Gabriel Trevino’s 2022 NFL mock draft 2.0: Two rounds and senior bowl risers
- Jacksonville Jaguars — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Ekwonu soared up draft boards with his play at left tackle in the 2021 season, after previously playing guard for the Wolfpack. Ekwonu is a dominant force in the run game, but also a dynamic pass blocker with a high floor and high ceiling.
After Trevor Lawrence’s lackluster first season in Jacksonville, the Jaguars should prioritize giving their hopeful franchise quarterback help in any way, even if it means passing up on great players on the defensive side of the ball.
2. Detroit Lions — Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Hutchinson is a ripe athlete who dominated his last season of college football due to his combination of technique, size, high IQ and pass rush ability. Detroit is guaranteed one of the top pass rushers in this class, and should waste no time selecting Hutchinson if he is available. Hutchinson may stay in his home state of Michigan, and fit right into Dan Campbell’s culture with the Lions.
3. Houston Texans — Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Flashes of Thibodeaux’s dominance have shown since his freshman season. Thibodeaux’s baseline of technique with his rare athleticism and size on the defensive line will be a starting point to his development. For a rebuilding team, like the Texans, adding a very young player with superstar potential at a valuable position will be a stepping stone for Houston.
4. New York Jets — Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Hamilton is no less than a generational talent at safety. Hamilton is a rangy center-fielder with great instincts and ball skills, and is also a strong tackler in the box. New York’s defense may add a star-studded player on the back end, who can secure the Jets secondary as the young corners continue to develop
5. New York Giants — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Neal is a giant human being who started all three years on the Alabama offensive line, at three different positions. Neal is not the perfect tackle prospect, but does possess the physical tools and technique to become a sturdy tackle on either side for years. The Giants have attempted to invest in offensive lineman in the past, but have failed. Adding a surefire tackle like Neal, will all but secure any side of the line he is at.
6. Carolina Panthers — Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
With experience in the Mike Leach air raid offense, Cross is a hulking pass protector. Cross may not be the most agile, and it shows in run blocking, but his long arms and strong base allow him to protect the blindside of his quarterbacks.
Matt Rhule and the Panthers may opt for a veteran quarterback for the 2022 season, instead of risking a high pick on a developmental quarterback, and will need a left tackle for the future, no matter who the quarterback is.
7. New York Giants — David Ojabo, DE, Michigan
Ojabo’s backstory makes his draft profile even more intriguing. Ojabo’s freaky athleticism and twitchiness are the major factors to his top-10 pick potential. His 6-foot 5-inch, 250-pound frame, combined with his speed will give the still rebuilding Giants a young edge rusher to develop over the years.
8. Atlanta Falcons — Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
The senior bowl one-on-one drills were dominated by Johnson. Johnson was already considered a first-round prospect, but after a great week in Mobile, his draft stock shot up. Johnson’s size allows him to rush with both overwhelming power and quick speed off the line. Johnson uses his length and hands well, shoving tackles on their backs and in run defense.
The Falcons are in the bottom of the league in sacks per game over the past three seasons, with less than one per game. After three seasons with the same issue, it is time for Atlanta to invest in a dominant edge defender.
9. Denver Broncos — Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Center may not be considered the most important position in football, but there is an argument it is the most important on the offensive line. The center is the one who commands the offensive line, and calls the protection for the quarterback.
Linderbaum can be the captain of an offensive line. Linderbaum is a smart player, and a killer in the run game. Linderbaum is as violent as they come, getting to the second level and plowing through to create holes. For a line who has talent, but struggled in 2021, Denver can add a commander, and a talented player on their line to protect whoever their quarterback may be.
10. New York Jets — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
“Watch the player, not the helmet,” is a phrase directed toward Gardner. Even though the Cincinnati Bearcats made the College Football Playoffs, many doubt their players since they are not in the SEC.
Gardner is an ideal athlete and has the size for the cornerback position, with experience against some of the most talented players in the country. Gardner’s length and speed keeps him at the hip of opposing receivers, and when targeted often does not allow a catch.
11. Washington Commanders — Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Corral comes from a heavy RPO-offense, but don’t let that and the injury fool you, he can play. Corral is an older prospect, who needs more development in terms of becoming an NFL-signal caller, but his athleticism and arm give Corral the potential to lead a dynamic offense.
The newly branded Washington Commanders can not only have a new brand, but a new face of the franchise, for a team who has lacked a quarterback for years.
12. Minnesota Vikings — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Stingley’s freshman season at LSU was unbelievable, but his sophomore and junior year make you question whether he is the best cornerback. Stingley only played 10 games over the course of two seasons, including only playing three games in 2021.
There is still potential, as Stingley possesses great length, cover ability and ball skills. Minnesota has lacked a №1 corner for years, and a prospect like Stingley will add a young piece to an aging defense.
13. Cleveland Browns — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Large receivers command the football. AJ Brown and Deebo Samuel are notorious NFL big body pass catchers in today’s game, and Treylon Burks fit their mold. Burks is 6-foot 3-inches, 230-pounds, with breakaway track speed and tough running through defenders.
The Arkansas offense aligned Burks in the outside and the slot, and put the ball in Burks’ hands, allowing him to make plays. The Browns can do similarly, and get a new №1 receiver for Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
In the run game, Penning is as violent as they come, using his lateral agility and power to bulldoze defenders. In pass-protection, Penning deals with balance and footwork issues, but has the ferocity and size to develop into an NFL-caliber tackle for years.
In the Ravens run centered offense, Penning can create holes for runners, and develop into a protector for Lamar Jackson.
15. Philadelphia Eagles — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Although he may be considered undersized, McDuffie is a physical corner. In press man, McDuffie fights at the release, and uses his quick feet to stay with and blanket the opposing receiver. McDuffie even has nickel corner and safety experience, and is one of the most secure tacklers in the draft.
McDuffie is not often targeted while on the field, and could be a valuable young piece for the Eagles secondary, especially as Darius Slay begins to age.
16. Philadelphia Eagles — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Eagles hold three first round draft picks, and should use multiple on defenders, especially at positions of need. Lloyd is a phenomenal linebacker prospect, who feels for coverage and is a rangy, big tackler. Lloyd moves with speed and aggression all over the field, in multiple different linebacker roles.
17. Los Angeles Chargers — Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Despite being undersized, Dean is one of, if not the best run defender in the class. Dean is a flier, filling gaps and making tackles all over the field due to his speed and high IQ instincts. In pass coverage, I may favor Utah’s Devin Lloyd, but Dean matches his athleticism and has the upside to mirror tight ends.
The Chargers defense was one of the worst against the run in the NFL last season, and getting a rangy run defender like Dean in their powder blue uniforms would help fix their issue.
18. New Orleans Saints — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
He might not be the flashiest receiver in the class, but Wilson’s route running is crisp and effective. Wilson creates separation with ease, and releases off the line with fluidity. In the slot, Wilson is a polished, technical receiver who does everything well.
The Saints quarterback situation is still in question, but New Orleans can provide an offense around whoever their signal-caller may be.
19. Philadelphia Eagles — Drake London, WR, USC
Dominators of 50/50 balls are a hot commodity for NFL quarterbacks. Standing 6-foot 5-inches, London catches any high-thrown ball. While he does not possess the top speed of most NFL receivers, London has an other-worldly catch radius and even quickness at the top of his routes.
As the Eagles continue adding talent to their team, especially around quarterback Jalen Hurts, adding London to a receiver room with DeVonta Smith and speedster Jalen Reagor, will give Hurts a big body to throw to.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Willis may be the most electric runner in the entire draft class, while also possessing an arm comparable to Josh Allen’s. Willis’ upside is among the likes of top-five NFL quarterbacks, but will need time to develop better pocket presence, decision making and general accuracy.
21. New England Patriots — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
The Patriots’ pass defense was one of the best in the entire NFL, so why not add one of the best press man-cover corners in the entire class. McCreary may not have the longest arms, or the best athlete, but can stay at the hip with some of the best receivers in the country.
22. Las Vegas Raiders — Jordan Davis, NT, Georgia
Colossal would be one word to describe Jordan Davis. Standing 6-foot 6-inches, 360-pounds, with quickness and bend, Davis is a freak on the defensive line. He often maneuvers around and through offensive lineman with his combination of power and hands. Against the run, Davis is almost unblockable.
Davis’ downside comes from his play time, as he only took about 30% of snaps for Georgia, and can get fatigued easily if an offense uses tempo. But his pass rush upside and run defending capabilities, when Davis is on the field, he makes an impact.
23. Arizona Cardinals — Travon Walker, DE/OLB, Georgia
You might believe a defensive lineman at 6-foot 5-inches, 280-pounds would be a pure power rusher, but Walker can also flash quickness and even move fluidly in space. Walker is a versatile edge defende, lining up in a three-point stance, or as a 3–4 outside linebacker. Walker’s athleticism and size makes him a chess piece for any defense.
24. Dallas Cowboys — Daxton Hill, S/CB, Michigan
Hill is a versatile defensive back, who can play single-high safety as well as nickel corner. Hill has great range in the secondary, making tackles and plays on the ball in the air. Zone coverage is Hill’s game, whether he is in the slot or safety. Hill’s skillset is perfectly fit for Dan Quinn’s cover 3, and can play the high safety role to secure the secondary.
25. Buffalo Bills — George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Karlaftis’ strong hands are the reason many Big 10 offensive lineman end up on their backs. Karlaftis is as powerful as they come, moving lineman with ease and bulldozing opponents. Karlaftis might not have the highest upside, but his power attributes to hsi high floor in the NFL. The Bills could use more depth on the defensive line, especially as Jerry Hughes’ contract expires.
26. Tennessee Titans — Kenyon Green, OG/OT, Texas A&M
With starting experience at four offensive line positions, Green is a sturdy blocker at guard or tackle. Green is an exceptional run blocker, containing the back side of runs and creating gaps with his power and size. While pass protection could use improvement, he has a strong base against powerful rushers. With his smart and strong abilities in run blocking, Tennessee can add another lineman for Derrick Henry to run behind.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
He’s not just a speed guy, Williams is a shifty route runner down the field to create separation and stack defensive backs. His speed combined with all of his abilities into a dominant deep threat on the outside to open up defenses. It is unsure whether Tampa will retain free agent Chris Godwin, and after the dramatic departure of Antonio Brown, the Buccaneers will need another star-receiver for their quarterback in the post-Brady era.
28. Green Bay Packers — Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Wyatt is a big-bodied defensive tackle who shines in getting after the quarterback. Wyatt has burst off the line and quickness in his attack. He is not the stereotypical powerful interior defensive lineman, but he uses speed and penetration in run defense and pass rush. The Packers need more pass rush from their defensive line, and with their talented edge rushers, adding a penetrational interior rusher will improve the front-seven.
29. Miami Dolphins — Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has lacked a talented offensive line, despite the numerous investments into the position. Faalele is a behemoth right tackle who can be the blind-side protector for Tagovailoa. Faalele stands 6-foot 8-inches, 380-pounds, and although he moves well for his size, still lacks elite quickness. Faalele really shines with his thick frame and powerful body to trap rushers in their place.
30. Kansas City Chiefs — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
This is not an overreaction from the senior bowl, Watson can play. Watson has the elite speed of a deep threat receiver, while also standing 6-foot 4-inches with great leaping ability to make 50/50 catches. Off the line, Watson is quick, but at the top of routes, the quickness and sharpness on routes could see improvement. But adding another deep threat receiver, one who could also come down with 50/50 passes, would make the Chiefs offense even more star-studded.
31. Cincinnati Bengals — Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Raimann’s journey to becoming a top tackle prospect in the draft is unique. Raimann was born in Austria, and was initially a tight end at Central Michigan, before switching to tackle for the 2020 season. With only two years starting at the position, Raimann already has developed a baseline of technique, quickness in pass protection and physicality in the run game. Raimann was sometimes beat at the senior bowl, but has the room to develop.
32. Detroit Lions — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave is a sharp route runner off the line-of-scrimmage, while also having deep threat speed and great ball tracking abilities while it’s in the air. Olave creates separation with all of these abilities, and can be a main target for any quarterback. As the Lions continue to rebuild, Olave is going to develop into a top deep threat in the league, and perhaps instantly become the №1 receiver in Detroit.
Second round:
33. Jacksonville Jaguars — Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State
34. Detroit Lions — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
35. New York Jets — Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
36. New York Giants — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
37. Houston Texans — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
38. New York Jets — George Pickens, WR, Georgia
39. Chicago Bears — Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia
40. Denver Broncos — Myjai Sanders, DE, Cincinnati
41. Seattle Seahawks — Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota
42. Washington Commanders — Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
43. Atlanta Falcons — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
44. Cleveland Browns — Logan Hall, DL, Houston
45. Baltimore Ravens — Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
46. Minnesota Vikings — Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
47. Indianapolis Colts — Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
48. Los Angeles Chargers — Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State
49. New Orleans Saints — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
50. Miami Dolphins — Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
51. Philadelphia Eagles — Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare, DE, South Carolina
52. Pittsburgh Steelers — Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
53. Las Vegas Raiders — John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
54. New England Patriots — Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
55. Arizona Cardinals — Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
56. Dallas Cowboys — Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
57. Buffalo Bills — Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
58. Atlanta Falcons — Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
59. Green Bay Packers — Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
61. San Francisco 49ers — Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
62. Kansas City Chiefs — Drake Jackson, DE, USC
63. Cincinnati Bengals — Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
64. Denver Broncos — Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
