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The way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft

The 2021 college football season is underway, so here's a look at the way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft.

 
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1. Houston Texans: Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma

Houston Texans: Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Bryan Terry / USA Today Sports Images

Rattler had big shoes to fill as Oklahoma's starter last season and struggled at times. Still, he had over 3,000 yards passing in 11 games, showing off his multi-dimensional ability. He has first-round talent if he could put it all together this year, and the Texans will more than likely be in the market for the position with Deshaun Watson's off-field issues and previous desire to move on from Houston.

 
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2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Detroit Lions:  Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Jaime Valdez / USA Today Sports Images

Thibodeaux had 12 sacks over the last two seasons for the Ducks, showing constant flashes of dominance. Detroit spent big money on Trey Flowers in 2019, but he won't keep them out of the market for another elite pass rusher.

 
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3. New York Jets:Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

New York Jets:Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Stephen Lew / USA Today Sports Images

Stingley had an incredible freshman season with six picks before regressing last year, but he remains the top corner prospect in the 2022 class. The Jets desperately need to fix their secondary, and Stingley would be a great start.

 
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4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Jacksonville Jaguars: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Darren Yamashita / USA Today Sports Images

A huge safety at 6-foot-4, Hamilton has had two very productive seasons at Notre Dame. He's been a huge playmaker with five picks in 24 games. He would fill a need in the secondary for the Jags.

 
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5. Philadelphia Eagles: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Philadelphia Eagles: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images

Florida has done well producing cornerback prospects in recent seasons, with Elam potentially next in line. A big cover corner at 6-foot-2, he has four picks over his first two seasons. Philly has Darius Slay long term, but need help elsewhere in the secondary.

 
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6. Cincinnati Bengals: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama

Cincinnati Bengals: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
Kevin Jairaj / USA Today Sports Images

Neal is a massive prospect who has started at both guard and tackle. He should be considered one of the top offensive line prospects in next year's draft, and fill a major need for Cincy after they bypassed Penei Sewell in this year's draft.

 
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7. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Atlanta Falcons: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Sam Navarro / USA Today Sports Images

Howell is slightly undersized but has been an impressive playmaker in two seasons at UNC with a strong arm and great mobility. His game resembles that of Baker Mayfield, and Atlanta could look to move on from Matt Ryan soon as they rebuild their roster.

 
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8. New York Giants: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

New York Giants: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Douglas DeFelice / USA Today Sports Images

Willis transferred from Auburn to Liberty last year to find playing time, and he made good on the hype as a dynamic star with over 2,000 yards passing and 944 yards rushing in 10 games. With better passing accuracy, he could shoot up even higher on draft boards next year. Daniel Jones enters a make-or-break third season with the Giants, and a poor showing could put them in the market for another quarterback.

 
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9. New York Giants (via Bears): Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

New York Giants (via Bears): Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Brianna Paciorka / USA Today Sports Images

The Giants have a young, unsettled offensive line, especially on the interior. If they continue to struggle this season, Green is a potential plug-and-play as a 6-foot-4 guard.

 
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10. Las Vegas Raiders: Demarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M

Las Vegas Raiders: Demarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
John Glaser / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders seemingly try to address the defensive line year after year, but have yet to find answers. They hope Yannick Ngakoue helps this season, but next year's draft offers more. Leal has been highly productive on the interior in his first two seasons for the Aggies.

 
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11. Carolina Panthers: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Carolina Panthers: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Jonathan Jones / USA Today Sports Images

The Panthers have potential defensive line building blocks with former first rounders Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, but next year's draft is deep in defensive line talent. Karlaftis had his season cut short in 2020 due to COVID-19, but recorded 7.5 sacks in his freshman year in 2019.

 
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12. Denver Broncos: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Denver Broncos: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Douglas DeFelice / USA Today Sports Images

The Broncos apparently struck out when they drafted Drew Lock in 2019, and Teddy Bridgewater has limited upside. Corral completed nearly 71% of his passes for the Rebels last season and also flashes very good mobility, potentially giving the Broncos a quarterback to build around.

 
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13. Washington Football Team: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

Washington Football Team: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
Jason Bean / USA Today Sports Images

Strong was one of the most accurate passers in the country last season, completing over 70% of his passes in his sophomore season. A strong pocket passer, he could see his draft stock skyrocket this year. Ryan Fitzpatrick is an improvement for Washington this season, but he's also nearing age 40.

 
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14. Arizona Cardinals: Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State

Arizona Cardinals: Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State
Kyle Robertson / USA Today Sports Images

Banks is a top recruit who is set to become a starter for the Buckeyes in 2021. He follows in the footsteps of several impressive draftees and could put his name in first-round consideration with a big year. Arizona brought in Malcolm Butler in the offseason, but cornerback remains an issue.

 
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15. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

Minnesota Vikings: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
Butch Dill / USA Today Sports Images

Harris has been highly productive in two seasons for the Crimson Tide, totaling 140 tackles. An excellent athlete, he looks like a strong first-round prospect. Minnesota drafted Chazz Surratt in the third round this year, but Harris has a chance to be a game changer and long-term replacement for Anthony Barr.

 
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16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images

Cross started 10 games for the Bulldogs in his redshirt freshman season. If he repeats last season's strong results, Cross has a chance to crack the first round. Pittsburgh enters the 2021 season with an offensive line in shambles after several losses in the offseason.

 
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17. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Kyle Robertson / USA Today Sports Images

Olave surprised some when he opted to return to school in 2021. He's produced big numbers over the last two years, including 19 touchdowns, and has the speed to shoot up draft boards after this season. New Orleans has a major need at wideout, especially with Michael Thomas' injury issues and run-ins with the coaching staff.

 
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18. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

New England was able to bring back star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but that marriage could be on its last legs. McDuffie has been a standout for the Huskies and could garner first round consideration next season.

 
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19. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins): Drake Jackson, DT, USC

Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins): Drake Jackson, DT, USC
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Philadelphia's front office has long emphasized the defensive line, and could be looking for a long-term Fletcher Cox replacement. Jackson has strong interior rush skills with 7.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

 
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20. Los Angeles Chargers: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Los Angeles Chargers: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Kyle Robertson / USA Today Sports Images

Mike Williams enters a contract year, and the Chargers might opt to replace him in the draft next year. Wilson had a breakout 2020 season with 723 yards and six scores and has also contributed as a returner.

 
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21. New York Jets (via Seahawks): Jalen Green, CB, Texas

New York Jets (via Seahawks): Jalen Green, CB, Texas
Scott Wachter / USA Today Sports Images

Robert Saleh could be enticed enough by the cornerback depth in next year's draft to address the position twice. Green has a chance to help his draft stock with more snaps this year for the Longhorns.

 
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22. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

Tennessee Titans: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
John Reed / USA Today Sports Images

The Titans don't have a great replacement for Jonnu Smith, but that could come next year. Wydermyer has been highly productive as a receiver in two seasons for the Aggies, totals 78 catches for 953 yards and 12 touchdowns.

 
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23. Dallas Cowboys: Adam Anderson, DE, Georgia

Dallas Cowboys: Adam Anderson, DE, Georgia
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images

Jerry Jones has long been obsessed with high upside pass rushers, and Anderson has that potential. He recorded 5.5 sacks in nine games for the Bulldogs in 2020.

 
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24. Cleveland Browns: Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan

Cleveland Browns: Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan
Anntaninna Biondo / USA Today Sports Images

Hutchinson missed much of last season due to a leg injury but has a chance to help his draft stock in 2021. The Browns revamped their defensive line this offseason, but Myles Garrett is their only clear long-term player on the line.

 
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25. Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts): Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)

Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts): Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
Roy K. Miller / Icon Sportswire

Nelson has started his first two seasons at left tackle and shows dominant potential. Former first-round pick Andre Dillard has yet to prove himself as a starter, and could ride the bench this season.

 
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26. Miami Dolphins (via 49ers): Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State

Miami Dolphins (via 49ers): Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

Harrison is rapidly gaining playing time in Columbus and has recorded 5.5 sacks in his last two seasons. With a breakout 2021 season, he could be an early first-rounder. A big-time pass rusher is always a need.

 
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27. Detroit Lions (via Rams): Kedon Slovis, QB, USC

Detroit Lions (via Rams): Kedon Slovis, QB, USC
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports Images

Interceptions have been an issue for Slovis in two years as a starter for the Trojans, but the former top recruit has top pocket passer talent. Jared Goff enters what could be a make-or-break season considering his recent struggles with the Rams.

 
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28. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa

Buffalo Bills: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
Bryon Houlgrave / USA Today Sports Images

Mitch Morse has been a quality center for Buffalo, but he's also struggled with injury issues. The Bills could save money by moving on after this season, and Linderbaum is a solid potential replacement.

 
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29. Green Bay Packers: Ikem Ekwonu, OG, NC State

Green Bay Packers: Ikem Ekwonu, OG, NC State
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images

Green Bay is holding its offensive line together with duct tape after significant losses in the last two offseasons. A mauling lineman for the Wolfpack, Ekonu has experience at guard and tackle.

 
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30. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
Matthew O'Haren / USA Today Sports Images

The Ravens traded Orlando Brown Jr. in the offseason and have Alejandro Villanueva as a stopgap. Walker would be a better fit for the team's offense in the running game, and has been a standout at Penn State.

 
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31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Brett Rojo / USA Today Sports Images

Tampa Bay can't keep the band together forever. Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown are potential free agents after this season, and Burks is a potential replacement. He had a strong 2020 season with 820 yards and seven touchdowns, and has ample size at 6-foot-3.

 
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kingsley Enagbare, DE, South Carolina

Kansas City Chiefs: Kingsley Enagbare, DE, South Carolina
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

Frank Clark's off-field issues could be a potential issue, and his play was already falling off last year. Enagbare has big potential, and recorded six sacks in eight games for the Gamecocks last season.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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