It is officially 2022 NFL Draft season for more than half of the NFL's 32 teams. With the final week of the 2021-2022 regular season in the books, we now know which teams still have a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and which ones will turn their focus to player acquisition this offseason.
Using data from PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator, we can see which players have been most commonly mocked to each team. Observing these numbers and trends gives us a good idea of not only whom a team might be targeting, but which players fans hope their favorite team will take once they're on the clock.
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The first 18 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft are set, with the New York Jets and New York Giants each possessing two top-10 selections. The Philadelphia Eagles have two additional first-round picks (Nos. 15 and 16) via trades with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. The Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears are the only teams that have been eliminated but do not have first-round picks — we'll look at the players they might target with their second-round picks.
Here’s a look at some of the mock draft data we’ve gathered from the final few weeks of the season.
1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Record: 3-14
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, receiving, pass rush
Lowest-Graded Areas: Pass blocking, run defense, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: 33.4%
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon: 24.9%
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 15.1%
After a thrilling finish to the season, the Jags were able to hold onto the No. 1 overall pick despite getting a win to end what will go down as a very forgettable season.
Pass rush isn’t the biggest need for the Jaguars, yet their two most common selections from fans are both edge rushers. This is more of a reflection of the current draft class overall. Jacksonville selecting Hutchinson or Thibodeaux would be a “best player available” approach, whereas Neal would be more aligned with their need to protect franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
2. DETROIT LIONS
Record: 3-13-1
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, receiving, pass blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, tackling, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: 28.7%
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon: 27.1%
S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame: 11.1%
CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU: 5.1%
After a whirlwind of a first season at the helm, Dan Campbell and his squad finished the 2021 campaign with a win. Unfortunately, it was just the third win of the season, which means they have a lot of work to do.
They could upgrade in plenty of areas throughout the roster, but the defensive side of the ball was a big issue all season. They endured some tough injuries that contributed to the struggles, but those poor grades are why you see Hutchinson and Thibodeaux at the top of the list. Picking at No. 2, they’ll be guaranteed one of them.
3. HOUSTON TEXANS
Record: 4-13
Highest-Graded Areas: Pass rush, receiving, rushing
Lowest-Graded Areas: Coverage, tackling, run defense
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU: 20.8%
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 17.5%
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon: 15.9%
S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame: 11.1%
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: 10.5%
The situation around Deshaun Watson remains up in the air, but Davis Mills playing decent down the stretch might allow the Texans to forego QB with this pick in what is considered a down quarterback class.
The Texans have plenty of problems on the other side of the ball, which is why four of their five most commonly mocked players are defenders. If they have a chance to take Hutchinson or Thibodeaux, they’ll certainly be considered. But this is also where Kyle Hamilton and Derek Stingley Jr. come into play — two of the top secondary players in the class.
4. NEW YORK JETS
Record: 4-13
Highest Graded Areas: Rushing, run blocking, pass rush
Lowest Graded Areas: Run defense, coverage, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU: 20.9%
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon: 20.8%
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 13.9%
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: 13.4%
S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame: 12.2%
EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue: 5.6%
The Jets have two selections in the top 10: their original pick at No. 4 and the No. 10 pick acquired from the Seahawks via the Jamal Adams trade.
At No. 4, we see a lot of trench players. Not only do we have Hutchison and Thibodeaux in the mix, but there's also another edge rusher to consider in Purude’s George Karlaftis, along with Alabama's Evan Neal.
5. NEW YORK GIANTS
Record: 4-13
Highest-Graded Areas: Tackling, rushing, run blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, pass blocking, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 36.0%
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon: 12.4%
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 10.8%
EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue: 7.5%
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: 7.4%
CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU: 5.8%
Like the Jets, the mock drafters for the Giants are heavily focusing on the offensive and defensive lines with their first selection. The options at No. 5 are among the top players in the draft, especially at the edge position.
6. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Record: 5-12
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, pass rush, coverage
Lowest-Graded Areas: Passing, pass blocking, run defense
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State: 16.2%
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 12.0%
QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss: 11.9%
OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State: 11.8%
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 10.2%
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: 9.5%
The Panthers were abysmal at both passing and pass blocking this season. They signed up for Sam Darnold’s fifth year on his rookie deal, but we expect them to be open about upgrading at quarterback. Regardless of who ends up taking the first snap for them, they have to improve their offensive line, and their fans certainly know that — four of their six most commonly drafted players are offensive linemen.
7. NEW YORK GIANTS
Record: 4-13
Highest-Graded Areas: Tackling, rushing, run blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, pass blocking, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 26.8%
OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State: 14.0%
EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue: 9.5%
OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State: 8.7%
IOL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M: 6.5%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 6.3%
The Giants have solid options to pair with their No. 5 pick, including Ikem Ekwonu and Charles Cross on the offensive line and Nakobe Dean at the linebacker spot.
8. ATLANTA FALCONS
Record: 7-10
Highest-Graded Areas: Run blocking, receiving, passing
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, tackling, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 11.3%
EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue: 10.0%
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 8.2%
OT Ikem Ekwonun, NC State: 7.9%
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 6.5%
WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: 5.8%
The Falcons have a ton of defensive needs, as all three of their lowest-graded categories are on the defensive side of the ball.
Surprisingly enough, their most commonly mocked player is Nakobe Dean, whom Falcons fans are familiar with after watching him fly around and make plays for the Georgia Bulldogs this season. After that, it’s two edge rushers — this might be where they lean given how high they’re picking in this draft.
9. DENVER BRONCOS
Record: 7-10
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, receiving, pass blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, tackling, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss: 13.4%
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: 12.1%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 11.9%
OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State: 8.5%
OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State: 6.3%
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 6.2%
In Vic Fangio’s final podium session with the media, he expressed some frustration about the Broncos' roster, noting that rival teams in the division all have franchise quarterbacks and his team did not. That’s why we see two quarterbacks as the most commonly drafted players for the Broncos.
Whether they take the bait as the first team to select a quarterback in this draft or not, something has to change in the QB room in Denver.
10. NEW YORK JETS
Record: 4-13
Highest Graded Areas: Rushing, run blocking, pass rush
Lowest Graded Areas: Run defense, coverage, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 15.6%
OT Evan Neal, Alabama: 14.3%
WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: 12.3%
EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue: 11.2%
WR Jameson Williams, Alabama: 6.9%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 5.5%
It appears Jets fans and other mock drafters commonly use the Jets' first selection to attack one of their trench needs, while the second pick opens the door for a skill player or even double-dipping in the trenches.
11. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
Record: 7-10
Highest-Graded Areas: Run blocking, pass blocking, pass rush
Lowest-Graded Areas: Coverage, passing, rushing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss: 25.1%
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: 16.3%
OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State: 7.2%
WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: 5.7%
OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State: 5.7%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 5.4%
Denver and Washington picking so close together could make for an interesting pressure point if both teams are still in need of a quarterback when draft weekend rolls around. As is the case for the Broncos, the two most commonly drafted players for Washington are quarterbacks Matt Corral and Kenny Pickett. After that, there's a potential big-time playmaker in Garrett Wilson or some upgrades along the offensive line, though it's hard to be confident either Ekwonu or Cross will still be available.
12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Record: 8-9
Highest-Graded Areas: Passing, receiving, tackling
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, pass blocking, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
CB Trent McDuffie, Washington: 16.4%
CB Kaiir Elam, Florida: 8.0%
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 7.5%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 7.0%
CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati: 6.6%
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 5.7%
The Vikings will likely be going through some major changes this offseason. For the first time in this draft order we see two cornerbacks top the list as the most commonly drafted players. With coverage being one of the weakest areas on the team, this certainly makes sense.
13. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Record: 8-9
Highest-Graded Areas: Coverage, rushing, run blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, passing, tackling
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
WR Jameson Williams, Alabama: 25.8%
WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: 13.2%
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State: 9.3%
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: 5.7%
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 5.7%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 5.5%
As much as some Browns fans might wish for a different quarterback in Cleveland (see the Kenny Pickett percentages), adding weapons for a likely Baker Mayfield return is the most common game plan for those drafting for the Browns. Alabama speedster Jameson Williams’ draft percentages stand head and shoulders above the rest, taking up nearly a quarter of all Browns mock selections.
14. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Record: 8-9
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, run blocking, receiving
Lowest-Graded Areas: Coverage, tackling, run defense
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
CB Roger McCreary, Auburn: 10.8%
DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M: 9.7%
SAF Jaquan Brisker, Penn State: 8.8%
CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati: 8.5%
CB Kaiir Elam, Florida: 7.7%
LB Devin Lloyd, Utah: 5.9%
It’s so hard to predict what the Ravens will do, as they were the most injury-riddled team in the NFL this season. This is why even the most commonly mocked player to them, Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary, only has a little over 10% of the selections. Still, it seems Ravens mock drafters are gravitating toward cornerback, as half of their top six come from that position.
2022 NFL Draft position rankings:
Top 10 players at every position
QB | RB | WR | TE | iOL | OT | DI | EDGE | LB | CB | S
15 & 16 Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins & Indianapolis Colts)
Record: 9-8
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, run blocking, pass rush
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, coverage, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 17.2%
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia: 13.9%
CB Kaiir Elam, Florida: 11.2%
WR Jameson Williams, Alabama: 9.5%
CB Trent McDuffie, Washington: 8.6%
IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: 7.3%
The Eagles made the playoffs, so their own first-round pick is still to be determined, but they also have the Nos. 15 and 16 picks locked down after trades with the Dolphins and Colts.
With two selections available back to back, they’ll have a chance to grab two players on their target list. Fans are leaning heavily on guys like Nakobe Dean and David Ojabo to increase their talent in the defensive front/box.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 9-8
Highest-Graded Areas: Passing, receiving, run blocking
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, tackling, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan: 17.2%
DL Jordan Davis, Georgia
DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M: 9.5%
CB Roger McCreary, Auburn: 8.6%
IOL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M: 7.3%
The Chargers have a bright future with a dynamic young quarterback, good wide receivers and an improving offensive line. The defense is where they need work, especially along the defensive line. This is why you see the likes of Ojabo and Dean be taken by mock drafters here. Expect to see Georgia’s Jordan Davis rise on this list as the months go on — he’s a player fans will gravitate toward to improve the Chargers rush defense in the middle with his unique size and strength.
18. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Record: 9-8
Highest-Graded Areas: Coverage, run defense, rushing
Lowest-Graded Areas: Tackling, run blocking, passing
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
WR Jameson Williams, Alabama: 23.8%
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State: 11.1%
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: 7.7%
QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss: 7.5%
WR Drake London, USC: 5.7%
WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: 5.2%
The Saints defense was stellar down the stretch, but after Jameis Winston went down with a season-ending knee injury, the offense just could not muster enough points to consistently win games and get them in the playoffs.
Winston might be back next season, but if he’s not, Corral and Pickett will potentially be options here. Most of the selections for the Saints come from a very talented wide receiver group, with almost a quarter of Saints mocks taking Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.
22. MIAMI DOLPHINS (via San Francisco 49ers)
Record: 8-9
Highest-Graded Areas: Coverage, receiving, pass rush
Lowest-Graded Areas: Tackling, pass blocking, run blocking
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
LB Devin Lloyd, Utah: 16.4%
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State: 9.8%
IDL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M: 8.7%
WR Drake London, USC: 8.1%
OT Brenhard Raimann, Central Michigan: 6.7%
IOL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M: 6.4%
The Dolphins don’t have their own selection in this draft after trading it away to the Eagles to move up in the draft last year. But they do have the 49ers' first-round pick after trading down from No. 3.
The Dolphins’ biggest team need is along their offensive line. Two of their three worst grades are pass blocking and run blocking. The lack of offensive linemen in the mocks is likely due to the scarcity of top offensive linemen expected to be available at the end of the first round. If they don’t like an offensive lineman, mock drafters see them adding a playmaking wide receiver or help on defense.
SECOND ROUND
38. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Record: 7-10
Highest Graded Areas: Rushing, passing, receiving
Lowest Graded Areas: Coverage, pass blocking, pass rush
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
S Daxton Hill, Michigan: 11.3%
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State: 8.9%
QB Malik Willis, Liberty: 8.3%
OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa: 7.4%
CB Andrew Booth, Clemson: 7.2%
QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati: 5.9%
It's hard to predict who will be available in the second round in three and a half months, but Michigan safety Daxton Hill has been the most commonly drafted player so far, followed by the veteran pass rusher from Penn State, Arnold Ebiketie. These options highlight Seattle's big time defensive needs.
40. CHICAGO BEARS
Record: 6-11
Highest-Graded Areas: Rushing, pass rush, receiving
Lowest-Graded Areas: Run defense, tackling, coverage
Most Drafted Player (via PFF's Mock Draft Simulator)
WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State: 17.1%
S Daxton Hill, Michigan: 8.8%
WR John Metchie III, Alabama: 7.7%
CB Andrew Booth, Clemson: 5.8%
OL Darian Kinnard, Kentucky: 5.2%
S Lewis Cine, Georgia: 5.1%
The Bears will be under new leadership at head coach, and with that will likely come a shift in drafting philosophy. In his final draft for the Bears, Matt Nagy helped make the move for their young franchise quarterback Justin Fields. Now it appears Bears fans are in on getting Fields those offensive weapons, as Penn State’s Jaan Dotson and Alabama’s John Metchie III are two of the three most commonly mocked players to the Bears in the second round.
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