2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, and Sam Howell go in Round 1

Once the NFL Combine concludes, everyone gets anxious for the NFL Draft to begin. We’ve seen quite a bit of fluctuation at nearly every position, so it’s time to take a look at the latest 2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

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2022 2-Round NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 | Picks 1-16

Plenty of movement leading up to the draft continues in this 2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft as two teams swap picks within the top 10. All picks were made using PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator.

1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

There are many spirited debates in this year’s draft, and one of them is who Jacksonville will select first overall. It’s hard for the Jaguars to justify a pick that doesn’t include someone protecting Trevor Lawrence, so it comes down to whether they take Evan Neal or NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu.

2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Speaking of debates, the conversation for EDGE1 rages on, with Aidan Hutchinson currently holding on as the top option. Hutchinson contends for the honor of being the top pick, but losing out to an offensive tackle benefits the Lions immensely.

3) Houston Texans: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The hype surrounding Travon Walker may be a little overkill, but the simulator still likes Houston taking a chance on the Georgia star. My guess is the excitement will die down the closer we get to the draft, but for now, he’s taken in the top three.

4) New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Allegedly there are concerns about Kayvon Thibodeaux’s character. That might move Jermaine Johnson II up the board to the Jets. The former Bulldog transferred to the Seminoles this past season and was one of the lone bright spots for a struggling Florida State team. Now, he joins a struggling Jets team hoping that he can help turn this team into a contender.

5) Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from NYG): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Mock Trade: New York Giants trade pick 5 to Seattle for picks 9, 40, and 41.

Here’s the thing. Someone is going to trade up for one of these quarterbacks. It doesn’t matter what grade teams have on them. Seattle traded away Russell Wilson, and they need a quarterback this year or next. To me, there’s only one quarterback you move up to get, and that’s Malik Willis. From there, Seattle can focus on other parts of their team.

6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Once considered a fringe first-round pick, Ikem Ekwonu is currently challenging Neal for the top tackle spot in this draft class. The NC State star is a violent game-changer who can make any grown man question his will to keep playing. Matt Rhule needs a player like that if he’s going to get himself off the hot seat in Carolina.

7) New York Giants (from CHI): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Giants, they won’t do much if the blocking isn’t up to par. Charles Cross displayed his athleticism at the Combine thanks to a 4.95 40-yard dash and 4.61 20-yard shuttle. His 34 1/2″ arms also put him ahead of both Neal and Ekwonu. It’s tough to see him falling out of the top 10 at this point.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

These reports about Kayvon Thibodeaux are disappointing. Mostly because it’s tough to see him falling far despite concerns about his effort. Yet, if he’s still a top-10 pick, those concerns must not be that bad. Atlanta benefits in this scenario from other teams passing on the Oregon star. They’re getting an explosive, athletic playmaker who can step in right away and compete.

9) New York Giants (mock trade from SEA): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Obviously, his recovery remains the biggest concern, but a healthy Jameson Williams is in the conversation for the top 10. His speed is game-breaking, and at times, Alabama almost exclusively relied on him to make big plays. He delivered every time, and the Giants need a talent like that on their roster.

10) New York Jets (from SEA): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Still a top-two player on Pro Football Network’s Big Board, the stock of Kyle Hamilton has also slid some in recent weeks. New York might consider taking him with the fourth overall pick, but they’d be elated to see him drop to 10. Everyone’s game gets scrutinized in the offseason, and the fact that Hamilton hasn’t dropped far is encouraging.

11) Washington Commanders: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Trading for Carson Wentz makes this pick interesting, but the majority believe the Commanders still need a QB of the future. Kenny Pickett is another quarterback that we could see teams move up for, but Washington sees him fall to 11 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

12) Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Concerns about Derek Stingley Jr.‘s injury were quickly erased at LSU’s Pro Day. A 4.37 40-yard dash highlighted his performance and had many believing he’s back on track in terms of his health. Minnesota needs help at the cornerback position, and the former Tigers cornerback gets a chance to revive his play from 2019 with another purple and gold team.

13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Giants surprised us in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, but the odds that Garrett Wilson is the first receiver taken in the actual draft are pretty good. Eventually, the Texans need to draft a quarterback. However, imagine how excited Houston fans would be if they could reunite Wilson with former teammate C.J. Stroud next year.

14) Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Jordan Davis‘ stock appears to be taking off. Once considered a late-first-round pick, he’s now in the conversation to be taken in the top 10. Davis is a great fit in Baltimore, and that defense would love adding his skill set up the middle. An incredible athlete for his size, Davis brings a great blend of quickness and power to the interior defensive line.

15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Ahmad Gardner could be the top corner taken in this draft. However, it’s a crowded group at the top, and Stingley’s strong pro day made things more interesting. Philadelphia wouldn’t complain if the Bearcats’ star fell to 15 because they need to find a way to improve their secondary.

16) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Confidence isn’t lacking in George Karlaftis. The Boilermakers star recently emphasized that his tape speaks for itself, and he’s right. EDGE might be a tertiary need for the Saints, but sometimes you take the best player available if you can’t trade back. With Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Payton Turner already on the roster, Karlaftis can learn from them to improve his game even more.

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