2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
With two quarterbacks selected in the top half, let’s get to how that affects the bottom half of Round 1 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
The top defensive tackle on the board heads to the Los Angeles Chargers as they pass up on a few other solid options. The Chargers land DeMarvin Leal at a fraction of his potential worth, as the big man in the middle does just about everything right. He’ll push past interior linemen in the pass game and provide a ton of value and upside in run defense as well.
18) New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Another Ohio State receiver heads to the Bayou as Chris Olave joins the New Orleans Saints. Olave is the Ohio State career leader in receiving touchdowns as he just simply knows how to get open. He’s a possession receiver with sneaky speed, a great first step, and sticky hands.
19) Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The best sideline-to-sideline linebacker prospect in years, Devin Lloyd‘s best attribute is actually his coverage ability. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham says Lloyd is the best defender he’s ever coached, which stands as about the most glowing recommendation I’ve ever heard. Lloyd makes plays in coverage like a safety while blitzing like an edge defender. He’s the complete package at linebacker.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
A no-brainer here for the Pittsburgh Steelers as Ikem Ekwonu falls to pick No. 20. Ekwonu is a talented player at left tackle, and he polished his game from 2020 to 2021 with great success. Though a bit undersized, Ekwonu doesn’t allow that to affect his plan at left tackle. He’s a power blocker in the run game and presented a challenge for even the toughest pass rushers to get by this past season.
21) New England Patriots: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The New England Patriots could select a variety of positions here, but they decide to grab Jordan Davis from Georgia. The big man stands a whopping 6’6″ and tips the scales north of 330 pounds. He’s a massive man to account for on the defensive line, and yet, he moves like he’s a linebacker. Davis will move up and down the line of scrimmage with incredible success.
22) Philadelphia Eagles (from LV): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Trade: The Eagles received Las Vegas’ pick Nos. 22 and 53 for their selection at pick No. 15.
Trading back and still grabbing their guy, the Eagles select Kaiir Elam as their third pick of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Elam has terrific ball skills and an NFL lineage. He’ll pass off receivers to make plays on balls thrown elsewhere or lock down his receivers from a variety of alignments. Elam can also stick his nose in run defense with terrific success.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
They may not need him to start in Year 1 with Rodney Hudson under contract through 2023, but we can’t think of a better replacement plan. Tyler Linderbaum is worthy of the “generational talent” moniker and is as talented as they come at the center position. His wrestling background grants him leverage and strength over the biggest or most savvy defenders. He’s an All-Pro candidate once he’s on the field.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Dallas Cowboys need a few positions in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. With their free-agency plans still very much in flux, they grab a big man in the middle who put on a show at the Senior Bowl. Perrion Winfrey tosses linemen around like yesterday’s trash while planting running backs in the backfield all the same. Winfrey immediately bolsters all facets of Dallas’ defense.
25) Buffalo Bills: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Having had success in selecting fellow Northern Iowa lineman Spencer Brown, the Buffalo Bills tack on another one in Trevor Penning. Though he plays a violent game, the Bills can harness Penning’s vicious nature with some coaching, and he would immediately improve their line. Penning gets after it in the run game, pancaking anyone in sight, while he also provides a relatively immovable base in pass protection.
26) Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Tennessee Titans need some help at a few positions, but to become a more two-dimensional team on offense, another playmaker at receiver is necessary. With the aging Julio Jones still in the mix with A.J. Brown, Treylon Burks can become a vital aspect of their passing attack as he continues to develop his route tree. Burks is a big man who shouldn’t be able to run as fast as he does. And his skills at the catch point are just as impressive.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Getting younger on the defensive line will be imperative for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jermaine Johnson II helps them do just that. The high-motor pass rusher from Florida State provides a much-needed spark on an aging defense. Johnson plays relentless football and should factor into the long-term plans for the Bucs on the defensive side of the ball.
28) Green Bay Packers: Drake London, WR, USC
A talented playmaker at the catch point, Drake London also improved his game each year at USC. Despite a season-ending injury midway through the 2021 season, London still led the Pac-12 in receiving yards. He’s an incredible athlete with a gifted leaping ability. He’ll improve the Green Bay Packers’ receiving corps immediately while becoming a favorite red-zone target and incredible yards-after-the-catch threat.
29) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
As one of the teams with running back as their No. 1 need this offseason, the Miami Dolphins grab the first back off the board in Isaiah Spiller. As much trouble as he presents in the run game for opposing defenses, Spiller is perhaps just as talented as a pass catcher. His first step is almost always upfield, and he actually accelerates through his breaks. He’s a rare blend of speed, shiftiness, power, and pass-catching prowess out of the backfield.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Line Travon Walker up anywhere on defense, and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to prosper. It doesn’t matter if he’s inside or on the edge, with his hand in the dirt or off the ball — Walker just wins, no matter the play. He can rush the passer, giving KC a talented playmaker off the edge. But he can also drop into coverage with great success all the same. Walker is a new-age chess piece for an NFL defense.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
It was as clear as day in the Super Bowl: The Cincinnati Bengals need help on the offensive line. As the board fell in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Nicholas Petit-Frere was the best option for them here at pick No. 31. The Bengals need reinforcements at just about every offensive line position, so securing their top player available at any of the positions at this pick seems likely.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
They could go quarterback with their second first-round pick, but instead, the Lions secure the services of a talented, physical, strong linebacker in Nakobe Dean. Routinely seen barking out plays before the snap, Dean is as smart as he is strong, and that says a lot. Dean is as powerful as an ox, but his instincts and quickness are just as impressive.