2022 NFL Mock Draft: NY Jets fix defense, Jaguars make surprise No. 1 pick

The NFL Combine is officially over which means we're one step closer to the start of the 2022 NFL Draft. The NY Jets and the rest of the football world will embark on free agency in a week's time, but soon enough, the draft will arrive.

Teams are making their final preparations for what promises to be an eventful and exciting three-night event. And while this year's draft lacks the sort of top-end talent that other classes have had, there remains an abundance of talented prospects who could hear their names called on Day 1.

The NFL Scouting Combine offers a chance for teams to witness incredible feats of athleticism from many of the draft's top prospects. But perhaps more importantly, the Combine is a chance for teams to meet face-to-face with these same players.

The athletic drills are what draw audiences in on television, but teams care far more about interviews and medical check-ups. Still, Combine performances can have an effect on a player's draft stock.

We've seen it plenty of times in the past, and that trend (while dying) still continues to this day. A dominant Combine performance could see players shooting up draft boards while an underwhelming one could force teams to second-guess their initial evaluations.

That's why it felt necessary to do one more complete first-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft before the start of free agency. We released our first 32-pick first-round mock draft around a month ago, and with free agency set to kick off in a week, now felt like a good time to release another.

What direction did the Jets go in? How many quarterbacks were taken? And who is the No. 1 pick? Let's take a look at our complete first-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

A new No. 1 pick reigns atop our mock draft, and his name is Ikem Ekwonu. Ekwonu's stock has been soaring in recent months and that continued with a very strong showing at the Combine.

The Jacksonville Jaguars' top priority this offseason should be to build around Trevor Lawrence and Ekwonu provides an NFL-ready skill set with All-Pro upside. He replaces Evan Neal as our new No. 1 pick overall pick.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

This pick remains unchanged from our last mock as, even though they missed out on the top pick, the Detroit Lions might still be able to grab the best player on their board.

Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson is a blue-chip pass rusher prospect who would give the Lions a true centerpiece to build around on defense. He's not quite Nick Bosa level, but he isn't far off either.

3. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is my personal top prospect in this class. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Hamilton is a monstrous safety prospect who didn't have quite the Combine performance most were expecting but still possesses the absurd athleticism to see him go this high.

Hamilton becomes the first safety to be selected in the top-three since Eric Turner back in 1991. In a draft class devoid of many true superstar talents, Hamilton is probably the best of them all. Position value be damned.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Jets head coach Robert Saleh is desperate to find his next Nick Bosa, a star pass rusher that would help unlock a Jets defense that was downright bad in 2021. Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't Nick Bosa, but he can still have a similar effect.

Don't buy the rumors of Thibodeaux's motor running cold. Remember the pre-draft personality concerns about fellow Oregon prospect, Justin Herbert? Trust the tape. Trust the talent.

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

Evan Neal slips a little in this mock, and no team is happier about that than the New York Giants. The Giants desperately need to overhaul their offensive line, and pairing Neal with an ascending Andrew Thomas would do wonder for their offense.

The Giants are in rebuild mode looking to add long-term building blocks wherever they can. They're fortunate to land one here at a major position of need.

6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

I mocked a quarterback to the Carolina Panthers last time, but this time I sought to make Panthers fans a little happier slotting them Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross.

Cross might be the best pure pass-blocking left tackle in this class, and given how awful the Panthers' line was in pass protection last season, this should be a no-brainer. A home-run pick for Carolina.

7. New York Giants: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Rumors continue to swirl that LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. could fall in the draft due to medical concerns, but I'm not sure I buy that entirely. Teams need to swing for the fences when it comes to cornerbacks, and drafting Stingley would be doing just that.

There are undoubtedly red flags when it comes to Stingley, but his 2020 tape showed that he can play at an extremely high level. The Giants take a chance with their second first-round in the form of a player who can replace a potentially departing James Bradberry.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

The Falcons need to address the trenches this offseason, and they do so here adding a former Georgia prospect in Jermaine Johnson. Johnson is another fast-rising talent who has a very good chance to be selected in the top-10 next month.

He's a long, explosive, scheme-versatile prospect who can provide a major boost to Dean Pees' defense. Johnson has Pro Bowl upside and should contribute early in his career.

9. Denver Broncos: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The first quarterback is off the board here as the Denver Broncos turn to the draft adding Liberty standout Malik Willis. With the QB market seemingly drying up, the Broncos believe the upside lies in the draft.

Willis came away as one of the biggest winners of the Combine wowing scouts both on the field and in interviews. Don't be surprised if he's the first quarterback off the board and a top-10 pick.

10. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

This is somewhat of a dream scenario for the Jets, provided they address the offensive side of the ball in free agency. After landing a star pass rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Jets double-down on defense and draft Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner.

Nicknamed "Sauce," Gardner provides an absurd size/speed combination with above-average ball skills and a high football IQ. The perfect player to add to a Jets' defense that's still looking for a true No. 1 cornerback.

11. Washington Commanders: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The Washington Commanders are in an interesting spot when it comes to the quarterback position. They could turn to free agency or the trade market, and I wouldn't be surprised if they do.

In this scenario, they couple any possible external addition with Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett. Pickett is a bit more polished than Willis and could compete for the starting job in year one. If Washington can overlook his hand size, Pickett might just be the pick here.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

The Minnesota Vikings have missed on their fair share of first-round cornerbacks in recent years, but Clemson's Andrew Booth Jr. could be the one to buck that trend.

Booth is a physically gifted cornerback prospect who has gotten somewhat overshadowed in such a talented class. The Vikings need secondary help and Booth has the upside they're looking for.

13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Cleveland Browns' interest in a wide receiver has been one of the draft's worst-kept secrets. Baker Mayfield is going into a make-or-break season and the Browns need to do everything they can to surround him with talent.

Ohio State's Garrett Wilson is one of the most pro-ready receivers in this draft class, and he could help bolster a Browns' receiver room that needs some help, especially if the team moves on from Jarvis Landry.

14. Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

The Davis Ojabo connection makes sense for the Ravens. Ojabo broke out in 2021 under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald who has now left to re-join the Ravens with the same position title.

Pairing Ojabo with former high-school teammate Odafe Oweh would give the Ravens a pair of super athletes with extremely high ceilings at outside linebacker. Two reunions would be in order if this were to happen.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

The Georgia defensive linemen showed out at the Combine, and I promise this won't be the last time you hear about a Georgia defensive lineman in this mock. But somewhat surprisingly, Travon Walker is the first one off the board here.

Walker's athleticism and versatility remind me a little of Rashan Gary and with the Philadelphia Eagles looking to get younger up front, he makes plenty of sense. This could be your future Brandon Graham replacement.

16. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Speaking of replacing longtime starters, the Eagles remain unsure of the status of center Jason Kelce who has been mulling retirement. If Kelce retires, Iowa's Tyler Linderbaum would be a perfect replacement.

Linderbaum has actually drawn favorable comparisons to Kelce given his athletic upside and NFL-ready skill set. He would be a plug-and-play starter and hopefully set the Eagles' offensive line up for another decade of dominance.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Perhaps no player shined more at the NFL Combine than Jordan Davis. Davis set records few believed were possible and proved that he can be more than just a two-down player at the next level.

The Los Angeles Chargers need defensive line help, and adding a player like Davis who could play that Vita Vea role in Renaldo Hill's defense would go a long way.

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18. New Orleans Saints: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints are desperate for wide receiver help. This is a team that was trotting out the likes of Ty Montgomery and Chris Hogan at the position last year.

Even with Michael Thomas hopefully set to return, adding a player like Jameson Williams makes a ton of sense. Williams is coming off a torn ACL, but it doesn't sound like that's expected to affect his draft stock very much.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

With their third and final first-round pick, the Eagles selected one of the more unheralded prospects in this year's draft in Trent McDuffie.

McDuffie lacks the ideal physical traits that many of this draft's top cornerbacks have, but he makes up for it with everything else. He has inside/outside versatility and could pair well with Darius Slay on the outside or in the slot.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Trevor Penning is exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers need on their offensive line. Penning is a no-nonsense, nasty run-blocker with the athletic profile to give him a high ceiling in the NFL.

The Steelers are desperate for offensive line help, and while they could still use a quarterback, adding a player like Penning is a wiser move. Trevor Penning just feels like a player who belongs in the AFC North.

21. New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Devin Lloyd's disappointing Combine performance might cause him to slip a little in the draft, but I don't think the New England Patriots will be too concerned. He just makes too much sense for them.

Lloyd would be a perfect replacement for veteran Dont'a Hightower and someone who could hopefully anchor the Patriots' defense for the foreseeable future.

22. Las Vegas Raiders: Drake London, WR, USC

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for wide receiver help after the surprise departure of Henry Ruggs III. But instead of drafting a Ruggs-like receiver, they go for the complete opposite.

USC's Drake London is a physically-dominant receiver prospect who excels in 50/50 situations. London would be yet another big-bodied red-zone target for Derek Carr.

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purude

George Karlaftis has seen his draft stock fall quite a bit in recent months, and he falls all the way here to the Arizona Cardinals at pick 23. Concerns about his length and upside are valid, but Karlaftis is still a rock-solid edge rusher prospect.

The Purdue product could step in and play an important role early in his career with Chandler Jones expected to depart this offseason.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

The Dallas Cowboys could go in a few different directions with this pick and really just need to get more young, cheap talent under contract. We opted to address the offensive line taking local Texas A&M prospect Kenyon Green.

Left guard Connor Williams is a free agent and Green could step in as a day-one starter while also providing additional depth at tackle given his experience there.

25. Buffalo Bills: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Buffalo Bills love having defensive line depth. I considered giving them Boston College guard Zion Johnson here but instead opted for additional help on their defensive interior in the form of another Georgia defensive tackle, Devonte Wyatt.

Wyatt is the least-known of the three Georgia defensive linemen, but his talent and upside shouldn't be overlooked. The 23-year-old also showed out at the Combine and should be an instant-impact contributor early in his career.

26. Tennessee Titans: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

The run on wide receivers continues with Penn State's Jahan Dotson landing with the Tennessee Titans. Dotson is a speedy downfield threat who could add a new element to the Titans' offense.

The Titans need to add more to their wide receiver room and Dotson offers the speed and explosiveness they're looking for. Ryan Tannehill gains a new weapon entering a crucial 2022 season.

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27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

How about another wide receiver? Even with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected to retain Chris Godwin, they could use another wide receiver to pair with him and Mike Evans.

The thought of someone like Treylon Burks in that offense is downright scary, even with the question mark at quarterback. A trio of Evans, Godwin, and Burks would probably be the most physically-overpowering wide receiver trio in the NFL.

28. Green Bay Packers: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

This is the first real surprise of this mock. Boye Mafe isn't a super popular name when it comes to most first-round mock drafts out there, but the Minnesota product could sneak into the back-half of the first when all is said and done.

Mafe has the physical and athletic upside teams are looking for and has been quickly rising up draft boards. With Za'Darius Smith an expected cap casualty, the Packers add a high-ceiling pass rusher as his replacement.

29. Miami Dolphins: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

This is pretty much a best-case scenario for the Miami Dolphins. Zion Johnson's ascension into legitimate first-round consideration has been fun to watch, and he lands in a perfect spot here.

Johnson is reunited with his former college offensive line coach, Matt Applebaum, as the Dolphins look to finally hit on an offensive lineman in the draft.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially placed the franchise tag on offensive tackle Orlando Brown, meaning that it's highly likely that safety Tyrann Mathieu hits the open market.

If Mathieu walks, the Chiefs are going to need to find his replacement, and Michigan's Daxton Hill makes sense. There are some shades of Mathieu in his game given his competitive nature and versatility, and he projects as a day-one starter wherever he lands.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

The Cincinnati Bengals get pretty unlucky here with really no quality offensive line prospects to take at this spot. Instead, they turn to the defense and add Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary.

McCreary is another player who has gotten overlooked in this talented cornerback class, but he has a chance to sneak into the first round. Trae Waynes is an expected cap casualty and Eli Apple is a free agent. The Bengals need offensive line help, but they could also use some secondary reinforcements.

32. Detroit Lions: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

I was tempted to go quarterback here, but it's probably best for the Lions to pass unless there's someone they really want at this spot. Instead, they grab a wide receiver who probably should have been selected earlier.

Ohio State's Chris Olave is as smooth of a route-runner as they come and he gives the team another young receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Best Remaining Prospects: LB Nakobe Dean (Georgia), S Jaquan Brisker (Penn State), QB Matt Corral (Ole Miss), DL Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma), DL DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M), CB Kyler Gordon (Washington), QB Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), RB Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State), WR David Bell (Purdue), CB Kaiir Elam (Florida), QB Sam Howell (North Carolina), OT Daniel Faalele (Minnesota), EDGE Cameron Thomas (San Diego State), LB Christian Harris (Alabama), TE Trey McBride (Colorado State)