2022 NFL Mock Draft
April 27, 2022
The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting nights of the offseason for football fans. This year’s draft is one of the hardest to predict in many years. The depth of talent is unlike any year in recent memory. Along with that, there is also the possibility of teams making trades and that would more than likely change who gets picked at each spot. With that being said, here is the official Magnet Top 12 Mock Draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal (OT) Alabama – This off season the Jaguars have been all in on getting weapons for their number one pick last year, Trevor Lawrence. Evan Neal would be a great addition to a struggling line, hopefully protecting Lawrence for many years.
Detroit Lions: Aiden Hutchinson (EDGE) Michigan – The Lions will be happy to see Hutchinson fall to them at the second pick. Many believe he is the best player in the draft and would be a bright spot on a defense that ranked 31st in points allowed last season.
Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE) Oregon – Thibodeaux should be the best available player at this point in the draft. Edge rushers are hard to come by making it difficult to pass up on him at the third pick. Thibodeaux will be expected to make an immediate impact for the Texans next season.
New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu (OT) NC State – The Jets need an elite offensive lineman to protect their young quarterback and Ekwonu seems to be a great fit. Ekwonu could play both guard and tackle for the Jets. Most view him as the best run-blocker in this year’s draft but Ekwonu is also a phenomenal pass blocker due to his length and physicality at the point of attack.
New York Giants: Travon Walker (DE) Georgia – Walker is an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. He is one of the most athletic defensive lineman that the NFL draft has ever seen, putting up jaw-dropping numbers at this year’s combine. If Walker falls to the fifth pick, it would be very hard for the Giants to pass up on him.
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett (QB) Pittsburgh – Although Pickett may not be the best player available at the sixth pick, Carolina is in need of a quarterback who can start right away next season. Pickett seems to be the most NFL ready QB in the class and would fit into the Panthers offensive scheme nicely.
New York Giants: Charles Cross (OT) Mississippi State – The game is won in the trenches, so the Giants will be going back there with their second pick in the top 10. Cross is the best offensive linemen available and that is exactly what the Giants need. Cross would be expected to help the young backfield of Daniel Jones and Saquan Barkely who have struggled behind a subpar line the last few seasons.
Atlanta Falcons: Garret Wilson (WR) Ohio State – With the loss of Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage, the Falcons will be looking to bring in a new weapon for their new quarterback. Wilson runs explosive short routes and is very good with the ball in his hands. He should pair nicely with the deep threat of Kyle Pitts in the Falcons offense.
Seattle Seahawks: Malik Willis (QB) Liberty – Trading away Russell Wilson will leave a big hole in the heart of the Seattle offense. Willis is considered the best QB in the draft and would likely start from day one. He would have big shoes to fill, but if any quarterback will be able to do it, it will be Willis.
New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (CB) Cincinnati – With the Jets second pick in the top 10, they will look to improve their defense which lacked star power. Gardner would bring just that. He is a big and athletic corner who plays very physically. He should fit into the Jets defensive scheme well.
Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton (S) Notre Dame – Kyle Hamilton was a projected top 5 pick before the NFL combine. After running what scouts believe to be a slower 40-yard dash time, Hamilton fell out of the top 10 on many mock drafts. Nonetheless, Hamilton is a tremendous talent that will make a huge impact for the Washington Commanders. It will be a “dream come true” for Washington if Hamilton falls to the eleventh pick.
Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingly Jr. (CB) LSU – Stingley was the top recruit in the nation coming out of high school. Although he has missed games in the last two years he is still a tremendous talent that the VIkings would gladly take. He has great size and athleticism that could lead to him being a top cornerback in the NFL someday.
There are also some major trades to look out for. If the Panthers are not as confident in Pickett as it seems, they could easily try to trade down from their sixth pick. Expect the Eagles and potentially Steelers to try to get into the mix of the top 10. It is also known that 49ers star receiver Deebo Samuel wants out, so it is likely that someone would give up a Top 12 pick to add him to their team.