2022 NFL mock draft: Steelers replace Big Ben, Browns take Ohio State WR
In this 2022 NFL mock draft after the conclusion of the season, the Steelers make the obvious move to find a QB while the Browns keep a stud in Ohio.
Even with an extra game added to the schedule, the regular season still felt as if it flew by in an instant. Now, 18 of the 32 teams in the league are already done for the year and are starting to look toward the NFL draft.
So what better time to get into it with an early 2022 NFL mock draft than now? After all, teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and many, many others will be watching the playoffs from home. Let’s give them something to look forward to.
But before we get to those teams, let’s begin our 2022 NFL mock draft with the Jaguars, who finished with the worst record for the second straight season and now look to keep rebuilding, this time without Urban Meyer anywhere near the building.
2022 NFL mock draft after final week of the regular season
Michigan. 1. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Aidan Hutchinson. player
Jaguars find a defensive star with Aidan Hutchinson
While always thought of as a first-round talent, Hutchinson proved throughout the year that he’s the type of player deserving of the No. 1 pick. The Jaguars have missed relatively on guys like K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen but Hutchinson is a different brand of rusher who could give the defense a cornerstone.
EDGE. Kayvon Thibodeaux. 2. 50. Pick Analysis. Scouting Report. Oregon. player
Kayvon Thibodeaux offers game-changing upside for the Lions
Speaking of elite edge rushers, Thibodeaux has been a projected top-five pick for the 2022 draft for as long as anyone can remember. While the production isn’t on the level of Hutchinson’s, his ability and upside as an athlete make him an undeniable commodity at the position.
Pick Analysis. 3. 10. Scouting Report. CB. LSU. Derek Stingley Jr.. player
Texans find much-needed secondary help in Derek Stingley Jr.
Houston could literally look at almost any position and find a need, which isn’t a bad spot to be in for this draft class. Derek Stingley Jr. would make a ton of sense. The LSU product never replicated his freshman breakout season but his NFL-caliber traits pop on tape whenever you watch him.
EDGE. George Karlaftis. player. 30. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Purdue. 4
George Karlaftis can pair with returning Carl Lawson to set Jets pass-rush up
It was always going to be a tough year for the Jets front seven when both Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry went out for the season before Week 1 ever arrived. Lawson should be back, though, and the Jets can add an elite power rusher opposite him with Purdue’s Karlaftis.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Ikem Ekwonu. player. OT. NC State. 5. 31
Offensive line help finally arrives for the Giants with Ikem Ekwonu
Some people would have Evan Neal as the top tackle but Ekwonu is the more certain option. New York’s offensive line has been a dumpster fire and to try and keep the organization from not following suit there moving forward, they need to shore that up in a massive way.
OT. Alabama. Evan Neal. 6. Pick Analysis. player. 87. Scouting Report
Panthers open up opportunity to improve the offense with Evan Neal
In terms of physical upside, no one can match what Neal brings to the table for an offensive tackle. However, he proved throughout this season in Tuscaloosa that his development as a technician isn’t on the level of someone like Ekwonu. He’s still an easy top-10 pick but he’s not a can’t-miss tackle prospect either.