With the NFL Combine in the rearview mirror and NFL free agency nearly in full swing, the 2022 NFL Draft is beginning to take its final form. Mock drafts become more predictive the closer to the actual event they get. As such, while my draft analyst bias seeps through here and there, this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is met to be what I believe will happen once Roger Goodell graces the stage in Las Vegas this April.
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2022 3-Round NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
Possible free agent signings, scheme fit, and draft trends were used to predict this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. While Combine numbers shouldn’t weigh more than a prospect’s tape, NFL teams have size and testing thresholds. So, if a player doesn’t meet them, they may fall completely off their boards. And if a player surpasses them, the franchise may reach for them. Nevertheless, let’s see how the draft could shake out in April.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Jaguars are all but out on the top offensive tackle sweepstakes after franchise tagging Cam Robinson for the second year in a row on Tuesday, March 8. With Jawaan Taylor under contract at the opposite tackle spot, the only pick at No. 1 overall is one of the top edge rushers. Aidan Hutchinson shook off any questions about his athleticism with a 4.74 40-yard dash and 6.73 three-cone drill at 6’7″ and 260 pounds.
2) Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Lions are not good enough to hedge at the quarterback position. They either take one at No. 2 or not at all. My bet is on Malik Willis, who, by all reports, blew scouts away at the NFL Combine. He owns arguably the strongest arm and the best set of legs in the class. His tools are first-round worthy, but Willis is far from a polished prospect as a true quarterback.
3) Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
With Kayvon Thibodeaux and the top offensive tackles still on the board, the Texans have a choice to make. Protect Davis Mills or whoever else is under center, or select a blue-chip talent on the defensive line. Thibodeaux is deadly from a wide alignment and can start from Day 1. His first step and ability to corner are otherworldly for a man of his size (6’4″ and 254 pounds).
4) New York Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Zach Wilson flashed at times in 2021, but he looked like a rookie. And that’s okay. But if the Jets want their face of the franchise to continue developing, they need to protect him.
LT Mekhi Becton’s future is a bit up in the air, RT Morgan Moses is a free agent, and George Fant is better as a guard. Good thing Alabama’s Evan Neal can start at either tackle position out of the gates. Neal needs to clean up his technique, but you can’t coach his size and physical tools.
5) New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Ikem Ekwonu began the year as a fringe first-round guard prospect. Now, you can routinely find him at the top of mock drafts. He has always had the talent, but he showed vast improvement in 2021 that solidified his stock.
The Giants need offensive line help … bad. Andrew Thomas has the LT spot locked down, but every other position is up for grabs. Let the “Pancake King” take over at RT, and New York instantly possesses one of the best tackle tandems in the league.
6) Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and P.J. Walker proved they are not the future. Starting them or some other veteran journeyman only wastes a year and likely gets head coach Matt Rhule the ax.
Enter Matt Corral. He is an athlete from the QB position with a consistent throwing motion and base. The tools to be a franchise passer are there for the Panthers to unlock.
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The G-Men attack both trenches in the top 10, selecting edge rusher Travon Walker at No. 7 in this 2022 NFL…
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