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Reece Dunker's 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0. Who Will Be the First Receiver Off the Board?

  • reecedunker
  • Jan 25, 2022
  • 15 min read

Buckle up everyone, we're closing in on draft season. For a handful of teams it started in October. Almost four months later here we are, with only two teams in each conference still alive.


1.) Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal (OT), Alabama


To say the 2021 season was a massive failure for the Jaguars, is an understatement. Trevor Lawrence showed lots of promise throwing to a receiving core that was led by Marvin Jones Jr. and Laquon Treadwell. 2021 2nd round pick, Walker Little, looked solid at left tackle in the little action he saw there. Meaning Evan Neal would likely start the season at right tackle. Using the 1st overall pick on a right tackle will always be criticized but protecting your franchise quarterback is the most important thing a team can do.


2.) Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE), Michigan


Dan Campbell’s first season at the helm was exciting, if nothing else. The Lions played hard for Campbell, even though it was clear they were much less talented. Enter Aidan Hutchinson who likely would have been a first round pick, had he declared for the 2021 draft. Now he seems to be surefire top 5 guy and gets to stay home in Michigan. Hutchinson will greatly help with the nonexistent pass rush and allow Detroit to spend some picks outside of the trenches for the rest of the draft.


3.) Houston Texans – Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE), Oregon


Houston started off the season with Tyrod Taylor at the helm and looked like a decent team. After Taylor was hurt, 2021 3rd round rookie, Davis Mills stepped in and delivered some pretty good performances. Atleast enough to earn another year, until the next great QB class arrives. Having the chance to pick maybe the best player in the class at 3 is something the Texans wouldn’t be able to pass up. Kayvon Thibodeaux is the most natural pass rusher in this class. He still needs to fine tune a lot of the little stuff in his game, but he arguably has the highest ceiling of any player coming out this year.


4.) New York Jets – Charles Cross (OT), Mississippi State


Zach Wilson’s first season with the Jets was one of highs and lows but is to be expected with any rookie quarterback. One constant was the lack of protection he had in front of him, amplified by only having Mekhi Becton for one game. Charles Cross had a great season at left tackle in Mike Leach’s air raid offense. With the Jets, Cross would likely be tried at right tackle, with the Becton manning the left side. This would mark the third straight year the Jets have used a first round pick on an offensive lineman, as they continue to load that group with talent.


5.) New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu (OL), North Carolina State


The Giants have a new GM, but who will be the head coach remains to be seen. One thing that is certain is not even Patrick Mahomes could’ve successfully played behind the offensive line the Giants assembled for the 2021 season. One positive is 2020 1st rounder Andrew Thomas finally showing some promise. Ikem Ekwonu could play all across the Giants o-line. While he probably projects best as a guard, giving him a shot at the right tackle position to start the year wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario. If Daniel Jones is going to get a chance to prove himself, he’s going to need time to get the ball downfield.


6.) Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett (QB), Pittsburgh


Carolina’s QB conundrum has been quite the sight to see. I think it’s safe to say both Sam Darnold and Cam Newton are not the men for the job. Kenny Pickett is the best quarterback prospect in this year’s class, along with being the most pro-ready. Music to the ears of a Panthers team that is solid, outside of the most important position on the field. David Tepper’s connection with Pitt is going to be brought up a lot if this is the pick. But maybe, just maybe we should consider that Carolina is trying to find their guy of the future and really do believe in Pickett.


7.) New York Giants (via CHI) – George Karlaftis (EDGE), Purdue


Another lineman for the Giants, this time of the defensive side. 2021 2nd round pick, Azeez Ojulari, showed promise last season but desperately needs a running mate. George Karlaftis could be just the guy they’re looking for, as maybe the safest pick of the pass rushers, not named Aidan Hutchinson. With Karlaftis and Ekwonu secured, the Giants are building the right way, starting in the trenches.


8.) Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Hamilton (S), Notre Dame


Another draft, another shiny toy for Arthur Smith and the Falcons. They’ll hope this one has the same kind of rookie year as Kyle Pitts, just from the safety position. Kyle Hamilton is a top 3 player in this class and to get him at 8 would have to be thrilling Atlanta. He is arguably the best cover safety in the class, not to mention he is also 6’4”. Positional value of drafting a safety in the top 10 is always going to be a question but we haven’t seen a generational safety prospect like Kyle Hamilton in a while.


9.) Denver Broncos – David Ojabo (EDGE), Michigan


Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but outside of the quarterback position Denver has a Super Bowl ready roster. Which is why I would be shocked if they don’t look to the trade market for a QB such as Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo or even Kirk Cousins. If Denver doesn’t use this pick to get one of those guys, getting a pass rusher is never a bad idea. Putting David Ojabo opposite Bradley Chubb could give you another solid pass-rushing duo that you lost when trading away Von Miller. Ojabo looks raw now, but with a few years of good coaching could end up as the best EDGE guy from this class.


10.) New York Jets (via SEA) – Derek Stingley Jr. (CB), LSU


Coming into this season, if you had Derek Stingley Jr. at 10, you were considered a crazy man. Now with his injury concerns, it’s a real possibility he may not be the first corner taken. In this mock he is, by an ecstatic Jets team that saw him fall to their second first rounder. Stingley could immediately fix a lot of problems the Jets have in their woeful secondary. Robert Saleh’s scheme doesn’t necessarily rely on great corners, but one of Stingley’s level would be accepted with open arms. With a few more quality additions, the Jets could be looking like a sneaky playoff team come next season.


11.) Washington Football Team – Sam Howell (QB), North Carolina


Washington’s first pick with the franchise’s new name, surely is going to be an offensive guy. Even with the vaunted defense regressing in 2021, a lot of that can be put on their inability to stay healthy. The Taylor Heinicke experience has been a fun and deserving one, but it seems like he’s peaked at where he can take a team. In steps Sam Howell, who many thought could be the first quarterback to come off the board at the start of this college football season. Howell didn’t have the season many imagined he would, but some of that can be credited to the weapons he lost in the 2021 draft, including Javonte Williams, Michael Carter and Dyami Brown. A big part of Howell’s game is his use of his ability to scramble, something Washington incorporated a lot after Ryan Fitzpatrick went down.


12.) Minnesota Vikings – Andrew Booth Jr. (CB), Clemson


Another tough to team to mock for without a head coach or general manager in place is Minnesota. The old regime loved to grab first round corners, even though they had their fair share of ones who didn’t pan out. Andrew Booth Jr. may have the best ball-hawking skills of any corner in this year’s class. With Patrick Peterson’s 1-year-deal ending, Booth Jr. gives the Vikings a young, high upside corner to play opposite Cam Dantzler. A pass rusher is definitely an option for Minnesota with Danielle Hunter expressing his contract frustrations last offseason. In this scenario, Hunter sticks around and Minnesota sures up the secondary.


13.) Cleveland Browns – Garrett Wilson (WR), Ohio State


Maybe no team had as disappointing of a 2021 season as Cleveland, considering the expectations they entered with. In a season plagued with injuries and controversy, one consistent was the lack of quality reps from Browns receivers. After the Odell Beckham trade, Donovan Peoples-Jones stepped into a larger role and didn’t perform too bad. Taking Garrett Wilson here, keeps him in-state and provides Cleveland with a potential true number 1 receiver going forward. I really like to comp Garrett Wilson to Terry McLaurin, not just because of the Ohio State connection but the similar way in which they play. This seems like a home run pick for a Browns offense that could not get out of their own way.


14.) Baltimore Ravens – Travon Walker (EDGE), Georgia


Speaking of underperforming, Baltimore’s 2021 season also didn’t go as planned. No team suffered more injuries to star players than the Ravens did. Baltimore’s struggles saw them part ways with Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale. Justin Houston was relied upon as the top pass rusher and given his age, that might not be possible next season. Travon Walker moves like a 270-pound person shouldn’t be able to. Georgia lined him up all across their defensive line and even dropped him into coverage. Walker gives whoever the next DC is for the Ravens a flexible piece to play with and get creative. Some nice young talent is needed for a Baltimore defensive line that is aging.


15.) Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) – Devin Lloyd (ILB), Utah


Even with their playoff demolishment at the hands of the Buccaneers, 2021 cannot be considered anything but successful for the Eagles. Not only did they make the playoffs, but it seems like Nick Sirianni is establishing a culture as a hard-nosed, physical team. With 3 first round picks, Philadelphia can draft for a mix of fit and best player available, doing that exactly with Devin Lloyd. No other inside linebacker improved his draft stock like the speedy, hard-hitting Lloyd did. He was the backbone of a tough Utah defense. Even though they were shredded by Ohio State’s offense, Devin Lloyd still stood out as a big-time player. Philly finally gets that captain of their defense that they’ve been trying to find for years.


16.) Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) – Treylon Burks (WR), Arkansas


With the very next pick, the Eagles target their biggest need on offense and by doing so, draft a receiver for the third straight year. Jalen Reagor may not even make it to the end of his rookie deal in Philly, making this pick even more important. Treylon Burks had a spectacular 2021 season with Arkansas, that showed off his full arsenal. After the catch, Burks is harder to bring down than most receivers, displaying top notch agility. He’s also a bigger receiver at 6’3”, bringing a breath of fresh air to a smaller Eagles receiving room.


17.) Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Davis (IDL), Georgia


For a team as talented as the Chargers, not making the playoffs must have felt like the ultimate shot in the gut. Justin Herbert continues to improve every time he takes the field. The week 18 showdown with the Raiders showed that the Chargers must find a way to stop the run. We’ve all thought about it, but would Vegas have taken the tie if LA could’ve stopped the Jacobs 3rd down run? We’ll never know the answer, but with Jordan Davis we might have. Davis was maybe the most impressive player on Georgia’s defense, even with his minimal snap counts. His work ethic was questioned after the SEC Championship, but after the show he put on in the National Championship, those concerns were laid to rest.


18.) New Orleans Saints – Chris Olave (WR), Ohio State


With the retirement of Sean Payton, it looks like a new era is upon us in the Big Easy. Chris Olave to New Orleans is a popular mock, as they never shy away from Ohio State guys. The Saints are about to face their yearly puzzle of getting below the cap. Doing this may require cutting or trading Michael Thomas, leaving the receiver room even weaker. Whoever is throwing the ball in New Orleans needs some reliable options and that’s exactly what Olave brings. One of the most experienced receivers in this class, Olave has arguably the best hands and route running ability. Being an older rookie is concerning, but the Saints are in full win now mode.


19.) Philadelphia Eagles – Ahmad Gardner (CB), Cincinnati


And finally, using their last first rounder, the Eagles grab one of the most impressive corners we’ve ever seen in college from a stats standpoint. Ahmad Gardner didn’t give up a single touchdown in his college career. Many thought he’d be in for a rude awakening when he saw Jameson Williams and Alabama. All Gardner did was shut down Williams or whichever receiver he was covering. Playing in the American is always going to cause people to devalue his stats. In 5 years if Gardner is the best cornerback from this class, I don’t think you’ll find too many draft heads that will be too surprised. Coming away with arguably 3 top 15 talents is a wonderful draft for Howie Roseman, regardless of what he does on days 2 and 3.


20.) Pittsburgh Steelers – Trevor Penning (OT), Northern Iowa


The fact that Pittsburgh was able to make the playoffs with the roster they had is a testament to Mike Tomlin’s coaching ability. Big Ben couldn’t push the ball down field, the offensive line struggled to block anyone, and the defense played much worse than expected. It seems like the Steelers are going to add a veteran QB, meaning fixing the O-Line should be the top priority in the draft. Trevor Penning is a very large man and the type of guy that could man the left tackle spot for Pittsburgh for years to come. Like Gardner, his level of play is going to be questioned, but even more so as he played in the FCS. Nobody would be happier about this pick than Najee Harris who hardly had any running room all season.


21.) New England Patriots – Roger McCreary (CB), Auburn


The Patriots had what many would call a successful to season. To their standards, a Wild Card exit is underperforming, even with a rookie quarterback. The impending free agency of JC Jackson is going to make cornerback a pressing need this offseason. Roger McCreary has flown up draft boards since SEC play started, more specifically after his performance against Alabama. He’s great in man coverage and should be a reliable outside corner from day 1. While New England could dip into the wide receiver pool here, it seems they’re content with their run heavy offense and pass catching tight ends.


22.) Las Vegas Raiders – Drake London (WR), USC


It’s amazing to think that Las Vegas was 9 yards away from forcing overtime against Cincinnati. Especially considering they shouldn’t have been there in the first place with all the controversy they were embroiled in. The Raiders main needs are wide receiver and offensive line. They have their choice of both here but opt for Drake London. Every single person has a different opinion on London. His production in the limited number of games he played cannot be questioned though. London is great with contested catches and should give Derek Carr a great down field option from day 1.


23.) Arizona Cardinals – Trent McDuffie (CB), Washington


Arizona’s season was puzzling to say the least. After they flew out of the gates, they once again struggled before being eliminated in the Wild Card round. Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching has been criticized and rightfully so, but this defense must get better. Ideally, Jordan Davis would make it to the pick for a Cardinals team who were one of the worst in the league at stopping the run. Instead, they take another Washington cornerback to pair with Byron Murphy. Trent McDuffie’s name has stayed in the first-round conversation all season and it seems like that’s where he’ll here his name called. His tackling ability is impressive for a corner and might be needed for a Cardinals team who let a lot of guys get into their secondary.


24.) Dallas Cowboys – Nakobe Dean (ILB), Georgia


Remember when we all questioned the Cowboys for taking Micah Parsons when they already had Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Well, Parsons was phenomenal as a rookie, Jaylon Smith was cut, and Vander Esch seems primed to walk in free agency. Parsons production as a pass rusher indicates Dallas is going to need another inside linebacker. Meaning Nakobe Dean is a match made in heaven. Dean showed his speed in the National Championship game, against an equally fast Alabama offense. If the Cowboys do carry out an Amari Cooper trade, a receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb becomes their biggest need. We’ll hold out on that until it happens.


25.) Buffalo Bills – Tyler Linderbaum (IOL), Iowa


Buffalo’s offense couldn’t have done anything else in the all-time thriller with Kansas City. Meaning this pick surely must be defense, right? Wrong. While Buffalo’s corner room could use some reinforcements, the value of Tyler Linderbaum at 25 is too much to pass on. Linderbaum is a top 10 player talent wise in this class, but due to positional value he slips to the end of the first. Mitch Morse is aging, making Linderbaum a natural replacement. If Buffalo isn’t ready to part with Morse, playing Linderbaum at guard is certainly an option. He’s a smart player and should have no problem adjusting.


26.) Tennessee Titans – Jameson Williams (WR), Alabama


Questions are being asked in Nashville on if Ryan Tannehill is capable of taking the Titans to the Super Bowl. Truthfully, the answer seems no in a loaded AFC. One way to find out is by taking maybe the best field stretcher in the class in Jameson Williams. Before his injury, there’s a good chance Williams would have been the first receiver off the board. But it happened, giving the Titans a great option to pair with AJ Brown for the future. Julio Jones’ best days look like they’re behind him and after Brown, the Titans are hurting for receiving help.


27.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – George Pickens (WR), Georgia


It really seems like this might be the end for Tom Brady. Just because I believe he won’t go out after a loss like that to the Rams, we’ll say he’s coming back for one last run. If that’s the case, the Bucs are going to do everything they can to perfect this roster. That starts with improving a receiving room that currently looks like Mike Evans and everyone else. Yes, Chris Godwin is still on the roster, but he seems primed to take a deal elsewhere. George Pickens spent most of the 2021 season recovering from an ACL injury. In the little action we saw from him, it was enough to see that he still has the speed and quickness that many thought would make him the first receiver off the board pre-injury. Their aging defensive line needs to be addressed, but right now the key is getting Brady all the weapons he needs.


28.) Green Bay Packers – DeMarvin Leal (OT), Texas A&M


Oh look, another team with a legendary QB and an uncertain future. It really does feel like Aaron Rodgers has played his last game as a Packer, after another tough playoff loss. Atleast for Green Bay, they already have Jordan Love ready to take over, even though the signs we’ve seen in limited action haven’t been promising. That does allow for Green Bay to address the defensive side of the ball. For the most part, the defense played well this year, thanks in large part to Rashan Gary’s coming out party. DeMarvin Leal can rush from the inside or outside with his 280 plus pound frame. With both Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith potential cap causalities, getting another pass rusher is key. Receiver is a big need if Davante Adams leaves in free agency, although it seems like there’s a good chance he is tagged.


29.) Cincinnati Bengals – Kenyon Green (IOL), Texas A&M


It’s hard to get over the fact that Joe Burrow was sacked 9 (NINE!) times against Tennessee and was still able to win the game. That’s just a testament to his drive and self-belief in the pocket. After drafting Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell last year (good decision), there’s only place they can spend this pick and that’s the offensive line. Outside of Jonah Williams, the Bengals start no one that was drafted in the first 4 rounds of any draft. Kenyon Green can come in from day 1 and start at either guard spot or even right tackle. It seems like he’s best suited to play left guard in the NFL and could make a nice pairing inside with 2021 2nd rounder Jackson Carman, if he continues to develop.


30.) Miami Dolphins (via SF) – Daniel Faalele (OT), Minnesota


I think it’s safe to say, Miami didn’t imagine they’d be picking at 30 or later when they made the trade with San Francisco last year. As we know, Brian Flores was fired and a new coach that believes in Tua Tagovailoa seems on be on their way in. If we’re ever going to see if Tua can be that guy, he needs some time to throw. The Saints game sticks out to me, when the one-time Tagovailoa had a chance to sit in the pocket, he threw a perfect 40-yard pass. Daniel Faalele is massive human being, standing at 6’8” and 380 pounds. He is a natural right tackle, allowing him to block Tagovailoa’s blindside. Getting another receiver to pair with Jaylen Waddle is a need, but that can be done in one of the next 2 rounds.


31.) Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Matt Corral (QB), Ole Miss


Let’s make it clear, Jared Goff will be on the Lions roster next year and will probably be the starter, too. Why not take a shot on maybe the most talented QB in the draft and while doing so, getting a chance to have his 5th year option by taking him in the first? I would be shocked if Matt Corral falls to 31 come draft day, but there just wasn’t anywhere that made sense until Detroit. Here, he can sit behind Goff for a year (who is a great pro and someone you’d want to learn from) and learn the ins and outs of the NFL. In the Lane Kiffin spread offense, Corral made lots of quick decisions on the RPOs. His legs and decision making are a solid foundation and should give Detroit a great place to work from.


32.) Kansas City Chiefs – Jahan Dotson (WR), Penn State


It feels like I’ve mocked a receiver at the end of the first round to the Chiefs in every mock I’ve done since 2019. Taking one this year seems like it makes too much sense, especially after hitting on day 2 and 3 picks last year on the offensive line. Mecole Hardman is likely to find a new home this offseason and Demarcus Robinson is once again a free agent. Jahan Dotson is the stereotypical Kansas City receiver that stretches the field and is hard to take down in space. There’s a good chance Dotson runs the fastest 40 time of any receiver at the combine. You’d think that would leave Kansas City salivating to get him. If the Chiefs opt not to bring back Orlando Brown, left tackle becomes a need. Although that seems unlikely after spending a first round pick to acquire him last offseason.

 
 
 

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Reece Dunker
University of Kansas Journalism Student

1011 Illinois St.

Lawrence, KS 66044

217-440-5022

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