2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft 1.0
It’s NFL Mock Draft season! April 28th, the opening night of the 2022 NFL Draft, is approaching quickly and it’s time to get in the Mock Draft spirit.
Does anybody really bother to read the opening remarks in a mock draft article? I’m sure many of you immediately scroll down to see who your team drafted or where your favorite prospect landed, which is great. The excitement surrounding each selection is what makes mock drafts such a fun exercise.
In each of my mock drafts, I will make each selection based on what I think each team will do and not so much on what I myself would do. Without any further ado, let’s get into the fun part.
(NOTE: Because our website solely focuses on the New England Patriots, the only selection with analysis will be the Patriots pick.)
2022 NFL Mock Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
2. Detriot Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
4. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
7. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
8. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
10. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
11. Washington Commanders: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
13. Houston Texans: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
14. Baltimore Ravens: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC
16. New Orleans Saints: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
21. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
It’s no secret the Patriots desperately need to add a corner in the 2022 NFL Draft. J.C. Jackson left for the Chargers in free agency and the cornerback depth chart is lacking high-end talent.
Selecting McDuffie would be a huge win for the Patriots. He excels in man and zone coverage. His athleticism, football IQ, quickness, technique, and versatility are all top-notch. There’s a good argument to be made that he’s the second-best corner prospect in the 2022 draft class.
Could he be selected before pick 21? Absolutely. But, there’s a chance he drops due to his height (5’11”) and arm length (29 3/4″). If McDuffie does indeed drop to pick 21, the Patriots shouldn’t hesitate to add the star corner.
