2022 NFL mock draft 4.0

Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal, Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis and other prospects are expected to be among the top picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, which will be held from Thursday to Sunday in Las Vegas. But which teams will pick them? And with two picks each in the top 10, what will the Jets and Giants do?

With the draft a few days away, here’s our latest mock draft of the first round. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge rusher, Michigan

The Jags extended tackle Cam Robinson and signed guard Brandon Scherff, freeing them up to address their defense. Aidan Hutchinson burst onto the national scene with 14 sacks (including three against Ohio State) and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. The 6-6, 265-pounder has a relentless motor with an excellent mix of speed and power off the edge.

2. Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, Edge rusher, Georgia

The Lions have some decent edge rushers on their roster, but none of them are top-tier, and as the old saying goes, you can never have enough of them. Travon Walker impressed at the Combine with a 4.51 40, 35 1/2-inch vertical,10-3 broad jump and a 6.89 three-cone at 6-5 and 272 pounds. He’s versatile enough to line up outside on the edge on as an interior pass rusher.

3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State

Edge rusher is an option here, but so is some nastiness up front: the Texans ran for a league-low 3.4 yards per carry last year and allowed 44 sacks. Ikem Ekwonu is a tough mauler who uses his power at the point of attack to regularly pancake defenders. He started three years at left tackle but also has experience inside at guard, where his mean streak may be even better suited.

4. Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge rusher, Oregon

The Jets are hoping Carl Lawson returns to form after missing all of 2021 with a torn Achilles, but even if he’s 100%, another impact pass-rusher would go a long way in Robert Saleh’s front seven. Kayvon Thibodeaux was a consistent force since enrolling at Oregon (nine sacks as a freshman, seven last season). The 6-5, 258-pounder has top-tier athleticism with excellent explosiveness off the snap.

5. Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The jury remains out on Daniel Jones as the Giants’ franchise quarterback, but no matter who’s throwing the ball, more help up front remains the key to fixing the offense’s myriad issues. The 6-6, 360-pound Evan Neal moves very quickly for a player of his size while also showing immense power in the run game. He has experience at both tackle spots and left guard.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The Panthers need a quarterback. Will they take one here, despite the consensus being that this is a relatively weak class at the position, or will they try to trade back and hope one falls to them? In this case, they stand pat and ensure they get their guy. Kenny Pickett came from seemingly out of nowhere to become a top prospect as a fifth-year senior. He has excellent awareness and ball placement when he’s standing tall in the pocket, but he also can make accurate throws with ease when rolling out.

7.  Giants (via Chicago): Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The Giants have spoken openly about the possibility of moving on from James Bradberry, which would leave a gaping hole in a secondary that already needed a true shutdown cornerback. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner did not allow a touchdown in any of his coverage snaps in his three-year Cincinnati career, and last season he allowed just 13 catches for 117 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. He also made three interceptions and broke up four passes. He’s a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme, which calls for cornerbacks to lock down receivers in man coverage while the blitz gets home.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

GM Terry Fontenot has shown a propensity to go “best player available” despite more glaring needs (QB, wide receiver), and he could do that here if Kyle Hamilton slides. The 6-4, 220-pound Hamilton ran slower than expected 40 times at both his Combine (4.59) and Pro Day (reported 4.74), but on tape he’s a versatile, do-it-all defender who can play single- or two-high safety, in the box against the run or out in the slot.

9. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The Seahawks’ rebuild is underway following the trade of Russell Wilson. They could go QB here, but both starting tackles (Duane Brown and Brandon Shell) are free agents, so they could address the line and let Drew Lock hold the fort under center. Charles Cross uses his power and athleticism well in both the run and pass game.

10. Jets (via Seattle): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Jets have made no secret of trying to upgrade their receiving corps, especially after nearly acquiring Tyreek Hill from Kansas City. Garrett Wilson tested extremely well at the Combine, with a 4.38 40, 36-inch vertical and 10-3 broad jump at 6-foot, 183 pounds. He’s a YAC machine, thanks to his elusiveness and short-area quickness.

11. Washington Commanders: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Carson Wentz is the Commanders’ new quarterback, but he could use another receiver opposite Terry McLaurin (and Curtis Samuel, if he can stay healthy). Jameson Williams tore his ACL in the national championship game, but when healthy he has incredible speed and acceleration, which he uses to stretch defenses vertically and to gain separation on short crossing routes.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Cornerback isn’t as big of a need now with Patrick Peterson back, but more depth never hurts. Derek Stingley Jr. had an excellent freshman season in 2019 with a team-high six interceptions, but injuries and coaching changes have slowed his growth since then. When healthy, he has elite athleticism and great technique along with the instincts to make plays on the ball.

13. Texans (via Cleveland): Jermaine Johnson II, Edge rusher, Florida State

After passing on edge help at No. 3, the Texans address the need here. Jermaine Johnson II had an excellent Senior Bowl week, where he showed off a great blend of power and speed as well as a varied arsenal of moves to get into the backfield. He then followed that up with a very impressive Combine showing (4.58 40, 10-3 broad jump at 6-5, 254 pounds).

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

This pick makes almost too much sense: Baltimore always has prized big, athletic interior linemen, and although Calais Campbell is back, Brandon Williams remains a free agent. Jordan Davis eats up space in the run game with his 6-6, 341-pound frame, but lest you think he’s just a two-down player, look at his Combine numbers: a 4.78 40, 10-3 broad jump and 32-inch vertical.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami): George Karlaftis, Edge rusher, Purdue

The Eagles had just 29 sacks last year, second-fewest in the NFL. They did bring back Derek Barnett and signed Haason Reddick, but more help is needed. George Karlaftis is a stocky, strong edge defender (6-4, 275 pounds) with excellent power and technique.

16. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis via Eagles): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

There's been speculation that the Saints acquired this pick as ammo to trade up for a quarterback, but in this case they use it to replace tackle Terron Armstead, who left for Miami. Trevor Penning has excellent footwork and power, and at 6-7 he uses his long arms to keep defenders at bay.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Drake London, WR, USC

Mike Williams is back on a new three-year deal, 30-year-old Keenan Allen is as steady as they come and 2021 third-rounder Josh Palmer showed some promise, but more targets for Justin Herbert never is a bad thing. Drake London is a former two-sport athlete at USC (basketball), and he is excellent in contested-catch situations where he can use his 6-5, 210-pound frame to outmuscle defenders.

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

The Eagles haven’t taken an off-ball linebacker in the first round since 1979, but they really could use some help in the heart of their defense. Devin Lloyd has excellent speed and range, and he’s quite adept at diagnosing the run and exploding to the ballcarrier.

19. Saints (via Eagles): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Michael Thomas missed the entire season after a setback to his injured ankle, and none of the other Saints wideouts averaged more than 50 receiving yards per game. Chris Olave  is an explosive receiver with excellent route-running ability and great downfield speed.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Mitchell Trubisky is the Steelers’ immediate replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, but is he their long-term answer? Malik Willis has excellent athleticism and arm strength, and he can sit behind Trubisky as he cleans up his decision-making and processing.

21. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Malcolm Butler is back to help fill the departed J.C. Jackson’s shoes alongside Jalen Mills, but more depth is needed. At 5-11, 195 pounds, Trent McDuffie is on the smaller side for a cornerback, but he makes up for it with great technique.

22. Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Aaron Rodgers will be back at Lambeau Field. Davante Adams won’t be, leaving the Packers with Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and the newly signed Sammy Watkins as the starting receivers. Treylon Burks (6-3, 225 pounds) is a big, strong possession receiver who consistently wins at the catch point yet has enough speed to beat defenders.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Christian Kirk left for the Jaguars on the first day of free agency, so the Cardinals could use another field-stretcher to go with DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore in Kliff Kingsbury’s up-tempo offense. Despite his size (5-11, 178 pounds), Jahan Dotson has a well-rounded skillset and can line up outside or in the slot.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OT/OG, Texas A&M

The Cowboys need offensive line help after cutting right tackle La’El Collins and letting left guard Connor Williams walk in free agency. Kenyon Green is a big, strong run blocker who can open up holes.

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Tre’Davious White still is recovering from a torn ACL and Levi Wallace left for Pittsburgh. Andrew Booth Jr. is physical enough to deal with bigger receivers and in contested-catch situations yet also has the speed to match vertical threats.

26. Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

The Titans let left guard Rodger Saffold walk in free agency. Zion Johnson has excellent power at the point of attack and would be a great fit in a run-heavy scheme.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned — and even if he does return, he’ll be 35 — so the Bucs could use some interior pass-rush help. Devonte Wyatt is sort of a hybrid between fellow Georgia linemen Travon Walker and Jordan Davis — big and strong enough to stop the run, but athletic and explosive enough to create interior pass-rush pressure.

28. Green Bay Packers: Boye Mafe, Edge rusher, Minnesota

The Packers have a dynamic edge duo in Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but there’s not much depth behind them, and defensive coordinator Joe Barry likes to keep his pass-rushers fresh. Boye Mafe has great measurables (4.53 40, 10-5 broad jump, 38-inch vertical) and could slide right in as an explosive sub-package rusher to start his career.

29. Kansas City (from San Francisco via Miami): Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Who will replace Tyreek Hill’s huge share of targets? Kansas City signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency and still has Mecole Hardman and Travis Kelce, but another receiver could go a long way here. Christian Watson impressed during Senior Bowl week, then put together a tantalizing athletic profile at the Combine (4.36 40, 38 1-/2 inch vertical, 11-4 broad jump at 6-4, 208 pounds).

30. Kansas City: David Ojabo, Edge rusher, Michigan

Next up for Kansas City: Pass-rush help. David Ojabo tore his Achillies at Michigan’s pro day in mid-March, and he’s expected to miss six months at the very minimum. But this pick isn’t about Week 1 of 2022, and although Ojabo is quite raw technique-wise — he started just one season for Michigan and only began playing organized football as a junior in high school after moving from Nigeria — he had excellent athleticism and instincts pre-injury.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Joe Burrow was sacked seven times against the Rams in the Super Bowl, highlighting a need for offensive line help that extends back to last offseason. Tyler Linderbaum is an excellent, well-rounded interior lineman with the power to bowl over defenders in the run game, the footwork to stonewall them in pass protection and the intelligence to both make pre-snap calls and adjust after the snap.

32: Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

After bolstering the edge, the Lions get a chance to find their QB at the tail end of the draft. Matt Corral is a balanced quarterback with good arm strength and athleticism, and his accuracy and decision-making improved drastically this season. He’s dangerous on run-pass options and can extend plays with his legs when needed.

By Nick Klopsis

nicholas.klopsis@newsday.com@nickklopsis

Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.