When looking at a 2022 NFL WR mock draft, it’s essential to understand that every team needs at least five or six good pass catchers in today’s WR-happy NFL. After the last two draft classes presented historical levels of receiver prominence, the 2022 NFL Draft will again see a bevy of receivers drafted. Where could those players go, and who might they be? We answer that now in our specific WR-only 2022 NFL mock draft.
2022 NFL WR Mock Draft: Round 1
The first day of the 2022 NFL Draft will undoubtedly see a few receivers selected. However, the identity of those prospects and just how early they come off the board remains in question.
Round 1, Pick 14 | Baltimore Ravens: Jameson Williams, Alabama
The first of the receivers drafted may not even play until midway through the season. After sustaining a torn ACL in January’s CFP National Championship Game, Jameson Williams is still the first wide receiver off the board. He has elite deep speed and can win with his separation skills all along his routes. But it’s not just Williams’ deep speed — it’s his twitch off the line of scrimmage that Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will love.
Round 1, Pick 15 | Philadelphia Eagles: Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Speaking of speed, Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson is a burner in every sense of the word. And yet, that’s not the best attribute of his game. Wilson can also separate along his routes anywhere, win contested catches, and torch defenses after the catch. The Philadelphia Eagles need some receiver help to give Jalen Hurts more options and free up DeVonta Smith with more favorable matchups. Wilson does just that.
Round 1, Pick 28 | Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, Ohio State
The second OSU receiver drafted in this 2022 NFL WR mock draft, Chris Olave broke the Buckeyes’ career touchdowns record while in Columbus. Surpassing David Boston’s record is one thing — joining Boston as a first-round receiver will be another. Olave is a great speed threat, but he also possesses elite body control and plenty of after-the-catch ability. However, the best bet for him here is the fact that he’s NFL-ready today. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers should love that.
Round 1, Pick 30 | Kansas City Chiefs: Drake London, USC
The Kansas City Chiefs have made amends for the loss of Tyreek Hill with several free agent signings. However, none of the receivers they’ve signed are on the path toward achieving WR1 status. They get that potential ascending talent in Drake London here, though. The Pac-12 leader in yards despite missing the backstretch of the season, London possesses elite all-around skills and is a bully after the catch. Once he’s cleared medically, London should quickly ascend to the No. 1 receivers spot in KC.
Round 1, Pick 32 | Detroit Lions: Jahan Dotson, Penn State
The last first-round pick of this 2022 NFL WR Mock Draft sees the fifth receiver land in another favorable spot. Jahan Dotson heads to the Detroit Lions, where he can pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown to formulate one of the top tandems in the conference. Dotson has all the necessary tools, but his soft hands will be valuable for whoever throws him the football in Detroit.
2022 NFL WR Mock Draft: Round 2
After Round 1, which receivers could hear their names called on Day 2 in rounds 2-3? In this mock draft, we see four players come off the board in Round 2.
Round 2, Pick 36 | New York Giants: Treylon Burks, Arkansas
The slide for Treylon Burks stops at No. 36, as he is the first receiver off the board in Round 2 of this 2022 NFL WR mock draft. Burks underwhelmed in the offseason circuit but has the tools to become a top receiver in the league. His Combine performance was a shock to those unaware, but given a step or two in the open field, Burks’ on-field speed will be able to beat most NFL defensive backs.
Round 2, Pick 39 | Chicago Bears: Christian Watson, North Dakota State
On the flip side of the coin, Christian Watson aced the offseason circuit. Watson raised his draft stock from Day 3 prospect to potentially a fringe Day 1 pick. He’s big, fast, long, and mean. Watson wins everywhere, and after he dominated the Combine, any lofty expectations formulated after watching his tape were verified.
Round 2, Pick 43 | Atlanta Falcons: George Pickens, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons need more than one receiver, and they get that started with George Pickens. Pickens will become a valuable target given his size and speed combination, whether it’s Marcus Mariota or another quarterback throwing the football in Atlanta. There are few better than Pickens when healthy, thanks to his added body control.
Round 2, Pick 54 | New England Patriots: Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
Owning one of the best releases off the line of scrimmage, Jalen Tolbert is no stranger to getting open at all levels of the field. The New England Patriots have the positional versatility to deploy Tolbert anywhere, as he can play inside or outside.
2022 NFL WR Mock Draft: Round 3
Four wide receivers are selected in Round 3 of this 2022 NFL WR mock draft. We kick things off with Alabama’s John Metchie III headed to the Texans with the 68th overall pick.
Round 3, Pick 68 | Houston Texans: John Metchie III, Alabama
With a bevy of needs and the understanding that they’re at least two years away from the playoffs, the Houston Texans grab John Metchie III to help their gradual offensive transformation. Metchie may not be able to play right away, as he said he’s expected to be cleared in June. But when he is, Davis Mills should have a top target. Metchie is a great route runner with even better hands that separate him from the rest of the receivers in Round 3 and beyond.
Round 3, Pick 78 | Cleveland Browns: Alec Pierce, Cincinnati
A big-bodied receiver with a great ability high-point the football, Alec Pierce heads to the Cleveland Browns in this 2022 NFL WR mock draft. Pierce had a dominant offseason circuit and has firmly placed his name in the Day 2 conversation. New Browns QB Deshaun Watson will have a great time with Pierce’s all-around skills.
Round 3, Pick 86 | Las Vegas Raiders: David Bell, Purdue
Similar to the aforementioned stumble from Burks, David Bell had a rough outing all throughout the offseason workout schedule. Bell’s tape was put in question from the Combine to the Purdue Pro Day. Still, his body control is among the best in this class, and he can help the Las Vegas Raiders in a multitude of ways with his hands.
Round 3, Pick 93 | San Francisco 49ers: Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
More than just a slot receiver, Skyy Moore is a dominant catch-point threat and all-around great route runner. Moore plays much bigger than his frame and can help free up some favorable matchups on the inside for Deebo Samuel.
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