Cole’s Corner: 2022 Four Round NFL Mock Draft

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All of my prospect rankings have been released over the course of the last two weeks. Now that it is officially draft week it is time to release my annual four round mock draft. Remember that trades are included as well. Enjoy!

Round 1

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

At number one, the Jaguars are going one of two directions – edge rusher or offensive tackle. All of the buzz surrounding the Jaguars had been about them drafting Aiden Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux. It feels like in the last month Thibodeaux has fallen a bit off the radar and Walker has taken his place. Walker continues to close in on Hutchinson as the betting favorite for the Jaguars selection. It is hard to believe that he is gaining attention for no reason at all. Walker fits the Jaguars scheme better than Hutchinson due to his ability with his hand in the dirt at defensive end in the 3-4 base, yet the versatility to bounce outside to outside linebacker.

2. Detroit Lions – Aiden Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

If Hutchinson is not selected at number one, then the Lions will definitely pull the trigger and take him. Hutchinson will fit well as a 4-3 defensive end and help the Lions take much needed strides on that side of the ball.

3. Houston Texans – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Texans are in a position that they simply need the best player available in the draft. Safety might be their number one need and Hamilton is in my opinion the best prospect in this whole draft class. He will make a massive impact in the secondary for a rebuilding team.

4. New York Jets – Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Many believe the Jets will look the direction of edge rusher with their first pick, but their biggest weakness is at corner. Gardner is drawing a ton of top ten discussion and that will likely come to fruition on Thursday.

5. New York Giants – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Giants need to address their open position at right tackle which starts the discussion of Neal, Ekwonu or Cross. Of the three, Neal has the most experience at right tackle and will be the most natural fit. This should be an easy decision for them, especially with having another selection only two picks later.

6. Carolina Panthers – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Nearly every mock draft out there has the Panthers selecting a quarterback. I could see it happening, but I am not sold. Sam Darnold is not the answer, but neither is Cam Erving as your starting left tackle. Left tackle is an even greater need because regardless of what quarterback is out there for Carolina, that player needs his blindside protected. The Panthers will most likely go offensive tackle then look to make a move for Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield following the draft. They may still draft a quarterback in the mid to late rounds for some depth.

7. New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

In this scenario, the Giants were likely tempted to select Thibodeaux at number five. It makes more sense to wait until seven because the Panthers are not in the market for an edge rusher with other glaring needs. This allows the Giants to significantly improve their team early on night one by taking their choice of offensive tackle and still snagging a top tier edge rusher.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

I am personally not under the impression that the Falcons brought in Marcus Mariota to be a long-time starting quarterback. Mariota could be a serviceable starter still, but I believe the plan is to create a mobile quarterback room similar to what the Baltimore Ravens have with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Willis can make things happen with his legs and his arm. If something happens and Mariota needs to step up, then the offense would not need to completely adjust the game plan. If Willis is available at eight, then the Falcons will not pass him up. Their main concern should be Seattle trying to make a move up from behind them.

9. Washington Commanders **Mock Trade with Seattle** – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

If the Falcons snag Willis, then the Seahawks will likely want to talk some things over in the war room. It also wouldn’t hurt a team rebuilding to trade down and secure some more future draft picks while sorting out what position to address. Washington makes the perfect candidate for a trade because they will likely want to snag the first receiver in the draft. They have been quite active in their scouting of Garrett Wilson and will likely not want to risk missing out on him. In order to be sure of snagging Wilson, the Commanders need to get ahead of the Jets and remain ahead of their division rivals the Eagles. Wilson will then become the third Ohio State receiver for Wentz to target, joining Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.

10. New York Jets – Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

The Jets will be in play for wide receiver at ten but Washington’s jump ahead for Wilson will turn New York’s attention to edge rusher. After deciding to address a major need at corner at number four, passing on Thibodeaux, New York can still get out of the first round with a disruptive edge rusher well suited for the 4-3 base defense.

11. Seattle Seahawks **Mock Trade with Washington** – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

At eleven the Seahawks find themselves back on the clock following the trade back with the Washington Commanders. The Seattle offensive line is atrocious and they desperately need a talented pass protecting tackle. Charles Cross is the best in the class as a pass protector, which will allow the Seattle front office and the coaching staff to rest easier knowing he is a step in the right direction on the line. Drew Lock is serviceable and they can look to other quarterbacks early in the second round.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers **Mock Trade with Minnesota** – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

With Seattle passing on Kenny Pickett, the Pittsburgh Steelers will want to trade up and get their guy. The Minnesota Vikings also appear to be the most likely candidates to trade back in the first round because they have only had visits with late first round to early second round projected prospects. Recent reports have stated that the Steelers only feel confident in one quarterback and that guy is in fact Pickett. After the tragic accident and loss of Dwayne Haskins, the quarterback room is looking rather thin in Pittsburgh. Mason Rudolph has had one too many chances starting and Mitchell Trubisky is not a guaranteed starter week one. Pickett can continue to play his home games at Heinz Field and will instantly be a fan favorite.

13. Houston Texans – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

The Texans need to primarily focus on their defense, specifically in the secondary. At number three if they take a safety in Hamilton, then a starting caliber corner is still missing in the secondary. In the loaded AFC, Houston has a mountain to climb in order to win games. It will be worth it to them to take a risk in Derek Stingley Jr. If it weren’t for his injury issues, he would be a top ten pick. Hamilton plus Stingley will give Lovie Smith’s defense some hope.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Ravens only have one glaring need on defense and that is at nose tackle. The size, speed and run stopping ability would make Davis an ideal fit between Derek Wolfe and Calais Campbell.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

The Eagles need a corner opposite Darius Slay and Booth is one of the best options in this class. This will take care of the number one need with an opportunity to still grab a wide receiver in the first round.

16. New Orleans Saints – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The New Orleans Saints appear to be proceeding with Jameis Winston, but Andy Dalton is still on standby if needed at quarterback. Winston can launch the ball down the field, yet he still needs a vertical threat. Chris Olave runs smooth routes and excels as a big play wide receiver. Not only would he be an excellent fit schematically, but the Saints truly seem to love adding Ohio State Buckeyes to their roster.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Chargers offense is explosive and in really good shape coming into the 2022 season. The defense still needs to step up their game so that the offense doesn’t need to put up 40 points for a win. The team is stacked with edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, plus the secondary has continued to improve with the addition of JC Jackson, pairing him with Derwin James, Nasir Adderley and Asante Samuel Jr. The weakness comes with stopping the run. Adding another talented middle linebacker will help do the trick and Devin Lloyd would fit the scheme perfectly. He is not afraid to come forward and make a tackle. This is an ideal pairing.

18. Philadelphia Eagles – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Eagles have been quite average to below average at wide receiver in recent history, but the addition of Devonta Smith last year was a good step forward. The Eagles would love to have a burner and Williams is that. He appears to be recovering well from his injury and will be ready to perform this fall.

19. Green Bay Packers **Mock Trade with New Orleans** – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

After a few wide receivers come off the board, the Packers see the need to come up and get their guy. Not Drake London but rather Treylon Burks. The Packers have shown more interest in Burks. He is more explosive and will drastically improve a thin receiving corps in Green Bay. For the Saints it is worth trading back when they can wait on their next position need.

20. Minnesota Vikings *Mock Trade with Pittsburgh** – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia       

Wyatt is one of three late first round prospects that the Vikings met with recently. Trading back with the Steelers gives them some future picks and still lets them get a defensive tackle. The Vikings will start Harrison Phillips at defensive end and Dalvin Tomlinson at nose tackle in their 3-4 base defense. They do not appear to be sold on Armon Watts as their third down lineman starting. Wyatt would be a smart move for Minnesota because he would take that spot.

21. New England Patriots – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

No interior offensive linemen have come off the board yet which is excellent news for the Patriots. They need to make improvements at both guard positions. Drafting Green will likely place him at left guard while Mike Onwenu moves to right guard. The Patriots will not likely be done yet with offensive line adjustments this offseason.

22. New Orleans Saints **Mock Trade with Green Bay** – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Trading back with the Packers gives the Saints more picks and they can still address their need at left tackle. Around this selection range there is not a ton of competition for Penning, yet the Saints can still grab their new starting left tackle. Penning fits in great and the Saints will leave night one quite thrilled.

23. Arizona Cardinals – George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

The Cardinals have multiple directions they can turn towards, but they have appeared to be intrigued by Karlaftis. Perhaps it is because he does have some JJ Watt tendencies as an edge rusher. His physicality and sturdy frame will allow him to fill in for Watt when rather than if Watt is out injured. In some sets they could even stand Karlaftis up at outside linebacker. He is a physical edge rusher that would strengthen the front seven.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Drake London, WR, USC

London may very well go higher in the draft, but his lack of separation and lack of explosiveness concerns me. It will concern some GMs out there as well. As for the Cowboys, they lost Amari Cooper and James Washington does not fully fill that void. CeeDee Lamb has the explosiveness and Gallup is an excellent possession receiver; London will add the length to the group and give Prescott another target.

25. Buffalo Bills – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Bills roster is once again looking strong on paper and it would be shocking to see them not in the playoffs once again. On defense they should look to snag another corner and will likely pursue that option. McDuffie can play outside but has the ability to maybe best succeed at nickel.

26. Tennessee Titans – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

The Titans need to get Ryan Tannehill another wide receiver especially if A.J. Brown goes elsewhere. They picked up Robert Woods this offseason and Dotson would serve as an excellent complement. If Brown remains in Tennessee, then Tannehill would be supplied with more weapons than he has ever had at his disposal in Tennessee.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are loaded on offense once again. The two main positions of need are more depth at tight end and a starting left guard. The Buccaneers are also a pass heavy team, so it is important to have solid pass protectors across the line. Johnson is the best decision because he will immediately start at left guard and will likely be best in a pass heavy scheme. The Buccaneers can address tight end later and prioritize protecting their 40 plus year old quarterback.

28. Green Bay Packers – Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

The Packers made some noise earlier, but this time remain in their original spot and flip to the defensive side of the ball. Selecting Brisker gives the Packers a versatile player in the secondary. He can not only play either safety position, but even play some nickel if needed.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State                                 

With back-to-back picks, the Chiefs can enjoy the next 20 minutes. They have downgraded at wide receiver after losing Tyreke Hill but can get back on the right track with the selection of Watson. Pairing Watson with Travis Kelce, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Josh Gordon will likely make Mahomes feel more comfortable with the status of his receiving targets.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – Kaair Elam, CB, Florida

After selecting a receiver, the Chiefs can select a starting caliber outside cornerback. Elam might be a second-round grade player, but he is worth the selection in the late first because the Chiefs need to improve the secondary.

31. Cincinnati Bengals – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

The Bengals no longer have C.J. Uzomah but replaced him with Hayden Hurst at tight end. Hurst is a good tight end, but McBride is an all-pro type of talent. Cincinnati can select McBride and add to the weapons Joe Burrow already has currently. This pick may even be a steal in the late first round.

32. Detroit Lions – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

With the last pick of the first round, the Lions waited nearly all night to make their second selection. They once again turn to the defense and select a game wrecker at linebacker. Hutchinson and Dean on the same night will thrill Dan Campbell.