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Bird’s NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, welcome to Bird’s NFL mock draft 2.0. A lot has changed from mock 1.0, as the countdown towards the NFL Draft continues. With less than a month left until the Commissioner opens the draft , teams will have to make potentially franchise altering decisions. Decisions that could lead to future Super Bowl triumphs, or decisions that could lead to front office members and coaches getting their pink slips. 

Before the mock, a quick thank you to everyone at FantasyPros for allowing access to their expert portal. Bird is an official FantasyPros fantasy football expert, and for all fantasy research done by Bird and other experts around the industry please go check out the FantasyPros Expert Consensus.

Bird’s mock 3.0 will be released within the next couple of weeks. The final mock draft, 4.0, will be coming the day of the NFL Draft on April 28th. Here is the current forecast for what could go down in the first 32 selections, version 2.0. 

2022 NFL Mock Draft

PickTeamPlayerSchoolPosNotes
1JaguarsAidan HutchinsonMichiganEDGETorn here between one of the Tackles, Evan Neal or Ickey Ekwonu. Going with the best overall player on my board to fit a glaring need defensively for the Jaguars.
Torn here between one of the Tackles, Evan Neal or Ickey Ekwonu. Going with the best overall player on my board to fit a glaring need defensively for the Jaguars.
2LionsTravon WalkerGeorgiaEDGEOne of the fastest risers in this pre-draft process, Walker possesses extreme athletic traits and schematically can play in either a 3-4 or a 4-3.
One of the fastest risers in this pre-draft process, Walker possesses extreme athletic traits and schematically can play in either a 3-4 or a 4-3.
3TexansKayvon ThibodeauxOregonDEAfter the Deshaun Watson trade, Houston has plenty of draft capital to help with their rebuild. Instead of an anchor on the offensive line, they go with someone who could be a defensive monster for the next 10 years if he achieves his ceiling.
After the Deshaun Watson trade, Houston has plenty of draft capital to help with their rebuild. Instead of an anchor on the offensive line, they go with someone who could be a defensive monster for the next 10 years if he achieves his ceiling.
4JetsAhmad GardnerCincinnatiCBAfter missing out on Thibodeaux, who sources tell me the Jets really want, Rob Saleh and co. opt to improve their secondary with the best corner in the class with Sauce Gardner.
After missing out on Thibodeaux, who sources tell me the Jets really want, Rob Saleh and co. opt to improve their secondary with the best corner in the class with Sauce Gardner.
5GiantsIkem EkwonuNorth Carolina St.OTThe Giants strike gold with Ekownu, who in my estimation is the best offensive lineman in the class just ahead of Evan Neal. Gives the Giants levels of versatility as well, as he could shift in and be an elite guard if the Giants wish.
The Giants strike gold with Ekownu, who in my estimation is the best offensive lineman in the class just ahead of Evan Neal. Gives the Giants levels of versatility as well, as he could shift in and be an elite guard if the Giants wish.
6PanthersKenny PickettPittsburghQBThe logic says give Carolina an offensive lineman who can maul anyone at the point of attack. However, the Panthers are rolling with Sam Darnold as their starting QB at the moment. That will not be enough for head coach Matt Rhule to keep his job, as he takes my best QB in the class and a week 1 starter in Kenny Pickett.
The logic says give Carolina an offensive lineman who can maul anyone at the point of attack. However, the Panthers are rolling with Sam Darnold as their starting QB at the moment. That will not be enough for head coach Matt Rhule to keep his job, as he takes my best QB in the class and a week 1 starter in Kenny Pickett.
7GiantsJermaine Johnson IIFlorida St.DEWhile it is tempting to go with one of the linebackers here for the G-men, Johnson is an explosive edge rusher who displayed outstanding production throughout college. Pairing him up with Azeez Ojulari could give the Giants the foundation for a steady pass-rush for years to come.
While it is tempting to go with one of the linebackers here for the G-men, Johnson is an explosive edge rusher who displayed outstanding production throughout college. Pairing him up with Azeez Ojulari could give the Giants the foundation for a steady pass-rush for years to come.
8FalconsDrake LondonUSCWRMatt Ryan is out of town, Calvin Ridley is suspended for the season, and the Falcons have a glaring need for a wide receiver. London grades as my top receiver in the class, and can help new Falcons starter Marcus Mariota in bunches.
Matt Ryan is out of town, Calvin Ridley is suspended for the season, and the Falcons have a glaring need for a wide receiver. London grades as my top receiver in the class, and can help new Falcons starter Marcus Mariota in bunches.
9SeahawksEvan NealAlabamaOTThe Seahawks need help in a lot of areas, but the value at 9 for Evan Neal is too good for Seahawks GM John Schneider to turn down. This is an anchor for the Seahawks offensive line for the next 10 years minimum.
The Seahawks need help in a lot of areas, but the value at 9 for Evan Neal is too good for Seahawks GM John Schneider to turn down. This is an anchor for the Seahawks offensive line for the next 10 years minimum.
10JetsJameson WilliamsAlabamaWRIf 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, and that is exactly where 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, and that is exactly where Williams excels.
11CommandersKyle HamiltonNotre DameSAfter a poor showing running the 40 at 4.59, some expect Hamilton to tumble a bit. I urge those people to be careful, as Hamilton will make teams look silly for not selecting him. After the release of Landon Collins, the Commanders have a need at safety and Hamilton fills it.
After a poor showing running the 40 at 4.59, some expect Hamilton to tumble a bit. I urge those people to be careful, as Hamilton will make teams look silly for not selecting him. After the release of Landon Collins, the Commanders have a need at safety and Hamilton fills it.
12VikingsDerek Stingley Jr.LSUCBThe Vikings will be without their top two corners from a year ago after both walked in free agency, and now the Vikings grab the best available corner with Stingley Jr. This is a natural fit here for both organization and player.
The Vikings will be without their top two corners from a year ago after both walked in free agency, and now the Vikings grab the best available corner with Stingley Jr. This is a natural fit here for both organization and player.
13TexansMalik WillisLibertyQBHouston grabs their next potential franchise guy with Malik Willis. Explosive arm talent and is an elite playmaker with his feet, Willis possesses the highest ceiling of any QB in this draft.
Houston grabs their next potential franchise guy with Malik Willis. Explosive arm talent and is an elite playmaker with his feet, Willis possesses the highest ceiling of any QB in this draft.
14RavensAndrew Booth Jr.ClemsonCBFits both scheme and organization. Booth Jr. is a hard-nosed, gritty, football player that will fit every image of what playing in Baltimore should be.
Fits both scheme and organization. Booth Jr. is a hard-nosed, gritty, football player that will fit every image of what playing in Baltimore should be.
15EaglesJordan DavisGeorgiaDTThe best run-stuffing defensive tackle in this draft, and by a lot. Needs to uncover some of that pass rushing ability, and will learn a lot playing next to Fletcher Cox in his rookie year.
The best run-stuffing defensive tackle in this draft, and by a lot. Needs to uncover some of that pass rushing ability, and will learn a lot playing next to Fletcher Cox in his rookie year.
16EaglesDevin LloydUtahLBWay too good to pass up here, despite the Eagles usual stinginess at taking linebackers in round one. Every down linebacker here for Philly for the next 10 years.
Way too good to pass up here, despite the Eagles usual stinginess at taking linebackers in round one. Every down linebacker here for Philly for the next 10 years.
17ChargersCharles CrossMississippi St.OTThe Chargers simply have to protect Justin Herbert. It is that simple for Los Angeles, and they take Cross. Naturally gifted pass protector with elite hand movements to limit edge rushers charging at his guy.
The Chargers simply have to protect Justin Herbert. It is that simple for Los Angeles, and they take Cross. Naturally gifted pass protector with elite hand movements to limit edge rushers charging at his guy.
18SaintsMatt CorralMississippiQBWill get the chance to sit for a year and learn behind both Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. Corral lands in a perfect situation where there will be no pressure for him to immediately deliver.
Will get the chance to sit for a year and learn behind both Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. Corral lands in a perfect situation where there will be no pressure for him to immediately deliver.
19EaglesTyler LinderbaumIowaOLWith the seemingly year-to-year thing that is now going on with Jason Kelce, the Eagles have the chance to solidify the succession plan to him with Linderbaum. Can start at guard and work his way to center once Kelce decides to hang them up, and will be a fantastic offensive lineman in Philly.
With the seemingly year-to-year thing that is now going on with Jason Kelce, the Eagles have the chance to solidify the succession plan to him with Linderbaum. Can start at guard and work his way to center once Kelce decides to hang them up, and will be a fantastic offensive lineman in Philly.
20SteelersTrent McDuffieWashingtonCBAfter missing out on a quarterback, the Steelers add quality to their secondary with McDuffie. A great cover corner, the Steelers land a very solid player to ramp up their deficiencies at the position.
After missing out on a quarterback, the Steelers add quality to their secondary with McDuffie. A great cover corner, the Steelers land a very solid player to ramp up their deficiencies at the position.
21PatriotsGarrett WilsonOhio StateWRHow the Patriots have gone the entire offseason without addressing the need to get Mac Jones a true number one wide receiver is baffling. This is the opportunity to right that wrong, as the Pats grab Wilson to give Jones his new number one.
How the Patriots have gone the entire offseason without addressing the need to get Mac Jones a true number one wide receiver is baffling. This is the opportunity to right that wrong, as the Pats grab Wilson to give Jones his new number one.
22PackersChris OlaveOhio StateWRSimply 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.
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.
23CardinalsGeorge KarlaftisPurdueDEAfter the Cardinals lost Chandler Jones this offseason, they must get an edge rusher opposite of J.J. Watt. Karlaftis possesses a high motor, and will give 110% on each and every down.
After the Cardinals lost Chandler Jones this offseason, they must get an edge rusher opposite of J.J. Watt. Karlaftis possesses a high motor, and will give 110% on each and every down.
24CowboysZion JohnsonBoston CollegeOLCan play either tackle spot or guard at the next level. Johnson fills an immediate need for Dallas and will protect Dak Prescott for the next decade in Dallas.
Can play either tackle spot or guard at the next level. Johnson fills an immediate need for Dallas and will protect Dak Prescott for the next decade in Dallas.
25BillsTrevor PenningNorthern IowaOLTempted to take a luxury pick here with maybe a running back, the Bills are a Super Bowl ready team. The AFC is loaded with elite pass rushers, and Buffalo opts to do everything they can to stop those pass rushers getting to Josh Allen with the selection of Trevor Penning.
Tempted to take a luxury pick here with maybe a running back, the Bills are a Super Bowl ready team. The AFC is loaded with elite pass rushers, and Buffalo opts to do everything they can to stop those pass rushers getting to Josh Allen with the selection of Trevor Penning.
26TitansKenyon GreenTexas A&MOLThe 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.
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.
27BuccaneersDevonte WyattGeorgiaDTHaving Wyatt play alongside Vita Via could make the Bucs defensive front downright scary on 1st and 2nd downs. Need to add to that front after losing some key pieces of it in free agency.
Having Wyatt play alongside Vita Via could make the Bucs defensive front downright scary on 1st and 2nd downs. Need to add to that front after losing some key pieces of it in free agency.
28PackersTreylon BurksArkansasWRThis would make Aaron Rodgers very, very, happy. Burks in with Olave would completely reshape the Packers receiving corps, and give the Packers two young explosive options.
This would make Aaron Rodgers very, very, happy. Burks in with Olave would completely reshape the Packers receiving corps, and give the Packers two young explosive options.
29ChiefsChristian WatsonNorth Dakota StateWRThe Patrick Mahomes prototype receiver. Watson is a rangy, fast receiver with glue on his hands. The man simply doesn’t drop passes. Would fit in perfectly in this offense.
The Patrick Mahomes prototype receiver. Watson is a rangy, fast receiver with glue on his hands. The man simply doesn’t drop passes. Would fit in perfectly in this offense.
30ChiefsArnold EbiketiePenn St.DEThe 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.
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.
31BengalsBoye MafeMinnesotaEDGECarries an elite first step with silky smooth pass-rushing abilities, the Bengals opt to improve their depths at edge rusher with Mafe.
Carries an elite first step with silky smooth pass-rushing abilities, the Bengals opt to improve their depths at edge rusher with Mafe.
32LionsNakobe DeanGeorgaLBDeath. Taxes. Georgia defensive players being great in the NFL, specifically in the front seven. Dean would be a steal here for the Lions.
Death. Taxes. Georgia defensive players being great in the NFL, specifically in the front seven. Dean would be a steal here for the Lions.
2022 NFL Mock Drafts powered by FantasyProsECR  – Expert Consensus Rankings

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