NFL mock draft 2022: Eagles-Saints trade changes first-round outlook
Even after a flurry of March moves that sent star players to new settings, NFL teams aren't done making deals.
On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints agreed to a trade that featured four first-round draft picks changing hands - Nos. 16 and 19 this year to the Saints, with No. 18 this year and a 2023 selection going to the Eagles. The move was the latest reflection of teams' aggressive approach to this year's draft, as 11 first-round picks now have been dealt at least once, and eight teams are without selections on the first day.
While more swaps could still be in the works, here's our latest projection of the 2022 NFL draft after Monday's Eagles-Saints trade:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Don't start ordering the jerseys just yet, as general manager Trent Baalke and Jacksonville could still produce an 11th-hour surprise. After the Jaguars spent a record $175.3 million guaranteed in the first wave of free agency, however, all signs point to Hutchinson as the sensible selection. Edge rusher was one of the few areas that went unaddressed in the team's spending spree, and setting the tone with a formidable running mate for Josh Allen, one of the team's few building blocks, should be a priority. Hutchinson's well-rounded athleticism and unwavering approach set him apart from his peers. Even if he doesn't reach the heights of past top-five pass rushers, Hutchinson still looks like the kind of stable, high-end starter who could help launch a new era in Jacksonville.
2. Detroit Lions – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
General manager Brad Holmes said last week he's looking for a "game-changer" with this pick. Well, here you go. Jared Goff buys the franchise some time as a returning starter, but the Lions can't lounge in limbo at the position indefinitely. A dazzling playmaker with his downfield darts and electric running to keep defenses off balance, Willis has the tools to take an offense to the next level if he's developed properly. There are still big questions about whether a team can set him up for a considerable payoff, as his poise in the pocket leaves much to be desired. But Holmes said this week he would be comfortable drafting a quarterback to sit behind Goff, which could be the right configuration for both Willis and the Lions.
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3. Houston Texans – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Having finally separated from Deshaun Watson – and received a stockpile of picks for doing so – the Texans can begin the franchise's next chapter in earnest. Given Houston's interest in seeing what it has in second-year quarterback Davis Mills as its starter, grabbing one of this class' most highly regarded offensive tackles would be a sound decision, even with left tackle Laremy Tunsil seemingly set to return on a restructured contract. The massive Neal (6-8, 337 pounds) declared at Alabama's pro day he is comfortable handling any position as a rookie besides center. That should be plenty comforting to Mills, who took 31 sacks in 13 games last year.
4. New York Jets – Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
From his star turn in the College Football Playoff to his dazzling performance at the NFL scouting combine, Walker has enjoyed an unparalleled rise in the last several months. At this point, there might be a better chance of him going No. 1 overall rather than lasting this long. If he does make it to this juncture, GM Joe Douglas might be enamored with the upside of a 6-5, 272-pounder who moves like a linebacker (4.51-second 40-yard dash). His pass-rush skills are still a work in progress, so any defense bringing him on should exhibit patience – even if it averaged fewer than two sacks per game last year, as the Jets did.
5. New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Despite adding two new starters on the interior in free agency, the new Big Blue regime of general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll shouldn't yet feel comfortable with the state of the much-maligned offensive line. And while the Giants have a wide range of possibilities for how to use their two top selections, having either Neal or Ekwonu available at this spot would make their first decision fairly simple. Ekwonu looks to punish his opponent on running plays and is growing more comfortable in the pass game, making him an attractive option to slide in at right tackle.
6. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Frozen out of this offseason's great quarterback reshuffling, Carolina appears to be headed into the draft in a place of desperation. General manager Scott Fitterer acknowledged this week that this pick will essentially boil down to taking a signal-caller or a left tackle. But in assessing his team's outlook behind center, Fitterer said, "at some point, you have to take a shot." Given the urgency to repair the passing game and the clear discomfort with Sam Darnold, the Panthers seem like a natural fit for Pickett, a four-year starter and school record holder. Pickett might be in for a rough transition if not afforded proper protection to help him speed up his processing, but he's the kind of gamble Carolina might have to embrace at this spot.
7. Giants (from Chicago Bears) – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Is a safety a luxury for a team picking in the top 10, especially one as cap-strapped as the Giants are? Perhaps not when the player in question is Hamilton. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, he is the closest thing this class has to a do-it-all defender. While he can make his mark as the rare defensive back comfortable matching up with even the largest and most athletic tight ends, his true value might be as a deep safety who punishes any quarterback brave enough to test his range.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Atlanta is operating with a longer view than many other teams are, as made clear by GM Terry Fontenot's acknowledgement that the team is "taking it on the chin" this upcoming season after the cap hit from the Matt Ryan trade. Still, even with an array of issues on defense, it's easy to see how the Falcons would be drawn to Wilson, a dynamic target with a knack for acrobatic grabs and racking up yards after the catch. The Buckeyes standout would immediately elevate the league's worst receiving corps, assisting Marcus Mariota this year and a potential early draft pick at quarterback in 2023.
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE/OLB, Oregon
Hard to figure out where to start with a Seattle team unwilling to embrace a rebuild despite lacking starting-caliber talent at several premium positions. Maybe the best route for Pete Carroll's crew is to invigorate a pass rush due for a boost as the defense moves to more 3-4 looks. Or perhaps the Seahawks should just pray that any premier prospect falls to this slot. In either case, they would be lucky to land Thibodeaux, who at times has been downright dominant off the edge even without a full arsenal of pass-rush moves.
10. Jets (from Seahawks) – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
If Gang Green wants to bring "Sauce" aboard, it might need to consider doing so with its No. 4 overall pick. In this scenario, however, Robert Saleh lands the lengthy shutdown corner his scheme is due for. Adding the 6-3, 190-pound Gardner, who never gave up a touchdown in 33 career games at Cincinnati, alongside free-agent signing D.J. Reed would invigorate a position at which the Jets have woefully underinvested. And while the failed pursuit of Tyreek Hill might indicate an interest in a receiver in this slot, the blend of value and need should be too great for the Jets to turn away from Gardner.
11. Washington Commanders – Drake London, WR, USC
Dare we say Washington has the makings of a promising supporting cast for Carson Wentz? One of the last remaining tasks to help stabilize the passing attack would be to provide a capable No. 2 target to alleviate pressure on Terry McLaurin. Following in the footsteps of another former big-bodied USC receiver in Michael Pittman Jr., Wentz's go-to target last year with the Colts, London should make life easier for his signal-caller thanks to his penchant for boxing out smaller defensive backs and his surprising fluidity for a player his size (6-4, 219 pounds).
12. Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Patrick Peterson is back for another go in Minnesota, but the 31-year-old likely is a mere stopgap solution for a team desperate for support in the secondary. Perhaps the eight-time Pro Bowl selection could partake in a changing of the guard with Stingley, who looks in line to be LSU's next top-flight cornerback. The two-time All-American still has to shake any doubts about his recovery from a Lisfranc injury, but a stellar showing at his April 6 pro day could boost his cause as a potential top-10 pick.
13. Texans (from Cleveland Browns) – Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
In a class that likely will be defined by its top pass rushers, Houston should make a concerted effort to add some juice off the edge with at least one of its two first-round selections. While Johnson can't match the premier athleticism of Hutchinson, Walker and Thibodeaux, he can regularly beat blockers with his length, bend and knowhow. And in a division that features Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, his run-stopping prowess will come in handy.
14. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Where exactly does a 6-6, 341-pound defensive tackle find his place in the modern NFL? How about Baltimore, with a franchise that has coveted its jumbo defensive linemen? Davis is capable of generating significant pressure from the interior, and the Ravens could help him become more than just a big body at the next level.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins) – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
In the last mock draft, we highlighted the apparent likelihood that the Eagles would move at least one of their later two first-round selections, and – sure enough – they did. Still, Howie Roseman will have some promising options to upgrade a playoff team, even if he doesn't have quite the same flexibility as before. While Philadelphia has famously avoided linebackers in the first round since taking Jerry Robinson in 1979, Lloyd is a rangy defender comfortable chasing down ball carriers in space, shedding blocks in tight quarters or bringing heat as a blitzer.
16. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts via Eagles) – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Some might presume that New Orleans will keep an eye on the quarterbacks after swinging a deal Monday to equip the team with two picks in the late teens, especially if Pickett falls within striking distance. But there's ample reason to believe a franchise perpetually in win-now mode is merely looking to capitalize on top talent elsewhere. The smooth-moving Cross could serve as a natural successor to three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead as a potential cornerstone for the offense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Bolstering the defense in key spots left the Bolts in good position to focus on their most important asset: star quarterback Justin Herbert. While Herbert would no doubt stand to benefit from better protection, equipping him with a speed merchant like Williams would set up an electric connection for years to come.
18. Eagles (from Saints) – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Safety presents the greater problem for Philadelphia's secondary, but with no player at the position able to provide proper value at this slot, the Eagles shouldn't force the issue. Measuring in a mere 5-11 and 193 pounds with limited ball production, McDuffie is by no means flashy, but he gives receivers no quarter and is a persistent pest to anyone he lines up against - and he could be a fine safety if he ever were to swap positions.
19. Saints (from Eagles) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
By adding another first-round pick in this range, the Saints positioned themselves nicely for a wide receiver amid a potential run at the position. Olave's deep speed would make him a fitting complement to fellow former Buckeye Michael Thomas and change the complexion of the offense as a consistent deep threat for Jameis Winston.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
In adding Mitchell Trubisky on a low-cost contract to compete with holdover Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh appears to be hoping a couple half-measures add up to a whole one in the team's bid to find a replacement for Ben Roethlisberger. That approach, however, shouldn't preclude the Steelers from considering a signal-caller here. Corral might not be ready to be a Day 1 starter and is difficult to project given his body of work came in an RPO-heavy offense, but there's plenty to like in his swift release, improving discipline and ability to make tight-window throws.
21. New England Patriots – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
For as glaring as New England's needs are at cornerback and offensive guard, Bill Belichick is never one to be boxed in by positional constraints. A dynamic playmaker who is one of the draft's quickest-thinking defenders, Dean stands to reinvigorate the second level of the Patriots' defense if Belichick pulls the trigger.
22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders) – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Facing a barren collection of receivers after the defections of top targets Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, coach Matt LaFleur said this week the Packers "definitely need to get some speed in that room." Burks doesn't have the timed speed to match most of the class' other top-tier pass catchers, but at 6-2 and 225 pounds, he can build up steam deep downfield and on short throws after the catch.
23. Arizona Cardinals – Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Arizona is in an awkward spot as a playoff team saddled with an unusual amount of roster holes. While a cornerback or edge rusher could come into play here to boost the pass defense, the best answer might be taking Wyatt, who is just beginning to tap into his immense potential as an interior disruptor with a rapid first step.
24. Dallas Cowboys – Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
Dak Prescott and Dallas' front are due for a dose of reliability after a season derailed by self-inflicted mistakes. Stout, steady and experienced, Johnson is the kind of blocker poised to provide the Cowboys much-needed stability from the early going in his career.
25. Buffalo Bills – Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
If the Bills want to keep new division rival Tyreek Hill from flashing the peace sign as he races past their secondary, they'll have to count on someone other than the officials to stop the Dolphins' speedy receiver. Booth, who just underwent core muscle surgery but still has a strong case for the first round, could step in to address one of the unit's few remaining shortcomings as Tre'Davious White returns from a torn ACL. His long speed isn't his calling card, but his strength, nimble footwork and ball skills will help Buffalo's top-ranked defense keep pace with high-powered passing attacks.
26. Tennessee Titans – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Hard to think of a better match for Penning, who relishes the "nasty" label he earned throughout his career, than on a Mike Vrabel team blocking for Derrick Henry. While Penning might face a lengthier acclimation period than some other blockers given the jump he's making from the Football Championship Subdivision, right tackle remains an issue for Tennessee after Vrabel said 2021 second-round pick Dillon Radunz is "not ready" to be a starter right now.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Maybe the only things Tom Brady hates more than interior pressure are non-avocado ice cream and staying retired for more than 40 days. Tampa Bay already addressed the middle of its offensive front by re-upping center Ryan Jensen and trading for right guard Shaq Mason, but bringing on the steady and versatile Green would help fill the void left by left guard Ali Marpet's retirement.
28. Packers - George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Putting on a sterling pro day performance while shirtless in frigid temperatures might as well have been Karlaftis' audition for Lambeau Field. At this point in the draft, the powerful pass rusher provides tremendous value to a Green Bay defense that will need more depth in the front seven to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers via Dolphins) – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
If Kansas City is prepared to make a big gamble in its bid to replace Tyreek Hill, there's a substantial payoff that could be waiting in Watson, a 6-4, 208-pound target with 4.36-second 40-yard dash speed and a 38 1/2-inch vertical leap. Yes, the Football Championship Subdivision product still has to figure out how to beat defensive backs with more variety after growing accustomed to running by them. If properly developed, however, he could help the Chiefs offense reload for the next chapter of Patrick Mahomes' career.
30. Chiefs – Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State
While the situation at receiver might draw the bulk of headlines in Kansas City, the Chiefs also have a pressing problem with their pass rush, which has little to offer beyond defensive tackle Chris Jones as Melvin Ingram remains unsigned. A refined technician off the edge, Ebiketie has the skill set to contribute early in obvious passing situations, though he might take some time to become an every-down player.
31. Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Despite adding three starters to its offensive line in free agency, Cincinnati can further fortify its front while landing arguably the best player available here. Plugging in the savvy and athletic Linderbaum at center and bumping Ted Karras to guard could be the final touches in an admirable offseason push to safeguard Joe Burrow.
32. Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Detroit's defensive deficiencies are widespread, but coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme places a premium on safeties. An instinctive enforcer both as a run stopper and coverage presence, Cine is also the kind of leader whom coach Dan Campbell would covet.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL mock draft 2022: Eagles-Saints trade shifts first-round outlook
