
Posting these mocks has been an extremely rigorous process lately as this years class has no true #1, so many squads have excessive needs, and we're looking at a relatively light QB prospect list. That being said we had a solid hit rate on our final mock last year and had to give a crack at it in 2022, regardless of difficulty. Go find your team, get angry with our pick, and tweet your thoughts to @TheUpsidePlay.
#1 Jacksonville Jaguars
Travon Walker (Edge) || 6’5 / 276
We wanted it noted that we think this pick should be an offensive lineman (Ikem Okwenu) but decided to go with what we think is going to happen. The Jaguars go with the odds on favorite a couple days after re-signing Cam Robinson. Travon Walker has been flying up draft boards all season and his explosive athleticism fits the typical Baalke bill. Walker has the ability to line up all over this rebuilding defensive line and will instantly provide a boost in the pass rush.
#2 Detroit Lions
Aiden Hutchinson (Edge) || 6’6 / 265
This one seems like a no-brainer if he’s there. The kid from Michigan, who played at Michigan, gets to stay in Michigan. Dan Campbells “Bite your kneecaps off” fits Hutchinson’s motor to a tee. He’s technically sound and has the ability to benefit both the pass and run defense, something this Lions defense desperately needs.
#3 Houston Texans
Ikem Okwenu (OT) || 6’4 / 320
Ikem Okwenu is being put atop many analysts' big boards due to his raw explosive talent. While he’s certainly seen most of his career snaps at LT he can line up at guard if needed and is noted as far and away the best run-blocker in the class. Ickey is an athletic specimen and boasts one of the more powerful frames in this class.
#4 New York Jets
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (CB) || 6’2 / 187
Sauce Gardner captured the hearts of America on the Cinderella Cincinnati squad during their CFP run. He’s our top corner with his rangey athletic profile, and lets just say, the man does not lack confidence. Sauce has recently referred to himself as the chosen one, and hasn’t given up a single TD in his college career. Robert Saleh get’s his new CB1 at #4.
#5 New York Giants
Evan Neal (OT) || 6’7 / 351
Evan Neal a couple months ago was considered a lock for the top 3, yet slowly throughout this draft process he’s been slipping down boards. He’s one of the most gifted athletes in this class, and has the length and size to make him a complete prospect. We’ve seen some injury concerns pop up in the last couple days but this would be a slam dunk for the Giants due to his versatility on the line.
#6 Carolina Panthers
Charles Cross (OT) || 6’7 / 307
The Panthers are one of the trickiest teams to gauge going into Thursday’s draft. A lot of insiders seem to think QB is off the board and personally I think this is trade-back city. If they do make the pick, considering they don’t draft again until the 4th, I’d say Charles Cross and bulking up their dreadful O-line is a great start. They allowed the 5th most sacks per game last year and cross is a highly respected pass blocker, Matt Rhule can give his QB a little breathing room with this pick.
#7 New York Giants
Jermaine Johnson (Edge) || 6’5 / 262
Jermaine Johnson is one of the biggest question marks tonight as we’ve seen him climb up boards as high as #4 to the Jets. He was super productive last season at Florida State, he has excellent versatility and can play with a hand on the ground or standing. He’s got great strength at 6’5 262, and a unique skill set to match with polished technique. The Giants continue to build at the game's most important positions here.
#8 Atlanta Falcons
Kayvon Thibodeaux (Edge) || 6’5 / 258
Falcons fans might not like this one, but the Oregon product has generational potential at edge rusher, and just seems like too much to pass up at 8. The Falcons had 18 sacks last year.. 11 less than every other team in the league. There are a ton of holes with this squad and no single player will bring them out of that in 2022, the best player available should be the pick here.
#9 Seattle Seahawks
Derek Stingley Jr. (CB) || 6’1 / 195
The top 10 QB crowd isn’t going to be happy with us.. but the Seahawks have the goat Geno Smith under center, and their secondary is BAD. They gave up the second most passing yards last season and Pete Carrol’s most successful teams in recent memory had a true lockdown corner. Derek Stingley has been rumored to go as high as 3 and is one of the best man corner prospects in this class, his freshman year was enough tape for the top 10 as he lands in the NFC West.
#10 New York Jets
Garrett Wilson (WR) || 6’0 / 192
The first WR off the board in a very deep class is Garrett Wilson to the Jets. Wilson creates great separation and is very fluid throughout his routes. He’s very clearly one of the top route runners in this class and will instantly make the Jets air attack miles better than last season's disappointing run.
#11 Washington Commanders
Kyle Hamilton (S) || 6’4 / 220
Washington is another team that can essentially take the best player available outside of the D-Line. WR or QB has been hinted here but we went with the guy with the best game film left on the board. Kyle Hamilton has the ability to play a centerfield type safety and has the tools to help in the run game. Washington lands a defensive cornerstone at 11.
#12 Minnesota Vikings
Trent McDuffie (CB) || 5’11 / 193
This pick by far took us the longest to decide on, but the secondary problems have been lingering in Minnesota and while one might be able to justify a legit WR here in a pass-happy league, we went with a corner for the same reason. Trent Mcduffie is excellent in zone defense and has the physical skills to hold up in man. Patrick Peterson has a new protege.
#13 Houston Texans
Jordan Davis (DL) || 6’6 / 340
Jordan Davis is who many consider to be the biggest “Athletic Freak” in this class. His amazing combine numbers have seen him soaring up draft boards lately. Honestly I wouldn’t be stunned if Davis cracked the top 10 with his size and skillset, the Texans add another big body in the trenches here.
#14 Baltimore Ravens
George Karlaftis (Edge) || 6’4 / 275
With all of these players jumping up boards lately someones going to have to drop, Karlaftis unfortunately fits that category. The Ravens missed out on a last second change of heart by Za’Darius Smith and obviously feel the need for more pass rushing. The college numbers were there for Karlaftis, and while some are questioning his true ceiling, he’s a plug and play guy who can immediately help a playoff team.
#15 Philadelphia Eagles
Jameson Williams (WR) || 6’2 / 179
The Eagles and a 1st round WR.. a tale as old as time. Jameson Williams would’ve been our consensus WR1 if he didn’t have the ACL tear late in his college season. Regardless, his raw talent is too much to pass up for the Eagles who have been reportedly shopping Jalen Reagor. His 19.9 YPC and big play ability will help bolster a lackluster Eagles air attack.
#16 New Orleans Saints
Kenny Pickett (QB) || 6’3 / 217
Ladies and gentlemen.. we have a Quarterback selection. The Saints are one of a few teams who are eager to solve the question marks at QB, and with Pickett still on the board at 16 and the ability to still grab a stud at 19, they take advantage here. Pickett has had the hand size scrutiny plague his draft process, but after a phenomenal senior year we expect him to hear his name called off the board first among his position.
#17 Los Angeles Chargers
Zion Johnson (IOL) || 6’3 / 315
The Chargers along with the rest of the AFC West had a monster Free Agency period, signing two defensive stars in Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson. Providing long term protection for Justin Herbert has to be a priority here. Zion Johnson manned both positions on the left side of the line in college and has the potential to be a plug and play guy for a playoff contending Chargers squad.
#18 Philadelphia Eagles
Kaiir Elam (CB) || 6’2 / 195
The Eagles are known for building the trenches, so two outside players back to back seems a little unrealistic but their secondary has a clear need for a CB2 opposite of Darius Slay. Elam is a physical press corner who has legit size and length needed for the position at the pro level. His ability to play with some of the true burners in the NFL could present a problem, but the Eagles take the chance here at 18.
#19 New Orleans Saints
Drake London (WR) || 6’4 / 220
The Saints go all out trying to develop their offense, and find a steal in Drake London at #19. Many mocks have London going as high as #8 overall, he’s a true redzone monster with his 6’5 frame and would be a wonderful safety blanket for a young QB learning the speed of the NFL. He’s got basketball bounce, great body control, and ball skills. The Saints finally have a legit option on the outside to (potentially) pair with Michael Thomas.
#20 Pittsburgh Steelers
Malik Willis (QB) || 6’1 / 219
Malik Willis to the Steelers seems like a dream come true for Pittsburgh fans after watching Big Ben over the last couple seasons. A QB with legit escapability and an absolute cannon is just what the doctor ordered for Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. Willis would have the opportunity to compete for the starting job right away with Mitch Trubisky.
#21 New England Patriots
Andrew Booth (CB) || 6’0 / 201
Many consider Andrew Booth to be the CB3 in this class behind Stingley and Sauce. The Patriots just lost their top corner in J.C. Jackson, and with how deep this class is they might have the opportunity to replace him right away. He has enough length for the position and his size is right around the NFL Average, the Patriots seem to snag a steal every year, and 2022 is no different.
#22 Green Bay Packers
Devonte Wyatt (DL) || 6’3 / 307
Okay close your eyes Cheeseheads, Wide Receiver is clearly the biggest need after the Davante departure.. but you had to see this coming right? Now onto Wyatt, he’s one of two top IDL in this class and was expected to be the first one off the board until his college teammates monster combine day. The Packers have pieces in place but need to look to the future of this D-line and make sure they can continue to stop the run in cold weather games at home.
#23 Arizona Cardinals
Kenyon Green (IOL) || 6’4 / 324
The Cardinals were absolutely swarmed in the playoffs by the Rams. Kenyon Green was a legit do it all guy for the Aggies last year, lining up everywhere but Center on their line. He’s got the versatility to help right away and potentially start at Right Guard for Arizona. Kyler Murray gets some more protection in round 1.
#24 Dallas Cowboys
Trevor Penning (OT) || 6’7 / 322
The Cowboys O-line was regarded as one of the league's best just a few years ago, but with the departure of La’el Collins they find themselves in need of some troops up front. Trevor Penning is a legit 6’7 with major upside in the run game and the length to contribute at a high level in pass protection. He played at an FCS school but his run blocking grade was an absurd 99.9 according to PFF.
#25 Buffalo Bills
Breece Hall (RB) || 5’11 / 217
Devin Singletary truthers are going to be at my neck. Breece Hall makes too much sense to a team that has their QB with 100 less rushing yards than their RB1. If they can create a true dual threat offense and keep defenses off balance the Bills will be a PROBLEM. Hall produced at the highest level possible at Iowa State, and has the down field speed and burst to break open massive plays behind the strong Buffalo O-Line.
#26 Tennessee Titans
Chris Olave (WR) || 6’1 / 187
Deebo Samuel has been all over the news lately but the other WR who’s in an essential holdout hasn’t gotten as much buzz. Regardless of the status of Aj Brown the Titans have a huge need for a WR. Chris Olave is a very polished route runner who I could see going a lot higher than this. He was a monster with Justin Fields in 2020, and has the ability to become a day 1 producer on the outside.
#27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nakobe Dean (LB) || 6’0 / 225
The Buccaneers the past couple years have found themselves in a true best player available situation. One of the top two interior O-Lineman would be a massive help for them as they’ve lost some beef up front this off-season but with Green and Johnson gone, Nakobe Dean is a nice consolation at LB. Depending on Ryan Jensens status we could also see them go to Linderbaum if he’s there, but the speedy LB out of Georgia can be a big time playmaker for this defense.
#28 Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks (WR) || 6’3 / 225
Okay Packers fans, we had you in the first half right? Treylon Burks has absolutely enamored the fantasy football community over the past couple weeks and he would be a great fit in Green Bay. His ability to rack up yards after catch and play bully ball would provide a big boost to Rodgers and the Packers offense.
#29 Kansas City Chiefs
Kyler Gordon (CB) || 6’0 / 194
The Chiefs have a strong need for WR as they lost Tyreek Hill this offseason (did bring in JuJu and MVS). They also have the luxury of back to back picks, and with a couple key pieces leaving their secondary this offseason they go corner 1st. Gordon wasn’t initially on our 1st round radar but his appearance in the green room tonight had us reconsidering his tape. He’s a solid option in man coverage and can try to fill the Ward role in year 1.
#30 Kansas City Chiefs
Jahon Dotson (WR) || 5’11 / 183
Now on to the WR.. Jahon Dotson has been flirting with the 1st round in a ton of mocks we’ve seen. Dotson is filled with athleticism and can be a legit three level receiver, especially with that Mahomes guy. His tape displays fantastic ball skills and a smooth release, combine that with YAC ability and we have a Day 1 option for the Chiefs.
#31 Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Linderbaum (C) || 6’3 / 291
The chances that Linderbaum lasts this long seems very unlikely, but.. If he did this is a dream come true for the Bengals. The Iowa product is considered one of the best prospects we’ve seen at Center in at least the last decade. It also helps that this is a relatively weak class for Center’s. He’s an expert at creating leverage and displayed fantastic ability to maintain blocks despite a sub-300 frame.
#32 Detroit Lions
Desmond Ridder (QB) || 6’3 / 211
The Lions have been rumored to be considering a QB at #2, Desmond Ridder falling into their lap 30 picks later makes it worth the wait. Cincinnati’s former signal caller is a highly intelligent prospect with great footwork and the ability to play a dual threat role if needed. Ridder would be in a great position to learn behind Goff for a year and build a connection with a young receiving core (Chark, Hock, Amon-Ra).
* Stats and Profiles gathered at:
- Ryan Mobley, Upside Play
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