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NFL MOCK DRAFT: What the experts are predicting for all 32 first-round picks

Tyler Lauletta   

NFL MOCK DRAFT: What the experts are predicting for all 32 first-round picks
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during an NCAA college football game.AP Photo/Andy Nelson
  • The 2022 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 28.
  • Until then, experts from around the NFL world will do their best to predict the first round.

We analyzed the mock drafts of 10 experts — Mel Kiper Jr. and Jordan Reid at ESPN, Lance Zierlein, Peter Schrager, and Bucky Brooks at NFL.com, Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, and Josh Edwards at CBS Sports, Danny Kelly at The Ringer, and Dane Brugler at The Athletic — to see if we could find any consensus over how the first round will shake out.

While seven of the 10 experts agree that the Jaguars will be taking Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson with the first overall pick in the draft, ideas on what teams will do after that begin to differ.

Still, by taking a wide view, we can paint a picture of how the first 32 picks of this year's draft might play out.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Aidan Hutchinson, Edge (Michigan)

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Aidan Hutchinson, Edge (Michigan)
Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (31) participates in the broad jump at the NFL football scouting combine.      AP Photo/Steve Luciano

Experts: 7 of 10

Other possibilities: Travon Walker, Edge (Georgia); Ikem Ekwonu, OT (NC State)

Key expert quote: From Jordan Reid at ESPN: "Hutchinson has the ability to pressure quarterbacks from day one; he's already polished as a pass-rusher. He would give the Jaguars an instant-impact defender."

2. Detroit Lions — Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge (Oregon)

2. Detroit Lions — Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge (Oregon)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during an NCAA college football game.      AP Photo/Andy Nelson

Experts: 3 of 10

Other possibilities: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge (Michigan); Travon Walker, Edge (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Peter Schrager at NFL.com: "The former No. 1 overall high school recruit is whip smart, loves ball and his teammates at Oregon rave about him. Oh, yeah — he's also an awesome pass rusher."

3. Houston Texans — Evan Neal, OT (Alabama)

3. Houston Texans — Evan Neal, OT (Alabama)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) against Miami.      AP Photo/John Bazemore

Experts: 6 of 10

Other possibilities: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge (Oregon); Ikem Ekwonu, OT (NC State)

Key expert quote: From Lance Zierlein at NFL.com: "Neal is big (6-foot-7, 350 pounds), athletic and technically sound. He can play both tackle or guard spots and would be the eventual starting left tackle if Laremy Tunsil were to move on."

4. New York Jets — Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB (Cincinnati)

4. New York Jets — Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB (Cincinnati)
Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) celebrates an interception against Murray State.      AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Experts: 4 of 10

Other possibilities: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge (Oregon); Travon Walker, Edge (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Bucky Brooks at NFL.com: "The long, rangy cover corner with a polished game will remind Jets fans of Antonio Cromartie in his prime."

5. New York Giants — Ikem Ekwonu, OT (NC State)

5. New York Giants — Ikem Ekwonu, OT (NC State)
NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu prepares to block a player during the first half of a game against Miami.      AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Experts: 5 of 10

Other possibilities: Evan Neal, OT (Alabama); Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge (Oregon)

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "Ekwonu is a perfect bookend to Andrew Thomas and would give New York the foundation for a solid offensive line."

6. Carolina Panthers — Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh)

6. Carolina Panthers — Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against Clemson.      AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

Experts: 6 of 10

Other possibilities: Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State); Ikem Ekwonu, OT (NC State)

Key expert quote: From Jordan Reid at ESPN: "The Panthers' quarterback of the future isn't on the roster. Of all the signal-callers in this class, Pickett and Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati) are the two most ready to step into an NFL game and produce. With coach Matt Rhule having history with Pickett, this pick makes sense."

7. New York Giants (via Bears) — Travon Walker, Edge (Georgia)

7. New York Giants (via Bears) — Travon Walker, Edge (Georgia)
Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) against Arkansas.      AP Photo/Michael Woods

Experts: 3 of 10

Other possibilities: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge (Florida State); Ahmad Gardner, CB (Cincinnati)

Key expert quote: From Peter Schrager at NFL.com: "The Giants have gone to the UGA well before in recent years, with Andrew Thomas (No. 4 overall, 2020) and Azeez Ojulari (No. 50, 2021). I can see them going right back to it if Walker falls to No. 7."

8. Atlanta Falcons — Garrett Wilson, WR (Ohio State)

8. Atlanta Falcons — Garrett Wilson, WR (Ohio State)
Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State.      AP Photo/Jay LaPrete

Experts: 6 of 10

Other possibilities: Jameson Williams, WR (Alabama); Malik Willis, QB (Liberty); Kyle Hamilton, S (Notre Dame)

Key expert quote: From Ryan Wilson at CBS Sports: "The WR position [for the Falcons] is in dire need of some upgrades, and Wilson, who is our WR1, is a top-10 player all day long. His game reminds us of Odell Beckham Jr., and Atlanta may need to target several wideouts in this draft to restock a depleted unit."

9. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos) — Derek Stingley Jr., CB (LSU)

9. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos) — Derek Stingley Jr., CB (LSU)
LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (7) warms up before a game against UCLA.      AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Experts: 3 of 10

Other possibilities: Malik Willis, QB (Liberty); Evan Neal, OT (Alabama)

Key expert quote: From Lance Zierlein at NFL.com: "Seattle has needs at cornerback, tackle and quarterback. After his strong pro day, Stingley is likely to carry the highest grade of the remaining talent at those positions."

10. New York Jets (via Seahawks) — Drake London, WR (USC)

10. New York Jets (via Seahawks) — Drake London, WR (USC)
USC wide receiver Drake London (15) runs for a touchdown against Utah.      AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Garrett Wilson, WR (Ohio State); Trevor Penning, OT (Northern Iowa)

Key expert quote: From Josh Edwards at CBS Sports: "Thinking back to Zach Wilson's collegiate career, he was known to throw passes up to his receivers, allowing them to make a play. London is a player who uses his body well to create separation and high point the football."

11. Washington Commanders — Kyle Hamilton, S (Notre Dame)

11. Washington Commanders — Kyle Hamilton, S (Notre Dame)
Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton (14) in action during the first half against Cincinnati.      AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Experts: 6 of 10

Other possibilities: Drake London, WR (USC); Matt Corral, QB (Ole Miss)

Key expert quote: From Mel Kiper Jr. at ESPN: "Hamilton has been dinged a little bit because of his 40 time, which was a 4.59 at the combine and a little slower at his pro day. He's a fantastic player, but he doesn't have rare physical tools, which means he could fall out of the top 10. I would want him on my team. At 6-foot-4, he could play multiple positions, from center fielder to box linebacker. He would make plays for a Washington defense that disappointed in 2021."

12. Minnesota Vikings — Jermaine Johnson II, Edge (Florida State)

12. Minnesota Vikings — Jermaine Johnson II, Edge (Florida State)
Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II fights through a block against Clemson.      AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Derek Stingley Jr., CB (LSU); Devin Lloyd, LB (Utah)

Key expert quote: From Josh Edwards at CBS Sports: "With both of the top cornerbacks off the board, Minnesota makes a play for not only the present, but the future. Johnson gives the Vikings a rotation of pass rushers that include Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter. If they want to move on from either when it becomes cost-prohibitive to keep them all, they now have the flexibility to make that happen."

13. Houston Texans (via Browns) — Jordan Davis, DT (Georgia)

13. Houston Texans (via Browns) — Jordan Davis, DT (Georgia)
Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis watches during warm ups before the Orange Bowl.      AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia); Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State); Drake London, WR (USC)

Key expert quote: From Jordan Reid at ESPN: "At 6-foot-6, 341 pounds, Davis is a wide-bodied interior defender with unheard-of physical tools at that size. I projected offensive tackle Evan Neal to Houston with its first pick, and general manager Nick Caserio could keep building up the trenches by selecting Davis. Three-down value will be a big factor for Davis' draft range, but he has the potential to up his production. His presence impacts the 10 other players on the field with him, even if it doesn't always show up in the box score."

14. Baltimore Ravens — Trent McDuffie, CB (Washington)

14. Baltimore Ravens — Trent McDuffie, CB (Washington)
Washington defensive back Trent McDuffie in a game against Colorado.      AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge (Florida State); Trent McDuffie, CB (Washington); Jordan Davis, DT (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Bucky Brooks at NFL.com: "As a man-heavy team, the Ravens cannot resist adding a talented cover corner with outstanding instincts and skills."

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins) — Chris Olave, WR (Ohio State)

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins) — Chris Olave, WR (Ohio State)
Ohio State's Chris Olave (2) stiff arms Nebraska's Quinton Newsome after a catch.      AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Jameson Williams, WR (Alabama); Jordan Davis, DT (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Mel Kiper Jr. at ESPN: "After last week's trade with the Saints, the Eagles now have one fewer first-round pick, but you have to think they'll take a receiver with one of them, right? If they're committed to using 2022 as an evaluation year for Jalen Hurts, they should give him the tools to succeed. Olave had seven touchdowns out of the slot last season, but he can move outside, too, and use his 4.39 40 speed to get open."

16. New Orleans Saints (via Colts) — Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State)

16. New Orleans Saints (via Colts) — Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) blocks against Arkansas.      AP Photo/Michael Woods

Experts: 4 of 10

Other possibilities: Trevor Penning, OT (Northern Iowa); Malik Willis, QB (Liberty)

Key expert quote: From Dane Brugler at The Athletic: "Cross is a top-10 player in this draft class for me and many others, but if he were to slip out of that range, the Saints would be eagerly waiting to scoop him up as they fill the void at left tackle (I wouldn't be surprised if they traded up for him, either)."

17. Los Angeles Chargers — Trevor Penning, OT (Northern Iowa)

17. Los Angeles Chargers — Trevor Penning, OT (Northern Iowa)
Northern Iowa offensive lineman Trevor Penning (70) warms up before a game against Southern Illinois.      AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Experts: 4 of 10

Other possibilities: Chris Olave, WR (Ohio State); Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State)

Key expert quote: From Dane Brugler at The Athletic: "The Chargers drafted a foundational piece on offense last year with Rashawn Slater at left tackle. They might be able to do it again at right tackle with Penning, who will compete for the starting job from day one and could also provide depth at guard if needed."

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints) — Devin Lloyd, LB (Utah)

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints) — Devin Lloyd, LB (Utah)
Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) reacts after sacking Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels.      AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

Experts: 1 of 10

Other possibilities: Drake London, WR (USC); Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Ryan Wilson at CBS Sports: "Lloyd was impressive during the 2021 season and nothing changed at the combine. He's the prototypical off-ball linebacker in today's NFL (pay no attention to his 4.7-something 40 times — he plays immeasurably faster), and it's like he was built in a lab."

19. New Orleans Saints (via Eagles) — Jameson Williams, WR (Alabama)

19. New Orleans Saints (via Eagles) — Jameson Williams, WR (Alabama)
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) runs down the sideline on a long pass reception against New Mexico State.      AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

Experts: 5 of 10

Other possibilities: Trevor Penning, OT (Northern Iowa); Jordan Davis, DT (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "Williams has breakaway deep speed. He shows elite burst to hit the nitrous oxide boosters and run away from corners on crossing routes and go routes, and he's got an extra gear that helps him pull away from defenders after the catch. He's a smooth athlete who makes sharp cuts as a route runner, creates separation, and doesn't need to gear down at the catch point, deftly gathering the pass while turning downfield in one fluid motion."

20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Malik Willis, QB (Liberty)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Malik Willis, QB (Liberty)
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (7) carries the ball against Troy.      AP Photo/Butch Dill

Experts: 3 of 10

Other possibilities: Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh); Desmond Ridder, QB (Cincinnati); Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State)

Key expert quote: From Peter Schrager at NFL.com: "Willis certainly could go higher than 20th overall. I know at least one NFL head coach who said the Liberty product is his No. 1 QB on the board. I do believe Pittsburgh is all in on Mitchell Trubisky. But with Willis slipping, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers' front office select a quarterback with unlimited upside and a ton of charisma."

21. New England Patriots — Daxton Hill, S (Michigan)

21. New England Patriots — Daxton Hill, S (Michigan)
Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill prepares for a play.      AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Nakobe Dean, LB (Georgia); Devin Lloyd, LB (Utah)

Key expert quote: From Josh Edwards at CBS Sports: "Hill is a very versatile player who has worn many hats for the Wolverines. He has proven effective as a safety and slot cornerback, but Hill could probably play on the boundary in a pinch. New England values versatile defensive backs, and the Wolverine certainly provides."

22. Green Bay Packers (via Raiders) — Treylon Burks, WR (Arkansas)

22. Green Bay Packers (via Raiders) — Treylon Burks, WR (Arkansas)
Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) stiff-arms LSU linebacker Mike Jones Jr. (19) during a game.      AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Chris Olave, WR (Ohio State); Christian Watson, WR (ND State)

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "Burks is a great fit for the Packers, who run a lot of screens and utilize smoke-route quick passes as an extension of their run game. He can make hay after the catch and is also dangerous downfield."

23. Arizona Cardinals — Jahan Dotson, WR (Penn State)

23. Arizona Cardinals — Jahan Dotson, WR (Penn State)
Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch against Villanova.      AP Photo/Barry Reeger

Experts: 1 of 10

Other possibilities: Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia); George Karlaftis, Edge (Purdue); Treylon Burks, WR (Arkansas)

Key expert quote: From Peter Schrager at NFL.com: "I don't see a scenario in which the Cardinals take a defensive player on Day 1 after selecting linebackers in the first round of the previous two drafts and losing Christian Kirk this off-season. DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore are the team's current WR1 & 2. I can 100 percent see Arizona going receiver here. Dotson is the top one left on the board."

24. Dallas Cowboys — George Karlaftis, Edge (Purdue)

24. Dallas Cowboys — George Karlaftis, Edge (Purdue)
Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates after a sack against Iowa.      AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Tyler Linderbaum, C (Iowa); Boye Mafe, Edge (Minnesota);

Key expert quote: From Chris Trapasso at CBS Sports: "Karlaftis is too good to pass on here for the Cowboys, who would be loaded at the defensive end spot if they made this selection."

25. Buffalo Bills — Andrew Booth Jr., CB (Clemson)

25. Buffalo Bills — Andrew Booth Jr., CB (Clemson)
Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) stands on the field during a game against South Carolina.      AP Photo/Sean Rayford

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Trent McDuffie, CB (Washington); Daxton Hill, S (Michigan)

Key expert quote: From Jordan Reid at ESPN: "Even though Booth missed the combine after straining his quad and recently had surgery for a sports hernia, his traits, intensity as a run defender and ball skills are too good to pass up. Those are all attributes that general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott will love about him."

26. Tennessee Titans — Kenyon Green, G (Texas A&M)

26. Tennessee Titans — Kenyon Green, G (Texas A&M)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) sets up in his stance before a play against Mississippi State.      AP Photo/Sam Craft

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Devin Lloyd, LB (Utah); Nakobe Dean, LB (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Dane Brugler at The Athletic: "From the Titans' need at left guard to their specific interest in Green, this projection checks a lot of boxes. Green was asked to do a lot on the Aggies' offensive line last season, including taking snaps at four different positions, but he spent most of his time at left guard."

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia)

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia)
Georgia's Devonte Wyatt hits Alabama's Bryce Young as he throws during the first half of the College Football Playoff championship.      AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Experts: 3 of 10

Other possibilities: Kenyon Green, G (Texas A&M); Zion Johnson, G (Boston College)

Key expert quote: From Bucky Brooks at NFL.com: "Adding a disruptive defender to play alongside Vita Vea at the point of attack could make the Buccaneers' defense downright scary on early downs."

28. Green Bay Packers — Travis Jones, DT (UConn)

28. Green Bay Packers — Travis Jones, DT (UConn)
Connecticut defensive lineman Travis Jones runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine.      AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia); Nakobe Dean, LB (Georgia); Christian Watson, WR (ND State)

Key expert quote: From Dane Brugler at The Athletic: "The Packers will add defensive line help on draft weekend, and if they go that direction in the first round, Jones makes the most sense (with Jordan Davis long gone). Jones has the explosive power to be a force vs. the run while also offering upside as a pass rusher."

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via 49ers) — Boye Mafe, Edge (Minnesota)

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via 49ers) — Boye Mafe, Edge (Minnesota)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) in action during the first half against Wisconsin.      AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Experts: 4 of 10

Other possibilities: Andrew Booth Jr., CB (Clemson); Devonte Wyatt, DT (Georgia)

Key expert quote: From Jordan Reid at ESPN: "An explosive and bendy edge rusher, Mafe could put his hand in the dirt or stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. His ability to shave the cup of the pocket and finish at the quarterback makes his traits appealing to the Chiefs, who are in need of consistent pass-rushers. He is also a strong-handed run defender and is consistent with slamming the door and pinning outside runs back inside."

30. Kansas City Chiefs — Christian Watson, WR (ND State)

30. Kansas City Chiefs — Christian Watson, WR (ND State)
North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine.      AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Experts: 1 of 10

Other possibilities: Jaquan Brisker, S (Penn State); Jahan Dotson, WR (Penn State)

Key expert quote: From Josh Edwards at CBS Sports: "Kansas City missed out on the top wide receiver prospects by staying put, so it gambles on Watson, who was arguably the biggest winner of the NFL combine. He tested off the charts and offers the upside of a prospect coming out of a run-heavy offense. It could pay off down the road."

31. Cincinnati Bengals — Tyler Linderbaum, C (Iowa)

31. Cincinnati Bengals — Tyler Linderbaum, C (Iowa)
Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum (65) looks to make a block against Illinois.      AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Experts: 4 of 10

Other possibilities: Andrew Booth Jr., CB (Clemson); Kaiir Elam, CB (Florida)

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "The Bengals took steps in free agency to fix their leaky offensive line by signing Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La'el Collins. But Linderbaum is just too good to pass up here: He can kick Karras to left guard and start immediately at center, completing Cincy's near-total offensive line overhaul this off-season."

32. Detroit Lions (via Rams) — Desmond Ridder, QB (Cincinnati)

32. Detroit Lions (via Rams) — Desmond Ridder, QB (Cincinnati)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against SMU.      AP Photo/Aaron Doster

Experts: 2 of 10

Other possibilities: Matt Corral, QB (Ole Miss); Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh); Treylon Burks, WR (Arkansas)

Key expert quote: From Peter Schrager at NFL.com: "I've heard from coaches at the college level, his Jets coaches at the Reese's Senior Bowl and other coaches who have spent time with Ridder that he has the "It" quality you look for in a starting quarterback. The third-winningest QB in college football history, Ridder could be a culture-changer in the NFL. Jared Goff seems to be the guy in Detroit for now, but wouldn't it make sense for the Lions to nab Ridder at 32nd overall?"

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