2022 NFL mock draft: New 3-round projections heading into combine
Next week, the massive job interview that is the NFL Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis, as hundreds of the best prospects in the 2022 NFL draft class will look to improve their stock.
These talented players will be put through a barrage of on-field drills and physical challenges, as well as medical testing and interviews with team decison-makers.
An impressive performance in Indy can launch a prospect up the draft board, while a disappointing showing can send them tumbling in the opposite direction.
As all parties prepare for the event, let’s take an updated look at how the first three rounds of this year’s draft could shake out:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars | Alabama OT Evan Neal
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
This year’s draft class doesn’t have a clear-cut top prospect, so the Jags will focus on their biggest need, which is protecting Trevor Lawrence. North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu could also get strong consideration here, but Neal still feels like the more likely blocker to take the top spot.
2. Detroit Lions | Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
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This pick will be an edge rusher, whether it’s Hutchinson or Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. While Thibodeaux might have more athleticism and a higher ceiling, he’s not quite as consistent, polished or as complete a defender as Hutchinson right now.
3. Houston Texans | Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Lovie Smith era starts with a defensive stud here, though passing on Kayvon Thibodeaux might raise some eyebrows. Yes, pass rushers tend to be valued more highly than safeties, but Hamilton is simply the better overall prospect, and has the skill set to impact the game in just as many ways.
4. New York Jets | Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Landing Thibodeaux at this spot might have seemed impossible a few months ago, but it wouldn’t be surprising at this point. If it happens, the Jets would get a huge steal at a position of need, landing an explosive edge defender with limitless potential.
5. New York Giants | North Carolina State OL Ikem Ekwonu
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
If Brian Daboll is going to work any magic with Daniel Jones like he did with Josh Allen, the offensive line needs huge improvements. Drafting Ekwonu would be a big step in the right direction, adding a pro-ready blocker who earned all-conference honors at both guard and tackle.
6. Carolina Panthers | Liberty QB Malik Willis
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
This year’s quarterback class is still a mystery in many ways, but after whiffing at the game’s most important position last year (passing on Justin Fields, trading this year’s second-round pick for Sam Darnold), the Panthers can’t afford to do it again. Willis’ rare arm talent and explosiveness/athleticism give him a sky-high ceiling.
7. New York Giants (from CHI) | Florida State EDGE Jermaine Johnson II
(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
After addressing the offensive trenches with their first selection, the Giants use their additional top-10 pick to land an impact player for their defensive front. Johnson was dominant during Senior Bowl week, and has all the physical tools to cement himself as a top-10 pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons | USC WR Drake London
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The Falcons have needs all over the place, but their biggest might be at wide receiver, especially if Calvin Ridley ends up playing elsewhere in 2022. London’s impressive physical traits would immediately make him Matt Ryan’s No. 1 receiver, and a dynamic pairing with tight end Kyle Pitts.
9. Denver Broncos | Utah LB Devin Lloyd
(AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Quarterback could be in the mix here, depending on what happens in free agency. If they don’t spend this pick on a top passer, expect it to be used on a defensive playmaker like Lloyd, who has the size, athleticism, physicality and versatility to make an instant impact in many different ways.
10. New York Jets (from SEA) | Cincinnati CB Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
After getting an elite pass rusher with their first pick, the Jets add another big-play machine for the secondary here. It might surprise some to see Gardner as the first corner off the board, but his rare combination of size, length and ball skills makes him more than worthy.
11. Washington Commanders | Pitt QB Kenny Pickett
(AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
It’s not a great year to need a quarterback, but with only one off the board so far, Washington still lands what could be a decent value here. Pickett has all the tools to be a quality starter at the next level, and he’s polished enough to be an immediate upgrade for the Commanders.
12. Minnesota Vikings | LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite the recent resources they’ve invested at the position, the Vikings still need more help at corner, and this scenario is a fantastic way to make that happen. Stingley’s film is inconsistent, and his injury-riddled 2021 campaign begs durability questions, but there’s no denying his skill set and potential.
13. Cleveland Browns | Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson
(Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
After losing Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns simply don’t have a big-play threat at receiver who can stretch the field and scare opposing defenses. They won’t have to look far to find that kind of pass-catcher in this scenario, as Wilson brings his explosive play-making ability from Columbus to Cleveland.
14. Baltimore Ravens | Mississippi State OT Charles Cross
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
After trading away Orlando Brown Jr. and dealing with another Ronnie Stanley injury, this offense suffered greatly without top-shelf tackle play. That needs to be addressed here, and the Ravens get a bargain with Cross, who has limitless upside and a track record of success against SEC talent.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA) | Georgia LB Nakobe Dean
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
This defense needs help at every level, and there are plenty of attractive options at just about all of those positions in this situation. The best value comes at linebacker, where the Eagles land an athletic, physical playmaker in Dean, who was the most impactful player on the nation’s most dominant defense.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (from IND) | Iowa OL Tyler Linderbaum
(AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Jason Kelce is still playing at an All-Pro level, but he’s still in the twilight of his career, and the Eagles have the perfect opportunity to draft an elite understudy here. Linderbaum is the rare center prospect who is more than worthy of a top-20 selection.
17. Los Angeles Chargers | Texas A&M OL Kenyon Green
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There are some pressing needs on defense, but the Chargers need to prioritize Justin Herbert’s development, and that means bolstering the offensive line (and re-signing wide receiver Mike Williams). Green was dominant against SEC competition, and can play either guard or tackle at a high level.
18. New Orleans Saints | Mississippi QB Matt Corral
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Dennis Allen taking over for Sean Payton keeps some continuity for the Saints, but there’s still a huge question mark at quarterback. Corral isn’t without question marks, but he’s a dynamic talent with solid athleticism and an impressive arm, giving him tons of upside.
19. Philadelphia Eagles | Georgia EDGE Travon Walker
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Derek Barnett is likely headed elsewhere in free agency, and while Josh Sweat is a budding star, Brandon Graham is in the twilight of his career. Walker is a disruptive, versatile defender who can line up anywhere on the defensive front and wreak havoc for opposing offenses.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Quarterback is obviously the biggest need here, but with three of them already off the board in a weak class, the Steelers are better off addressing their needs along the offensive line first. Penning proved at the Senior Bowl that his level of competition won’t be an issue, and his physical playing style will fit perfectly in Pittsburgh.
21. New England Patriots | Washington CB Trent McDuffie
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stephon Gilmore was traded away, and it doesn’t sound like J.C. Jackson will be getting a long-term extension, which could leave the Pats with a huge need at corner. Thankfully for them, this year’s class is loaded, and it’s hard to find any flaws in McDuffie’s game.
22. Las Vegas Raiders | Georgia DL Devonte Wyatt
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
This defense could use an infusion of young talent at multiple positions, so this pick is about finding the best value on that side of the ball. In this scenario, that means landing a disruptive playmaker for the interior of the defensive front in Wyatt, who was a dominant force for the Bulldogs.
23. Arizona Cardinals | Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Cardinals need another talented edge rusher to pair with Chandler Jones, and this year’s deep class gives them the perfect opportunity. Karlaftis is a complete prospect who excels as both a pass rusher and a run stuffer, with the polish to make an immediate impact.
24. Dallas Cowboys | Washington CB Kyler Gordon
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Trevon Diggs has obviously emerged as one of the NFL’s best playmakers at corner, but the rest of the group in Dallas needs work. Gordon checks every box league decision-makers are looking for in a shutdown corner, and the track record of success that proves he knows how to use those tools.
25. Buffalo Bills | Georgia DL Jordan Davis
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Bills have a surprising amount of needs for being one of the best teams in the league right now, so they could go in any number of directions with this pick. The value points them to the defensive line, where they land a massive mauler in Davis, who would instantly shore up a lackluster unit.
26. Tennessee Titans | Michigan EDGE David Ojabo
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Even if the Titans are able to re-sign Harold Landry, they could still use a younger edge rusher on the opposite side if Bud Dupree can’t be counted on long-term. While his Wolverine teammate Hutchinson stole the headlines, Ojabo had a dominant 2021 campaign of his own, and would be a steal this late.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Arkansas WR Treylon Burks
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Even if the Bucs keep Chris Godwin on a long-term extension, the lack of quality depth behind him and Mike Evans was exposed in 2021. This year’s loaded receiver class is the perfect opportunity for the Bucs to add another dynamic pass-catcher, and Burks’ combination of size, athleticism and physicality would make him the perfect fit.
28. Green Bay Packers | Alabama WR Jameson Williams
(Photo by Marvin Gentry/Getty Images )
If Davante Adams heads elsewhere in free agency, the Packers will need a new No. 1 target, regardless of who is throwing the passes. Williams would be long gone if not for a torn ACL in the national title game, but once he’s back to full strength, he should prove to be a huge steal this late.
29. Miami Dolphins (from SF) | Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
There are pressing needs on offense, but it’s hard to pass up high-upside edge rushers with the kind of athleticism that Mafe brings to the table. His dominant performance during Senior Bowl week backed up impressive film, making Mafe a potential bargain at this point in the first round.
30. Kansas City Chiefs | Clemson CB Andrew Booth Jr.
(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Free agency could leave Kansas City thin at corner, but this scenario gives them plenty of fantastic options, any of which would be a steal this late. Booth is a polished, pro-ready cover man who was dominant in press coverage for the Tigers last season.
31. Cincinnati Bengals | Boston College OL Zion Johnson
(AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
The Bengals made it all the way to the Super Bowl despite having a weak offensive line, and it remains their top priority heading into this offseason. This scenario gives them the perfect opportunity to address their need at right guard with a polished, physical blocker in Johnson, who would be an immediate upgrade.
32. Detroit Lions (from LAR) | Ohio State WR Chris Olave
(AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Quarterback is obviously a possibility here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions just punt on this year’s weak crop of passers and wait for next year’s draft. Instead, they use this pick on an explosive, big-play receiver who is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this entire draft.
33. Jacksonville Jaguars | Penn State WR Jahan Dotson
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
34. Detroit Lions | Michigan S Daxton Hill
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35. New York Jets | North Dakota State WR Christian Watson
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
36. New York Giants | Georgia LB Quay Walker
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
37. Houston Texans | Auburn CB Roger McCreary
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
38. New York Jets (from CAR) | Central Michigan OT Bernhard Raimann
(AP Photo/Al Goldis)
39. Chicago Bears | Purdue WR David Bell
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
40. Denver Broncos | Texas A&M DL DeMarvin Leal
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41. Seattle Seahawks | Florida CB Kaiir Elam
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
42. Washington Commanders | Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
43. Atlanta Falcons | Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder
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44. Cleveland Browns | Houston EDGE Logan Hall
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
45. Baltimore Ravens | Penn State S Jaquan Brisker
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46. Minnesota Vikings | USC EDGE Drake Jackson
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
47. Indianapolis Colts | Alabama WR John Metchie III
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
48. Los Angeles Chargers | San Diego State EDGE Cameron Thomas
(AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
49. New Orleans Saints | Georgia WR George Pickens
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50. Miami Dolphins | Tulsa OT Tyler Smith
(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
51. Philadelphia Eagles | Cincinnati CB Coby Bryant
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
52. Pittsburgh Steelers | North Carolina QB Sam Howell
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
53. Las Vegas Raiders | Mississippi State CB Martin Emerson Jr.
(AP Photo/Michael Woods)
54. New England Patriots | Alabama LB Christian Harris
(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
55. Arizona Cardinals | Colorado State TE Trey McBride
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56. Dallas Cowboys | UConn DL Travis Jones
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
57. Buffalo Bills | Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
58. Atlanta Falcons (from TEN) | Cincinnati EDGE Myjai Sanders
Syndication: The Enquirer
59. Green Bay Packers | South Carolina EDGE Kingsley Enagbare
(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Oklahoma DL Perrion Winfrey
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61. San Francisco 49ers | Baylor S Jalen Pitre
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
62. Kansas City Chiefs | Penn State EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
63. Cincinnati Bengals | Minnesota OT Daniel Faalele
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
64. Denver Broncos (from LAR) | Oklahoma EDGE Nik Bonitto
Syndication: The Oklahoman
65. Jacksonville Jaguars | Texas A&M TE Jalen Wydermyer
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66. Detroit Lions | Kentucky WR Wan'Dale Robinson
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
67. New York Giants | Georgia OL Jamaree Salyer
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68. Houston Texans | LSU LB Damone Clark
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
69. New York Jets | Georgia S Lewis Cine
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
70. Jacksonville Jaguars (from CAR) | Alabama DL Phidarian Mathis
Syndication: Tuscaloosa News
71. Chicago Bears | Ohio State OT Nicholas Petit-Frere
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
72. Seattle Seahawks | UCLA OT Sean Rhyan
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73. Washington Football Team | Penn State LB Brandon Smith
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
74. Atlanta Falcons | Illinois S Kerby Joseph
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
75. Denver Broncos | Washington State OT Abraham Lucas
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76. Baltimore Ravens | Ohio State DL Haskell Garrett
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
77. Minnesota Vikings | Georgia CB Derion Kendrick
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78. Cleveland Browns | Wyoming LB Chad Muma
(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
79. Los Angeles Chargers | South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert
Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
80. Houston Texans (from NO) | Boston College OL Alec Lindstrom
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81. New York Giants (from MIA) | Coastal Carolina TE Isaiah Likely
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82. Indianapolis Colts | Nevada QB Carson Strong
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83. Philadelphia Eagles | Auburn S Smoke Monday
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers | Arkansas DL John Ridgeway
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
85. New England Patriots | Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore
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86. Las Vegas Raiders | Louisiana OT Max Mitchell
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
87. Arizona Cardinals | Iowa State RB Breece Hall
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88. Dallas Cowboys | Nevada WR Romeo Doubs
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89. Buffalo Bills | Alabama CB Josh Jobe
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
90. Tennessee Titans | Iowa State TE Charlie Kolar
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91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | UTSA CB Tariq Woolen
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92. Green Bay Packers | Oklahoma LB Brian Asamoah
(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
93. San Francisco 49ers | Oklahoma OL Marquis Hayes
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
94. Kansas City Chiefs | Clemson WR Justyn Ross
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
95. Cincinnati Bengals | East Carolina CB Ja'Quan McMillian
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
96. Denver Broncos (from LAR) | Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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