2022 first-round NFL mock draft

Hutchinson has arguably jumped Kayvon Thibodeaux as the top edge rusher in the draft after a spectacular season, recording 14 sacks in 14 games to become a Heisman Trophy finalist. He's a great potential fit opposite Jaguars edge-rushing star Josh Allen.

The Lions are in position to take the best player available, and that could be Thibodeaux. He recorded 19 sacks in three seasons with the Ducks and is also revered for his intangibles.

Like the teams drafting ahead of them, the Texans need to revitalize most of the roster. Neal is arguably the best offensive lineman on the board and could step in at left tackle if the team moves on from Laremy Tunsil after 2022.

The defensive line is one of the most talented areas on the Jets roster, but they'd still greatly benefit from an edge rusher. Karlaftis fought off double teams to record 4.5 sacks last season and had 14 sacks in 26 games for his career at Purdue.

After focusing more on offense last offseason, the Giants could try to improve the secondary. Stingley Jr. played only three games last season due to a foot injury, but the former top recruit is the likely top cornerback off the board in 2022.

The Sam Darnold experiment failed, so the Panthers will certainly be addressing quarterback in the offseason. If the team is unable to acquire a veteran, Pickett is a strong possibility. He had a breakout season in 2021, completing 67% of his passes with 42 touchdowns while also showing very good mobility.

The pass rush has been an area of need for the Giants, and Ojabo can certainly fill it. He had a breakout season with 11 sacks in 13 games and shows great edge rusher size at 6-foot-5.

Atlanta's lack of receiver depth was exposed with the absence of Calvin Ridley for much of 2021. The speedy Wilson is a similar downfield threat, recording 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games in 2021.

Teddy Bridgewater did an adequate job as Denver's starter in 2021, but the team could still look to upgrade. Willis is an elite duel threat, though his passing accuracy can be questioned after completing only 61% of his passes for 12 interceptions in his final season at Liberty.

The Jets' secondary has been lacking since trading Jamal Adams, and Hamilton could be the most talented safety in the draft since Adams was selected in 2017. He had eight interceptions in three seasons, and will hopefully check out physically after his season ended with a knee injury.

Taylor Heinicke's performance as a starter this season was admirable, but it's become clear late in the year that Washington could do better. The undersized Howell had a mixed junior season after losing some weapons last year, but he's a duel-threat playmaker with over 3,000 yards passing and 800 yards rushing in 2021.

Cornerback is likely to be one of Minnesota's top priorities entering the offseason. Gardner is among the top corners on the board, showing his playmaking ability with three interceptions, three sacks, and 40 tackles last season.

Williams had quite the breakout campaign in 2021, averaging over 20 yards per catch as a premier deep threat for the Crimson Tide. After trading Odell Beckham, the Browns are in the market for a new No. 1 receiver.

Ronnie Stanley has struggled to stay healthy recently, which could spark the Ravens to address tackle. Ekwonu was an All-American in 2021, with plenty of experience on the left side of the line.

Dean was a clear playmaker on the elite Bulldogs defense, recording 68 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions prior to the CFP National Championship. He's a do-everything linebacker teams will hope can be an immediate impact a la Micah Parsons.

Cornerback depth has been an issue for the Eagles this season. McDuffie hasn't been a ballhawk in college, but he has the ability to play outside or as a slot corner.

Mike Williams is set to be a free agent for the Chargers, opening up a need if the team doesn't bring him back. Olave is a great route runner more in the Keenan Allen mold but has the polish to help immediately. He had 65 catches for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021.

The Saints have needs at quarterback and receiver, but it would be surprising if they don't take a quarterback if they like one in the 2022 class. Corral suffered a scary ankle injury in the Rebels bowl loss, which hopefully won't hurt his draft stock. He had back-to-back terrific seasons at Ole Miss, capping off his career with over 3,300 yards passing and 600 yards rushing in 2021.

The Eagles front office loves to keep the defensive line fully stocked, and Leal could help immediately. He had a great 2021 season with 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

The Steelers' offensive line was in shambles after several losses last offseason and will be a dire need in the offseason. Cross can step in immediately at left tackle, likely protecting a new quarterback in Pittsburgh.

With J.C. Jackson entering free agency, the Pats could be looking at cornerback in the draft. McCreary had three very productive college seasons, including 49 tackles and two picks in 12 games during 2021.

Miami has had some moving pieces with their young offensive line this season and could use help at right tackle. Penning has experience on both sides of the line and could step in immediately.

The Raiders have seen a big drop off on the offensive line with major turnover last offseason, including the loss of center Rodney Hudson. Linderbaum is possibly the top interior lineman on the board from the Iowa offensive line factory.

Davis should add an instant boost to any run defense, conservatively listed at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds. The aged Cardinals' defensive line would certainly get an upgrade in the middle by adding him.

The Bengals have had trouble at guard all year, and have a chance to prioritize the offensive line. The 6-foot-4 Green could step in to start at guard or tackle immediately.

The Bills still see wideout as a strength, but that could change quickly if they move on Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley. London had a breakout season, with 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in only eight games. He's a huge target on the outside at 6-foot-5 who could take attention away from Stefon Diggs.

The Lions have a lot of needs for the draft, and it's unclear if replacing Jared Goff is imminent. It's a possibility if Ridder is on the board. The quarterback had a lucrative career at Cincinnati, finishing out his career completing nearly 65% of his passes for over 3,300 yards while also showing plus mobility.

The Cowboys selected linebacker Micah Parsons in the first round of last year's draft but could be in the market for another linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch's decline. Lloyd has been everywhere for the Utes this season, with 111 tackles, seven sacks, and four interceptions.

Janoris Jenkins' play has been inconsistent this season, and there are alternatives if the Titans prefer to move on. Booth has been a lockdown corner for Clemson over the last two seasons.

With the possibility of Chris Godwin leaving in free agency, the Bucs are likely to address wideout. Burks is a top-tier talent with the ball in his hands and capped off a great college career with 67 catches for 1,123 yards and 11 touchdowns.

An edge rusher is a need for the Chiefs heading into the offseason, with Melvin Ingram a free agent and the team potentially moving on from Frank Clark. Jackson could address the edge late in the first round, with plus size and 12.5 sacks over three college seasons.

Finding a consistent pass rush has been a struggle for the Packers this season, even with Rashan Gary's positive development. Walker has the versatility to play inside or outside and recorded five sacks in 12 games heading into the National Championship.