It’s the end of April and yet again, it’s time for the NFL Draft. This event marks the beginning of a new NFL season and we get a preview of all the action that will be unfolding in the coming months. There is usually a lot of trade rumors that are taking place about this time, but it’s been relatively calm in that sense other than Deebo Samuel. There aren’t many teams looking to move, but maybe that’s what they want you to think. It appears that this will be the first draft since 2017 where a QB won’t go number one, but I guess anything can happen. We’re not gonna waste any more time, so let’s dive in. Here are our 1st Round Projections.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE, Travon Walker (Georgia)

There isn’t a sure-fire consensus about who the Jags are going to take number one, but the rumblings as of late are that they’re going with D-Lineman, Travon Walker with their number one. They’re seemingly going to take the upside of Walker over what Hutchinson can do now, which makes absolutely no sense in the NFL, but Jaguars will be Jaguars. Not to say Walker won’t amount to anything, but he’s not a number one pick. Based on stats, he may be one of the biggest busts in NFL history. We haven’t had a true bust go number one since JaMarcus Russell in 2007, so I think we’re due.

AustYn: Edge, Travon Walker (Georgia)

Garett: Edge, Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)

2. Detroit Lions: DE, Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)

The Runner-up in the Heisman voting and the guy who has been regarded as the top draft prospect since January is slated to fall down one spot to the Lions. Like I said, I’m not sold on Walker, so this could be one of those scenarios where we laugh at the Jags misfortune. The Lions feel like they’re one or two players away from being playoff contenders and Hutchinson will put them on the right track. He is an immediate difference maker.

AustYn: Edge, Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)

Garett: OT, Ikem Ekwonu (NC State)

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

It appears that Davis Mills is going to lead their offense in 2022, so they need to strengthen up that O-Line. Ekwonu is the guy to do that. To be fair though, the Texans need a lot of things. They could decide to go with a CB like Stingley or Gardner, or possibly go best available in Kayvon Thibodeaux. We’ll see, but I think they’ll go with O-Line like Ekwonu or possibly Evan Neal.

AustYn: CB, Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati)

Garett: CB, Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU)

4. New York Jets: CB, Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati)

What do the Jets need? Well, maybe a little bit of everything. However, a glaring need is O-Line and CB. They need to protect Zach Wilson. Even though he can run, he needs time in the pocket, but they also could use a lot of defensive help. Seriously, they need everything, but I think they’ll take CB here. The only thing that would shock me with the Jets selection would possibly if they take a QB. That won’t happen, but man would it make NFL Twitter go into a frenzy. They could take an O-Lineman like Neal or Ekwonu if they’re available or possibly Cross, but I guess we’ll find out. I personally think Gardner is the best player in the draft.

AustYn: OT, Evan Neal (Alabama)

Garett: WR, Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)

5. New York Giants: OT, Evan Neal (Alabama)

The Giants have a couple great picks here in the early first round and they clearly need help, but from where, it’s tough to determine. I honestly could see them reach on a QB with one of these two early picks, but who knows? Evan Neal seems to be the safest pick here or a CB. I would say Garrett Wilson, but I think they’re fine on WR for now.

AustYn: OT, Ikem Ekwonu (NC State)

Garett: Edge, Travon Walker (Georgia)

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

The Panthers selection is always interesting to us because they’re our local team. None of us here really root for the Panthers, but it’s always fun to hear the groans of the Panthers fans around us. I think the Panthers will go with a QB. I don’t think they have another option. Darnold isn’t the guy and Cam Newton clearly doesn’t have it anymore. Who will they take though? It will definitely be down to Pickett or Willis and I think they’ll go with Pickett. He was a little more proven on a bigger stage and Pickett gives them more readiness at the QB spot. As for Willis, there’s still a lot we don’t know about what he can do. It’s possible that Willis is ready to step right in, but from the surface it doesn’t appear that way. That’s why I think they’ll go with Pickett.

AustYn: QB, Malik Willis (Liberty)

Garett: OT, Evan Neal (Alabama)

7. New York Giants: DE, Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)

The Giants will definitely go with O-Line with one of their two picks here, but I don’t know which they will spend it on. Thibodeaux was considered the top pick back in November/December but has since fell due to perceived attitude issues. I don’t think the Giants would lose much by taking a talent like him. He certainly has the talent to be a big difference maker on defense, but keeping his head on straight will be the biggest issue.

AustYn: S, Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)

Garett: OT, Charles Cross (Mississippi State)

8. Atlanta Falcons: WR, Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)

The Falcons could go with a lot of different options here, but I think the biggest need that stands out to me is WR. They have a great TE option in Kyle Pitts, but they don’t really have anybody at WR. Calvin Ridley is out for the year and who knows if he’ll ever actually play in Atlanta ever again. Wilson is the best receiving prospect in the draft and I think 8 is a great spot for him.

AustYn: Edge, Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)

Garett: OL, Jordan Davis (Georgia)

9. Seattle Seahawks: QB, Malik Willis (Liberty)

I think Seattle will take a QB, but when is the question. I think whoever they choose will likely not jump right into the starting spot, but who knows? Their last long-term QB was drafted late and had a pretty good run. Seattle could also use some D-Line and O-Line help, so they may go with someone like Charles Cross or possibly Jordan Davis. Thibodeaux or Johnson if they’re available on the defensive side. This pick should be interesting.

AustYn: OT, Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)

Garett: DE, Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)

10. New York Jets: DE, Jermaine Johnson II (Florida State)

Since I think they’ll go CB with their earlier pick, I think they take an edge rusher with this one. They could go with a WR, but I think they can wait on that. Johnson has been flying up the draft boards and I don’t think he’ll fall outside of the Top 10.

AustYn: WR, Drake London (USC)

Garett: CB, Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati)

11. Washington Commanders: S, Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)

The Commanders need a Safety. Kyle Hamilton if available should fall no further than this pick. Some have said that Hamilton could be the best player of this draft, but the fact that this is a weak safety year could mean that he falls down the board. I don’t think he’ll fall any further. They could go with a WR like London or Williams, but I doubt it if Hamilton is still there.

AustYn: WR, Jameson Williams (Alabama)

Garett: WR, Drake London (USC)

12. Minnesota Vikings: CB, Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU)

I don’t think that Stingley will fall any further than here. CB isn’t a big need, but a need nonetheless. Stingley will aid in the coverage department and Minnesota will get a great talent at 12. If Jermaine Johnson is available, I think they may take him also.

AustYn: CB, Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU)

Garett: DE, Jermaine Johnson (Florida State)

13. Houston Texans: WR, Drake London (USC)

I think Houston will either go with a WR or O-lineman here. Since I thought they’ll take O-Line early, I think they’ll take London because he can immediately jump into their lineup. Jameson Williams cannot as he is injured. If they’re moving forward with Davis Mills, he needs help and London will provide that.

AustYn: Edge, Jermaine Johnson II (Florida State)

Garett: WR, Jameson Williams (Alabama)

14. Baltimore Ravens: OT, Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)

The Ravens desperately need protection and since they rely so heavily on the run game, they need a great run blocker. Penning might be the best one on the board.

AustYn: CB, Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson)

Garett: S, Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)

15. Philadelphia Eagles: DT, Jordan Davis (Georgia)

I don’t understand why Davis isn’t going higher on board. This dude is a physical anomaly. 6’8” 340+ lbs. Runs the 40 in 4.78! Mid-1st round seems odd for those stats, but it’s where he’s projected to go. The Eagles also need a WR, but I think they can wait until later on for that.

AustYn: WR, Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)

Garett: QB, Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)

16. New Orleans Saints: WR, Jameson Williams (Alabama)

Depending on when he returns, I think Williams is a safe bet here. The Saints will be OK if he doesn’t return until later in the season, but once he’s available, he will make an immediate impact. The Saints have a pick just a few picks down, so they could take WR here or there, but I doubt they will exit the first round without taking a wideout.

AustYn: QB, Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)

Garett: QB, Malik Willis (Liberty)

17. Los Angeles Chargers: OT, Tyler Smith (Tulsa)

It’s pretty wild that two DTs from Georgia could easily go within the first 20 picks. Chargers are about one or two pieces away from being legit contenders. O-Line is one need, but they could add a little bit of defensive depth. They could use some D-Line help, but they definitely don’t need edge rushing. I don’t think there will be any top O-Line prospects that fall to them and I think Jordan Davis falling this far would be a bit of a surprise, but if does look for him to go here. Smith won’t be too much of a reach at 17.

AustYn: DT, Jordan Davis (Georgia)

Garett: S, Daxton Hill (Michigan)

18. Philadelphia Eagles: WR, Chris Olave (Ohio State)

With who I have available, I’d say this will either be a CB or WR pick right here. Olave and McDuffie are really the only choices here and they won’t fall much farther from this spot. It’s pretty wild that we’ll see two Ohio State WRs going so early.

AustYn: CB, Trent McDuffie (Washington)

Garett: WR, Chris Olave (Ohio State)

19. New Orleans Saints: LB, Nakobe Dean (Georgia)

It’s pretty crazy how weak the LB position is in this draft despite being seen as a defensive draft. They take a WR with either this pick or the one earlier. They really just need a little more depth all-around at this point and I think they’re getting a great pick if they go with Dean.

AustYn: WR, Chris Olave (Ohio State)

Garett: CB, Trent McDuffie (Washington)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT, Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)

The general consensus is that Pittsburgh is going to take a QB at some point. A lot of mocks have either Willis or Pickett here, but I don’t think they’ll be on the board and to be honest, no other QB is worth trading the farm for. If neither of them are free to pick, I think they’ll probably go with defense. Wyatt fits their defense wonderfully. I think they can get the QB they want at 52. I think they’ll either go with Ridder or Howell.

AustYn and Garett: QB, Sam Howell (UNC)

21. New England Patriots: CB, Trent McDuffie (Washington)

It would be a little surprising to see McDuffie fall this far, but it could happen. If it does, don’t expect the Pats to hesitate. They also could go with Nakobe Dean or Devin Lloyd if they’re available.

AustYn: OL, Zion Johnson (Boston College)

Garett: WR, Treylon Burks (Arkansas)

22. Green Bay Packers: WR, Treylon Burks (Arkansas)

It would surprise me if Green Bay doesn’t go with a WR here. Then again, we’ve been in the same boat with them here. Davante Adams is gone and that makes things direr for them. Lazard will have an increased role, but nobody is expecting him to be a number one. I think Treylon Burks could take a lot of pressure off of their receiving core and make a difference.

AustYn: OT, Charles Cross (Mississippi State)

Garett: OT, Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)

23. Arizona Cardinals: CB, Kaiir Elam (Florida)

The Cards don’t really any offensive help in the draft, so they likely will not be looking that way in the first round. Trying to fill the void of someone like Patrick Peterson can take some time and I think they look for secondary help here.

AustYn: DT, Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)

Garett: WR, Jahan Dotson (Penn State)

24. Dallas Cowboys: WR, Jahan Dotson (Penn State)

Dallas could use a couple of minor tweaks. I think they’ll add a receiver, but they could decide to go with a defensive player as well. If Treylon Burks is on the board, I think they’ll take him. He would be a perfect fit in Dallas, but Dotson will be a solid pick here if they can get him.

AustYn: LB, Devin Lloyd (Utah)

Garett: OG, Kenyon Green (Texas A&M)

25. Buffalo Bills: CB, Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson)

I really don’t know what the Bills need. They have one of the best rosters in the league. I guess you could say CB, but I think they’re fine. I don’t know. We’ll see what happens here.

AustYn: OL, Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa)

Garett: LB, Devin Lloyd (Utah)

26. Tennessee Titans: OG, Kenyon Green (Texas A&M)

Tennessee needs more WR help, but they really need some O-Line help. Tannehill didn’t have time to think last year. Tannehill took a lot of heat in the last game of the season, but you can’t put that blame totally on him. Play calling sucked and Tannehill did the best he could with the situations he was given all season long. If Tannehill gets enough time to do what he needs, I’ll put him up against a lot of the best QBs in the NFL. Pass Blocking has been a huge weakness for Tennessee for many, many years. It’s crazy how good they are at run blocking but are so bad at protecting the QB. I think they’ll definitely consider Zion Johnson here as well.

AustYn: WR, Treylon Burks (Arkansas)

Garett: LB, Nakobe Dean (Georgia)

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OL, Zion Johnson (Boston College)

I thought QB may be an option here, but I forgot they picked Kyle Trask last year. The NFL world without Brady was short-lived, but he’s back and is looking for number 8. They don’t need much, but they could use some O-Line help. Zion Johnson may not be on the board, but if he is, he likely won’t fall any further.

AustYn: OL, Tyler Smith (Tulsa)

Garett: OL, Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa)

28. Green Bay Packers: S, Daxton Hill (Michigan)

Green Bay needs WR help, but they should address that with their first pick in the round. I think they’ll take the best available here, but I don’t think Hill will be available when their second pick is due in the first. We’ll see though.

AustYn: Edge, George Karlaftis (Purdue)

Garett: CB, Kaiir Elam (Florida)

29. Kansas City Chiefs: LB, Devin Lloyd (Utah)

Again, these teams don’t really need anything. They’re just bolstering their roster in case of emergency. Devin Lloyd is a guy that could go Top 15 or fall out of the first round. I think this is a great place for him to fall to.

AustYn: WR, Christian Watson (North Dakota State)

Garett: OT, Tyler Smith (Tulsa)

30. Kansas City Chiefs: DE, Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State)

I think they’ll use both of their first rounders on defense.

AustYn: CB, Kaiir Elam (Florida)

Garett: LB, Quay Walker (Georgia)

31. Cincinnati Bengals: DE, George Karlaftis (Purdue)

The Bengals came up just short in the Super Bowl last season, but it’s a new season and they’re still very, very good. They lost a fellow Charlotte 49er, Larry Ogunjobi, in free agency so they’ll look to fill that void. Karlaftis would fit right in to their scheme.

AustYn: S, Lewis Cine (Georgia)

Garett: DE, Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State)

32. Detroit Lions: QB, Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)

It’s almost fitting that the Lions received this pick for Matt Stafford, because they will likely use it on a QB. I think Ridder could be the best QB in the draft when it’s all said and done. I would honestly like for him to be Carolina’s QB, but that likely won’t happen unless they trade back. Goff is the Lions QB for now, but if a new one shows up, the seat will be on fire for the former Rams QB.

AustYn: QB, Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)

Garett: OL, Zion Johnson (Boston College)

Yacs

The Sport Chief's 2022 NFL Mock Draft (1st Round)