It is NFL Draft Day. We have made it. Here it is. The moment we have been waiting for. The Countdown finally ends here. Welcome to Bird’s Mock. Welcome to the NFL Draft.
The one-and-only legitimate mock draft I release every year is finally here. This encapsulates hours on hours of film study, on prospect analysis, of note taking, it all leads up to this. Without further ado, here she is. Bird’s Mock Draft.
2022 NFL Mock Draft
| Pick | Team | Player | School | Pos | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Ikem Ekwonu | North Carolina St. | OT | It is so simple for me. The Jaguars have to continue to emphasize building around Trevor Lawrence. They have done that already this offseason, and why not continue that with Ekwonu at one over Walker and Hutchinson. Supposedly the favorite of the coaching staff in Jacksonville as well. It is so simple for me. The Jaguars have to continue to emphasize building around Trevor Lawrence. They have done that already this offseason, and why not continue that with Ekwonu at one over Walker and Hutchinson. Supposedly the favorite of the coaching staff in Jacksonville as well. |
| 2 | Lions | Aidan Hutchinson | Michigan | EDGE | Hutchinson grew up in the state of Michigan. He played high school and collegiate football in the state of Michigan. And now he will play professionally in the state of Michigan. I am a Hutchinson fan, and the Lions will be thrilled to get one of the top two players in this draft. Hutchinson grew up in the state of Michigan. He played high school and collegiate football in the state of Michigan. And now he will play professionally in the state of Michigan. I am a Hutchinson fan, and the Lions will be thrilled to get one of the top two players in this draft. |
| 3 | Texans | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Oregon | DE | Walker could be the choice here, but the Texans go for the out-and-out edge rusher out of Oregon instead. Thibodeaux has all of the tools needed to be the best defensive player in this draft. Walker could be the choice here, but the Texans go for the out-and-out edge rusher out of Oregon instead. Thibodeaux has all of the tools needed to be the best defensive player in this draft. |
| 4 | Jets | Ahmad Gardner | Cincinnati | CB | The Jets need a shutdown corner in this draft. While edge rusher makes sense, I feel they opt for Gardner here over Jermaine Johnson. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill are in this division to stay, and who will be covering them when they face the Jets? After a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine, the time puts him in the same category as Jalen Ramsey. The Jets need a shutdown corner in this draft. While edge rusher makes sense, I feel they opt for Gardner here over Jermaine Johnson. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill are in this division to stay, and who will be covering them when they face the Jets? After a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine, the time puts him in the same category as Jalen Ramsey. |
| 5 | Giants | Evan Neal | Alabama | OT | Giants get their offensive lineman that many have been screaming for. Neal and Andrew Thomas will make for a fine tackle duo. Now the Giants need to focus their attention on getting interior options at offensive line, along with an edge rusher to partner bright young prospect Azeez Ojulari. Giants get their offensive lineman that many have been screaming for. Neal and Andrew Thomas will make for a fine tackle duo. Now the Giants need to focus their attention on getting interior options at offensive line, along with an edge rusher to partner bright young prospect Azeez Ojulari. |
| 6 | Panthers | Kenny Pickett | Pittsburgh | QB | Matt Rhule is coaching for his job this year, and the Panthers need a quarterback. They simply cannot go into the season with Sam Darnold. If the Panthers can’t workout a deal for Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield, Pickett has got to be the choice. The most NFL-ready quarterback in the class, and it isn’t close. Matt Rhule is coaching for his job this year, and the Panthers need a quarterback. They simply cannot go into the season with Sam Darnold. If the Panthers can’t workout a deal for Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield, Pickett has got to be the choice. The most NFL-ready quarterback in the class, and it isn’t close. |
| 7 | Giants | Travon Walker | Georgia | EDGE | I am not buying the Walker hype. While Walker is not a favorite of mine, he offers the potential to become a star in the National Football League. I like the proven commodities however, something Walker has yet to display. The Giants have a need for a game changer on defense, and Walker has that potential. I am not buying the Walker hype. While Walker is not a favorite of mine, he offers the potential to become a star in the National Football League. I like the proven commodities however, something Walker has yet to display. The Giants have a need for a game changer on defense, and Walker has that potential. |
| 8 | Falcons | Garrett Wilson | Ohio State | WR | A shocker from Atlanta. They need receiver help desperately, but some might be shocked it is Wilson who get first with both Jameson Williams and Drake London on the board. The Falcons go for the former Buckeye instead, with Wilson possessing strong body control, good hands, and pretty good speed for where he is currently in his development. A shocker from Atlanta. They need receiver help desperately, but some might be shocked it is Wilson who get first with both Jameson Williams and Drake London on the board. The Falcons go for the former Buckeye instead, with Wilson possessing strong body control, good hands, and pretty good speed for where he is currently in his development. |
| 9 | Seahawks | Jermaine Johnson II | Florida St. | DE | The Seahawks need a lot of things, pass rusher is one of them. Johnson is reliable in getting after the quarterback and in the run game. Pete Carroll will love to get his hands on Johnson, only needing him to get his hand in the dirt and go play. The Seahawks need a lot of things, pass rusher is one of them. Johnson is reliable in getting after the quarterback and in the run game. Pete Carroll will love to get his hands on Johnson, only needing him to get his hand in the dirt and go play. |
| 10 | Jets | Jameson Williams | Alabama | WR | If Williams didn’t tear his ACL in the National Championship Game against Georgia, nobody would be raising eyebrows about him being selected in the top 10. The Jets need a receiver capable of making explosive plays downfield for Zach Wilson, and that is exactly the area in which Williams excels. If Williams didn’t tear his ACL in the National Championship Game against Georgia, nobody would be raising eyebrows about him being selected in the top 10. The Jets need a receiver capable of making explosive plays downfield for Zach Wilson, and that is exactly the area in which Williams excels. |
| 11 | Commanders | Kyle Hamilton | Notre Dame | S | All of the talk surrounding Hamilton’s numbers overshadowing his sterling film is ridiculous, I hope. Hamilton is a top-five prospect for me in this draft, and can be utilized literally anywhere on defense. If he is near the line of scrimmage, he will make plays. If he is roaming the back half of the field, with his outstanding football IQ and range, he will make plays. Hamilton is going to make a team look wicked smart, and the Commanders stand to benefit. All of the talk surrounding Hamilton’s numbers overshadowing his sterling film is ridiculous, I hope. Hamilton is a top-five prospect for me in this draft, and can be utilized literally anywhere on defense. If he is near the line of scrimmage, he will make plays. If he is roaming the back half of the field, with his outstanding football IQ and range, he will make plays. Hamilton is going to make a team look wicked smart, and the Commanders stand to benefit. |
| 12 | Vikings | Derek Stingley Jr. | LSU | CB | Any team that takes Stingley is hoping the 2019 version of Stingley shows up on the field. Stingley’s 2020 and 2021 film is not as impressive, with injuries a factor as well. The Vikings need corner help, and having Patrick Peterson already there could go a long way in helping Stingley’s development. Any team that takes Stingley is hoping the 2019 version of Stingley shows up on the field. Stingley’s 2020 and 2021 film is not as impressive, with injuries a factor as well. The Vikings need corner help, and having Patrick Peterson already there could go a long way in helping Stingley’s development. |
| 13 | Texans | Drake London | USC | WR | The Texans get Davis Mills another receiver with Drake London. London will operate next to Brandin Cooks to form a really solid receiving duo for the Texans, with an eye on London eventually becoming the number one. The Texans get Davis Mills another receiver with Drake London. London will operate next to Brandin Cooks to form a really solid receiving duo for the Texans, with an eye on London eventually becoming the number one. |
| 14 | Ravens | Trent McDuffie | Washington | CB | The Ravens were consistently burned in the secondary a year ago, and that must change. McDuffie is the best corner remaining on the board, and he would immediately step in as the Ravens slot corner in week 1. McDuffie could also play safety at the next level. The Ravens were consistently burned in the secondary a year ago, and that must change. McDuffie is the best corner remaining on the board, and he would immediately step in as the Ravens slot corner in week 1. McDuffie could also play safety at the next level. |
| 15 | Eagles | Jordan Davis | Georgia | DT | While the Eagles might want to get Jalen Hurts another receiver, they instead opt to plan for life without Fletcher Cox. They get themselves the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the draft with Davis, who will have to improve rushing the passer at the next level. Cox will be the perfect mentor to Davis in his rookie season. While the Eagles might want to get Jalen Hurts another receiver, they instead opt to plan for life without Fletcher Cox. They get themselves the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the draft with Davis, who will have to improve rushing the passer at the next level. Cox will be the perfect mentor to Davis in his rookie season. |
| 16 | Saints | Malik Willis | Liberty | QB | The Saints get their quarterback for the future. Willis will sit in year one to learn from Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, and that will benefit him greatly. While there are murmurs that the Saints may not take a quarterback, I would be floored if they choose anything but a passer given the price they paid to add this selection. The Saints get their quarterback for the future. Willis will sit in year one to learn from Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, and that will benefit him greatly. While there are murmurs that the Saints may not take a quarterback, I would be floored if they choose anything but a passer given the price they paid to add this selection. |
| 17 | Chargers | Trevor Penning | Northern Iowa | OL | The Chargers could be tempted to give Justin Herbert another receiver here, but how about they add to those in charge of protecting him instead? I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the Chargers tried to trade up for Penning, but here he falls squarely into their laps. The Chargers could be tempted to give Justin Herbert another receiver here, but how about they add to those in charge of protecting him instead? I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the Chargers tried to trade up for Penning, but here he falls squarely into their laps. |
| 18 | Eagles | Devin Lloyd | Utah | LB | Way too good to pass up here, despite the Eagles usual stinginess at taking linebackers in round one. The Eagles need linebacker help, desperately. There is no way they could pass on Lloyd twice. He is an every down linebacker for the next 10 years. Way too good to pass up here, despite the Eagles usual stinginess at taking linebackers in round one. The Eagles need linebacker help, desperately. There is no way they could pass on Lloyd twice. He is an every down linebacker for the next 10 years. |
| 19 | Saints | Devonte Wyatt | Georgia | DT | Wyatt is someone that has risen for me a ton, and there are two avenues the Saints could take here. Do they take one of the best two defensive tackles in the class, or reach for a corner. If I am the Saints, I am going with the guy that may just be the best three-technique in the entire class. Wyatt is someone that has risen for me a ton, and there are two avenues the Saints could take here. Do they take one of the best two defensive tackles in the class, or reach for a corner. If I am the Saints, I am going with the guy that may just be the best three-technique in the entire class. |
| 20 | Steelers | Desmond Ridder | Cincinnati | QB | Ridder is flying up draft boards, and the Steelers opt for him over the likes of Matt Corral and Sam Howell. Ridder has impressed in the interview process with his personality and leadership qualities, and would sit for a year behind Mitchell Trubisky before taking over in 2023. Ridder is flying up draft boards, and the Steelers opt for him over the likes of Matt Corral and Sam Howell. Ridder has impressed in the interview process with his personality and leadership qualities, and would sit for a year behind Mitchell Trubisky before taking over in 2023. |
| 21 | Patriots | Zion Johnson | Boston College | OL | Fits at guard mostly at the next level. Could be the future center for New England in a few seasons. The Patriots need help in the interior of their offensive line, and Johnson possesses elite mobility to help him adjust right away to the NFL. A starter right away. Fits at guard mostly at the next level. Could be the future center for New England in a few seasons. The Patriots need help in the interior of their offensive line, and Johnson possesses elite mobility to help him adjust right away to the NFL. A starter right away. |
| 22 | Packers | Chris Olave | Ohio State | WR | Simply a must after the Davante Adams trade. Aaron Rodgers needs weapons, and the Packers must give him several in this draft. Olave is the best receiver on the board at this point and lands with Aaron Rodgers. His four year pedigree at Ohio State figures to be good enough for Aaron Rodgers to get along with him right out of the chute. Simply a must after the Davante Adams trade. Aaron Rodgers needs weapons, and the Packers must give him several in this draft. Olave is the best receiver on the board at this point and lands with Aaron Rodgers. His four year pedigree at Ohio State figures to be good enough for Aaron Rodgers to get along with him right out of the chute. |
| 23 | Cardinals | Charles Cross | Mississippi St. | OT | Tempted to take a receiver here, but the value of Cross at 23 may be too good for the Cardinals to pass up. Can play left or right tackle, and while he needs work on the run blocking he is a monster in pass protection. Tempted to take a receiver here, but the value of Cross at 23 may be too good for the Cardinals to pass up. Can play left or right tackle, and while he needs work on the run blocking he is a monster in pass protection. |
| 24 | Cowboys | Tyler Linderbaum | Iowa | OL | The best offensive line prospect I have ever scouted. The Cowboys have a lot of needs, but this is a hunch rather than anything with substance. Linderbaum is one of the options Dallas is considering, and offensive line is an area they want to improve. The talent might just be way too good to pass up here if there isn’t an edge rusher or receiver they love at this spot. The best offensive line prospect I have ever scouted. The Cowboys have a lot of needs, but this is a hunch rather than anything with substance. Linderbaum is one of the options Dallas is considering, and offensive line is an area they want to improve. The talent might just be way too good to pass up here if there isn’t an edge rusher or receiver they love at this spot. |
| 25 | Bills | Andrew Booth Jr. | Clemson | CB | Aren’t a ton of holes in Buffalo, but corner may be one of them. While a little raw and needing to improve physically, Booth Jr. has the talent and potential to be a solid number two corner in the NFL. Aren’t a ton of holes in Buffalo, but corner may be one of them. While a little raw and needing to improve physically, Booth Jr. has the talent and potential to be a solid number two corner in the NFL. |
| 26 | Titans | Kenyon Green | Texas A&M | OL | The Titans continue to build around what they are best at: running the football. Green is a run-blocking specialist, and will clear roadways for star running back Derrick Henry in Nashville. Can also be the Titans starting left tackle in a few years after Taylor Lewan leaves town. The Titans continue to build around what they are best at: running the football. Green is a run-blocking specialist, and will clear roadways for star running back Derrick Henry in Nashville. Can also be the Titans starting left tackle in a few years after Taylor Lewan leaves town. |
| 27 | Buccaneers | David Ojabo | Michigan | EDGE | After tearing his Achillies at Michigan’s Pro Day, Ojabo went from being a lock top-10 selection to being lucky if he gets taken in round 1. The Bucs have the pieces in place with Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul to let Ojabo sit in 2022, and get ready for 2023. After tearing his Achillies at Michigan’s Pro Day, Ojabo went from being a lock top-10 selection to being lucky if he gets taken in round 1. The Bucs have the pieces in place with Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul to let Ojabo sit in 2022, and get ready for 2023. |
| 28 | Packers | George Karlaftis III | Purdue | DE | After the Packers lost Za’Darius Smith this offseason, they must get an edge rusher to round out their defensive line. Karlaftis possesses a high motor, and will give 110% on each and every down. Packers may be stunned to see him fall this far, and snap him up. After the Packers lost Za’Darius Smith this offseason, they must get an edge rusher to round out their defensive line. Karlaftis possesses a high motor, and will give 110% on each and every down. Packers may be stunned to see him fall this far, and snap him up. |
| 29 | Chiefs | Christian Watson | North Dakota State | WR | The Patrick Mahomes prototype receiver. Watson is a rangy, fast receiver with glue on his hands. Watson has some issues with drops, but very easily can be corrected. It will help him tremendously to be playing with a guy of Patrick Mahomes’ quality. Would fit in perfectly in this offense. The Patrick Mahomes prototype receiver. Watson is a rangy, fast receiver with glue on his hands. Watson has some issues with drops, but very easily can be corrected. It will help him tremendously to be playing with a guy of Patrick Mahomes’ quality. Would fit in perfectly in this offense. |
| 30 | Chiefs | Arnold Ebiketie | Penn St. | DE | The Chiefs need to improve defensively with one of these picks, and Ebiketie is a player that fits perfectly for Kansas City. Would immediately bring more of a force to their pass-rush. Still raw and needs some time to grow, but the immediate traits are there. The Chiefs need to improve defensively with one of these picks, and Ebiketie is a player that fits perfectly for Kansas City. Would immediately bring more of a force to their pass-rush. Still raw and needs some time to grow, but the immediate traits are there. |
| 31 | Bengals | Tyler Smith | Tulsa | OT | Love the player and the versatility he brings to the table. While corner is most certainly an avenue Cincy should explore, Smith can play either tackle or guard at the next level. Smith will clear pathways in the run game for Joe Mixon and will be an excellent addition in the interior. Love the player and the versatility he brings to the table. While corner is most certainly an avenue Cincy should explore, Smith can play either tackle or guard at the next level. Smith will clear pathways in the run game for Joe Mixon and will be an excellent addition in the interior. |
| 32 | Lions | Matt Corral | Mississippi | QB | Will get the chance to sit for a year and learn behind Jared Goff. Corral lands in a perfect situation where there will be no pressure for him to immediately deliver. Dan Campbell wants to put out a competitive product now while having an eye out for the future. Well, here is the way to satisfy both criteria. Will get the chance to sit for a year and learn behind Jared Goff. Corral lands in a perfect situation where there will be no pressure for him to immediately deliver. Dan Campbell wants to put out a competitive product now while having an eye out for the future. Well, here is the way to satisfy both criteria. |
2022 NFL Mock Drafts powered by FantasyProsECR – Expert Consensus Rankings
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