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2022 NFL mock draft: From Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell to JT Daniels, the QB carousel keeps spinning
Dane Brugler 2h ago
With five quarterbacks selected in the top 15 picks, the 2021 NFL Draft centered on the quarterback position — and the 2022 class will be much of the same. Next year’s crop of passers doesn’t have a Trevor Lawrence-type, no-doubt-about-it guy at the top. But there are more than a handful of talented quarterback prospects who could be drafted in Round 1 a year from now.
There are five quarterbacks in this way-too-early mock, and that doesn’t include other intriguing prospects like Kedon Slovis (USC), Matt Corral (Ole Miss), Carson Strong (Nevada), Jayden Daniels (Arizona State), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), Dillon Gabriel (UCF) and a few others who could ascend boards with strong seasons this fall.
Trust me, I understand a mock draft almost 365 days before the actual draft is very silly. But this exercise is less about accurately connecting players to teams and more about introducing 32 names to keep on the radar for the 2022 class.
Note: This draft order is based on the current Super Bowl odds, so don’t yell at me for the order!
1. Houston Texans — Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
The future in Houston for Deshaun Watson is uncertain, which could put the Texans in the quarterback market next offseason, especially if they own the No. 1 pick. In his first season as a starter last year, Rattler made plenty of mistakes, but he got better as the campaign progressed. He should continue that development under coach Lincoln Riley.
2. Detroit Lions — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Until he proves otherwise, Jared Goff is likely the short-term option in Detroit while the organization searches for the long-term answer. It is tough to watch Howell and not see similarities to Baker Mayfield — both positive and negative. His maturation will be interesting to track without Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, all taken in last week’s draft.
3. Cincinnati Bengals — Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon
This past draft was the first without a pass rusher in the top 10 since 2012, but Thibodeaux will help the position make a comeback next April. The former five-star recruit has lived up to expectations in Eugene and is the current favorite to be the first non-quarterback drafted in 2022.
4. New York Jets — Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Stingley put his name on the NFL map as a true freshman playmaker for LSU’s 2019 national championship team. He battled through an injury-plagued 2020 season, but the talent to be a blue-chip pro prospect is there.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars — Kenyon Green, OT, Texas A&M
An All-American at left guard as a sophomore, Green is expected to make the move to left tackle as the Aggies’ only returning offensive lineman. He is a balanced, explosive mover with the upper-body power and awareness that NFL teams covet.
6. Philadelphia Eagles — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Jalen Hurts has a “prove it” season coming up, and if he doesn’t take command of QB1, then the Eagles will likely be in position to draft a different quarterback in the top 10. If the draft were tomorrow, Willis probably isn’t a first-round pick. But if he makes key improvements, scouts believe he could climb this high. Check out Bruce Feldman’s recent article on his exciting talent.
7. Las Vegas Raiders — Drake Jackson, DL, USC
When I was studying USC’s tape during the 2019 season, I thought I found a sleeper prospect when No. 99 kept popping on film. Turns out Jackson was only a true freshman, and he quickly announced himself to the world as a future top pick.
8. New York Giants — Kyle Hamilton, DS, Notre Dame
A long, explosive safety, Hamilton is a unique athlete for his size with the competitive mentality to match. Though he has the physical skill set to be a top pick, his mental development has also been apparent during his first two seasons in South Bend.
9. Carolina Panthers — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
After playing primarily right guard as a freshman, Neal moved out to right tackle last season and was one of the better run blockers in the country while also holding his own in pass protection. At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, he might transition to left tackle in the fall as the Tide look to replace a first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood.
10. Washington Football Team — JT Daniels, QB, Georgia
Georgia’s inconsistencies last season can be tied to its issues at quarterback. But over the final few games with Daniels as the starter, the Bulldogs looked like a different team. If he continues to make positive strides, he could put himself in the top half of Round 1.
Georgia quarterback JT Daniels. (Brett Davis / USA Today)
11. Atlanta Falcons — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
While watching the 2020 Florida tape, I was trying to study Bobby Brown. But Leal kept drawing my eye with his agility, especially for a 290-pounder. The second Aggie in this mock draft, he has true inside-outside versatility and the dominant traits to make plays in the backfield.
12. Arizona Cardinals — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
At this time last year, Derion Kendrick was the Clemson cornerback that NFL scouts were talking about. But now that buzz belongs to Booth. Although he has room to tidy up his technique, he does an outstanding job of locating and making plays on the ball (check out his one-handed interceptions).
13. Minnesota Vikings — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Over the last six years, Florida has produced 11 defensive back draft picks, including several first-rounders, and Elam is next in the pipeline. He needs to cut down on the penalties and improve his tackling, but his length and ball skills help him shut down passing windows.
14. New York Giants — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
From Chicago
Alabama’s top returning tackler, Harris is entering his third season as the starter and is one of the more experienced players in the SEC. He has outstanding run-stopping and blitzing skills, but his development in coverage will ultimately determine whether he is drafted this high.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers — Phil Jurkovec, QB, Boston College
Another quarterback who can put himself in the first round discussion with continued development, Jurkovec is a well-built competitor with better mobility than expected — similar to a current Pittsburgh quarterback. Scouts are eager to see the development of this Notre Dame transfer.
16. Tennessee Titans — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The first wide receiver off the board in this scenario, Wilson has a knack for getting open and winning at the catch point. With a new quarterback and so many mouths to feed in the Buckeyes’ offense, his stat line this season might not look dominant, but his tape and traits will be a different story.
17. Los Angeles Chargers — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
A 6-foot-2 corner out of Detroit, Gardner had an All-American true freshman season in 2019 and had another strong year as a sophomore, collecting three interceptions each season. His competitive temperament gets the best of him at times and penalties have been a problem, but his coverage grades stand out.
Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner. (Tim Flores / USA Today)
18. New England Patriots — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
While I studied Feleipe Franks’ tape last season, Burks made himself impossible to overlook with a number of highlight-worthy plays each week. A good-sized athlete at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he has a huge catch radius and makes even the most difficult grabs appear routine.
19. Philadelphia Eagles — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue
From Miami
Although he was injured during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Karlaftis was dominant as a freshman in 2019, leading the team with 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His heavy-handed attack and GPS for the football should translate well to the next level.
20. New Orleans Saints — Jordan Battle, DS, Alabama
Battle became a full-time starter as a sophomore last season and didn’t disappoint, earning high marks from the coaches for his play versus the run and the pass. Safeties have been shut out of the first round each of the last two years, but players like Hamilton and Battle will try to change that next spring.
21. Indianapolis Colts — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Washington has become the Pacific Coast version of “DBU” and McDuffie is next in line to be an early-round pick. Entering his third season as a starter, the California native doesn’t have ideal size, but he plays with obvious swagger and compete skills to stay on top of routes.
22. New York Jets — Kingsley Enagbare, edge, South Carolina
From Seattle
South Carolina always seems to have at least one defensive lineman who will be a future NFL starter, and Enagbare is that guy to watch this fall because of his length and athletic twitch. Also known as “JJ,” he became a starter last season as a junior and led the team in sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three).
23. Dallas Cowboys — Darian Kinnard, OG, Kentucky
A college right tackle who will likely move inside to guard in the NFL, Kinnard is an ass-kicker in the run game and surprised NFL scouts when he decided to pass up a spot in the top 100 to return to school. With improved consistency in pass protection, he might be able to break into the first round.
24. Denver Broncos — DJ Dale, DT, Alabama
The only true defensive tackle in this mock draft, Dale is a stout nose. He won’t fill up the stat sheet, but his impact is clear. He earned the starting job as a true freshman and has been an understated performer for the Tide the last two seasons.
25. Green Bay Packers — Zach Harrison, edge, Ohio State
At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Harrison is straight out of central casting and will light up stopwatches at next year’s scouting combine. He didn’t take as big of a jump between his freshman and sophomore seasons as expected, but with another offseason working under Larry Johnson, Harrison could be a breakout star this fall.
26. Cleveland Browns — Myjai Sanders, edge, Cincinnati
With his initial first step, Sanders is quick to introduce himself on tape. He was a potential top-50 pick if he declared for this year’s draft, but he returned to Cincinnati to continue to get stronger and become a better finisher in hope of becoming a first-round pick.
27. Baltimore Ravens — Jamaree Salyer, OT/G, Georgia
Over the last two seasons, Salyer has lined up at left tackle, right tackle and left guard, and it will be interesting to see where he lines up as a senior. It doesn’t always look pretty, but his wide base and natural power help him overwhelm defenders.
Georgia offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer. (Brett Davis / USA Today)
28. Miami Dolphins — Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan
From San Francisco
Hutchinson was considered a borderline first-rounder last fall before a fractured leg ended his season and forced him to return to school. He is on pace to be fully healthy for the fall, and scouts will be interested if he shows the same pre-injury lower-body agility and upper-body power.
29. Buffalo Bills — John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
Alabama’s streak of consecutive drafts with at least two wide receivers taken in the first round will likely end next April. But if Metchie cracks the first round, he will be the sixth Crimson Tide pass catcher to do so since 2014. He finished second on the team in receiving last season, and his 16.7 yards per catch average was better than DeVonta Smith’s 15.9.
30. Detroit Lions — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
From L.A. Rams
The second Ohio State receiver drafted in this mock, Olave was considered a borderline first-round pick before he decided to return to Columbus for his senior year. His body type is only average, but his speed and ball skills are appealing traits for the next level.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
My top-ranked center, Linderbaum flies out of his stance to reach blocks or advance to the second level. He plays with tight hands and a flexible lower body to cleanly redirect or move laterally.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Based on talent, Ross belongs in next April’s first round. But he missed the 2020 college football season because of a congenital fusion in his spine that puts his draft grade in limbo until the team’s doctors can examine him at the combine. Clemson expects him to be fully healthy and on the field this fall.
Dane Brugler 2h ago
With five quarterbacks selected in the top 15 picks, the 2021 NFL Draft centered on the quarterback position — and the 2022 class will be much of the same. Next year’s crop of passers doesn’t have a Trevor Lawrence-type, no-doubt-about-it guy at the top. But there are more than a handful of talented quarterback prospects who could be drafted in Round 1 a year from now.
There are five quarterbacks in this way-too-early mock, and that doesn’t include other intriguing prospects like Kedon Slovis (USC), Matt Corral (Ole Miss), Carson Strong (Nevada), Jayden Daniels (Arizona State), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), Dillon Gabriel (UCF) and a few others who could ascend boards with strong seasons this fall.
Trust me, I understand a mock draft almost 365 days before the actual draft is very silly. But this exercise is less about accurately connecting players to teams and more about introducing 32 names to keep on the radar for the 2022 class.
Note: This draft order is based on the current Super Bowl odds, so don’t yell at me for the order!
1. Houston Texans — Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
The future in Houston for Deshaun Watson is uncertain, which could put the Texans in the quarterback market next offseason, especially if they own the No. 1 pick. In his first season as a starter last year, Rattler made plenty of mistakes, but he got better as the campaign progressed. He should continue that development under coach Lincoln Riley.
2. Detroit Lions — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Until he proves otherwise, Jared Goff is likely the short-term option in Detroit while the organization searches for the long-term answer. It is tough to watch Howell and not see similarities to Baker Mayfield — both positive and negative. His maturation will be interesting to track without Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, all taken in last week’s draft.
3. Cincinnati Bengals — Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon
This past draft was the first without a pass rusher in the top 10 since 2012, but Thibodeaux will help the position make a comeback next April. The former five-star recruit has lived up to expectations in Eugene and is the current favorite to be the first non-quarterback drafted in 2022.
4. New York Jets — Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Stingley put his name on the NFL map as a true freshman playmaker for LSU’s 2019 national championship team. He battled through an injury-plagued 2020 season, but the talent to be a blue-chip pro prospect is there.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars — Kenyon Green, OT, Texas A&M
An All-American at left guard as a sophomore, Green is expected to make the move to left tackle as the Aggies’ only returning offensive lineman. He is a balanced, explosive mover with the upper-body power and awareness that NFL teams covet.
6. Philadelphia Eagles — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Jalen Hurts has a “prove it” season coming up, and if he doesn’t take command of QB1, then the Eagles will likely be in position to draft a different quarterback in the top 10. If the draft were tomorrow, Willis probably isn’t a first-round pick. But if he makes key improvements, scouts believe he could climb this high. Check out Bruce Feldman’s recent article on his exciting talent.
7. Las Vegas Raiders — Drake Jackson, DL, USC
When I was studying USC’s tape during the 2019 season, I thought I found a sleeper prospect when No. 99 kept popping on film. Turns out Jackson was only a true freshman, and he quickly announced himself to the world as a future top pick.
8. New York Giants — Kyle Hamilton, DS, Notre Dame
A long, explosive safety, Hamilton is a unique athlete for his size with the competitive mentality to match. Though he has the physical skill set to be a top pick, his mental development has also been apparent during his first two seasons in South Bend.
9. Carolina Panthers — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
After playing primarily right guard as a freshman, Neal moved out to right tackle last season and was one of the better run blockers in the country while also holding his own in pass protection. At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, he might transition to left tackle in the fall as the Tide look to replace a first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood.
10. Washington Football Team — JT Daniels, QB, Georgia
Georgia’s inconsistencies last season can be tied to its issues at quarterback. But over the final few games with Daniels as the starter, the Bulldogs looked like a different team. If he continues to make positive strides, he could put himself in the top half of Round 1.
Georgia quarterback JT Daniels. (Brett Davis / USA Today)
11. Atlanta Falcons — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
While watching the 2020 Florida tape, I was trying to study Bobby Brown. But Leal kept drawing my eye with his agility, especially for a 290-pounder. The second Aggie in this mock draft, he has true inside-outside versatility and the dominant traits to make plays in the backfield.
12. Arizona Cardinals — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
At this time last year, Derion Kendrick was the Clemson cornerback that NFL scouts were talking about. But now that buzz belongs to Booth. Although he has room to tidy up his technique, he does an outstanding job of locating and making plays on the ball (check out his one-handed interceptions).
13. Minnesota Vikings — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Over the last six years, Florida has produced 11 defensive back draft picks, including several first-rounders, and Elam is next in the pipeline. He needs to cut down on the penalties and improve his tackling, but his length and ball skills help him shut down passing windows.
14. New York Giants — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
From Chicago
Alabama’s top returning tackler, Harris is entering his third season as the starter and is one of the more experienced players in the SEC. He has outstanding run-stopping and blitzing skills, but his development in coverage will ultimately determine whether he is drafted this high.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers — Phil Jurkovec, QB, Boston College
Another quarterback who can put himself in the first round discussion with continued development, Jurkovec is a well-built competitor with better mobility than expected — similar to a current Pittsburgh quarterback. Scouts are eager to see the development of this Notre Dame transfer.
16. Tennessee Titans — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The first wide receiver off the board in this scenario, Wilson has a knack for getting open and winning at the catch point. With a new quarterback and so many mouths to feed in the Buckeyes’ offense, his stat line this season might not look dominant, but his tape and traits will be a different story.
17. Los Angeles Chargers — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
A 6-foot-2 corner out of Detroit, Gardner had an All-American true freshman season in 2019 and had another strong year as a sophomore, collecting three interceptions each season. His competitive temperament gets the best of him at times and penalties have been a problem, but his coverage grades stand out.
Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner. (Tim Flores / USA Today)
18. New England Patriots — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
While I studied Feleipe Franks’ tape last season, Burks made himself impossible to overlook with a number of highlight-worthy plays each week. A good-sized athlete at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he has a huge catch radius and makes even the most difficult grabs appear routine.
19. Philadelphia Eagles — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue
From Miami
Although he was injured during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Karlaftis was dominant as a freshman in 2019, leading the team with 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His heavy-handed attack and GPS for the football should translate well to the next level.
20. New Orleans Saints — Jordan Battle, DS, Alabama
Battle became a full-time starter as a sophomore last season and didn’t disappoint, earning high marks from the coaches for his play versus the run and the pass. Safeties have been shut out of the first round each of the last two years, but players like Hamilton and Battle will try to change that next spring.
21. Indianapolis Colts — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Washington has become the Pacific Coast version of “DBU” and McDuffie is next in line to be an early-round pick. Entering his third season as a starter, the California native doesn’t have ideal size, but he plays with obvious swagger and compete skills to stay on top of routes.
22. New York Jets — Kingsley Enagbare, edge, South Carolina
From Seattle
South Carolina always seems to have at least one defensive lineman who will be a future NFL starter, and Enagbare is that guy to watch this fall because of his length and athletic twitch. Also known as “JJ,” he became a starter last season as a junior and led the team in sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three).
23. Dallas Cowboys — Darian Kinnard, OG, Kentucky
A college right tackle who will likely move inside to guard in the NFL, Kinnard is an ass-kicker in the run game and surprised NFL scouts when he decided to pass up a spot in the top 100 to return to school. With improved consistency in pass protection, he might be able to break into the first round.
24. Denver Broncos — DJ Dale, DT, Alabama
The only true defensive tackle in this mock draft, Dale is a stout nose. He won’t fill up the stat sheet, but his impact is clear. He earned the starting job as a true freshman and has been an understated performer for the Tide the last two seasons.
25. Green Bay Packers — Zach Harrison, edge, Ohio State
At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Harrison is straight out of central casting and will light up stopwatches at next year’s scouting combine. He didn’t take as big of a jump between his freshman and sophomore seasons as expected, but with another offseason working under Larry Johnson, Harrison could be a breakout star this fall.
26. Cleveland Browns — Myjai Sanders, edge, Cincinnati
With his initial first step, Sanders is quick to introduce himself on tape. He was a potential top-50 pick if he declared for this year’s draft, but he returned to Cincinnati to continue to get stronger and become a better finisher in hope of becoming a first-round pick.
27. Baltimore Ravens — Jamaree Salyer, OT/G, Georgia
Over the last two seasons, Salyer has lined up at left tackle, right tackle and left guard, and it will be interesting to see where he lines up as a senior. It doesn’t always look pretty, but his wide base and natural power help him overwhelm defenders.
Georgia offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer. (Brett Davis / USA Today)
28. Miami Dolphins — Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan
From San Francisco
Hutchinson was considered a borderline first-rounder last fall before a fractured leg ended his season and forced him to return to school. He is on pace to be fully healthy for the fall, and scouts will be interested if he shows the same pre-injury lower-body agility and upper-body power.
29. Buffalo Bills — John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
Alabama’s streak of consecutive drafts with at least two wide receivers taken in the first round will likely end next April. But if Metchie cracks the first round, he will be the sixth Crimson Tide pass catcher to do so since 2014. He finished second on the team in receiving last season, and his 16.7 yards per catch average was better than DeVonta Smith’s 15.9.
30. Detroit Lions — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
From L.A. Rams
The second Ohio State receiver drafted in this mock, Olave was considered a borderline first-round pick before he decided to return to Columbus for his senior year. His body type is only average, but his speed and ball skills are appealing traits for the next level.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
My top-ranked center, Linderbaum flies out of his stance to reach blocks or advance to the second level. He plays with tight hands and a flexible lower body to cleanly redirect or move laterally.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Based on talent, Ross belongs in next April’s first round. But he missed the 2020 college football season because of a congenital fusion in his spine that puts his draft grade in limbo until the team’s doctors can examine him at the combine. Clemson expects him to be fully healthy and on the field this fall.
