2022 NFL Mock Draft with Trades: Only 1 QB Goes in the First Round

No one knows what’s happening in the draft this year.

In a draft class where QBs aren’t even expected to go in the top 5, a lot of things can happen and a lot of experts are divided on nearly every pick. With corners, receivers, and edge galore, positional value is playing a big role this season. To help those who haven’t been paying an extreme amount of attention so far, I’m going to give you 5th Down Fantasy’s official 2022 NFL Mock Draft with trades.

*This Mock was done under the assumption that any trade rumors involving players DO NOT happen (i.e., Deebo Samuel or Kyler Murray)

1.01 Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan- Edge

Is there really much to say? Aidan Hutchinson is probably the best prospect in this draft class. He is a talented player, a passionate leader, and a dominant man to face off the edge. Once Hutch gets inside the opposing tackle, all the opposing QB can do is pray. The Jaguars defense needs all the help they can get right now, and having a powerful edge opposite Josh Allen (not the quarterback) can mean a huge deal to the team as a whole.

1.02 Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon- Edge

The Detroit Lions are not a very good team right now. They could use some help on both sides of the ball, especially on the defensive line. While some teams have reportedly been “turned off” by Thibodeaux’s character concerns, it’s hard for me to imagine the Lions being so concerned to pass on him given their need at the position. In fact, one of these concerns has been about having the right motivation to play football, but honestly as long as a player has a strong enough motivation they will play ball. Thibodeaux’s fit with the team is something that should not be ignored, and I’m positive that Dan Campbell can settle any of these “character concerns”.

1.03 Houston Texans: Evan Neal, Alabama- OT

At number three overall, the Texans are at a point where they need to take the best player available. Evan Neal is not only one of the best players available but also at a position that so many teams around the league are lacking skill at. Although this may not be a flashy move, Evan Neal is the way to go. At 6’7” and 351 lbs, Neal can be a dominant anchor for years to come in Houston.

1.04 New York Jets: Travon Walker, Georgia- Edge

This pick should be a no-brainer for New York. After all, everyone knows that Robert Saleh loves his defensive line. Recently shooting up draft boards (to number one overall in some cases), Travon Walker is a swift edge threat that could pose as an X-Factor late in the game. Pairing Walker with a young and high-potential defensive line could be a huge step in transforming the Jets into playoff contenders. At number four overall, there should be no rush to draft a corner so high with a draft class that is so deep in the position.

1.05 New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, N.C. State- OT

The New York Football Giants have a lot of holes to fill, and the offensive line is a huge one. Whether it’s guard, center, or tackle, any pick on the O-Line for the Giants would be applauded. Since what many are calling “salary cap hell” struck the Giants this offseason, they were able to bring in very few guys in free agency. Because of this, the Giants are going to need to bring as much help to Daniel Jones as possible in this make-or-break year. A future of Ekwonu and Andrew Thomas bodes well for the team, especially Saquon Barkley, who could potentially thrive behind Ekwonu’s strong rush blocks.

1.06 Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, Mississippi State- OT

As of the past couple of days, reports surfaced that many teams have been very high on Charles Cross. Of course, this could always be a smokescreen but nevertheless Cross deserves to be drafted early. Cross is a very strong pass protector who could really help out whoever the Panther’s next quarterback is going to be.

1.07 Green Bay Packers: Garrett Wilson, Ohio State- WR

If this pick were not to be traded, there would be a very high likelihood that the Giants would take either Jermaine Johnson or Sauce Gardner, and that they would be followed by Garrett Wilson to Atlanta. Assuming the Packers recognize their dire need for a receiver in the twilight of Aaron Rodgers’ career, the Packers could very well trade up to vault over teams like the Falcons and Jets to make sure they can get the receiver fit of their choice. Garrett Wilson is a very versatile receiver who can make big plays for the Green Bay offense.

1.08 Atlanta Falcons: Jameson Williams, Alabama- WR

The Falcons have lost Russell Gage to Tampa Bay, Calvin Ridley to a one-year suspension, in addition to trading away franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to the Colts. Atlanta is desperate for a new playmaking successor to Julio Jones, and they have been robbed of Garrett Wilson to the Packers. Jameson Williams is the next best versatile option for the Falcons, despite suffering a torn ACL in the National Championship. Even though Williams had such a severe injury, no one is discrediting his talent, and rightfully so.

1.09 New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, Ohio State- WR

After seeing two teams in a row draft a wide receiver, the Saints hit panic mode to pounce on a wideout before all of their top choices are gone. Pairing Chris Olave up with fellow former Buckeye Michael Thomas would be a huge offensive threat for opposing defenses. I don’t see the Saints taking a quarterback in the draft this season because taking Olave would set them up perfectly to draft Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud next season who already has established chemistry with him. This year’s draft should be about setting up C.J. Stroud for success when he comes to the league, as the Saints already have an Ohio State-heavy roster.

1.10 New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati- CB

Being able to take Sauce Gardner at ten is a dream for Jets fans and a realistic one too. The top ten picks have just a couple of teams who may be looking to take a corner, but those teams all have bigger priorities on their mind. Like I said at the earlier pick, the Jets should be in no rush to draft a corner because even if Gardner didn’t fall to ten, one of the other top three would certainly be available.

1.11 Washington Commanders: Derek Stingley Jr., LSU- CB

My unpopular opinion is that Derek Stingley Jr. is the best cornerback in the draft. If not for injury concerns, he could definitely be a top-five pick. However, injury records are very important and should by no means be ignored. Stingley could potentially fall even later just for that reason. For anyone who doubts Stingley’s talent, I highly encourage you to watch film of him shutting down superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase during practices when they were at LSU together.

1.12 Minnesota Vikings: Trent McDuffie, Washington- CB

Let’s stick with the trend and take another corner here at thirteen. This selection is nothing more than a talented player at a position of need. McDuffie can play in the slot for Minnesota but is also more than capable of playing elsewhere in the defense. Drafting McDuffie provides a nice boost to a Vikings secondary that needs help.

1.13 Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame- S

Kyle Hamilton is one of the most talented players in the draft and one of my favorite prospects too. Unfortunately due to how large positional value plays a role in the modern NFL, and especially in this draft, Hamilton will likely slide outside of the top ten. The Texans should be expecting big things from Hamilton once he takes the field.

1.14 Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State- Edge

Many experts project Jermaine Johnson to go in the top ten and to be honest, I don’t blame them. It would be a steal if Baltimore would be able to snag Johnson at this point. He is a versatile threat on the edge who can be like a brick wall against running backs. For a Ravens defense that needs help on the line, this would be an incredible pick.

1.15 Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, Georgia- DT

Jordan Davis is freakish. At around 340 lbs, Jordan Davis displayed his athleticism, running a 4.78 40-yard dash (that’s only .07 seconds slower than Jerry Rice!). The aging Eagles defensive line is in need of younger talent to prevent it from collapsing as a whole. Davis is the best inner defensive lineman in this draft and would be a great fit for what could become a relentless Philadelphia line.

1.16 Seattle Seahawks (via NO): Malik Willis, Liberty- QB

If you haven’t yet, I recommend reading my article on the Russell Wilson trade, as it can give you a more in-depth thought on their team right now. As much as I think trading Russ and drafting a QB is the wrong move, the trade has already been done and there’s nothing that can change now. The Seahawks are drafting their new franchise QB. Unlike most, Willis is not my QB1. This is not because I am denying Willis’ talent, but just because I am afraid of his floor. I think he has the potential to be a yearly Pro Bowler, but he also has the potential to be a backup after just a few years. Willis will certainly be an interesting name to watch for years to come.

1.17 Los Angeles Chargers: Devonte Wyatt, Georgia- DT

The Chargers missed out on Jordan Davis, but Devonte Wyatt is not just a consolation prize. Wyatt can be an every-down difference maker, especially being surrounded by veterans Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Wyatt becoming a Charger could turn the LA defensive line elite and nearly unstoppable. If this pick were to come to fruition, I have no doubts that the Chargers would be one of the most exciting teams in 2022.

1.18 Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson- CB

Even with the Eagles’ desperate need for secondary depth, they were able to afford passing on a corner at 16 because of the unlikeliness of both Booth and Elam being taken before their pick. As of now, the Eagles have Darius Slay as their CB1 and Avonte Maddox as their slot corner. However, many unknowns remain with who the CB2 for Philly will be. Drafting Booth would remove all question marks surrounding the second corner position, as Booth would be quite the dependable starter.

1.19 New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa- OT

As I said earlier, I’m already sold on the Saints waiting to draft a QB until next season. If they want to commit to setting up a foundation for future years no matter who their quarterback is, you can never go wrong with drafting offensive line talent. Penning can be a difference-maker for Alvin Kamara in the run game, and the Saints offense could take a huge step forward between the additions of Penning and Olave.

1.20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenyon Green, Texas A&M- IOL

Time and time again we see teams drafting rookie quarterbacks with rosters that aren’t ready to help them develop. The Steelers can break that chain here while they are in a transition phase. Pittsburgh GM Kevin Colbert is entering his final season before retirement and likely wants to set the franchise up for future success. As hard as it may be for Colbert to hold back from drafting a QB, the veteran GM probably knows that it would be best for his successor to make that decision. Colbert can set that GM up for better success by bolstering the offensive line with the addition of Kenyon Green. Of course, it is always possible that the Steelers do not trust Mitch Trubisky despite learning under Josh Allen for a year, and could trade up and take a QB. After all, Colbert may have hinted at the Giants number 7 pick as a possible trade-up in an interview.

1.21 Kansas City Chiefs: Drake London, USC- WR

With multiple teams who could potentially draft a receiver before them, the Chiefs trade up so they can get the wide receiver of their choice. Kansas City shook up their receiving corps this offseason, replacing All-Pro Tyreek Hill with veterans Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. I’m afraid Juju and MVS won’t cut it in a Mahomes-led offense. The Chiefs are in need of a boundary receiver and although Drake London may not be the top wide receiver prospect available, he is certainly the best fit.

1.22 New York Giants (via GB): George Karlaftis, Purdue- Edge

The Giants already helped out their biggest hole, the offensive line, with the fifth pick in the draft. On the opposite side of the ball, the Giants could use some help with the defensive line too. George Karlaftis is a player who has fluctuated on draft boards for the entire process, expected to go as high as the top five or as low as not even in the first round. On a team that literally has only two capable defensive linemen, this should be an easy pick for Big Blue.

1.23 Arizona Cardinals: Zion Johnson, Boston College- IOL

This is gonna be a tough draft for Cardinals fans. Between Kyler Murray drama and needing to wait all the way until pick twenty-three watching their top targets go is going to feel like forever. At least, the Cardinals can still have a shot at Zion Johnson. Johnson has a strong base, yet is agile. Already a great run blocker, Johnson could potentially become a cornerstone of the Cardinals O-Line for years to come.

1.24 Dallas Cowboys: Treylon Burks, Arkansas- WR

Earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys traded the 4x Pro Bowler Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and have now found themselves the opportunity to have a young superstar receiving duo. Treylon Burks, who in some ways actually reminds me of a younger Amari Cooper, paired with up-and-coming wideout (and also former first-round pick) CeeDee Lamb, could be dangerous as they develop together with Dak Prescott. The Cowboys would be bringing their offense to a whole new level.

1.25 Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, Florida- CB

This is a pick that I could see the Bills trading for second or third-round selections. However, here I see the Bills unable to pass on the opportunity of Kaiir Elam. Yes, the Bills secondary is very talented, but no, they are not healthy or perfect. The Bills could really use a CB2, especially with All-Pro Tre’Davious White recovering from a torn ACL. Elam, who has only recently begun appearing in first-round mocks, has been discovered to have a lot of potential. Buffalo could also go for receiver help, but I see that more likely on Day 2. If Elam can learn from the veterans in the Bills secondary, Buffalo is in store for a show.

1.26 Tennessee Titans: Jahan Dotson, Penn State- WR

I struggled a lot with this pick — this one probably more than any other pick. On one hand, the Titans could draft Ryan Tannehill’s successor in round one, on the other hand, four of the top five quarterbacks are still on the board, and on a third hand, the Titans could feel comfortable with Tannehill and draft a third receiver to help their injury-prone squad. I’m going to go with the second and a half hand here. I think there is a very real opportunity for the Titans to draft a QB in the second round. I think the Titans are comfortable with Tannehill for at least the first half of this season, but also recognize that they have an often injured receiving corps. Jahan Dotson can be the boundary receiver the Titans need who could also fill in when A.J. Brown or Robert Woods are hurt.

1.27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Ojabo, Michigan- Edge

The Buccaneers have a pretty strong defense and are able to breathe easily even if they didn’t pick Ojabo. Because this is the case, the Bucs can afford to draft Ojabo, who tore his Achilles at his Pro Day. Many will criticize this pick, but I actually believe this is excellent value. Before the injury, Ojabo was projected to be one of the first guys off the board. After the injury, Ojabo still has that same early first-round talent, it’ll just be running on a delay.

1.28 Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, Utah- LB

The Green Bay Packers are in a win-now situation, and at this point are likely looking to draft the best player available. In their case, it’s Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. Lloyd is a very versatile player and can be used in many ways. Lloyd can play both inside and outside and is also good in pass coverage. Lloyd can fill any gaps that the Packers need in order to vault them into the elite defense range.

1.29 New England Patriots (via KC): Nakobe Dean, Georgia- LB

Linebacker is no question a position of need for New England. Nakobe Dean would be a great fit in a Bill Belichik-run defense. Dean, an off-ball linebacker, has incredible play recognition and instinct. No matter where Dean goes in the end, you can expect some smart plays from him despite his small stature.

1.30 Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, Michigan- S

Daxton Hill is a hybrid free safety who can also perform well in the slot. Because depth at both of these positions are no doubt spots of need, especially now that Tyrann Mathieu is gone, Daxton Hill and Kansas City are perfect matches. In addition, the Chiefs secondary will need as much help as they can get in a now-loaded AFC West passing game.

1.31 Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa- IOL

It is no secret that the Bengals need help at offensive line. Tyler Linderbaum, who almost exclusively plays Center, is probably the most talented interior offensive lineman in the draft. Unfortunately, due to positional value, he will probably slide all the way down to thirty-one. Fortunately for the Bengals, the other teams in need of a Center all have other priorities higher on the list. Bengals are getting a perennial Pro Bowler to come with this pick.

1.32 Detroit Lions: Skyy Moore, Western Michigan- WR

When it comes to the final first-round pick in the draft, I see a lot of mockers making mistakes here. People often forget that the only thing between the Lions and their next pick is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are already set at quarterback with Trevor Lawrence at the helm. If the Lions really wanted to take a QB, they are better off taking another player who is automatically more likely to be taken than that QB. I could totally envision the Lions taking a guy like Kenny Pickett with their first choice in the second round, but it logically doesn’t make sense with the Jaguars in between. Whether the Lions decide to roll with Goff or another QB, the quarterback is going to need reliable weapons outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown. Pairing Skyy Moore up with Amon-Ra would provide a young, solid base for whoever Detroit’s signal-caller is in 2022.