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Andrew Lalama's 2022 NFL Draft mock for Round 1, if things went very differently than expected. His mock draft predicts mock landing spots for the top NCAA college football players and 2022 NFL rookie prospects.
I've done it. Through extensive research and sheer will, I've created the most accurate 2022 Mock Draft on the entire internet. Thousands of mocks have tried and failed, but with my almost supernatural intuition, I have accurately predicted this year's first round.
Unbelievably, this mock draft will not only turn out 100% accurate but it will also accomplish my original goal. This mock draft will satisfy and appease every single NFL fan base. Fan reactions to every single other mock draft on the internet will undoubtedly include some negative feedback. Not. This. Mock.
So here it is, in all its glory. The first mock draft in history that every single NFL fan base will like. If you have any comments, which I'm sure will only be positive reactions, you can reach me on Twitter @draft32teams. Enjoy!
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Forget Team Needs
1. Jacksonville: Malik Willis - QB, Liberty
Trevor Lawrence is obviously a bust so the Jags go with one of the safest QB prospects in recent memory in Liberty's Malik Willis. Not only do the Jags secure their franchise signal-caller, but in a shocking twist, they bring back Head Coach Urban Meyer and re-assign Doug Pederson to trick-play specialist. Things are looking up in Jacksonville.
2. Detroit: Ikem Ekwonu - OT, North Carolina State
Dan Campbell and the Lions already have a solid offensive line, but in order to maximize toughness, they exclusively rank offensive linemen as the top-50 players on their board. Fans can hope their team takes a different position in the third round. The knee caps will taste so much better with seven OL on the field.
3. Houston: Breece Hall - RB, Iowa State
The Texans are nowhere close to competing right now and have needs everywhere on the roster. It would be extremely smart to start their re-build with one of the most important positions in football - running back. The plan is for Breece Hall to carry the ball 400 times a year, so he'll be in his prime for when Houston has built a strong roster.
4. NY Jets: Jordan Davis - DT, Georgia
The Jets have had a ton of success drafting the best player available over the years, and specifically got great value with interior defensive linemen. Jordan Davis is the two-down interior presence that Jets fans deserve. He'll be dynamic on his 20 first and second-down snaps each game.
5. NY Giants: Isaiah Spiller - RB, Texas A&M
The Giants have a lot of issues, but the most important is running back. It would be wise to spend some resources on shoring up a position that they haven't used a first-round pick on in FOUR years. Isaiah Spiller could see himself starting sooner rather than later if Saquon Barkley is traded later in this mock draft.
First Big Trade!
Desperate Carolina trades No. 6 to Cleveland for Baker Mayfield!
6. Cleveland (f/CAR): Matt Corral - QB, Mississippi
In preparation for Deshaun Watson's multi-year suspension and eventual ban from the NFL, the Browns make the aggressive move up to take their franchise QB. Matt Corral has dealt with some maturity issues and nagging injuries, which makes him a much safer investment than Watson.
7. NY Giants f/CHI: Charles Cross - OT, Mississippi State
After locking up their RB of the future, the G-Men address their weak offensive line. Andrew Thomas is the only reliable starter so it would naturally make sense to move him to another position and put Charles Cross at LT. A minor pass-blocking upgrade at LT is definitely worth making Thomas learn a completely new position. Giving Daniel Jones time to throw interceptions should be the number one priority for this franchise.
8. Atlanta: Trey McBride - TE, Colorado State
The Falcons could use another tight end as Kyle Pitts' inability to score touchdowns is a gigantic problem. Trey McBride is like Jason Witten in that they both play tight end and don't belong in a broadcast booth. Marcus Mariota is in for a monster season with a dazzling group of pass-catchers at TE and RB.
9. Seattle f/DEN: Kyle Hamilton - S, Notre Dame
In a shocking pick, John Schneider and the Seahawks actually get good value in the first round. The Jamal Adams trade was a major win, so this Geno Smith-led roster looks ready to win right now. The Hawks will heavily consider RB here but ultimately spend more resources on the all-important safety position. Their priorities, in order - RB, S, LB, P, RB2, Blocking TE, DL, WR, OL (bad), QB, OL (good).
10. NY Jets f/SEA: Jahan Dotson - WR, Penn State
The Jets will surely consider adding a WR in this draft, and No. 10 seems like a prime spot. With only Braxton Berrios and Elijah Moore on the roster, it makes sense to select their third slot receiver. Enter Jahan Dotson, who has the hands and ball skills to pluck every inaccurate screen pass from Zach Wilson.
Another QB Swap!
Washington trades No. 11 to Cleveland for Deshaun Watson and the privilege of getting Carson Wentz off the team!
11. Cleveland (f/WAS): Sauce Gardner - CB, Cincinnati
The Browns only have Greg Newsome and Denzel Ward at CB, and Ward is too small to be trusted. Sauce didn't give up a single touchdown throughout his career at Cincinnati, dominating two-star recruits. Mitch Trubisky's over/under for interceptions against Cleveland just went up to 17.5.
12. Minnesota: SKIPPED
The Vikings have needs at CB and EDGE and with guys like Travon Walker and Derek Stingley Jr. still on the board, anything but quickly turning in the card would make no sense. Unfortunately, in typical Vikings fashion, they let their fans down yet again, and for the second time in team history, the draft clock runs out due to a technical glitch in the Vikings' draft room.
13. Houston (f/CLE): Evan Neal - OT, Alabama
The Texans have decided to keep Laremy Tunsil at LT, but they could use some insurance just in case another gas mask video leaks. With two stud LTs and a franchise RB, the Texans are ready to compete for a Bottom 25 pick next year.
14. Baltimore: Desmond Ridder - QB, Cincinnati
Lamar Jackson is probably not interested in staying in Baltimore, and even if he does choose to stay, a position change to RB makes a lot of sense. Desmond Ridder excelled against easy competition but struggled against Alabama. His maturity will allow him to play terribly but also handle it well.
15. Philadelphia f/MIA: Tyler Linderbaum - C, Iowa
There are great WR prospects on the board, but the Eagles have no interest in taking targets away from Jalen Reagor. Instead, they choose the best center on the board to sure up their backup C spot. Depth is important.
16. New Orleans (f/PHI): Aidan Hutchinson - EDGE, Michigan
Hutchinson falls all the way to New Orleans and the Saints are happy to scoop him up as their next Trey Hendrickson. A situational pass-rushing role is perfect for him with three highly-drafted EDGE players already on the roster.
17. LA Chargers: Derek Stingley Jr. - CB, LSU
The Chargers invested a lot of money in J.C. Jackson, but Stingley is clearly the best player available here. It's important to have at least three quality corners when you expect to not convert so many fourth downs in your own territory. Another win - no, tie - actually a loss for analytics.
18. Philadelphia (f/NO): David Ojabo - EDGE, Michigan
With Travon Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux still on the board, the Eagles make the tough decision to pass on both and select David Ojabo. Ojabo recently tore his Achilles and likely won't be able to contribute this season. Drafting Travon or Kayvon might help them win this year, which would make Jalen Hurts look better, and the Eagles absolutely don't want that.
19. New Orleans (f/PHI): Jermaine Johnson II - EDGE, Florida State
Most in the media believe the Saints need a WR and LT, but with their long-time defensive coordinator Dennis Allen at the helm, they choose to spend more resources on the defense. The Saints believe Jameis Winston can do it all himself, and adding another former Seminole would make him feel even more comfortable. Johnson at No. 18 could be one of the steals of the crabft.
20. Pittsburgh: Kenneth Walker III - RB, Michigan State
The Steelers got all they could out of Najee Harris, but it's time for the old man to retire. Kenneth Walker III can be the next Le'Veon Bell, minus the awesome rap career.
21. New England: Bo Melton - WR, Rutgers
Bill Belichick has been a genius when it comes to drafting WRs, and we all know how much he loves Rutgers players. This pick makes so much sense, especially with all the other talented and explosive WRs on the board that obviously don't fit what Belichick is looking for.
22. Green Bay f/LV: Garrett Wilson - WR, Ohio State
The Packers have a huge hole at WR1 after the trade of Davante Adams. Being so close to a Super Bowl in the twilight of Aaron Rodgers' career, it makes a lot more sense to take a chance on a speedy 180-pound rookie than keep the best WR in the league who Rodgers already has a telepathic rapport with. Garrett Wilson will develop wonderfully on the Packers' practice squad until Rodgers deems him ready in a couple of years.
23. Arizona: Devin Lloyd - LB, Utah
The Cardinals wisely invested in an off-ball LB from Tulsa last year, and he rewarded them by averaging almost two tackles per game as a rookie. Why not go back to the LB well with the ferocious Devin Lloyd who can bully their midget QB in practice.
Cowboys Get Their Guy
24. Dallas: Treylon Burks - WR, Arkansas
The Cowboys need help along the offensive line but can't resist making a splash with one of the most explosive playmakers in this class. Treylon Burks can overtake the overrated CeeDee Lamb as the WR1 for Cooper Rush after Dak inevitably gets benched. (Jerry Jones went to Arkansas so this is actually happening)
25. Buffalo: Travon Walker - EDGE, Georgia
The Bills used their first two picks on edge rushers last year but were unable to stop Patrick Mahomes with 13 seconds left. They obviously need another one. Travon Walker also has experience covering kicks, which will help with their overcorrection to an always-squib strategy.
26. Tennessee: Nakobe Dean - LB, Georgia
Titans fans have made it clear that the team's top priority should be LB, and Nakobe Dean is coming off a tremendous year as the leader of the Georgia defense. There is almost no chance his performance was aided by 10 other NFL stars on defense and his 229-pound frame should hold up quite well against Derrick Henry during Mike Vrabel's six-a-day Oklahoma drill period.
TRADE! Tampa Bay trades No. 27 to New York Giants for Kadarius Toney to replace Antonio Brown!
27. New York Giants (f/TB): Kenny Pickett - QB, Pittsburgh
Mid-draft the Giants computer folks realize Daniel Jones throwing interceptions actually isn't good. Thankfully Kenny Pickett is from New Jersey so he can relate to the most rational fanbase in sports. They won't know what to do when the loud boos and aggressive fist-pumps at MetLife are actually coming from their own starting QB.
TRADE! Green Bay trades No. 28 to the New York Giants for Saquon Barkley to add to their Quad Squad AND Daniel Jones to mentor QB3 Jordan Love on how to be a great back-up!
28. New York Giants (f/GB): Drake London - WR, USC
After addressing needs at OT, RB, and QB, the Giants continue to build the offense with Drake London, who has a very similar skillset to Kenny Golladay. If there's any WR who can teach London how to have success in New York, it's Golladay, who almost scored a touchdown in MULTIPLE games last season.
29. Kansas City (f/MIA): Chet Holmgren - PF/WR, Gonzaga
With Travis Kelce nearing a decline and Tyreek Hill in Miami, Patrick Mahomes needs more weapons. His recent remarks indicate that he's excited to throw to larger bodies who don't require pinpoint throws. Enter the 7-0, 195-pound Holmgren, who has the same last name as Andy Reid's old mentor. Holmgren may not have any football experience, but he definitely has better hands than Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
30. Kansas City: Sam Howell - QB/ATH, North Carolina
Sam Howell just represents great value at No. 30 in this loaded QB class. Not only is he insurance for when Patrick Mahomes continues to regress, but he's also a much better runner than Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
31. Cincinnati: Skyy Moore - WR, Western Michigan
Skyy Moore is an extremely fun player with more upside than the media has given him credit for. He could be the next Cooper Kupp as a sneaky, skilled WR from a lower conference who overcomes overrated physical limitations to have stunning pro success. In Cincinnati, he'd slot in at WR4 and reach that status on the scout team.
32. Detroit f/LAR: Matt Araiza - P, San Diego State
It's the Lions. They need the best punter they can get.
33. Vikings: James Cook - RB, Georgia
And at 3:38 AM, Roger Goodell finally gets a call that the Vikings pick has come in. With all the best EDGEs and CBs off the board and continuous technical difficulties, they select the only player they can get good intel on in Dalvin's little brother. Cook will excel at helping Kirk Cousins compile empty stats at the end of meaningless games.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more NFL draft articles in the coming days.
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