2022 NFL Mock Draft: Potential Surprises In First Round

As we head into the official beginning of the offseason, now is the time we start looking at some of the college football prospects that will be sneaking into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The quarterback class will be interesting to watch where they could go, with a several teams needing to find their next quarterback. Wide receivers will be interesting all so, as there are numerous first-round talents in the class. Defense and offensive line should dominate the main portion of the first round in the 2022 NFL Draft.2022 NFL Mock DraftThe latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft. With the offseason underway, who are some prospects that could be first round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. View all 32 picks below. He is very competitive, looking to finish defenders and successfully doing so. Ekwonu creates knockback and deals out body blows with his initial strike.Scouting Report Blurb on LT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina StateReasons For Draft Pick:Need to protect Trevor LawrenceWeak current offensive linePosition versatilityPower/Strength Thibodeaux boasts excellent burst, change of direction and long speed. His first step makes him a threat to reach his opponents’ chests on every play. What’s more, Thibodeaux has an extremely flexible frame.Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, OregonReasons For Draft Pick:Arguably the best player in the NFL DraftVersatility to play outside-tech or stand-upBuild a strong defensive line A long athletic frame that is both flexible and powerful. The definition of versatility on defense. Can play as single high post safety, nickel, box safety, and even aligned at boundary corner and weakside linebacker.Scouting Report Blurb on FS Kyle Hamilton, Notre DameReasons For Draft Pick:Another player that can be regarded as the best overall NFL Draft prospectGreat size/lengthTremendous rangePosition versatility He primarily wins with his length and technique, managing distance well. Hutchinson also fights hands to keep his frame clear. What’s more, he employs early hands and strings a wide variety of moves together with an incredible work rate.Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Aidan Hutchinson, MichiganReasons For Draft Pick:Position versatilityStrength/PowerRun DefendingSize/LengthHis length is great and once he lands his hands, he is able to latch on, move his feet and control opponents. He is great when jump setting, as he gets to be more aggressive and shoot his hands immediately.Scouting Report Blurb on LT Evan Neal, AlabamaReasons For Draft Pick:Tremendous sizeBuild the offensive line for the GiantsPower and mobilityHand technique He has tremendous ability to throw on the run, off platform and when contorting his body while still regularly placing the ball within the strike zone of the WR. Ball placement is one of his best attributes, Pickett understands where to place the ball to maximize YAC, or to help his target avoid a big hit from an incoming defender.Scouting Report Blurb on QB Kenny Pickett, PittsburghReasons For Draft Pick:Comes from a pro-style offenseWas heavily recruited by Matt Rhule in collegeUnderrated mobilityOverall arm talent A former high school state champion wrestler, firmly understands how to use his hands and basically wins every battle in the trenches. Athleticism and overall movement skills are scary – is able to move up the field like a tight end and generates some massive pop when he reaches the second level.Scouting Report Blurb on OC Tyler Linderbaum, IowaReasons For Draft Pick:Continue building offensive lineGrip strengthHand techniqueSize/Mobility A well-built athlete, the Boilermakers’ star has high-level starter potential at defensive end in both a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense; he is a better fit in a 4-3 front. He can kick inside to 4-3 defensive tackle on passing downs.Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE George Karlaftis, PurdueReasons For Draft Pick:Position versatilityRun blocking/Pass rushing comboStrength and powerLength As a passer, Willis has incredible arm talent. He shows the ability to throw off-platform and on the run, adjusting arm angle if needed. He shows good arm strength all over the field. Scouting Report Blurb on QB Malik Willis, LibertyReasons For Draft Pick:Arm TalentMobilityFind a franchise quarterback in DenverSolid frame Cross plays with excellent foot speed, allowing him to run speed rushers around the pocket consistently. Keeping a wide base with great knee bend, Cross stays on balance and can recover quickly because of it. Scouting Report Blurb on LT Charles Cross, Mississippi StateReasons For Draft Pick:Add another tackle to protect Zach WilsonGreat footworkSize/PowerBalanceCan kick inside if needed Very accurate passer who throws to leverage and away from defenders. Howell makes easy throws look easy underneath and has a pretty deep ball with lots of air underneath it to drop it over the shoulder into the bucket.Scouting Report Blurb on QB Sam Howell, North CarolinaReasons For Draft Pick:Find a franchise quarterback in WashingtonGreat arm talentAthleticismThrowing receivers open Easy mover with excellent hip flexibility to transition and flip without losing speed to stay in phase. Very good foot speed to carry vertical routes and run with receivers of all shapes and sizes.Scouting Report Blurb on CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSUReasons For Draft Pick:Need to get a top-tier CB1Great athletePlayed in a variety of coveragesReactionary skills His speed causes tackles to be off-balance, allowing him to extend and knock them off balance at the top of the rush. Ojabo transitions his bull rush to an outside rip also preceded by a push-pull.Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE David Ojabo, MichiganReasons For Draft Pick:Raw potentialTremendous athleteBuild a strong outside pass rushing defenseExplosiveAgile When defenders attack his chest well, he can regain his feet under his base to regain balance and lockout. Possesses a finisher’s mentality. Scouting Report Blurb on LT Trevor Penning, Northern IowaReasons For Draft Pick:Protect Lamar JacksonMean mentalityStrength/PowerAbility to block in space Walker has the positional versatility to kick all the way out to a seven or reduce inside and rush from a three-tech alignment. His length is nothing short of special, utilizing it to outreach blockers and creating knockback.Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Travon Walker, GeorgiaReasons For Draft Pick:Derek Barnett is a potential free agentPosition versatilityLeg DriveMotor Outstanding after the catch where he uses strength and quickness to gain extra yards. Catches the ball naturally as evident by his use in screens and routes over the middle of the field.Scouting Report Blurb on oWR Treylon Burks, ArkansasReasons For Draft Pick:Big receiver opposite of DeVonta SmithAdd another receiving weapon for Jalen HurtsSize/Speed comboSlot and boundary versatility Putting on a clinic in how to stack and shed, he takes advantage of his length and upper body power to extend as he pleases. With that strength, he enforces his will, twisting opponents and disengaging with violent hands.Scouting Report Blurb on DT Jordan Davis, GeorgiaReasons For Draft Pick:Attacking run defendersBecome more stout up frontTremendous size/powerQuick handsGreat agility for his size He has very good foot quickness and length to protect the pocket. Anchor is very solid to maintain his balance and hold off edge rushers consistently. Impressive, but not surprising, straight-line speed when advancing up the second level seeking linebackers to block at the second level.Scouting Report Blurb on LT Bernhard Raimann, Central MichiganReasons For Draft Pick:Protect the quarterbackOpen up running lanesVersatile run/pass protectorControls defenders Has extreme length on the outside at corner. Is able to bump and run at the line of scrimmage in press coverage with his longer frame and is able to stay with receivers stride for stride down the field.Scouting Report Blurb on CB Ahmad Gardner, CincinnatiReasons For Draft Pick:Great run defenderAbility to press or play offTremendous lengthAttacks leverage His touch is excellent and he understands that not everything has to be a fastball speaking to his ability to control the football. Strong puts a lot of air under his deep balls, allowing his receivers to run under them.Scouting Report Blurb on QB Carson Strong, NevadaReasons For Draft Pick:Replace Big BenTremendous arm strengthGreat ball velocitySolid frameRhyan’s well-rounded game is predicated on his refined hands and athleticism. The two-year starter typically aims his punches accurately and uses his placement to achieve leverage. Scouting Report Blurb on LT Sean Rhyan, UCLAReasons For Draft Pick:Protect Mac JonesCan kick inside if neededSolid in run and passing gameTrent Brown is a UFA He uses his lower body twitch and flexible hips to change directions and transition rapidly. Foot speed to mirror is great and he is very agile moving laterally which he uses to get in front of wideouts in off. Scouting Report Blurb on CB Andrew Booth Jr., ClemsonReasons For Draft Pick:Need to find a CB1Tremendous athleteFlexible lower halfStrong player in run support The Texas native boasts excellent size, length, and fluidity for his frame. While Woolen’s play speed does not match up with his reported 4.34 40-yard dash time, it is sufficient when aided by physicality.Scouting Report Blurb on CB Tariq Woolen, UTSAReasons For Draft Pick:Need a CB1 in ArizonaTremendously fastHas shown steady progressionFormer wide receiver – understands how to attack routes Has the flexibility to drop low in his stance to get good leverage at the beginning of every play. Consistently gets lower than his opponent to win at the point of contact and maintain that leverage. Scouting Report Blurb on OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&MReasons For Draft Pick:Rebuild the offensive lineThick buildAthleticBalance Extremely strong at the point of attack, demonstrates a lot of power in his punch into the chest of the offensive lineman. Explosive get-off out of his stance to drive as much as possible as he makes contact. Scouting Report Blurb on DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&MReasons For Draft Pick:Position versatilityKeep building on a strong defensive lineArguably best player available in this mock draft Johnson’s raw physicality and power overwhelms tight ends and some tackles and he is a terror to block throughout the full play. Johnson is very disciplined in his gap and also versus read options. Scouting Report Blurb on 3-4 OB Jermaine Johnson, Florida StateReasons For Draft Pick:Harold Landry is a UFABuild a strong outside pass rushA big winner from the Senior BowlExtremely athletic Corral has tremendous feel for maneuvering around in the pocket and while keeping his eyes downfield he gets low to slide up, back, or to the side to evade incoming defenders. Scouting Report Blurb on QB Matt Corral, Ole MissReasons For Draft Pick:Need to replace Tom BradyAnkle injury sounds like a non-issueAthleticOverall arm strength Great sideline awareness to understand where is on the field at all times, secure the catch and get his feet in bounds consistently. Slippery with the ball in his hands. Very smooth and technical in his process to create separation in that way. Scouting Report Blurb on oWR Drake London, USCReasons For Draft Pick:Grab a receiver from Aaron Rodgers or Jordan LoveGreat sizeCan play inside or outsideUnderstanding leverageRoute running ability He possesses great length and quick hands which he uses to avoid second-level blockers. Lining up in a two-point stance, he even has pass-rush ability. The shock in his hands is good, flashing the ability to win gaps instantly. Scouting Report Blurb on OLB Devin Lloyd, UtahReasons For Draft Pick:Position versatility (MIKE/WILL)AthleticDownhill burstFluid in space He has a solid first step and wins with lateral agility into and off of hand moves to beat offensive linemen with poor feet. That said, Hall’s best trait is his impressive effort. He has extremely active hands, often stringing moves together. He uses his above-average length to, at times, initiate contact. Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Logan Hall, HoustonReasons For Draft Pick:Keep Chris Jones insideAdd a strong pass rusher/run defenderBig winner from the Senior BowlTremendous size/length combo His persistent leg drive into and through contact calls upon his lower body strength to create space in the run game. Once he lands hands on a defender’s frame, Smith controls them with notable grip and core strength. Scouting Report Blurb on LT Tyler Smith, TulsaReasons For Draft Pick:PROTECT Joe Burrow! (This can’t be said enough)Solid athletePower/StrengthFinishing mentalityCounter strikingDean reads and reacts quickly in the run game, coming downhill well and especially excelling in pursuit. The further the season progressed, the more of a communicator he became. Scouting Report Blurb on ILB Nakobe Dean, GeorgiaReasons For Draft Pick:Keep building this defenseFiery hot motorSideline-to-sideline speedBurst and explosivenessLeader2022 NFL Mock Draft First RoundEvery selection in the latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft Jacksonville Jaguars Select LT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State Scouting Report Blurb on LT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State Detroit Lions Select 4-3 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Houston Texans Select FS Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame Scouting Report Blurb on FS Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame New York Jets Select 4-3 DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan New York Giants Select LT Evan Neal, Alabama Scouting Report Blurb on LT Evan Neal, Alabama Carolina Panthers Select QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Scouting Report Blurb on QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh New York Giants (via CHI) Select OC Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa Scouting Report Blurb on OC Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa Atlanta Falcons Select 4-3 DE George Karlaftis, Purdue Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE George Karlaftis, Purdue Denver Broncos Select QB Malik Willis, Liberty Scouting Report Blurb on QB Malik Willis, Liberty New York Jets (via SEA) Select LT Charles Cross, Mississippi State Scouting Report Blurb on LT Charles Cross, Mississippi State Washington Commanders Select QB Sam Howell, North Carolina Scouting Report Blurb on QB Sam Howell, North Carolina Minnesota Vikings Select CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU Scouting Report Blurb on CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU Cleveland Browns Select 4-3 DE David Ojabo, Michigan Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE David Ojabo, Michigan Baltimore Ravens Select LT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa Scouting Report Blurb on LT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) Select 4-3 DE Travon Walker, Georgia Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Travon Walker, Georgia Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) Select oWR Treylon Burks, Arkansas Scouting Report Blurb on oWR Treylon Burks, Arkansas Los Angeles Chargers Select DT Jordan Davis, Georgia Scouting Report Blurb on DT Jordan Davis, Georgia New Orleans Saints Select LT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan Scouting Report Blurb on LT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan Philadelphia Eagles Select CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati Scouting Report Blurb on CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati Pittsburgh Steelers Select QB Carson Strong, Nevada Scouting Report Blurb on QB Carson Strong, Nevada New England Patriots Select LT Sean Rhyan, UCLA Scouting Report Blurb on LT Sean Rhyan, UCLA Las Vegas Raiders Select CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson Scouting Report Blurb on CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson Arizona Cardinals Select CB Tariq Woolen, UTSA Scouting Report Blurb on CB Tariq Woolen, UTSA Dallas Cowboys Select OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M Scouting Report Blurb on OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M Buffalo Bills Select DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M Scouting Report Blurb on DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M Tennessee Titans Select 3-4 OB Jermaine Johnson, Florida State Scouting Report Blurb on 3-4 OB Jermaine Johnson, Florida State Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss Scouting Report Blurb on QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss Green Bay Packers Select oWR Drake London, USC Scouting Report Blurb on oWR Drake London, USC Miami Dolphins (via SF) Select OLB Devin Lloyd, Utah Scouting Report Blurb on OLB Devin Lloyd, Utah Kansas City Chiefs Select 4-3 DE Logan Hall, Houston Scouting Report Blurb on 4-3 DE Logan Hall, Houston Cincinnati Bengals Select LT Tyler Smith, Tulsa Scouting Report Blurb on LT Tyler Smith, Tulsa Detroit Lions (via LAR) Select ILB Nakobe Dean, Georgia Scouting Report Blurb on ILB Nakobe Dean, GeorgiaContents1. Jacksonville Jaguars: LT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State2. Detroit Lions: 4-3 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon3. Houston Texans: FS Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame4. New York Jets: 4-3 DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan5. New York Giants: LT Evan Neal, Alabama6. Carolina Panthers: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh7. New York Giants (via CHI): OC Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa8. Atlanta Falcons: 4-3 DE George Karlaftis, Purdue9. Denver Broncos: QB Malik Willis, Liberty10. New York Jets (via SEA): LT Charles Cross, Mississippi State11. Washington Commanders: QB Sam Howell, North Carolina12. Minnesota Vikings: CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU13. Cleveland Browns: 4-3 DE David Ojabo, Michigan14. Baltimore Ravens: LT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): 4-3 DE Travon Walker, Georgia16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): oWR Treylon Burks, Arkansas17. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Jordan Davis, Georgia18. New Orleans Saints: LT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan19. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati20. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Carson Strong, Nevada21. New England Patriots: LT Sean Rhyan, UCLA22. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson23. Arizona Cardinals: CB Tariq Woolen, UTSA24. Dallas Cowboys: OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M25. Buffalo Bills: DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M26. Tennessee Titans: 3-4 OB Jermaine Johnson, Florida State27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss28. Green Bay Packers: oWR Drake London, USC29. Miami Dolphins (via SF): OLB Devin Lloyd, Utah30. Kansas City Chiefs: 4-3 DE Logan Hall, Houston31. Cincinnati Bengals: LT Tyler Smith, Tulsa32. Detroit Lions (via LAR): ILB Nakobe Dean, GeorgiaCLICK BELOW FOR MORE NFL DRAFT CONTENTCLICK BELOW FOR MORE NFL DRAFT CONTENT2022 NFL Draft Big Board & Position Rankings2022 NFL Draft Team Needs2022 NFL Draft OrderScouting Reports2022 NFL Mock DraftsThe Mock Draft Simulator by Mock Draft DatabaseLatest Podcast Episodes