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The NFL Draft is just hours away, as teams prepare to make franchise-altering decisions in constructing their rosters. While the Super Bowl is the ultimate sports spectacle, no event is more important to reaching that goal than the NFL Draft. The World Champion Los Angeles Rams famously traded for Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey, but there's no question Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp were draft picks that led to their Super Bowl victory.
The 2022 draft class is flatter than usual, meaning there is not much separation from the top players in this class to the next tier below. In fact, I would go as far as saying that there isn't much separation from the top player in this class all the way down to the 50th best player. Some teams reportedly have less than 20 players with first-round grades.
The purpose of this mock draft is to predict what teams will do on draft night. Keep in mind that most teams view the first round of the draft as an opportunity to select building blocks for the future, not fill needs for the immediate present. It's about players more than positions. You can also read my mock NFL Draft round two predictions.
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NFL Draft Mock - The Top 10 Picks
1. Jacksonville: Travon Walker - EDGE, Georgia
Walker is the odds-on favorite to go No. 1, as GM Trent Baalke prefers athleticism and long arms in his EDGE players.
2. Detroit: Kayvon Thibodeaux - EDGE, Oregon
Thibodeaux is the best player in the draft and there has been some late momentum that he could be the pick at No. 2 over Aidan Hutchinson.
3. Houston: Derek Stingley Jr. - CB, LSU
Stingley was dominant as a true freshman at LSU, but he's struggled with injuries and lackluster play the past two years. Athletically and talent-wise he has shutdown corner upside.
4. NY Jets: Aidan Hutchinson - EDGE, Michigan
Jets fans would be ecstatic if the board played out this way. Hutchinson is strong and powerful and had a monster year at Michigan in 2021.
5. NY Giants: Evan Neal - OT, Alabama
The Giants need a RT and Neal is a terrific prospect who can play both LT and RT.
6. Carolina: Ikem Okonwu - OT, North Carolina
The Panthers could go QB here and would probably love to trade down, but Okonwu fills another huge need at LT as an excellent pass protector.
7. NY Giants f/CHI: Sauce Gardner - CB, Cincinnati
Sauce didn't give up a single touchdown in his career at Cincinnati and has all the traits of a shutdown corner. The Giants could trade James Bradberry on day two.
8. Atlanta: Jermaine Johnson II - EDGE, Florida State
The Falcons have needs all over the roster, but if they pass on a WR here an EDGE like Johnson makes sense.
9. Seattle f/DEN: Charles Cross - OT, Mississippi State
The Seahawks would probably love to trade down, but if Cross falls this far, they would have to consider taking him.
10. NY Jets f/SEA: Drake London - WR, USC
Drake London is a long, tall, physical WR who would immediately start in New York. He also played basketball in college, which I'm sure we'll hear on TV broadcasts for years.
NFL Draft Mock - Picks #11-20
11. Washington: Chris Olave - WR, Ohio State
In a surprise pick, the Commanders select Olave over teammate Garrett Wilson and Alabama WR Jameson Williams.
12. Minnesota: Jameson Williams - WR, Alabama
The Vikings have huge needs at EDGE and CB but Williams has game-breaking ability that would give them one of the best WR duos in the league.
13. Houston (f/CLE): Garrett Wilson - WR, Ohio State
Wilson as the fourth WR off the board would be a steal for Davis Mills and the Texans.
14. Baltimore: Kyle Hamilton - S, Notre Dame
Hamilton is the best safety in the draft and the Ravens would be getting a steal if he were to fall this far.
15. Philadelphia f/MIA: Jordan Davis - DT, Georgia
The Eagles could use some size along the DL and Davis is a behemoth with incredible quickness.
16. New Orleans (f/PHI): Treylon Burks - WR, Arkansas
After a crazy run on WRs, the Saints take a versatile weapon in Burks.
17. LA Chargers: Trent McDuffie - CB, Washington
McDuffie is a clean prospect who can play both inside and outside.
18. Philadelphia (f/NO): George Karlaftis - EDGE, Purdue
The Eagles need an EDGE and Karlaftis is strong and powerful.
19. New Orleans (f/PHI): Trevor Penning - OT, Northern Iowa
The Saints need a tackle, and Penning was dominant at the FCS level at left tackle.
20. Pittsburgh: Malik Willis - QB, Liberty
It's hard to envision the Steelers going into the season without a QB of the future on the roster given the history of the franchise. In this projection, it's Willis, who has huge upside and a low floor.
NFL Draft Mock - Picks #21-32
21. New England: Quay Walker - LB, Georgia
The Patriots lost J.C. Jackson to free agency so this pick could be a corner. Linebacker also makes sense and Walker seems like a lock for the first round.
22. Green Bay f/LV: Devin Lloyd - LB, Utah
The Packers have a huge need at WR but with the way the board plays out, Lloyd is the best player available.
23. Arizona: Drake Jackson - EDGE, USC
The Cardinals have a need at EDGE and Jackson is a late-riser with a real shot at the first round.
24. Dallas: Lewis Cine - S, Georgia
Cine fits in Dallas as a do-it-all safety who can cover deep and play in the box. He and Micah Parsons can be game-changing defensive chess pieces for years to come.
25. Buffalo: Breece Hall - RB, Iowa State
The Bills have a solid roster and are ready to win right now. If ever there were a good spot for an RB in the first round, it's here.
26. Tennessee: Zion Johnson - OG, Boston College
The Titans probably want to get back to who they are, and building a dominant OL around Derrick Henry should be a priority. I expect them to consider QB here also.
27. Tampa Bay: Logan Hall - DT, Houston
The Bucs have a need at DT, and Hall is a late-riser with good strength and size.
28. Green Bay: Jahan Dotson - WR, Penn State
Dotson has terrific hands and great speed. He could push for immediate playing time in Green Bay.
29. Kansas City (f/MIA): Daxton Hill - S, Michigan
Hill fits in Kansas City as a moveable chess piece who can play some corner, nickel, and safety.
30. Kansas City: Skyy Moore - WR, Western Michigan
Moore just fits Kansas City perfectly. He has deep speed and great hands.
31. Cincinnati: Kaiir Elam - CB, Florida
The Bengals will likely consider OL here even after spending a lot in free agency. Elam would be tough to pass up as an upgrade over Eli Apple.
32. Detroit f/LAR: Kenny Pickett - QB, Pittsburgh
Pickett is mobile with great accuracy, but his analytical profile isn't that promising. No. 32 seems like a prime spot for someone to trade up for a QB to get the fifth-year option. If Detroit stays put, they could take any of Pickett, Matt Corral, or Desmond Ridder.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for a Round two mock draft following the conclusion of Thursday night's first round.
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