The good thing about the free Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator is it comes equipped with trades — and this 2022 NFL Mock Draft has plenty of them. Simulating through Round 1, several marquee trades go down in our latest mock draft. Let this serve as a reminder to run your own 2022 NFL Draft sim!
2022 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
Here we go. Which teams made the trades, who traded up, and who did they ultimately select? Let’s run through our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft with trades.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There are no trades at the top of this mock draft as the Jacksonville Jaguars grab the top edge defender in Kayvon Thibodeaux. A terrific athlete, Thibodeaux presents an improvement for all facets of the Jags’ defense. He can rush the passer with the greatest of ease, and his athleticism and quick first step allow him to get downhill in run defense like no other.
2) Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
A rapid riser in the pre-draft process, Travon Walker is now in the mix to land with Jacksonville at No. 1, as PFN Insider Tony Pauline has reported. After Thibodeaux is selected, the Detroit Lions get a gift with Walker at No. 2. Walker is a terrific pass rusher but comes with an amazing set of versatile skills. He can drop back in coverage as well as stuff the run like the best linebackers in this class.
3) Houston Texans: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
What a consolation prize despite the first two picks being edge defenders. The Houston Texans grab Aidan Hutchinson to usher in a new era of defensive prowess. Hutchinson powers through tackles at times but can get upfield quickly with his terrific first step. He’s much more than a power rusher and could be Houston’s next great Big Ten edge defender.
4) New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The best player overall heads to the New York Jets at pick No. 4. New York grabs Kyle Hamilton, as he not only fits a need but fills multiple roles on the defense. Hamilton can rush the passer from inside the box or play a natural free safety position, as he closes space better than anyone in this or any recent draft class. He transcends the safety position and is certainly worth the draft capital investment.
5) New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The first tackle selected is Charles Cross, as he heads to the New York Giants with their first pick in the first round. In Cross, the Giants get a natural pass protector in a position of lesser need, as they truly need a right tackle with Andrew Thomas locking down the left side. As Cross adjusts to an NFL offense, he’ll be learning it from right tackle. However, it shouldn’t take much time for him to get his feet under him with his sound fundamentals.
6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly locked in on two tackle prospects, and Ikem Ekwonu is the only one left. He fills a big need, stays local, and comes in with tremendous upside. His 2021 season was dominant, and he’s as sound as they come in technical skills. Ekwonu is destined for greatness in Carolina.
7) Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from CHI via NYG): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Trade: The Seahawks send pick Nos. 9 and 40 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 second-round selection, to the Giants for pick No. 7.
The first trade of the first round involves one of several teams with multiple first-round picks. The Seattle Seahawks move up to draft their future franchise quarterback in Malik Willis. They send two second-rounders and their first-round pick to move up two spots. New York gains pick No. 40 in 2022 and a second-round pick in 2023.
Willis is the pick as he can receive the Patrick Mahomes treatment behind Drew Lock in Seattle. While you may assume he’d pencil in right away as the starter, that shouldn’t be the case here. Let Willis acclimate to the offense and the speed of the NFL as the Seahawks continue to build around him for the future.
8) New Orleans Saints (mock trade from ATL): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Saints send pick Nos. 16 and 19 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 fourth-round selection, to the Falcons for pick No. 8.
The New Orleans Saints had to come to the table with a massive offer to trade with the division rival Atlanta Falcons. Sending two first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 19), as well as a future fourth-round pick, the Saints secure their biggest immediate need by grabbing Evan Neal. The slide for Neal stops here as the Saints get Jameis Winston the last piece he needs to see success in 2022. Atlanta gets two picks in the first round as they continue to rebuild.
9) New York Giants (mock trade from DEN via SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Trade: The Giants received pick Nos. 9 and 40, as well as a 2023 second-round pick, from Seattle in exchange for their pick No. 7.
An ideal scenario unfolds for the Giants as they get to acquire two additional picks simply by moving down two spots — and they still land the best receiver on the board. Garrett Wilson heads to the Giants to be the top receiving threat opposite Kenny Golladay. Daniel Jones will have no more excuses as he receives a top-tier receiver who can win at every level of the field.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets stand pat at No. 4 and No. 10 yet come away with two of their top targets at positions of need to improve their pass defense. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a lockdown cornerback in every sense of the word. He didn’t give up a touchdown in three years at Cincinnati. Plus, he capped his career by not allowing a reception for more than 13 yards in a dominant 2021 season.
11) Washington Commanders: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The run on edge defenders to start the draft forces the hand of the Washington Commanders at No. 11. Yet, they grab Jermaine Johnson II, a top-five player on the PFN Consensus Big Board. Johnson dominated in 2021 and won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in his first season at Florida State. His motor is intense, and his pass-rushing skills are top-tier.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The LSU Pro Day proved what everyone wanted to see about Derek Stingley Jr. He’s an elite athlete and, according to reports, handled himself with the utmost professionalism. Stingley still has to atone for a down year in 2021 and the COVID-affected 2020 campaign when his level of play fell off. But the fact remains: His 2019 tape is the best we’ve seen from a cornerback in some time.
13) Detroit Lions (mock trade from CLE via HOU): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Trade: The Lions send pick Nos. 32 and 34 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a fourth-round selection in 2023, in exchange for Houston’s pick No. 13.
Getting in on the trade action like the other teams with multiple first-round picks, the Detroit Lions send a first- and a second-round pick, as well as a fourth-rounder in 2023, to move up to No. 13. The Texans have the capital and are in rebuild mode, so they can afford the move.
The Lions move up to grab Jameson Williams, giving them a complete wide receiving corps. Williams may not be able to play right away, but his elite deep speed and ball-tracking may be the best in the class.
14) Baltimore Ravens: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The fifth edge defender taken in the top 14 selections, George Karlaftis heads to the Baltimore Ravens, where he can fit right into their hybrid defensive front. Karlaftis powers through tackles or speeds around guards with a rare blend of strength and quickness. He also comes with the versatility to play several positions on Baltimore’s defensive line.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
After moving one of their first-round picks in exchange for heavy capital over the next two drafts, the Philadelphia Eagles are left with picks No. 15 and No. 18. They grab Devin Lloyd first here, as the former Ute is the best linebacker in the class. His sideline-to-sideline ability is tremendous, but he excels in coverage. Lloyd is a perfect fit for today’s NFL.
16) Atlanta Falcons (mock trade from IND via PHI and NO): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
2022 NFL Mock Draft Trade: The Falcons received pick Nos. 16 and 19 in the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as a 2023 fourth-round selection, from the Saints in exchange for pick No. 8.
With the first of their two newly acquired picks in the first round, the Atlanta Falcons grab Arkansas WR Treylon Burks. They needed a receiver even before Calvin Ridley was handed a one-year suspension, and they grab Burks to become their starting X receiver. Burks has football speed like few others in this class, and once he builds that up, he can’t be caught. He also can high-point the football and comes away with contested catches better than most.