

Previous Selection: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons

Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

For the first time in a decade-and-a-half, Matt Ryan is not an Atlanta Falcon. His absence makes quarterback a distinct possibility (Malik Willis perhaps?), but Marcus Mariota is a more than capable short-term QB. Instead, Jermaine Johnson II is a name that seems to be trending at this spot. Johnson spent time with Georgia and in the JUCO ranks before a dominant season on a bad Florida State team.

Previous Selection: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

9. Seattle Seahawks

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

When it's all said and done, I think Malik Willis has a very good shot at being the top QB off the board in this Draft. He's the type of dynamic playmaker that simply doesn't come around too often, even if there are some questions about his mechanics and fit in an NFL offense. I don't believe it's a lock Seattle goes quarterback with this selection, but Willis is simply too tantalizing to ignore.

Previous Selection: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

New York has done a decent job upgrading their receiver corps as of late, but I'm not sold on either Corey Davis or Elijah Moore being a true No. 1 guy. Instead, the Jets go with a truly dynamic wide out in Garrett Wilson, who was awfully impressive in Columbus, even with important targets going to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave. 

Previous Selection: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

11. Washington Commanders

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Washington would be thrilled if Kyle Hamilton were to drop to them at this spot, but I don't think there's any chance he survives the Top 10. Derek Stingley Jr. is still one heck of a consolation prize; even though he wasn't quite able to build on a marvelous freshman season in Baton Rouge, he has all the tools to be a top corner in the NFL.

Previous Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

12. Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

There seems to be a real split among Vikings fans on which direction they go here. Do they upgrade corner, even with Patrick Peterson back, or fix their interior defensive line? Even with the Harrison Phillips signing, my money is on interior D-Line. Jordan Davis became somewhat of a cult hero among many college football fans this year and makes a lot of sense for the Vikes.

Previous Selection: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

13. Houston Texans

Drake London, WR, USC

Houston appears set on moving forward with Davis Mills as their starting quarterback, at least for the time being. Mills has a chance to be a rock-solid NFL QB, but he needs help from a depleted offense. Drafting Neal at three obviously helps, but Drake London would make an even larger impact. Before a season-ending injury at USC, he was a near lock for the Biletnikoff Award and has the physical tools to be a superb NFL wide receiver.

Previous Selection: Drake London, WR, USC (to Cleveland)

14. Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

I suspect offensive line is the play here for Baltimore, but do they focus on the tackle spot or the interior? Charles Cross and Trevor Penning are two names I'm watching, but Tyler Linderbaum seems to be the trending selection. He was absolutely dominant the past few seasons for Iowa and could be the next great Hawkeye turned Raven, after Marshall Yanda, who retired this offseason.

Previous Selection: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

15. Philadelphia Eagles

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Behind Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, and the rising Travon Walker, George Karlaftis seems to be the forgotten edge rusher in this Draft. He's going to be a steal for someone, and might not be too difficult to pass up here for Philadelphia. Even facing double and triple teams in college, Karlaftis was still a three-year contributor for Purdue.

Previous Selection: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

16. New Orleans Saints

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The swift decline of Michael Thomas has New Orleans scrambling for weapons on the perimeter. They could choose to wait on taking a receiver if Wilson and London are off the board, but Treylon Burks is one of my favorite wide outs in this class and is heavily under-appreciated. He provides the Saints some much-needed playmaking potential on the outside.

Previous Selection: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (to Philadelphia)

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

There seems to be a wide range of possible destinations for Mississippi State product Charles Cross. I still think he has a chance to land somewhere in the Top 10, but he could also slide into the 20s depending on team needs. I'd be shocked if he slides past Los Angeles, a team that desperately needs to upgrade their pass protection if they wish to unleash Justin Herbert's full potential.

Previous Selection: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

18. Philadelphia Eagles

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

After addressing their pass rush with Karlaftis, I suspect Philadelphia again does defense with their second selection of the first round. Ahmad Gardner is a Top 15 prospect in my eyes, but could slide depending on where Derek Stingley Jr. goes. If so, the Eagles jump at the chance to add a talented young corner to an aging secondary.

Previous Selection: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (to New Orleans)

19. New Orleans Saints

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Quarterback is a possibility for New Orleans at this spot, with the trio of Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, and Sam Howell all available. However, the organization seems content rolling with Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton as a short-term starter. Instead, they address a need along the offensive line with a high-upside, low-risk tackle in Trevor Penning.

Previous Selection: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (to Philadelphia)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins was a complete shock, and while there are more important things to consider than the football side of things, it threw Pittsburgh's QB room into more mystery. Even if Willis is off the board at this spot, I think the Steelers take a signal-caller, and Desmond Ridder makes the most sense. The winningest QB in Cincinnati history, he's got a proven pedigree and seems like a nice fit in this offense.

Previous Selection: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

21. New England Patriots

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

There may be corners more physically gifted than Trent McDuffie in this Draft, but the Washington product is a well-rounded, intelligent defender who could play in just about any NFL defense. There are certain prospects that just feel like Patriots players, and to me, McDuffie has that fit.

Previous Selection: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

22. Green Bay Packers

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

This has got to be a receiver...right? With one of the selections they received in the Davante Adams, Green Bay finally addresses a position that has long been a weak spot, taking a dynamic weapon in Jameson Williams. Williams might slide slightly after suffering a torn ACL in the National Championship, but in my mind he was the best receiver in college football this fall and is worthy of this pick.

Previous Selection: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah (to Las Vegas)

23. Arizona Cardinals

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

Chandler Jones is now as Las Vegas Raider and J.J. Watt is 33 years of age, meaning Arizona will have some work to do on their defensive line moving forward. There's a lot of options to like here, including the sliding David Ojabo, but Devonte Wyatt's versatility should make him a hot commodity. He gets forgotten at times with all the talent coming out of this Georgia defense, but he's a stud who can make an immediate impact.

Previous Selection: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

24. Dallas Cowboys

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Cowboys chose to bring back Leighton Vander Esch to pair with Micah Parsons, but they could still use a first-round selection to help shore up their rush defense. Enter Devin Lloyd, who had an extremely productive career at Utah, and now should find himself somewhere in the first round. Pairing Lloyd with Parsons should guarantee Dallas a strong linebacker corps for years to come.

Previous Selection: Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

25. Buffalo Bills

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Buffalo has never been one to shy away from the "best player available" approach, but I think they instead focus on their need at corner here in the late first round. Obviously, they would love if one of the trio of Stingley, Gardner, or McDuffie were available here, but Andrew Booth is still a nice selection. A well-built defender with elite ball skills, he could be a fun piece in this secondary.

Previous Selection: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

26. Tennessee Titans

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Another team that could go several different directions, I'm monitoring D-Line, linebacker, O-Line, and receiver for Tennessee here. Even though the Titans added Robert Woods after moving on from Julio Jones, I still think Chris Olave makes sense at this spot. Olave may not have the upside of his former teammate Garrett Wilson, but he's a polished route runner who should have a long NFL career.

Previous Selection: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

While Tampa Bay added Shaq Mason to help shore up their need at offensive guard, don't be surprised if they still add another interior linemen early on. They have two nice options in Kenyon Green and Boston College product Zion Johnson, but Green has more potential in the long term. 

Previous Selection: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

There seems to be near universal agreement that the Packers will take a receiver with one of their first round selections, but the other pick isn't as clear. Edge rusher is always a good default option, particularly one as talented as David Ojabo. His torn Achilles is going to drop him like a boulder, but he's a Top 10-15 prospect in this Draft.

Previous Selection: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Tyreek Hill is now a Miami Dolphin and while JuJu Smith-Schuster and company are serviceable, I still think Kansas City takes a shot at receiver early on in this Draft. Don't be surprised if North Dakota State's Christian Watson comes out of seemingly nowhere to sneak into the bottom of the first. Obviously, he doesn't have Hill's speed (who does?), but is an elite jump ball receiver at 6'4".

Previous Selection: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia (to Miami)

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

This is prime territory for a team looking to trade into the back-end of the first round for a QB, especially if Matt Corral is still available. If Kansas City does stay firm, I think a pass rusher could be in the cards. Arnold Ebiketie had an impressive career at Temple, but proved he could play with the big boys during a one-year stint at Penn State. His length and explosiveness off the edge helps him lock into the first.

Previous Selection: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

I've had offensive line mocked here previously, but the fact Cincinnati has invested so heavily this offseason seems to indicate they'll use this pick elsewhere. They're decent at linebacker but could still use some reinforcements there, and Dean is just too good to make it out of the first round. He becomes the fourth Georgia defender to go in the first, but don't be surprised if there's even more.

Previous Selection: Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan

32. Detroit Lions

Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

I don't see Jared Goff being the one to lead Detroit back to contention and while he'll almost surely be the 2022 starter, the Lions get a long-term replacement in Matt Corral. Detroit won't contend this fall, so why not let Corral sit behind and learn for a year before seeing what he's got in 2023?

Previous Selection: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 2 (Combine Edition)

Ikem Ekwonu, NC State to NY Jets

 1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal seems to be trending as the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick at this point in the draft process. Neal's a freak of nature who stands at 6'7" and weighs in at over 350 pounds, but his athleticism and footwork are elite. He was somewhat streaky at times in Tuscaloosa, but offers significant upside at a need position for a Jacksonville team looking to upgrade their protection for Trevor Lawrence.

2. Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

I still think there's a fair chance Aidan Hutchinson is Jacksonville's selection at No. 1 but if not, Detroit would have an easy selection staying inside the state to land the former Michigan Wolverine. Hutchinson's poor showing in the Playoff Semifinal loss to Georgia overshadowed what was otherwise a dominant 2021 in which the edge rusher was invited to New York as a Heisman Finalist.

3. Houston Texans

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

There's a lot of different directions Houston can go with this pick, including O-Line, pass rusher, and defensive back. Evan Neal would be a no-brainer if he lasts this long, but the Texans instead go best player available with Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux has shocking physical tools and put together a strong 2021 despite battling through injuries. He seems to have more bust potential than Hutchinson, but might have higher upside in the long-term.

4. New York Jets

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

A strong Combine showing likely cemented Ikem Ekwonu as a Top 5 selection in this Draft. The NC State product is a superb athlete for his size and can play at multiple spots along the line of scrimmage. He'd be a smart pick for a New York team that, much like Jacksonville with Lawrence, is looking to protect their franchise signal-caller, Zach Wilson.

5. New York Giants

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The run on offensive linemen continues, as the Giants address their pass protection woes by adding Charles Cross out of Mississippi State. Even before hitting the off-season, the offensive line was a position group of need for the G-Men and the recent release of Nate Solder opens up an opportunity for Cross to come in and start right away.

6. Carolina Panthers

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

This is a fascinating draft spot for Carolina, who has obvious needs at offensive line and quarterback. They'd love if any of the top three were still available at this point but with the trio all gone, they turn instead to Kenny Pickett. For some reason, Pickett's hand size was a hot topic of discussion at the Combine this past week, but it shouldn't move the needle too much. He's the safest quarterback prospect of this Class and could come in and start right away for Matt Rhule.

7. New York Giants

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is another player who has helped himself out with a good showing at the Combine, which is likely to lock him in somewhere in the Top 10. The Giants could contemplate picking him up at five but it would be even better to wait and pick him up two spots later. Hamilton's versatility and range make him an ideal fit in the modern NFL, and New York could use him in a wide variety of ways.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Derek Stingley Jr. and Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner are widely considered the top two corners in this Draft, but in my mind, Gardner is the much safer pick. He was the definition of shutdown while at Cincinnati, not allowing a single touchdown pass in his collegiate career. He's a tremendous pickup for a Falcons team looking to upgrade their secondary.

9. Seattle Seahawks

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

The Russell Wilson trade shook up the Top 10, with Seattle rising to the No. 9 selection after dealing away their franchise quarterback. One might think that means they'll take a quarterback here, but I'm not so sure. With all the uncertainty around the position, I think they may still go defense, as the group was atrocious in 2021. David Ojabo had a breakout fall and has the physical gifts to be a powerful edge rusher for years to come.

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

It's been a long time since the Jets had a truly dynamic target on the perimeter and the position should be a top priority for the front office. With their pick of receivers available here, I think the Jets go with Garrett Wilson, a potential game-changing deep threat who would pair well with Wilson's huge arm. If not for Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba stealing targets away, I think Wilson would have been the runaway Biletnikoff Award winner.

11. Washington Commanders

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

After an illustrious college career with Liberty, Malik Willis has only helped himself with impressive performances in the Senior Bowl and Combine. He's a fascinating prospect, a big-armed QB with elite rushing ability, but his mechanics and decision-making need refinement. Washington absolutely needs a new start at QB and Willis has the playmaking to come in and make an immediate impact, much like what RG3 did over a decade ago.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

What was once a position of strength for Minnesota has deteriorated into a real conundrum for the new front office and coaching staff. Jeff Gladney is long gone, Bashaud Breeland was atrocious, and Patrick Peterson doesn't have much left in the tank. The Vikings are hopeful Derek Stingley Jr. can regain his 2019 form, when he was a dominant true freshman corner, after two frustrating seasons in Baton Rouge.

13. Cleveland Browns

Drake London, WR, USC

Cleveland has an obvious need at receiver, as Odell Beckham Jr. was traded to the Rams and Jarvis Landry could be on the move soon. They would love if Wilson were to fall to them at 13, but Drake London is quite the consolation prize. He's a big-bodied, physical wide out who was putting together a truly special season on a terrible USC team prior to a season-ending injury.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Baltimore's pass rush is going through a transition, as Justin Houston and Calais Campbell both hit free agency and could be heading elsewhere. There's young talent here, but the Ravens could still look to add another edge rusher in Travon Walker out of Georgia. Walker was overshadowed at times with all the other elite talent the Bulldogs had in their front seven, but a strong Combine vaulted him into a Top 15 selection.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

George Karlaftis is widely considered one of the top pass rushers in this Draft and a potential Top 10 selection, but he could slide demanding on team needs and preferences. A potential slide for him would be a win for Philadelphia, who could use another pass rusher off the edge. 

16. Philadelphia Eagles

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Despite investing plenty of draft capital and money into the wide receiver position, Philadelphia is still very weak at the position. They're hoping DeVonta Smith can continue to develop, but another first-round selection at wide out may be in the cards. Treylon Burks was incredibly productive at Arkansas despite playing in a run-heavy offense and would pair nicely with Smith on the perimeter.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Charger defense was poor throughout 2021, but they were particularly susceptible against the run. They'll look to address that early on in this Draft and luckily for them, Jordan Davis is ripe for the taking at 17. Davis had a dominant campaign with the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs and he's followed that up with an impressive pre-Draft process.

18. New Orleans Saints

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

You would've liked to see New Orleans be more proactive in addressing their long-term QB situation when it became clear Drew Brees was nearing the end but here they are, diving into the off-season without an answer at the game's most important position. Perhaps Malik Willis could drop to them, but Desmond Ridder or Matt Corral are the more likely options. Ridder improved every single year while in the college ranks and is one of the safer QB prospects of this Class.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Philadelphia addresses another need position by adding Trent McDuffie out of Washington. He brings much needed youth to an aging secondary and continues a long line of former Huskies who have made the transition from Seattle to the NFL.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

With "Big Ben" finally retired and without a clear replacement plan in place, Pittsburgh chooses a quarterback on the first night of the Draft. They could trade up to land one, but Matt Corral offers plenty of upside at pick 20. He's got dazzling arm talent and a fearless attitude, but will need to polish off parts of his game to be worthy of a first-round selection.

21. New England Patriots

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Mac Jones had an impressive rookie season in New England, but the Patriots could still look to upgrade their mediocre receiver corps. Chris Olave would be an excellent addition in the mid to late first round; the former Buckeye is a proven entity with crisp route running skills and reliable hands. He's the type of ready-made, polished receiver you would love to pair with a young QB.

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Devin Lloyd is too good of a prospect to slide much further down draft boards, as the Utah product is an intelligent, well-rounded linebacker who has the production in college worthy of a first-round selection. He would immediately fit in at a need position and give new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a nice welcoming gift.

23. Arizona Cardinals

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum is probably a Top 10-15 prospect in this Class but based on the position he plays, it's unlikely he lands super high. That would be good news for Arizona, who wants to upgrade their interior offensive line and show Kyler Murray they're committed to protecting him. Linderbaum might not be the most exciting pick, but anybody who watched him dominate in college knows what he can bring to the table.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Jermaine Johnson II, DE/LB, Florida State

While Dallas has one of the game's most exciting young defenders in Micah Parsons, the rest of the front seven has question marks. Carlos Watkins and Randy Gregory are both set to hit the open market, and Demarcus Lawrence also may not be back. The Cowboys decide to invest in a young pass rusher here in Jermaine Johnson II, who spent time in the JUCO ranks and with Georgia before an impressive 2021 in Tallahassee.

25. Buffalo Bills

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Buffalo is pretty clearly a Super Bowl contender, but they're just a piece or two away from really getting over the top. The receiver position may be the spot GM Brandon Beane chooses to upgrade, as Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders are aging and both replaceable. A torn ACL in the National Championship Game loss threatens to drop Jameson Williams outside the first, but the Biletnikoff Award finalist is too good to pass up.

26. Tennessee Titans

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Titans may choose to upgrade their receiver corps with Julio Jones nearing the end and A.J. Brown hitting free agency next off-season, but with many of the big names off the board, they instead focus on their O-Line. The unit was decent in 2021, but Taylor Lewan is getting older and may not be worth the money. They invest in his replacement, Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa, who has had a tremendous pre-Draft process.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

As newsworthy as the Tom Brady retirement was in Tampa, guard Ali Marpet's decision to call it a career may have just as large of an impact. The Bucs will miss the Pro-Bowler, but they could find his immediate replacement in the form of Kenyon Green. Green, a former high-profile recruit, can play either guard or tackle if needed and is a proven run blocker.

28. Green Bay Packers

George Pickens, WR, Georgia

The Aaron Rodgers saga appears to be on hold, with the reigning MVP signing a massive contract extension. Even so, it's about time the Packers invested in their receiver corps, which has been regularly underwhelming beyond Davante Adams. Enter George Pickens, a big, physical receiver who showed he is back to 100 percent with a strong Combine performance.

29. Miami Dolphins

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Miami could go any number of different directions here, or perhaps even trade the selection to a team looking to trade up to the back-end of the first round and get a quarterback. With so much uncertainty, best player available seems like a fair approach, and Nakobe Dean is too good to let get out of the first round. On a team full of future NFL defenders, Dean shone as the real heart-and-soul of this defense.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

The run on Georgia Bulldogs continues, with Devonte Wyatt the next former Bulldog defender to be plucked off the board. Wyatt was often overshadowed by Jordan Davis and all the attention he got, but he's a skilled pass rusher who could play either on the interior or off the edge. He is well worth a late first-round flier for the Chiefs here.

31. Cincinnati Bengals 

Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan

Anybody who watched Cincinnati's Super Bowl run this year knows how big of a concern the offensive line is. Joe Burrow is obviously great, but the Bengals can't remain in contention if he's being picked up from the dirt every play. Enter Bernhard Raimann, a truly fascinating prospect who comes from Central Michigan. The native Austrian is a former tight end who made the move to O-Line and has NFL scouts drooling with interest.

32. Detroit Lions

Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Quarterback seems like a possibility here considering Jared Goff's uncertain future, but I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit holds off on that spot a bit longer. Instead, they look to fix their issues in the secondary by adding Roger McCreary, who was quietly one of college football's best defenders in 2021. There's still a chance Jeff Okudah figures it out but if not, McCreary could become the long-term top corner.

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan to Jacksonville

Now that the college football has been finished for two weeks and with the NFL postseason in full swing, it seems like the perfect time to shift focus to the 2022 NFL Draft. The Draft process is never a straightforward one, and it could be particularly interesting this season without an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection. Several edge rushers, quarterbacks, and O-Linemen will be in the hunt, but there's still plenty of mystery at the top as we head into February.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Although there isn't an overwhelming frontrunner to be the No. 1 pick, Aidan Hutchinson is the slight betting favorite. Hutchinson is a great story; he improved each and every single season while at Michigan and then decided to come back for his senior year, where he was a Heisman finalist and led his team to a Playoff berth. He has a lot to like as an NFL prospect; good size, a ferocious tenacity, and the intangibles that aren't easy to teach. He'll have to answer for an underwhelming Playoff performance that wrapped up his collegiate career, but he makes a lot of sense for a Jaguar team attempting to rebuild their defense.

2. Detroit Lions

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Expect Kayvon Thibodeaux to be in the conversation as the No. 1 overall selection right alongside Hutchinson. Thibodeaux was the nation's top recruit before an impressive three-year showing at Oregon, even as he battled through injuries and double teams all of 2021. Physically, he's even more impressive than Hutchinson, but needs refinement in his technique and fundamentals. Detroit could possibly trade down, but if they stick firm at No. 2, the former Duck makes plenty of sense.

3. Houston Texans

Evan Neal, OL, Alabama

At this point, there's absolutely no telling which direction Houston goes at pick three. The Deshaun Watson drama hangs over the franchise like a storm cloud and they have needs on both sides of the ball. Quarterback is definitely a possibility, but a better bet might be Evan Neal, who would go a long way in shoring up the offensive line. Neal, who is 6'7", 350 pounds, has the type of athleticism and footwork you simply don't see at the position everyday.

4. New York Jets

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

I suspect the Jets go either offensive line or defensive back based on their current needs and with Neal off the board, they focus on the secondary. It's been awhile since the Jets have had a shutdown corner, but LSU's Derek Stingley could fit the role. Stingley was one of the best true freshmen we've seen in college football history but after two injury-riddled campaigns, his status as top CB in this class is in doubt. Even so, he's got the raw tools you love at the position, and plenty of room for growth.

5. New York Giants

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

After a rough start to his careerm Andrew Thomas has developed into a capable, above-average starter on the line for the Giants. However, he can only do so much for a line that has struggled to protect Daniel Jones early on in his career. NC State's Ikem Ekwonu isn't a flashy pick, but the hard-nosed, experienced blocker can run and block protect and is a safe selection compared to others available at this spot.

6. Carolina Panthers

Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State

This is a fascinating spot for a Carolina organization likely to enter 2022 under some pressure. Matt Rhule sits squarely on the hot seat, Sam Darnold may be on his last chance to be an NFL QB and the OC hire, Ben McAdoo, was underwhelming. QB makes sense, but do the Panthers really bring in a young signal-caller with the current state of the team? A better bet may be O-Line, as the Panthers need to shore things up along the trenches if they want any hopes of competing in the NFC South.

7. New York Giants

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

With the pick acquired from Chicago, the G-Men have their choice of just about any position they could want. Kyle Hamilton is the best player available, but this is a really quality young secondary already. A larger need is pass rushing, and Purdue's George Karlaftis is well worth the No. 7 selection. Although his production in West Lafayette doesn't necessarily jump out at you, the tape doesn't lie; he was genuinely facing double and triple teams every single weekend due to the lack of proven pass rush beyond him.

8. Atlanta Falcons

David Ojabo, DE/LB, Michigan

Is this the year Atlanta finally gets their long-term replacement for Matt Ryan? There seemed like a good chance the Falcons would have gone with Trey Lance if he dropped to No. 4 last year, but does it make sense in 2022? I still think they hold off, considering Ryan was still productive this fall and has two more years left on his deal. Instead, they add a dynamic pass rusher in David Ojabo, who was slightly overshadowed by Hutchinson, but has insane upside.

9. Denver Broncos

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Just as there is no clear, overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick right now, there's no obvious favorite to be the first QB off the board. Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Malik Willis, and Sam Howell all remain firmly entrenched in the hunt. Denver definitely needs a new signal-caller, and I think Pickett best fits their current roster. He's a savvy, experienced quarterback whose growth this fall was one of the feel-good stories of the 2021 college football season.

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

With Stingley already secured, I like the idea of New York addressing their offensive limitations with pick ten. Offensive line is always in play when you have a young QB, but wide out may be the greater need. Garrett Wilson is the best receiver in a deep class, as he's got the athleticism, route running and jaw-dropping catch radius to form a potent 1-2 punch with Zach Wilson.

11. Washington Football Team

Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

While Taylor Heinecke has been a nice story as an NFL QB, he's not the long-term solution for the Washington Football Team. Even if they're players in the free agent QB market, I still suspect WFT wants a quarterback of the future. Enter Matt Corral, a gunslinger who had a big 2021 campaign and has the type of confidence, or swagger, that the franchise has lacked at the position since RG3.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Minnesota enters the offseason extremely thin at corner and that's before Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander hit unrestricted free agency. They could use some fresh blood at the position, and Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner would be a home run at this spot. Gardner was the definition of shutdown while at Cincinnati and has the versatility to play in just about any defense, depending on the direction the Vikings go with in the front office and at head coach.

13. Cleveland Browns

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

2022 could be the final straw for Baker Mayfield in Cleveland after a frustrating fall. The Browns could really use an upgrade at receiver, especially after parting ways with Odell Beckham Jr. mid-season. They have plenty to choose from here, but I like Treylon Burks. Defenses keyed in on him all season because of the lack of a true game-changer behind him at Arkansas, and he still put together a monster campaign for the Razorbacks.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

Either defensive end or corner seems like the likely avenue for Baltimore where they stand right now, pre-free agency. With most of the big names gone off the edge, expect Andrew Booth to be in play at this spot. The freaky athlete has astounding ball skills and tremendous instincts for the position, even though he needs to improve his consistency.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

I would be pretty shocked if Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton happened to drop to the mid-first round, but it's a possibility based on team needs. If he does, Philadelphia would jump at the chance to land the rangy defender, who would quickly remind Eagle fans of the prime Brian Dawkins days.

16. Philadelphia Eagles

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Philadelphia gets another skilled defender to upgrade their back-seven here in the form of Devin Lloyd. Lloyd's a twitchy, well-rounded linebacker whose production while at Utah speaks for itself. This past season, he finished with 111 tackles, eight sacks, four interceptions, and also brought home two touchdowns.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

Upgrading their rush defense should be of top priority for the Chargers, who barely missed out on a postseason berth this season. The good news is that there are plenty of options at linebacker and along the defensive line available at this juncture. Georgia's Jordan Davis makes a ton of sense; he was dominant all fall long and has the mix of size and athleticism any NFL team would covet.

18. New Orleans Saints

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

New Orleans could run it back one more time with Jameis Winston, but they need a quarterback of the future. Luckily, there's a good chance one of the top signal-callers in this Draft drops all the way down to 18, with Malik Willis being one of them. Willis' massive arm and ability to improvise would be terrifying in this New Orleans offense.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

With their third selection of the first round, Philadelphia adds yet another impact defender in Georgia's Travon Walker. Walker was often overshadowed by Davis and the host of other Georgia Bulldogs set to go to the NFL, but he put together an extremely productive career while in Athens. He can play on the inside or outside, a real advantage for a Philly D-Line with aging Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Pittsburgh is going to be in play for a quarterback following the likely departure of Ben Roethlisberger, but is this the right spot to add one? Sam Howell remains on the board, but the Steelers can't draft a young QB until they focus on improving an O-Line that was terrible throughout much of 2021. Adding Kenyon Green, a former high-profile recruit who lived up to that billing in College Station, would certainly help, and he can play either tackle or guard.

21. New England Patriots

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Dont'a Hightower played one of the best college football defense of all-time while at Alabama and has since put together an impressive NFL career, but his days may be numbered in New England. The Patriots could snag his long-term replacement here in Nakobe Dean, who just so happens to be a leader on one of the other greatest defenses in CFB history. Dean's athleticism and closing speed would immediately upgrade an average Patriot rush defense.

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Raiders undoubtedly made the right decision to cut ties with Henry Ruggs III following his drunk driving arrest, but his absence leaves them thin at receiver. Enter Jameson Williams, who should still land somewhere in the first round, despite a torn ACL suffered in the National Championship Game. For my money, Williams was the best wide out in college football this year and his speed gives Derek Carr a valuable deep threat.

23. Arizona Cardinals

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Even before Patrick Peterson departed for Minnesota this past offseason, it was pretty clear Arizona needed to get younger at corner. It didn't help that Peterson's replacement, Malcolm Butler, made the surprising decision to retire just weeks before the regular season. The Cardinals get their fix a year later in Trent McDuffie, a sturdy, well-coached corner who will continue the long line of Washington defensive backs going to the league.

24. Dallas Cowboys

DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M

Carlos Watkins is an impending free agent, meaning Dallas could look to invest across their defensive line early on in the 2022 NFL Draft. While most of the big names will almost certainly be gone by this point, DeMarvin Leal offers real value at 24. He's got the frame and athleticism to play either inside or out and is a ferocious pass rusher, with 8.5 sacks to his name in 2021. A marijuana possession charge in late December could threaten to drop him to Day Two, but Jerry Jones has never shied away from talent, even if there are off-the-field concerns.

25. Buffalo Bills

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

After coming just shy of a trip to the AFC Championship Game, Buffalo again enters an offseason simply a piece or two away from being a true Super Bowl frontrunner. They may be tempted to add another offensive weapon to this offense, but corner is their greatest need. Kaiir Elam is the best available at his position and while Florida's defensive numbers were terrible the last two years, he was a lone bright spot.

26. Tennessee Titans

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

For starters, I'd be shocked if Tyler Linderbaum lasts beyond pick 20, as he has potential to even land in the Top 10. He's the most dominant interior offensive linemen we've seen in college football for a decade and projects favorably to the next level. Tennessee could use an upgrade on their line, even if the interior of the group isn't their greatest weakness.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

No matter Tom Brady's future in the NFL, Tampa has some thinking to do regarding their receiver corps over the offseason. Antonio Brown infamously quit, and Chris Godwin will likely demand loads of money as a free agent. The Buccaneers should invest in a cheap replacement here, and Chris Olave is worthy of a first-round selection. He doesn't have the upside of other wide outs in this Draft, but the production in college speaks for itself.

28. Green Bay Packers

Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

Green Bay is another team entering the offseason with huge questions after a disappointing early exit in the postseason. Is Aaron Rodgers going to be on this team next fall? It's truly a mystery, but either way, it's past due for the Packers to upgrade the weapons around the future Hall-of-Famer. Wan'Dale Robinson is certainly not your traditional NFL receiver, but his versatility and game-breaking ability would really open up this offense.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Bengals need to upgrade their pass protection, if the beating Joe Burrow took in the AFC Divisional Round wasn't obvious enough. This is actually a pretty deep class at offensive tackle, allowing Cincinnati to land a high quality blocker in Trevor Penning in the late first. Although he comes from a "small school" Penning is a beast who would play a key role in keeping Burrow clean.

30. Miami Dolphins

Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Another team trying to keep their young QB healthy, Miami has to improve their offensive line. To their credit, they've thrown a lot of money and draft picks at the position group in recent years, but the success hasn't appeared. Perhaps adding a high-upside piece like Bernhard Raimann in the late first could be a potential solution. He becomes the Central Michigan Chippewa to go in the first round since Eric Fisher went No. 1 back in 2013.

31. Detroit Lions

David Bell, WR, Purdue

This is prime territory for a team to trade up into the first round for a quarterback and Detroit could be in the market for one, as well. However, they can't develop the position until they address a lackluster receiver group beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown. David Bell would be a nice get in the late first; he doesn't have Rondale Moore's versatility, but is more of your traditional NFL wide receiver.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Don't be surprised if Kansas City is also in play for a receiver at this spot, but corner makes more sense given their needs and what's available. Roger McCreary was quietly one of the best corners in college football last year and is a proven, intelligent defender. He's a low-risk, high-reward prospect that the Chiefs have hit on over the last several years.