2022 NFL Mock Draft: NY Jets build trenches, multiple surprises, and more

The 2022 NFL Draft is finally here. In what has been one of the most exhausting and wild pre-draft processes in recent memory, the NY Jets are just hours away from potentially adding two new cornerstones to their roster.

It's hard to remember a draft with this much uncertainty in recent memory. Over the last 48 hours, we've seen numerous players go from potentially falling out of the top-10 to now being favorites to go in the top-5, and vice versa.

And these are just the rumors. It's difficult to distinguish fact from hearsay in the days leading up to the draft, but this year's event seems to have more smoke and noise than usual.

As always, we won't know what's actually going to happen until picks are finalized later tonight. But it's always fun to play the guessing game, right?

The Jets are slated to pick twice in the top-10 this year. They've been connected to a number of prospects in recent days while a possible blockbuster trade for Deebo Samuel is still looming.

On top of that, with two picks at the top of Round 2, the Jets could even consider moving back up into the first round if a player they like begins to slide. All options are on the table.

With so much uncertainty, it's highly likely that mock drafts this year will be all over the place. Don't expect the hit rates to be very high.

Nevertheless, let's take a look at our final 2022 NFL Mock Draft — a mock that consists of multiple surprise picks in a draft that fosters no shortage of suspense and intrigue.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The meteoric rise of Travon Walker has been fascinating to watch. It seems pretty clear to most at this point that he will, indeed, be the first overall pick in this year's class.

While Walker is far from a finished product, the Jaguars (read: Trent Baalke) seem to be enamored with his physical traits. Jacksonville shoots for the stars with a pick that will make Trent Baalke look like either a genius or a laughing stock.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

There's some late buzz around Kayvon Thibodeaux going to the Lions with this pick, but I'm not buying it. I still think they stick to their guns and select a local Michigan hero in Aidan Hutchinson.

Long viewed as the favorite to go No. 1, the Lions should be thrilled to see the Jaguars pass on him. Hutchinson could transform Detroit's defense and kick-start a new era of Lions football.

3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

We've come full circle with Derek Stingley Jr. A week ago, there were rumors that he could fall completely out of the top-10. Now, he's the odds-on favorite to go to the Texans at pick No. 3.

Stingley's red flags are as evident as his natural talent. The Texans would be taking a chance on Stingley returning to his 2019 form, but it might just be worth the risk.

4. New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

This isn't the pick I would make, but it is the one that seems most likely at this time. The Jets are reportedly in love with Ikem Ekwonu and their lack of faith in Mekhi Becton is as apparent as it is startling.

General manager Joe Douglas makes the decision to move on from Becton prematurely as the Jets land a player who they hope could help solidify the future of their offensive line.

5. New York Giants: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Much like how the Jets love Ekwonu, the Giants seemingly feel the same way about Sauce Gardner. General manager Joe Schoen is looking for franchise cornerstones in his first draft with the organization.

He finds one here in a player who might have the best college tape of any cornerback I've ever seen. The future of James Bradberry grows murkier by the day as the Giants land a defensive stud.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The Panthers shouldn't make this pick. If anything, they should be looking to trade down given their complete lack of Day 2 draft capital, or they could look to upgrade an offensive line that still needs a lot of work.

But my gut says they're going to go quarterback and most seem to agree that Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett is at the top of their board. Pickett could compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job as the Panthers hope to finally hit on a QB.

7. New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

There's so much smoke surrounding Charles Cross to the Giants that it almost feels like a lock to happen. Cross is a work in progress as a run blocker, but his upside in pass protection gives him a Pro Bowl ceiling in the NFL.

The Giants come away with a top offensive and defensive prospect as Joe Schoen begins a new era of Giants football. This would be an excellent draft for Brian Daboll's squad.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC

The Falcons will likely address the quarterback position at some point in the draft, but I'd be surprised if it was in Round 1. They reportedly love Drake London and he has a good chance to be the first receiver off the board later tonight.

At nearly 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, London would provide the Falcons with a physical presence at wide receiver and help ease the loss of Calvin Ridley in a receiver room that needs a lot of work.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

The curious case of Kayvon Thibodeaux's draft stock will be one of the stories of draft night. In this scenario, he falls all the way to the Seahawks at pick No. 9, and Seattle couldn't be happier.

The Seahawks have never shied away from drafting players with perceived "character concerns" (no matter how silly they may be) and Thibodeaux has a chance to be one of the best players in this class.

10. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

The problem with drafting Ikem Ekwonu, among other things, is that the Jets are now unable to address either pass rusher or wide receiver early in the first round. But their love of Jermaine Johnson wins out here.

Johnson is reportedly a favorite of the Jets and the team probably has a better chance to land a promising wide receiver early on Day 2 (or even trade for Deebo Samuel) than they do an edge rusher close to Johnson's caliber.

11. Washington Commanders: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Commanders already have two excellent former Ohio State wide receivers on their roster in Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Why not go for the trifecta?

Much like McLaurin and Samuel, Garrett Wilson is a versatile receiver who can play both on the outside and in the slot. Washington could form one of the better wide receiver trios in the NFL if they land Wilson at this spot.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Cornerback is the most pressing need here, but with Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. off the board, the Vikings decide to address another position in the secondary with one of the best players in this class.

It's hard to predict where Kyle Hamilton will actually be drafted, but how fun would it be for him to begin his career alongside another former Notre Dame safety in Harrison Smith?

13. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Texans don't need to draft an offensive tackle early with Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard both firmly entrenched in starting roles. But with Evan Neal somehow still on the board, they couldn't pass.

Rumors that Neal might have some medical hiccups could cause him to slide a little, and drafting Neal would give the Texans an incredibly promising tackle duo of Tunsil and Neal while Howard can slide to guard.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Everyone in the world seems to think Georgia nose tackle Jordan Davis is the pick here, and while it makes plenty of sense, there are bigger needs to address after signing Michael Pierce in free agency.

Washington's Trent McDuffie is getting significantly overlooked in this class and he could step in as a day one starter in the slot before eventually taking over for Marcus Peters on the outside in 2023.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

If not for a torn ACL, Jameson Williams would have had a very strong chance to be the first wide receiver off the board. And while it's still possible, he slides ever so slightly to the Eagles here.

The Eagles have whiffed on receivers in the draft far too frequently in recent years, but as long as Williams returns to full health, he should have no problem breaking that trend.

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

The Saints are really, really desperate for wide receiver help, and they continue the run on receivers here with Ohio State's Chris Olave.

Olave is one of the smoothest route-runners in this class and he would provide much-needed receiver help to a Saints team that was trotting out the likes of Chris Hogan and Ty Montgomery at points last season.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Trevor Penning to the Chargers has been a popular pick over the last couple of months, and for good reason. Penning has the attitude that the Chargers are looking to add to their offensive line.

After landing their left tackle of the future in Rashawn Slater last year, the Chargers look to solidify the right side of their offensive line with Penning.

18. Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Eagles ultimately decided to bring back Fletcher Cox, but he's a free agent next offseason and clearly isn't a long-term solution. That's where Jordan Davis comes into play.

Davis could go as high as 14 to the Ravens, but he slides a little, and the Eagles land a player who could become a stalwart of their defense for the next decade.

19. New Orleans Saints: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

This is the first real shock of the draft, and it's one brought out of necessity. The Saints really need to address offensive tackle, and with the top options all gone, they reach a little with Central Michigan's Bernhard Raimann.

Raimann could compete with veteran James Hurst for the starting left tackle job as a rookie as New Orleans looks to replace Terron Armstead for the foreseeable future.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

There's just too much smoke around Mailk Willis to the Steelers for it not to happen, right? Willis is my personal top quarterback in this class, and while he probably shouldn't start early in his career, he does have the raw physical traits that will intrigue teams.

This is a prime spot for a trade-up as the Steelers may feel the need to move up to secure their quarterback of the future. But in a mock with no trades, they let him fall all the way to pick 20.

21. New England Patriots: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

The late rise of Georgia linebacker Quay Walker has been fascinating to watch. He's gone from a likely second or third-round pick to a player some believe could be taken as high as the top-15.

Walker's the first linebacker off the board here as the Patriots add a talented young piece to a pretty significant position of need. Georgia will be well-represented in Round 1.

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

Treylon Burks has seen his stock fall just a little, but he has the physicality and YAC ability to make a difference in the Packers' offense. Aaron Rodgers finally gets his first-round receiver.

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

The Cardinals could go in a few directions with this pick, but with Chandler Jones departing this offseason, they can really use a replacement. Enter George Karlaftis.

Raised in Greece, Karlaftis is a high-motor, powerful edge rusher who lacks elite length and twitch but should still end up being a very productive pro player.

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

This is a popular pick for the Cowboys as they search for a replacement for free-agent departure Connor Williams. Texas A&M's Kenyon Green could step in as a day one starter and help solidify a Dallas offensive line that has seen better days.

The last time the Cowboys drafted a guard out of Texas they landed Williams. They do so again here by drafting his replacement.

25. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

There's a lot of smoke around Breece Hall to the Bills, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it happens. But the Bills have bigger needs to address, and arguably the most prominent is at cornerback.

The physically-gifted Kaiir Elam seems to be rising up draft boards and the Bills add him here as the search for a potential long-term starter opposite Tre'Davious White.

26. Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

The Titans are a sneaky candidate to draft a quarterback here, and in a better class, they'd probably be even more interested. But if a name like Desmond Ridder or Matt Corral doesn't come off the board at this spot, an offensive lineman is a good guess.

Boston College's Zion Johnson put together a strong Senior Bowl performance and has a very good chance to sneak into the back half of Round 1. He's a plug-and-play starter.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

As part of a stacked Georgia front seven, Devonte Wyatt often found himself overshadowed. But he has a chance to be the best NFL player from that entire Georgia defense.

This is a dream for the Buccaneers who are looking to get younger in their defensive interior. Wyatt falls to them and the Bucs land a top target of many fans.

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

Boye Mafe is another player who really improved his stock at the Senior Bowl, and he feels like a prime candidate to be picked anywhere from 23 to 32 in this draft.

The Packers already have a talented pass-rush duo in Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but the depth behind them is sorely lacking. Green Bay tackles the strength of this draft class and adds a high-upside defensive stud.

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

The conversation about who the second-best safety in this class will be is interesting. In this scenario, Michigan's Daxton Hill wins out and is the second safety off the board toward the end of Round 1.

The Chiefs will be losing Tyrann Mathieu in free agency and they decide to add the versatile, do-it-all Hill as his replacement. This is a sneaky good pick for Kansas City.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

As many as 6-8 wide receivers could feasibly be drafted in the first round this year and the Chiefs make it six by selecting a player who could be seen as Tyreek Hill's replacement in George Pickens.

There are some off-field issues to be concerned about, but the Chiefs don't tend to stay away from players with perceived attitude issues. Pickens is a talented player who could very well be drafted on Day 1.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

The lesser-known of the two Washington cornerbacks, Kyler Gordon has been rapidly rising up draft boards and has a very good chance to be taken in Round 1.

The Bengals could address center here and go with Tyler Linderbaum. They could address their defensive line or even tight end. Instead, we give them a young promising cornerback to bolster their secondary.

32. Detroit Lions: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Devin Lloyd slide ends here with the final pick of the first round as the Lions go with a BPA approach and land a very talented defensive stud.

Many seem to believe that a quarterback could be on the table here, but I think the Lions wait until next year to address the position. Lloyd is too good to pass up at this spot.

Best Remaining Prospects: CB Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson), C Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa), LB Nakobe Dean (Georgia), WR Jahan Dotson (Penn State), EDGE David Ojabo (Michigan), S Lewis Cine (Georgia), QB Matt Corral (Ole Miss), QB Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), RB Breece Hall (Iowa State), S Jaquan Brisker (Penn State), DL Logan Hall (Houston), DL DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M), WR Skyy Moore (Western Michigan), S Jalen Pitre (Baylor), WR Christian Watson (North Dakota State), EDGE Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State), CB Roger McCreary (Auburn), TE Trey McBride (Colorado State), OT Tyer Smith (Tulsa), DT Travis Jones (Connecticut), WR John Metchie III (Alabama)