2022 NFL mock draft: Which QB prospects are still worthy of the 1st round?
Every year, the NFL draft conversation is driven by the top quarterback prospects, and it helps when there’s plenty of blue-chip talent at the game’s most important position.
That doesn’t appear to be the case for the 2022 class, which doesn’t have anywhere near the same quality and depth we saw from last year’s crop of signal-callers.
Draft stock is all over the place for some of this year’s top passers, and it’s anyone’s guess at this point which one might be the first one off the board come next April, and how many of them might end up warranting first-round consideration at all.
Keeping that in mind, here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2022 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order following Week 6 results:
1. Detroit Lions | Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
(AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
The Lions could use both an immediate upgrade and a long-term solution at quarterback, as Jared Goff doesn’t appear to be either of those things. But without a worthy prospect at the position, the Lions make the no-brainer move, simply taking the best overall player in the draft. Though he’s missed some action due to injury this season, Thibodeaux is a dominant force at full strength.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA) | LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
This defense needs help at every level, and thankfully, the Eagles are currently on pace to score three top-10 picks in this draft, thanks to previous trades. If the pick Philly gets from the Dolphins ends up this high, they’ll have a chance to grab a shutdown artist in Stingley, who is another elite talent who has been slowed by injuries this season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars | Alabama OT Evan Neal
(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
You know the drill. You spend the No. 1 overall pick on a franchise quarterback, you’d better protect your investment. That’s exactly what the Jags need to do for Trevor Lawrence, especially if Cam Robinson doesn’t return next season. Neal is a massive mauler with impressive athleticism for his size, and would be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick.
4. Houston Texans | Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Texans might want an upgrade at quarterback over Davis Mills, but they won’t find it with this pick, thanks to this year’s weak class at the position. Instead, they take the best overall player on the board, and the rare safety prospect worthy of top-five consideration. Hamilton is a versatile defender who can impact the game at every level of the field.
5. New York Giants | Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
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The interior of this defensive line is one of the better units in the league, but the Giants still need an impact player on the edge. Hutchinson has taken his game to a new level this season, proving himself to be one of the most complete defenders in the country, and worthy of a top-five selection.
6. New York Jets | Florida CB Kaiir Elam
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Robert Saleh has some promising talent to work with on this defense, but he needs a true shutdown corner to lead his secondary and help out the pass rush. Elam has been one of the nation’s best so far this season, particularly in press-man coverage, despite going up against top competition on a weekly basis.
7. New England Patriots | Texas A&M DL DeMarvin Leal
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
There’s not a defense in the entire NFL that couldn’t use a dynamic, versatile prospect like Leal, who can line up anywhere along the defensive front in any scheme. Leal has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and power, with an explosive first step that allows him to camp out in opposing backfields.
8. Philadelphia Eagles | North Carolina State OL Ikem Ekwonu
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Injuries have plagued the Eagles up front, so it might be wise to use one of their three first-rounders on a versatile blocker with starting-caliber talent and experience at multiple positions. Ekwonu has earned all-conference honors at both guard and tackle, and brings a complete skill set to wherever he lines up.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (from IND) | Georgia LB Nakobe Dean
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
One of the fastest-rising prospects in the country, Dean has been a superstar on the nation’s most dominant defense, spearheading the top-ranked Bulldogs success so far this season. He’s equal parts athletic and physical, with the intelligence and instincts to blow up any play before it starts.
10. New York Jets (from SEA) | Texas A&M OL Kenyon Green
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Much like the Jags, the Jets need to keep building up their offensive line to protect their new franchise quarterback. Zach Wilson has two promising young blockers in Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, but adding another versatile one in Green would be a huge boost to this unit.
11. Washington Football Team | Liberty QB Malik Willis
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The first team to finally jump into this year’s quarterback pool, Washington takes a swing on the prospect with the most talent and potential in this class. There will be questions about Willis’ level of competition, but there’s no debating the impressive skill set he brings to the table. His combination of top-shelf arm talent, smarts and athleticism could make him a star at the next level.
12. Atlanta Falcons | Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
This defensive front needs an dominant force off the edge in the worst way, but this year’s deep class should give them some quality options in this range. Karlaftis has been nearly unblockable so far this season, and could easily work his way into a top-10 selection, making him a fantastic value here.
13. Miami Dolphins (from SF) | Iowa OL Tyler Linderbaum
(AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
The Dolphins still need far too many things for a team that’s had so many premium picks in recent drafts, but things have to start in the trenches on either side of the ball. In this scenario, that means drafting the best blocker on the board in Linderbaum, who has both the physical and mental tools to transform this lackluster unit.
14. Denver Broncos | Utah LB Devin Lloyd
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
There are some serviceable players at the second level of Denver’s defense, but they’re still lacking a true playmaker at linebacker who can make a seismic impact on all three downs. That’s exactly what Lloyd has been doing this season, flying around the field and finding the ball early and often.
15. Carolina Panthers | Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Panthers have some impressive weapons on offense, but they won’t get the most out of them (or Sam Darnold) if they don’t make big improvements up front next offseason. Kinnard has been one of the fastest risers in the country this season, with the size and skill set that could project at either guard or tackle at the next level.
16. New York Giants (from CHI) | Cincinnati CB Sauce Gardner
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Offensive line is a bigger need here, but there’s not a prospect left on the board who would be worth passing up Gardner, who could easily find himself in the top 10. His elite combination of size, length, athleticism and ball skills have made him one of the most dominant corners in the nation.
17. Cleveland Browns | Arkansas WR Treylon Burks
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Injuries and inconsistency have kept Baker Mayfield’s top pass-catchers from making a big impact this season, and they could use this pick to find a potential new No. 1 receiver. Burks is big and physical, but with impressive speed and athleticism, giving him all the traits of a top target.
18. Kansas City Chiefs | Clemson CB Andrew Booth Jr.
(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Free agency could do a number on this secondary, so the Chiefs would be wise to target help at either corner of safety with their top pick. There are worthy candidates at both positions in this scenario, but Booth represents the best value. He’s got all the physical and mental tools to quickly develop into the kind of cover man that opposing quarterbacks avoid.
19. Minnesota Vikings | USC EDGE Drake Jackson
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Danielle Hunter is still among the NFL’s most talented edge rushers, but Everson Griffen is turning 34 this year, so the Vikings could use a long-term upgrade on the other side of the defensive front. Jackson has some of the same physical traits that have made Hunter so successful, making him an ideal fit.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Mississippi QB Matt Corral
(AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Finally, another team takes a swing at quarterback, something the Steelers simply must do with Ben Roethlisberger’s career waning. Corral has been impressive so far this season as both a passer and a runner, and he’s doing against top competition in the SEC.
21. New Orleans Saints | Ohio State WR Chris Olave
(AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Even if Michael Thomas is able to return to being the player he once was for the Saints, this offense could still use a big-play receiver who would pair well with Thomas’ possession-style skill set. Olave’s combination of quickness and exquisite route-running ability would make him the perfect match.
22. Buffalo Bills | USC WR Drake London
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Allen has plenty of weapons, but that shouldn’t stop the Bills from giving him another talented pass-catcher with a rare blend of size and athleticism. London is a massive target who excels in contested-catch situations, and would be the perfect prospect to pair with Stefon Diggs.
23. Tennessee Titans | Texas A&M TE Jalen Wydermyer
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Even with the addition of Julio Jones, the Tennessee offense has missed the play-making ability of Jonnu Smith, who left in free agency last offseason. Wydermyer has the size and athleticism to bring that kind of impact back to the Titans’ passing game, helping to balance out the offense and keep pressure off Derrick Henry.
24. Dallas Cowboys | Georgia DL Jordan Davis
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Cowboys defense has turned a corner this season, but they could still use a couple of pieces to truly establish themselves as one of the best units in the league. Adding a massive, disruptive force like Davis to the interior of the defensive line would be a huge step in that direction.
25. Las Vegas Raiders | Alabama LB Christian Harris
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Another team with some solid veterans at linebacker, but no true impact player, the Raiders could use a three-down presence like Harris to transform the entire identity of their back seven. He’s smart, athletic and physical, who can play both run and pass equally well.
26. Los Angeles Chargers | South Carolina EDGE Kingsley Enagbare
(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
The Chargers have one of the NFL’s best edge rushers in Joey Bosa, but they don’t have a running mate for him that makes the impact Melvin Ingram III once did. Enagbare as been one of the most consistently disruptive edge defenders in college football so far this season, and would be a steal this late.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Georgia CB Derion Kendrick
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A running back might be tempting here, but the Bucs can find better value at that position without having to spent a first-round pick. Instead, they address a position that’s been ravaged by injuries this year, grabbing the top corner on the nation’s best defense, with a frame and skill set that fits their defense.
28. Detroit Lions (from LAR) | North Carolina QB Sam Howell
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
After spending the No. 1 pick on an elite talent for the defense, now is the time for the Lions to try and find value at quarterback. Howell had a rough start to the 2021 season, but he’s bounced back with a strong performance the rest of the way so far. He’s got the skills to become a quality starter at the next level, something Jared Goff might never become.
29. Cincinnati Bengals | Mississippi State OT Charles Cross
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Bengals have a franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow, and he’s got tons of weapons at the skill positions. Unfortunately, none of that will matter much if the offensive line doesn’t get a ton of help. Cross is an athletic, powerful blocker with tons of upside, and could be an immediate starter at either tackle spot.
30. Green Bay Packers | Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Who knows what the future holds for the Packers offense beyond 2021, but if one thing’s for certain, it’s that Jordan Love will need all the help he can get. Wilson may not have the size normally attributed to a No. 1 receiver, but he’s a polished route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to stretch the defense, both deep and after the catch.
31. Baltimore Ravens | Minnesota OT Daniel Faalele
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
The Ravens lost a massive presence up front when they traded Orlando Brown Jr., and they’ve missed him bigtime so far this season. Now, Ronnie Stanley is out for the rest of the season, making offensive tackle a huge need moving forward. Similar to Brown, Faalele has rare size and power, with impressive athleticism for a blocker with that kind of frame.
32. Arizona Cardinals | Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
The Cardinals could go in any number of directions with this pick, so don’t be surprised if they make somewhat of a luxury selection here. Spiller is the clear-cut front-runner in this year’s running back class, with a three-down skill set and an ideal frame. He would be an instant upgrade over both Chase Edmonds and James Conner, with more long-term value, as well.
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