Reece Dunker's 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0. Post-Combine Edition.

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

This is going to come down to an EDGE defender or an offensive tackle. It’s been said over and over but is still true, you’ve got to protect your young quarterback. Evan Neal is a powerful player and brings the versatility to play both tackle and guard spots.

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

Another pick that hasn’t changed in a month’s time. Hutchinson’s performance at the combine did nothing but reaffirm his status as one of the top 2 EDGE rushers in this class. Detroit’s defense was one of the worst in 2021 but should see significant improvement with Hutchinson.

3.) Houston Texans – Ikem Ekwonu (OT), NC State

Houston has needs all across the roster, so why not address those needs with the best player available? Ikem Ekwonu is already a remarkable run blocker and could start and be an All-Pro caliber at left guard from day 1. If Houston decides to move on from Laremy Tunsil after the 2022 season, Ekwonu could make the seamless transition and be a franchise cornerstone.

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

The Jets wouldn’t be too happy to see Ekwonu go before they come on the clock but picking Charles Cross in no consolation prize. Cross excelled as a pass blocker in Mike Leach’s offense and should be a reliable contributor from the start. New York can try him at right tackle, giving them a nice young o-line core of Cross, Mekhi Becton, and Alijah Vera-Tucker.

5.) New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE), Oregon

Long projected as the no. 1 pick of the 2022 draft, Thibodeaux has seen his stock take a hit as his work ethic has been questioned. His fit with the Giants is nearly seamless as they continue to be one of the worst in the league at rushing the passer. Thibodeaux and 2021 2nd rounder, Azeez Ojulari, should form a nice pass rushing duo for New York.

6.) Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis (QB), Liberty

All 3 offensive tackles being off the board isn’t what Carolina wants to see when they make their pick. That could push them towards trying to solve their quarterback situation and taking Malik Willis. An impressive combine showing from Willis has people wondering if he is QB1 in this class. This is a situation where Carolina could sign a veteran QB on a 1-year-deal and let Willis play when he is ready.

7.) New York Giants (via CHI) – Tyler Linderbaum (IOL), Iowa

New York’s offensive line was brutal in 2021 and they’d also be disappointed not to see Charles Cross still on the board. Instead, they still improve their o-line but do so on the interior with Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum is the best center prospect we’ve seen in a long time and should be able to captain the Giants line for many years to come.

8.) Atlanta Falcons – Ahmad Gardner (CB), Cincinnati

The Falcons already have one of the best young corners in the NFL in AJ Terrell Jr. Pairing him with Ahmad Gardner would make the most terrifying young corner duo we’ve seen in a while. There aren’t enough words to express how good Gardner was at Cincinnati. His combine performance raised his draft stock even more to where it’s going to be tough for him not to be the first cornerback off the board.

9.) Denver Broncos – Kenny Pickett (QB), Pittsburgh

If Denver is sitting here at 9, they probably didn’t pull off a trade for one of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or Deshaun Watson. With the QB spot still being a gaping hole, Kenny Pickett makes a lot of sense. The Broncos have a talented enough roster to where if Pickett just plays better than Teddy Bridgewater/Drew Lock, Denver could sniff the playoffs.

10.) New York Jets (via SEA) – Kyle Hamilton (S), Notre Dame

It’s hard to envision Kyle Hamilton falling to pick 10, but here it is. Hamilton would be the do-it-all guy Robert Saleh loves to have in his defense. The Jets secondary was awful in 2021 but Hamilton’s range, paired with a potential resigning of Marcus Maye could make for a very formidable back end of the defense.

11.) Washington Commanders – Derek Stingley Jr. (CB), LSU

Washington is another team desperately searching for a new quarterback. They seem primed to sign a Mitchell Trubisky or Jimmy Garoppolo, opening up this pick for their defense who took a major step back in 2021. Derek Stingley Jr. was long thought of as a generational cornerback prospect, before injuries got in his way at LSU. If he’s able to regain his freshman year form, he could easily end up as the best player in this class.

12.) Minnesota Vikings – Travon Walker (EDGE), Georgia

Travon Walker very well could have just had the best combine of any player in this year’s class. While the production wasn’t always there, Walker’s impact on the field isn’t hard to be seen. If the Vikings decide to move on from Danielle Hunter, Walker would be a natural replacement.

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

The Browns wide receiver situation is arguably one of the worst in the league, making it seem like that’s almost certainly where this pick will be. Garrett Wilson didn’t stand out at the combine, but he also didn’t do anything to hurt his stock. It’s enough for me to keep him as my WR1. He gets to stay close to Columbus and fits the mold Cleveland likes for their receivers.

14.) Baltimore Ravens – David Ojabo (EDGE), Michigan

Having a down season wasn’t the worst thing that could’ve happened to Baltimore, outside of wasting a year of Lamar’s rookie deal. It does allow them to grab one of the top pass rushers in the class. David Ojabo should probably only see the field on 3rd downs as a rookie, but that’s not to say he won’t be a 3-down player by the end of season. His ceiling is also one of the highest of any player in the draft.

15.) Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) – Jermaine Johnson (EDGE), Flor. St

Having 3 1st round picks gives Philadelphia the opportunity to do whatever they want. They could take three guys and continue to build a strong young core, or they could go all in and trade up. With no trades, they grab Jermaine Johnson and fill one of the biggest holes on their roster. The Eagles love depth on the d-line and Johnson has the chance to bud into a star.

16.) Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) – Drake London (WR), USC

After taking a receiver in the 1st round of each of the last 2 drafts, the Eagles do the same. Drake London specialized at winning contested catches, something Philly hasn’t had since Alshon Jeffery. A pairing of London and 2021 1st round pick, DeVonta Smith, is a nice touch, to an otherwise lacking receiver room.

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

This pick makes too much sense if Jordan Davis is still on the board, after his combine performance, that seems unlikely. If it were to happen, this is a match made in heaven. Davis is the best run defender in this class and the Chargers were one of the worst against the run in 2021. The motor of Jordan Davis is going to be a question, but he is way too talented to fall further.

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

New Orleans roster is in a very interesting spot, highlighted by their cap difficulties. The wide receiver room is lacking, even more so with Michael Thomas having hardly played in the last two years. Olave’s performance at the combine was enough to bring his name back towards the top of this receiver class. He’s fast, a great route runner, and has reliable hands, not much more you can ask for out of the 3rd receiver off the board.

19.) Philadelphia Eagles – Devin Lloyd (ILB), Utah

For everyone who improved their draft stock at the combine, few arguably hurt theirs as much as Devin Lloyd. His 40 time was much lower than expected clocking in as one of the 5 slowest linebackers in attendance. Even with that performance, it still isn’t enough for me to drop him from my top linebacker in this class. His savviness and ability to always be involved in the play is tough to overlook and should be a big in turning around Philly’s linebacker corps.

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

Another team that needs a quarterback, but if they can’t get Malik Willis, it seems likely they’ll go the veteran route. The Pittsburgh o-line in 2021 was unbelievably bad. They couldn’t create space for Najee Harris to run or allow time for Ben Roethlisberger to throw. Trevor Penning is a large man and could end up as one of the best tackles in this class. He should step in and be a day 1 starter at either tackle spot for the Steelers.

21.) New England Patriots – George Karlaftis (EDGE), Purdue

As recently as 2 months ago, George Karlaftis was viewed by mine as the 3rd best pass rusher in this class and a potential top 5 pick. Now it’s looking like he’ll fall all the way to the back end of the 1st round. New England gave big money to Matthew Judon and when he was on the field, it was well worth it. Karlaftis’ day 1 ability to get after the passer should be enough to lure the Patriots, who look like they’re already re-entering win now mode.

22.) Las Vegas Raiders – Jameson Williams (WR), Alabama

Jameson Williams talent is unquestioned but the injury he suffered that could keep him out until the latter part of the season might be enough to scare some teams. Las Vegas’ receiving room is void of talent so they should be chomping at the bit to bring in any type of talent. His ability to take the top off defenses is something he put on display almost every week. And his in-season return could be a big boost to Vegas, who should be thinking about a return to the playoffs.

23.) Arizona Cardinals – Andrew Booth Jr. (CB), Clemson

Arizona once again tailed off towards the back end of the season, a big reason being their defense taking a step back. In a secondary that has Budda Baker and Byron Murphy Jr, the addition of Andrew Booth Jr. could make them one of the best in the league. After solving the Kyler Murray situation, improving the secondary should be priority no. 1.

24.) Dallas Cowboys – Treylon Burks (WR), Arkansas

The Cowboys look set to release Amari Cooper and let Cedrick Wilson. That leaves CeeDee Lamb and a whole lot of questions in the Dallas receiving room. Treylon Burks didn’t wow anyone at the combine but instead kept his stock steady. His 40 time was respectable for a man of his size and his run after the catch is never going to be in question.

25.) Buffalo Bills – Trent McDuffie (CB), Washington

After Tre’Davious White’s injury, we saw how empty the cupboard was at corner for Buffalo. Levi Wallace, a respectable no. 2 corner, moved into the top spot and had his struggles. He is now a free agent, enter Trent McDuffie. In all fairness, Buffalo has very few holes on the roster and are in a good spot to take best player available. In this case, McDuffie is a great fit, and he should fit in well with the hard-nosed Bills defense.

26.) Tennessee Titans – Nakobe Dean (ILB), Georgia

Tennessee’s 2021 season was nothing short of spectacular with all the injuries suffered. Their early playoff exit left a lot to be desired from Ryan Tannehill and with no clear upgrade on the board, they’ll have to focus on their 2nd biggest need. Nakobe Dean did everything for the historically good Georgia defense. If he were to fall this far, there’s a clear path to seeing Dean be the biggest steal of the draft.

27.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Roger McCreary (CB), Auburn

The Buccaneers are set to use their franchise tag on Chris Godwin, which means there’s a good shot Carlton Davis walks in free agency. If he does, that leaves the Tampa corner room hurting. Roger McCreary has the ideal size and build for an outside corner and doesn’t lack the athleticism either. He excels in both man and zone coverage so this should be a natural fit for the Buccaneers.

28.) Green Bay Packers – Devonte Wyatt (IDL), Georgia

Two interior d-lineman from the same school, in the first round? That seems like a reality for Georgia. Devonte Wyatt often played in the shadow of Jordan Davis (both metaphorically and literally), but that didn’t stop him from shining. While not being as good of a run stopper as Davis, Wyatt is arguably a better pass rusher and is also no slouch against the run. He should make for a nice interior pairing with Kenny Clark.

29.) Miami Dolphins (via SF) – Zion Johnson (IOL), Boston College

Here’s another pick that makes way too much sense, after the historically bad season the Dolphins o-line had in 2021. Zion Johnson brings versatility but is best suited as a guard. He’ll be an immediate upgrade on Miami’s offensive line. Johnson’s stock has shot up since the Senior Bowl and he has made it clear he’s met with Miami’s front office.

30.) Kansas City Chiefs – Christian Harris (ILB), Alabama

Kansas City’s defense wasn’t the side of the ball that let them down in the AFC Championship. Still, they need to improve it after the defense’s horrid start to the season. Releasing Anthony Hitchens leaves a whole at inside linebacker and who better to replace it than the rangy, athletic Christian Harris. The leader of the Crimson Tide defense, Harris played a great game in the National Championship and should move himself into the 1st round with a strong pro day.

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

The Bengals priority with this pick should be the best offensive lineman available. In this case it’s Kenyon Green, the true definition of a versatile o-lineman. Cincinnati could try Green and right tackle and if he fails, quickly move him inside to guard, where he should have no problem from the jump.

32.) Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Christian Watson (WR), North Dakota St.

Maybe nobody saw their stock rise as much from the combine as North Dakota State wide receiver, Christian Watson. His 40-time left many NFL teams with their jaws dropped and he now looks like he has a shot of sneaking into the back of the 1st round. He is an older rookie, but he should also be a day 1 contributor. Pairing him with the always exiting, Amon-Ra St. Brown, is a good start for whoever Detroit tasks as their QB of the future after Jared Goff.