Rory Daniels Mock Draft 2022
Just in time for Thursday’s big night here’s my full first round mock draft. There will be a few surprises and some trades, so sit back and enjoy!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2021 Record: 3-14
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
A shocker to kick things off! The buzz is all about the edge rushers but with both offensive tackles out of contract next year, Neal does make sense. He has ideal size and length along with versatility to play guard. He may be the safe, sensible option to kick things off.
2. Detroit Lions
2021 Record: 3-13-1
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The perfect match of Hutchinson and the Lions can take place with Neal going one. He fits the bill for what Dan Campbell wants the new look Lions to be.
3. Houston Texans
2021 Record: 4-13
Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
Upside and athleticism are the buzzwords attached to Travon Walker. The Texans will hope his inside/outside versatility adds some star power to their defense.
4. New York Jets
2021 Record: 4-13
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
If the Jets relationship with Mekhi Becton really is irreparable then Ekwonu gives them an immediate replacement. Zach Wilson gets the protection he craves.
5. *TRADE* New Orleans Saints (via New York Giants)
2021 Record: 9-8
Charles Cross, OT, Missisippi State
Left tackle sticks out like a sore thumb as the Saints big need. If they feel they can make a run by plugging the gap, they could trade to get ahead of Carolina. There is a drop off after Charles Cross so the Saints give up their two first rounders to get the solid pass protector.
6. *TRADE* Minnesota Vikings (via Carolina)
2021 Record: 8-9
Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
The Panthers get gazumped by the Saints for the last of the top 3 tackles. In this case they probably start ringing around. I have the Vikings giving up a 3rd and a 6th to get their number 1 corner to eventually replace Patrick Petersen.
7. New York Giants (via Chicago)
2021 Record: 4-13
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
James Bradberry and Adoree Jackson will be contract question marks next year so don’t be surprised if they address the need with a player who is likely to be atop or near the top of their draft board at this pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons
2021 Record: 7-10
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Falcons have plenty of needs so they can let the board fall to them. Much has been made of Thibodeaux’s work effort but the tape still shows a powerful edge defender.
9. Seattle Seahawks
2021 Record: 7-10
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Perhaps the next big surprise. The Seahawks could be set to wrangle with DK Metcalf over a new deal. Jameson Williams will be some teams top wideout and offers them an insurance policy. Best case scenario they get an awesome receiving duo.
10. New York Jets (via Seattle)
2021 Record: 4-13
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Jets continue the run on wide receivers, Garrett Wilson is the all round best wideout and should combo nicely with Elijah Moore.
11. Washington Commanders
2021 Record: 7-10
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Commanders will likely look hard at receivers too but Hamilton is arguably a top 5 talent. The Commanders would continue to add to a powerful defense and get a quality addition in the secondary.
12. Carolina Panthers
2021 Record: 5-12
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
If the Panthers are happy with either Pickett or Willis they probably risk moving back to get two extra picks. They get an immediate starter here and feel better about the value.
13. Houston Texans (via Cleveland)
2021 Record: 4-13
Drake London, WR, USC
The Texans even things out and go to the offensive side of the ball. It could be a bit rich for the next tackle so they get young QB Davis Mills a big target from USC.
14. Baltimore Ravens
2021 Record: 8-9
Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Ravens love pass rushers. Jermaine Johnson suffers a slight drop in this scenario and that is exactly the type of situation the Ravens take advantage of.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami)
2021 Record: 9-8
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Fletcher Cox long-term replacement pick? Davis is a pocket collapser who could anchor the line in the same way DJ Reader does for the Bengals.
16. New York Giants (via New Orleans)
2021 Record: 4-13
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Giants gave up the chance to grab Charles Cross in order to get another first round pick. They still land Penning who can play right tackle across from Andrew Thomas.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Record: 9-8
Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
There still remains question marks along the Chargers offensive line. Green has played multiple spots and is a big mauler to add to Rashawn Slater.
18. *TRADE* Kansas City Chiefs (via Philadelphia)
2021 Record: 12-5
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Eagles could stay put and take Olave but there is likely to be receivers available at the back of round one. In this scenario, Roseman can’t resist the offer of a second rounder as he stacks picks. The Chiefs try to limit the loss of Tyreek Hill.
19. New York Giants (via New Orleans)
2021 Record: 4-13
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Giants turn two top-10 picks into Sauce Gardner, Trevor Penning and now Devin Lloyd. Lloyd can be the commanding presence at the heart of the Giants defense for years to come.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Record: 9-7-1
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Steelers stay put and get the man they wanted all along? Willis has a big arm and athletic ability, he can sit for a year behind Trubisky before adding to the riches at the position in the AFC North.
21. New England Patriots
2021 Record: 10-7
Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
The Patriots lost Ted Karras and traded Shaq Mason. They stay in-state and grab Johnson who can play guard or be the future at center.
22. Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas)
2021 Record: 10-7
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Packers take a receiver right? Wrong, a lot of their secondary is getting to the end of their contracts so a cheap, versatile secondary piece is just what the doctor ordered.
23. Arizona Cardinals
2021 Record: 11-6
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
There isn’t a better match than the Cardinals and a defensive back from Washington. Top 10 skills in a small package sees McDuffie make it down the board to join his former teammates in the desert.
24. Dallas Cowboys
2021 Record: 12-5
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Cowboys moved on from Amari Cooper and here they add a different dimension to the receiving corps. Jerry Jones has links to Arkansas and will surely love to make a splash by taking Burks.
25. Buffalo Bills
2021 Record: 11-6
Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson
Injury concerns will push Booth down but a team like Buffalo can take the risk at this spot. If it comes off they will have Tre White and Booth as a shutdown tandem.
26. Tennessee Titans
2021 Record: 12-5
George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Karlaftis would be the third pass rusher on the outside for the Titans but his ability to play inside could make this pick work. Imagine a line with Bud Dupree, Harold Landry, Jeffrey Simmons and Karlaftis coming for the QB. Oof!
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Record: 13-4
Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Ndamukong Suh has departed from the Bucs so finding a running mate for Vita Vea would be handy. Wyatt can play the 3-tech role and thrive with the spotlight taken off him.
28. Green Bay Packers
2021 Record: 13-4
Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Packers are trolling at this stage. Stout in their philosophy of avoiding receiver in round 1 they take Mafe. You can’t have too many pass rushers!
29. Philadelphia Eagles (via Kansas City)
2021 Record: 9-8
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Eagles move back, pick up a second rounder and still get a receiver who can start immediately. Dotson can replace Reagor as a more reliable pass catching threat.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
2021 Record: 12-5
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Chiefs seem to have been searching for a corner for numerous drafts. Elam could be the solution. A high-quality, SEC cornerback who can lockdown one on one.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Record: 10-7
Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Tyler Linderbaum would be the final piece on the offensive line but the Bengals plump for Kyler Gordon. He will compete with Eli Apple for a starting spot.
32. Detroit Lions (via LA Rams)
2021 Record: 3-13-1
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
DeShon Elliott appears to be a temporary option for the Lions at safety. Therefore, the Lions avoid the temptation to take a QB and pair Lewis Cine with Tracy Walker.
Rory-Joe Daniels
CFB Contributor
FORMERLY WRITING FOR THE INSIDE ZONE, RORY WILL BE BREAKING DOWN COLLEGE TAPE AND KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THINGS CFB FOR THE TOUCHDOWN. AN AVID BENGALS FAN, YOU CAN ALSO FIND SOME OF RORY’S WORK AT STRIPEHYPE.COM.