Way Too Early 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Story posted February 28, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Darian Capobianco

The NFL will now begin its transition into the offseason, as the 2021-22 season comes to an end.

The NFL draft is one of the highlights of the offseason, with the first round scheduled for April 28.

Although there is a ways to go, let’s delve into the “way too early” projections for the top ten selections on draft day.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

With the fist overall pick in this year’s draft, Jacksonville gets its shot at the pick of the litter.

Thibodeaux is one of the best youg prospects and has been terrorizing Pac-12 opponents all throughout his time at Oregon.

2. Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

This should be a no brainer for the Lions, who had the third least sacks in the league with only 30.

The Michigan alum stays in Michigan.

3. Houston Texans - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Hamilton may be one of the most NFL ready prospects in this draft.

With his size and athleticism, he has all the tools to become the NFL’s next big defensive playmaker.

4. New York Jets - Evan Neal, OL, Alabama

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was sacked 44 times this season, which was third most in the league.

What better way to help with their glaring need than to select arguably the best offensive line prospect in the draft?

5. New York Giants - Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State

The Giants are yet another New York team that is in dire need of offensive line help.

Ekwonu is perhaps the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft, with ample experience at both tackle and guard.

6. Carolina Panthers - Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The first member of the legendary 2021 Bulldog defense off the board happens to be one of the most multi-faceted players in the draft.

Walker played defensive tackle for his first two seasons at Georgia before slimming down and sliding over to the edge.

Walker took snaps as an edge rusher, a defensive tackle and even dropped into coverage this past season.

7. New York Giants - Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

The Giants could very well double dip on offensive lineman here. However, Stingley makes a lot of sense for New York, especially considering the question marks around their cornerback position.

The athletic cornerback would help provide insurance within the Giants’ secondary.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Playing in the SEC, Cross has faced some of the best defensive talent in the nation on a weekly basis.

The First Team All-SEC tackle will be able to step in and provide an immediate impact for the Alanta offense, in both the run and pass game.

9. Denver Broncos - Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

After releasing longtime Bronco Von Miller, Denver will waste no time finding a replacement.

Lloyd is a great candidate for the job. The explosive sideline-to-sideline linebacker could end up having a Micah Parsons-esque rookie season.

10. New York Jets - Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinatti

Here’s a crazy statistic: Ahmad Gardner has never given up a touchdown in his collegiate career, which totals over 1,000 defensive snaps.

The first team All-American would certainly provide immediate help for a lackluster New York secondary.

Gardner could end up being the “secret sauce” for the Jets’ defense.


Darian Capobianco is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email dpc5734@psu.edu.