There’s nothing unsuitable with a easy first-round NFL mock draft, however it will probably inform you solely a lot.
By diving deeper into the category, a clearer image emerges. Teams don’t at all times tackle their largest holes early within the draft, and the gamers picked on Day Two and Day Three can typically be simply as impactful as those celebrated on opening evening.
Here are The Baltimore Sun’s projections for all 143 picks within the first 4 rounds of the 2022 NFL draft, which begins April 28 in Las Vegas. (Teams are listed in alphabetical order.)
Arizona Cardinals
- Round 1, No. 23: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
- Round 2, No. 55: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
- Round 3, No. 87: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
The Cardinals have an uphill battle within the rugged NFC West, in order that they want every of those picks to hit — particularly in the event that they need to hold quarterback Kyler Murray long-term. Wyatt, an explosive athlete with pass-rushing upside, and Bryant, a rugged and productive nook, fill two of the largest holes on a protection that should enhance to hold with the highest offenses in its division. Hall, in the meantime, is a tackle-breaking machine who can kind a dynamic one-two punch with veteran James Conner.
Atlanta Falcons
- Round 1, No. 8: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
- Round 2, No. 43: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
- Round 2, No. 58: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
- Round 3, No. 74: Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
- Round 3, No. 82: Dylan Parham, G, Memphis
- Round 4, No. 114: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
After including a dynamic receiver in Wilson to make up for the lack of suspended star Calvin Ridley, the Falcons retool within the trenches. Jones and Smith are two elite athletes at their respective positions, whereas Parham and Mitchell assist bolster one of many worst offensive strains within the league. At choose No. 58, Corral is value taking an opportunity on. He’s nonetheless a bit uncooked after excelling in a quarterback-friendly scheme at Ole Miss, however he can sharpen his talent set behind veteran Marcus Mariota.
Baltimore Ravens
- Round 1, No. 14: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
- Round 2, No. 45: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
- Round 3, No. 76: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
- Round 3, No. 100: Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida
- Round 4, No. 110: Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU
- Round 4, No. 119: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska
- Round 4, No. 128: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
- Round 4, No. 139: Zachary Carter, EDGE, Florida
- Round 4, No. 141: Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson
Just about each want will get full of this haul. With Karlaftis and McCreary, the Ravens add worthwhile depth at two premier positions with the potential for each to emerge as starters earlier than later. On the offensive line, Petit-Frere can function a much-needed swing sort out, whereas Jurgens can compete for a beginning spot at middle or guard. Pierce — Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rusher within the FBS final season — may not get a lot taking part in time behind J.Okay. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, however we noticed how briskly the operating again room disintegrated final season due to accidents. Ruckert, a strong in-line blocker, can finally fill Nick Boyle’s function, whereas Carter and Goodrich provide necessary depth at key positions.
Buffalo Bills
- Round 1, No. 25: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
- Round 2, No. 57: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
- Round 3, No. 89: Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State
- Round 4, No. 130: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
What do you get for the group that has the whole lot? How a few versatile nook, a whole operating again, a extremely graded sort out and a lightning-fast deep menace. Getting a receiver like Thornton, who ran a 4.28 40-yard sprint on the scouting mix, to enhance Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Jamison Crowder would additional cement Buffalo’s standing because the Super Bowl favourite behind star quarterback Josh Allen.
Carolina Panthers
- Round 1, No. 6: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
- Round 4, No. 137: Thayer Munford, G, Ohio State
With no second- or third-round picks, the strain is on common supervisor Scott Fitterer to benefit from what he’s bought. There’s probability Carolina goes after a quarterback, however with so many holes on the roster, a commerce for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield would possibly take advantage of sense. If the Panthers don’t discover a solution to flip that No. 6 choose into extra choices, Cross could be a worthy alternative because the anchor of a struggling offensive line.
Chicago Bears
- Round 2, No. 39: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
- Round 2, No. 48: Kenyon Green, G/T, Texas A&M
- Round 3, No. 71: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
Much has been made in regards to the Bears’ lack of ability to place a extra aggressive roster round younger quarterback Justin Fields, however that’s the value you pay for buying and selling up within the draft. Without a first-round choose, this may be a house run for brand new common supervisor Ryan Poles, who provides a pair of potential stars in Pickens and Green to fill some evident holes.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Round 1, No. 31: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
- Round 2, No. 63: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
- Round 3, No. 95: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
- Round 4, No. 136: Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor
In including Linderbaum, the Bengals would full their offensive line overhaul. The Iowa star is a consensus top-20 prospect, however positional worth bumps him to the underside of the primary spherical. Cincinnati additionally will get the highest tight finish prospect within the class in McBride, a productive downfield menace who would pair properly with former Ravens first-round choose Hayden Hurst and provides quarterback Joe Burrow yet one more weapon.
Cleveland Browns
- Round 2, No. 44: Logan Hall, DL, Houston
- Round 3, No. 78: Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State
- Round 3, No. 99: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
- Round 4, No. 118: Cade Otton, TE, Washington
After buying and selling away an enormous bundle of draft picks for quarterback Deshaun Watson, together with their subsequent three first-rounders, it’s much more necessary for Cleveland to seek out worth within the center rounds. Hall and Shakir fill two necessary spots after some huge losses in free company, whereas Sanders represents a worthy wager on a participant who might be higher than his struggles all through the predraft course of would possibly recommend.
Dallas Cowboys
- Round 1, No. 24: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
- Round 2, No. 56: DeMarvin Leal, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Round 3, No. 88: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
- Round 4, No. 129: Chris Paul, G/T, Tulsa
The Dallas protection wants some reinforcements, particularly up the center. In step Dean and Leal, two former five-star prospects who’ve the potential to make an instantaneous influence. On offense, the Cowboys may use a gadget participant just like the 5-foot-8, 170-pound Austin, a powerful athlete who’s dynamic within the open area. Paul, in the meantime, helps bolster the offensive line after the departure of proper sort out La’el Collins in free company.
Denver Broncos
- Round 2, No. 64: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
- Round 3, No. 75: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
- Round 3, No. 96: Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
- Round 4, No. 115: Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
- Round 4, No. 116: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
The Broncos have among the best rosters in soccer behind quarterback Russell Wilson, so this draft is all about depth and filling in on the margins. Andersen, a transformed operating again and quarterback, is an intriguing participant, and the identical will be stated of the 6-8, 384-pound Faalele and the freakishly athletic Barno. Those gamers can adapt slowly to the NFL and develop into worthwhile items down the highway.
Detroit Lions
- Round 1, No. 2: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
- Round 1, No. 32: Daxton Hill, CB, Michigan
- Round 2, No. 34: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
- Round 3, No. 66: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
- Round 3, No. 97: Damone Clark, LB, LSU
This draft shall be a vital a part of the Lions’ rebuilding plan beneath coach Dan Campbell, so it stands to motive they’ll go after the sort of powerful, hard-nosed gamers he likes. Walker, Hill, Brisker and even Clark can instantly solidify the protection from again to entrance. The secondary specifically may use some assist, and the versatile Hill — a security and slot nook — and the ball-hawking Brisker could be big difference-makers.
Green Bay Packers
- Round 1, No. 22: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
- Round 1, No. 28: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
- Round 2, No. 53: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
- Round 2, No. 59: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
- Round 3, No. 92: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
- Round 4, No. 132: Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State
- Round 4, No. 140: John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas
No large receiver till the top of Round Two? That’s simply the Packers’ philosophy. Even after buying and selling star Davante Adams, it’s unlikely they’ll change their stripes. Johnson and Ebiketie will be fast starters up entrance, whereas the athletic Muma would pair properly with star De’Vondre Campbell within the center. The 6-3, 211-pound Pierce has the dimensions and blocking chops the Packers covet whereas additionally offering a deep menace for two-time defending MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Houston Texans
- Round 1, No. 3: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
- Round 1, No. 13: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
- Round 2, No. 37: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
- Round 3, No. 68: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
- Round 3, No. 80: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
- Round 4, No. 107: Deangelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
- Round 4, No. 108: Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston
For a group that wants assist at nearly each place, this may be a dream state of affairs. Neal and Davis may not find yourself being stars, however they definitely elevate the group’s ground. The Texans are a great distance from being aggressive, so drafting and stashing Ojabo — a consensus top-20 participant — whereas he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon could be extremely worthwhile. New coach Lovie Smith even reunites with a well-recognized face in Joseph from his days at Illinois.
Indianapolis Colts
- Round 2, No. 42: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
- Round 3, No. 73: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
- Round 4, No. 122: Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma
There’s probability Dotson doesn’t make it previous Round One, but when he does, he’d be an important match subsequent to the big-bodied Michael Pittman Jr. along with his velocity and shiftiness. In the third spherical, Howell is value taking an opportunity on. The former Tar Heel can sit behind veteran Matt Ryan and get used to taking part in in a pro-style offense after placing up huge numbers in a run-pass-option-heavy scheme at UNC.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Round 1, No. 1: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
- Round 2, No. 33: Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor
- Round 3, No. 65: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
- Round 3, No. 70: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
- Round 4, No. 106: Ed Ingram, G, LSU
While Hutchinson’s manufacturing within the NFL will decide how this draft class is perceived, there’s a possibility right here for the Jaguars to enhance shortly. Adding Pitre, Tindall and Mathis would dramatically elevate the group’s expertise degree on all three ranges of the protection, taking some strain off younger quarterback Trevor Lawrence to be good on each drive. This draft is an enormous motive Jacksonville may go from worst to first this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Round 1, No. 29: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
- Round 1, No. 30: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
- Round 2, No. 50: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
- Round 2, No. 62: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
- Round 3, No. 94: Zach Tom, OT, Wake Forest
- Round 3, No. 103: James Cook, RB, Georgia
- Round 4, No. 121: Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
- Round 4, No. 135: Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon
The Tyreek Hill commerce took away one of many league’s finest receivers from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, however if you see what sort of draft haul the Chiefs may get in return, it begins to make some sense. The roster is in determined want of younger expertise, particularly because the arms race within the AFC West reaches absurd ranges. Players like Elam, Mafe, Watson and Winfrey signify necessary additions at key positions that may assist hold the Chiefs aggressive for years to return whereas constructing round Mahomes’ large contract.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Round 3, No. 86: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
- Round 4, No. 126: Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech
The Raiders parted with 4 picks on this draft, together with their first- and second-rounders within the Davante Adams commerce, however that’s the value to pay for significant upgrades. That means drafting a undertaking like Woolen, an explosive athlete in a 6-4, 205-pound physique, is a threat value taking.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Round 1, No. 17: Drake London, WR, USC
- Round 3, No. 79: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
- Round 4, No. 123: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
If a gifted receiver like London falls, there’s probability he received’t make it previous the Chargers. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are top-notch starters, however when you will have a quarterback as gifted as Justin Herbert, there’s no such factor as having too many weapons. The Chargers additionally fill an enormous gap at proper sort out with Rhyan and add some worthwhile cornerback depth in Evans.
Los Angeles Rams
- Round 3, No. 104: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
- Round 4, No. 142: Justin Shaffer, G, Georgia
General supervisor Les Snead isn’t shy about utilizing draft picks to accumulate stars like Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller. It’s left the group’s cabinet naked, however they’ve a Super Bowl title to indicate for it. Jones and Shaffer could be worthwhile items to the roster-building puzzle.
Miami Dolphins
- Round 3, No. 102: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
- Round 4, No. 125: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
Like the aforementioned Rams, the Dolphins have shed loads of picks of their quest for stars. It’s put a ton of strain on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to dwell as much as expectations, however no less than he has a gifted receiving corps and a greater offensive line to work with now. The work isn’t accomplished on the offensive line fairly but, nevertheless, which implies a prospect like Walker could be a clever funding.
Minnesota Vikings
- Round 1, No. 12: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
- Round 2, No. 46: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
- Round 3, No. 77: Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
This type of choose would have been unthinkable in September, when Stingley was thought-about a consensus top-five choose. Now that he’s been jumped by Gardner within the eyes of many, the Vikings stand to learn. Wide receiver can also be a sneaky huge want for Minnesota regardless of having younger star Justin Jefferson and veteran Adam Thielen, who turns 32 in August. Moore would complement that pair properly along with his shiftiness and skill to interrupt tackles.
New England Patriots
- Round 1, No. 21: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
- Round 2, No. 54: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
- Round 3, No. 85: Luke Goedeke, OT, Central Michigan
- Round 4, No. 127: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
After buying and selling Stephon Gilmore and letting J.C. Jackson stroll in free company, cornerback is a significant precedence for the Patriots. McDuffie could be an important slot in New England along with his sport sense and flexibility to play within the slot and even security. The Patriots additionally fill some huge holes at linebacker and offensive line after shedding starters Dont’a Hightower and Shaq Mason. The commerce for DeVante Parker alleviates some issues at large receiver, however Phillips could be nice worth within the fourth spherical as perhaps the most effective pure slot receiver on this class.
New Orleans Saints
- Round 1, No. 16: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
- Round 1, No. 19: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
- Round 2, No. 49: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
- Round 3, No. 98: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
- Round 4, No. 120: Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
Unless the Saints bundle their picks to maneuver up for a quarterback or offensive lineman, you’ll be able to pencil in receiver and sort out within the first spherical. Penning fills the void left by Terron Armstead, whereas Olave could be an important match subsequent to former Buckeyes star Michael Thomas. There’s probability the Saints pull the set off on a quarterback if somebody like Pickett falls to them within the second spherical, even when which means sitting them behind Jameis Winston for no less than a season.
New York Giants
- Round 1, No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
- Round 1, No. 7: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
- Round 2, No. 36: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Round 3, No. 67: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
- Round 3, No. 81: Nick Cross, S, Maryland
- Round 4, No. 112: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Former Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale could be pleased with this haul. Gardner is the kind of man-to-man nook he covets in his aggressive scheme, whereas Bonitto provides the sort of pass-rushing punch the Giants have been lacking since Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul have been on the town. Ekwonu is the largest addition, a road-grading sort out who may also help pave the way in which for Saquon Barkley and hold Daniel Jones upright.
New York Jets
- Round 1, No. 4: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
- Round 1, No. 10: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
- Round 2, No. 35: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
- Round 2, No. 38: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
- Round 3, No. 69: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
- Round 4, No. 111: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
- Round 4, No. 117: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
The Jets nonetheless have an extended solution to go to compete with the highest groups within the AFC, however this sort of draft class would assist them take the subsequent step. Thibodeaux and Williams are true difference-makers able to rising into superstars at their respective positions. Williams continues to be recovering from a torn ACL, however his velocity and shiftiness would add a component the Jets have been lacking. Chenal would even be a significant improve for a disappointing linebacker corps, whereas Raimann may function worthwhile insurance coverage behind Mekhi Becton earlier than finally taking on at left or proper sort out. The Jets additionally get an athletic marvel in Woods to mildew behind free-agent addition C.J. Uzomah.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Round 1, No. 15: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
- Round 1, No. 18: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
- Round 2, No. 51: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
- Round 3, No. 83: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
- Round 3, No. 101: Dohnovan West, C, Arizona State
- Round 4, No. 124: Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
The Eagles have accomplished a pleasant job constructing round quarterback Jalen Hurts, and so they have an important alternative to raise their roster with two first-round picks. Johnson is a sturdy run defender with pass-rushing upside who would add some wanted juice to the defensive entrance, whereas Burks is a big-bodied vertical menace who would complement the small-and-shifty DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins. The Eagles additionally beef up their protection with Gordon and Beavers. Just don’t count on them to take a linebacker sooner than the third spherical.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Round 1, No. 20: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
- Round 2, No. 52: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
- Round 3, No. 84: JoJo Domann, S/LB, Nebraska
- Round 4, No. 138: Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee
It appears unlikely that Willis will final till the twentieth choose, however on this mock state of affairs with out trades, that is the way it shakes out. The Steelers haven’t hidden their affection for Willis, a rocket-armed, cellular quarterback who has all of the instruments to be a star. His sport wants refinement, however the Steelers provide a snug touchdown spot with longtime coach Mike Tomlin and his employees.
San Francisco 49ers
- Round 2, No. 61: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
- Round 3, No. 93: Luke Fortner, G/C, Kentucky
- Round 3, No. 105: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
- Round 4, No. 134: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
The 49ers have among the best rosters in soccer, however there are nonetheless some areas of concern. Enagbare helps take some consideration away from star go rusher Nick Bosa, whereas Fortner can compete for a spot at guard earlier than taking on for Alex Mack at middle. The Niners love receivers who can add yards after the catch, and the dynamic Robinson is among the finest within the class within the open area. San Francisco would possibly even be capable to add to this haul if it finds a solution to commerce quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a few picks.
Seattle Seahawks
- Round 1, No. 9: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
- Round 2, No. 40: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
- Round 2, No. 41: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
- Round 3, No. 72: Jamaree Salyer, G/T, Georgia
- Round 4, No. 109: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
Lloyd at choose No. 9 looks like a attain, however he’s a prospect who coaches and scouts like greater than the media do. The huge query is whether or not coach Pete Carroll needs to decide to drafting a quarterback and rebuilding after buying and selling Russell Wilson. Adding Ridder on the high of Round Two is a a lot totally different calculus than taking somebody like Willis or Pickett within the high 10. Perhaps the Seahawks will be aggressive whereas nonetheless planning for the long run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Round 1, No. 27: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
- Round 2, No. 60: Darian Kinnard, G/T, Kentucky
- Round 3, No. 91: Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
- Round 4, No. 133: Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
Veteran Logan Ryan was a pleasant addition after the departure of security Jordan Whitehead, however he’s not the long-term reply. Cine is an impressive athlete who would kind an superior pairing with younger star Antonine Winfield on the again finish of the protection. The Bucs additionally add some depth up entrance in Kinnard and Paschal whereas taking Rob Gronkowski’s eventual successor within the 6-7, 252-pound Kolar.
Tennessee Titans
- Round 1, No. 26: Tyler Smith, G/T, Tulsa
- Round 3, No. 90: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
- Round 4, No. 131: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
- Round 4, No. 143: Tyreke Smith, EDGE, Ohio State
The Titans are the largest wild card in relation to this quarterback class. Pick No. 26 is perhaps a great spot to take a swing on a passer, particularly in the event that they aren’t glad with veteran Ryan Tannehill after his disappointing playoff efficiency. One factor you’ll be able to depend on, nevertheless, is coach Mike Vrabel and common supervisor Jon Robinson taking huge, aggressive gamers. The 6-5, 324-pound Tyler Smith matches that mildew, as does the 6-4, 205-pound Ross and the 6-3, 254-pound Tyreke Smith. After shedding D’onta Foreman, the Titans additionally want a backup operating again behind star Derrick Henry.
Washington Commanders
- Round 1, No. 11: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
- Round 2, No. 47: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
- Round 4, No. 113: David Bell, WR, Purdue
Landing among the best security prospects in years is a pleasant solution to begin a draft. Hamilton was thought-about a attainable top-three choose earlier than a disappointing 40-yard sprint knocked him down draft boards, however the velocity he confirmed on tape speaks for itself. With Hamilton and Harris masking the center of the sector behind a stout defensive position, Washington’s protection can get again to being among the best within the league. Bell, in the meantime, gives some worth as a extremely productive receiver who might be higher than his below-average athletic testing numbers recommend.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com