2022 NFL Mock Draft: Derek Stingley Jr. and Charles Cross go in the top five

2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32

The first half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft had some intriguing selections. And while the second half is a bit more chalky, many of these picks could transpire on Thursday.

17) Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

This 2022 NFL Mock Draft didn’t fall so well for the Chargers. They would love one of Jameson Williams, Jordan Davis, or Trevor Penning here. But Chris Olave is one heck of a consolation prize. He may not be the most creative after the catch, but route running and speed will cause defenses headaches.

18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Eagles love to build through the trenches, and they don’t get much better than Devonte Wyatt in the 2022 class. He is explosive from the interior and can legitimately penetrate pockets. Wyatt can begin his career as a rotation piece behind Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave next season before taking over a starting role in the future.

19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The Saints are one of the few teams likely to select a QB in the 2022 NFL Draft. If they don’t package their two first-round selections for a trade up, they could sit at No. 19 and draft the best signal-caller who falls to them.

Even with Malik Willis on the board, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has been the offensive coordinator for 13 seasons. He built his offense to reap the most from pocket passers, and Desmond Ridder is possibly the most pro-ready pocket passer in the class. He is a quick processor and has a good feel in the pocket, neither of which are traits Willis currently sports.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Speaking of the Liberty QB, Mike Tomlin and Co. have not hidden their infatuation with Malik Willis. If they view him as the future of the franchise, they may need to trade up for him in the actual draft. But in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they sit pretty and land their heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger. Willis is a running back with a cannon for an arm, and I mean that in the most flattering way. He can truck defenders as easily as he can throw strikes over them.

21) New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Trent McDuffie isn’t typically what you expect from a Patriots defender physically, but he is mentally. McDuffie does whatever needs to be done at a high level. Line him up outside, in the slot, or at safety, and watch him thrive. New England has deployed zone more recently, which plays to McDuffie’s strengths. Nonetheless, he does have the movement skills to mirror in man coverage.

22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): George Pickens, WR, Georgia

George Pickens is far from a first-round lock, but he fits exactly what the Packers want from their WRs. He is young, can run block, and meets their size threshold. Had it not been for a torn ACL keeping him off the field for much of 2021, we would likely be talking about Pickens as possibly the WR1. His ability at the catch point and to create late-stage separation is top-tier.

23) Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

I’m not sure the Cardinals go defense three drafts in a row, especially with Kyler Murray disgruntled. Yet, George Karlaftis fills a position of need and is one of the best players still available. The power he possesses at just 21 years old is astronomical. Imagine what he can do after receiving NFL coaching and studying under J.J. Watt? *Insert mind-blown emoji*

24) Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

With Treylon Burks still on the board, does Jerry Jones run the draft card up himself? Jerry gets what Jerry wants, but if what Jerry wants is a Super Bowl, he is better off giving Dak Prescott protection. Zion Johnson is arguably the best interior lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he even looked good at left tackle for a game in 2021. His 34″ arms are exceptional from guard, and he is no stranger to bulldozing opponents in the ground game.

25) Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Kaiir Elam has been by CB4 for some time, and he appears to be crushing the pre-draft process. Tre’Davious White has been longing for a running mate since Vontae Davis retired at halftime in 2018. Elam can be just that, giving Buffalo a potential corner tandem that rivals most in the league.

26) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

The Titans can go in a bevy of directions on Day 1. There is some talk of Tennessee pulling the trigger on a QB, but I’ll believe it when I see it. They’ve met with Tyler Smith and could use his services up front. He can slot into guard or battle with Dillon Radunz for the starting tackle spot opposite Taylor Lewan.

27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

The Buccaneers are in win-now mode until Tom Brady is gone. They are pushing all their chips in. As a result, they will likely fill their biggest need over the “best player available” model in Round 1. Kenyon Green instantly slides into a vacant starting guard position and will maul in the run game while affording Brady a clean pocket. His athletic testing was a bit underwhelming, but he has versatility along the offensive line in a pinch.

28) Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Packers typically don’t draft older players, but this whole class is older due to the extra year of eligibility offered by the NCAA. Plus, Devin Lloyd is the LB1 in the class and one of the safest prospects as a whole. He has the speed to patrol the second level in coverage, crash in run defense, and even blitz off the edge.

29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

While the Chiefs need wide receiver, their defense is beckoning for reinforcements. Daxton Hill may have the most sphere of influence in the class. His range is impeccable from a single-high alignment. But he is also exceptional from the slot, a role Tyrann Mathieu held. Now, you don’t want Hill caught near the box in run defense as he is a bit of a liability there due to his small frame. Nevertheless, his coverage prowess will make life easier for the rest of the defense.

30) Kansas City Chiefs: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

According to multiple reports, the Chiefs have taken a serious liking to Boye Mafe. As such, they could pull the trigger on him in the back end of Round 1. He is an uber-athletic edge rusher that will start right away, taking pressure off Chris Jones and an aging Frank Clark.

31) Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Andrew Booth Jr. is a first-round prospect with injury concerns that may drop him some. Chidobe Awuzie is solid on the outside, and Mike Hilton is one of the best slot CBs in the league. Yet, behind them are Eli Apple and Tre Flowers. With Tyler Linderbaum on the board, the Bengals could opt to put the finishing touches on the OL, but Booth provides much-needed security in the secondary.

32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

The Lions seem destined to take a QB at the back of the first round. Which QB is up to the eye of the beholder, but Matt Corral is seemingly viewed higher than the rest of the available options. His compact throwing motion and combination of arm strength and athleticism are enticing. However, he played in an RPO-heavy offense that doesn’t translate to the NFL. If he does pan out, Detroit will appreciate having a fifth-year option on the table.

Other notable names who could go in Round 1

• Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
• Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
• Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
• Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
• Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
• Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
• Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State