2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Packers and Chiefs get a new WR1 each
The 2022 NFL Draft is finally here.
No more speculation, no more rumours.
The draft is always the second most anticipated event in the calendar for the NFL. Teams are busy preparing to make the player selections which could ultimately transform their future prospects as a franchise.
We continue to make our predictions ahead of the first round. Here’s our picks from 21 to 32.
Round 1, 21st overall – New England Patriots
ANDREW BOOTH JR., CB, CLEMSON
The Patriots decided not to tie down star J.C. Jackson during free agency, so cornerback seems to be their biggest need.
Clemson’s Andrew Booth would be the perfect replacement. Versatility is a huge plus in New England, and that is just what Booth offers.
He’s experienced in man and zone coverage and his exceptional awareness skills make him a key target for many.
Ranked as our fourth best corner, Booth’s great upside will excite Bill Belicheck with this pick.
Round 1, 22nd overall – Green Bay Packers
TREYLON BURKS , WR, ARKANSAS
For the sake of Packers fans, we’re got them taking a receiver in the first round.
If Green Bay don’t take go wideout with either of their opening picks, it would be such a huge surprise. Even for a franchise with a questionable recent record of first round selections!
The Packers could trade up for someone like Chris Olave or Jameson Williams, but Treylon Burks is great option if available at 22.
He’s a unit of a receiver with great athleticism and mismatch ability. He’s fallen in mocks recently after a poor NFL Combine, but there is no doubt Burks is NFL ready.
Round 1, 23rd overall – Arizona Cardinals
DEVONTE WYATT, DT, GEORGIA
With the top edge and cornerback options now gone, the Cardinals go defensive tackle with Gerogia’s Devonte Wyatt.
He’s a brilliant interior disruptor and as he showcased at the Combine is lightening quick for a big man too.
Arizona like to rotate their defensive linemen, so Wyatt could come in to play a key role for the team from day one.
Round 1, 24th overall – Dallas Cowboys
KENYON GREEN, G, TEXAS A&M
The Cowboys need to address their offense line drastically in this year’s draft. It was by far their biggest problem on offense in 2021.
Having met with guard Kenyon Green on multiple occasions, Cowboys seem very keen on making this selection.
He’d do a lot to support running back Ezekiel Elliot and could slot in at several positions across the line. Health issues aside, Green can help to bring back the offensive line quality of old in Dallas, if he can stay fit.
Round 1, 25th overall – Buffalo Bills
KYLER GORDON, CB, WASHINGTON
A lot of rumours are flying around about the Bills taking a running back in round one.
But there is always a risk with selecting an RB early, as our Thom Allison recently pointed out.
Given the lack of genuine first round talent in 2022, I think the Bills would be wise to wait until later in the draft to address the position.
With Tre’Davious White still coming back from knee surgery, the Bills have a glaring need at cornerback.
Washington’s Kyler Gordon seems at good fit for Buffalo. He brings the same qualities as his college teammate Trent McDuffie (taken by the Eagles in our mock) and will bring plenty of experience in zone college from college.
Round 1, 26th overall – Tennessee Titans
ZION JOHNSON, G, BOSTON COLLEGE
We’ve got the Titans going an offensive lineman for the third year in a row with their first-round pick.
Following the release of Rodger Saffold in Tennessee, Zion Johnson could fit straight in at left guard.
He’s not the most exciting prospect, infact he was a zero-star recruit for Boston College. But after a brilliant three years in college, we’re confident Johnson can become an above-average starter in the NFL.
Round 1, 27th overall – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DAXTON HILL, S, MICHIGAN
Having lost the well-respected Jordan Whitehead to the Jets earlier in the offseason, the Buccaneers will be looking to bolster their options at safety in the draft.
Daxton Hill would be a great fit for the Todd Bowles era. He can easily slot in at nickel or safety, giving the Buccaneers much need secondary help.
Is it a long shot to go safety in round one? Perhaps, but Daxton Hill’s talent as a versatile defender is unquestionable.
Round 1, 28th overall – Green Bay Packers
TRAVIS JONES, DT, CONNECTICUT
The Packers need another dominant player on their defensive line. Travis Jones could just be that guy.
The Connecticut Huskies standout has shot up the draft boards in recent months, following a star performance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
With Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry both out of contract in 2023, Jones could fill an impending void in Green Bay.
Round 1, 29th overall – Kansas City Chiefs
GEORGIA PICKENS, WR, GEORGIA
After an ACL injury ruled George Pickens out of most of 2021, the Georgia wideout has tumbled in rankings over the past year.
But Pickens has an upside as high as any receiver in this year’s draft, which is packed full of WR talent.
The Chiefs are rumoured to be interested in Pickens, who could make a huge impact at the position in Kansas City.
He’s got some growing up to do, but with the right development, he can go far in the NFL.
Round 1, 30th overall – Kansas City Chiefs
DAVID OJABO, EDGE, MICHIGAN
A couple of months ago, David Ojabo has dead cert to be a top-20 pick at the 2022 NFL Draft.
But after tearing his Achilles at his Michigan Pro Day, the Scotland native has fallen dramatically in stock value.
The Chiefs have a need on the edge, His injury may unfortunately cost him becoming a Week 1 start, but I have more concerns for them taking someone like Boye Mafe than for Ojabo.
It’s another risk for Kansas City, but Ojabo is well worth a punt. He’s fast and has the athleticism to succeed in the league.
Round 1, 31st overall – Cincinnati Bengals
TYLER LINDERBAUM, C, IOWA
The Bengals upgraded their offensive line early in free agency, and could look to upgrade their secondary at No.31.
But if he’s available, I can’t seem them passing on Tyler Linderbaum.
Considered the best center prospect in recent memory, Iowa’s Linderbaum would be the prefect player to put in front of Joe Burrow.
He’d add a touch of youth to an improved offensive line, but also some much needed protection ability.
This selection just makes sense for Cincinnati.
Round 1, 32nd overall – Detroit Lions
NAKOBE DEAN, LB, GEORGIA
Given they pick again just two selections later, the Lions should wait if they do want to go receiver or quarterback.
Nakobe Dean is one of the best players left on the board and is just the type of player Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell will be after.
His range at linebacker is unrivalled in this class and would be another ideal selection for Campbell’s approach in Detroit.
