The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, but we’re already seeing some movement among the top prospects in the 2022 NFL draft class in terms of national projections.
This latest mock draft from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah is full of surprise picks, with some intriguing names flying up the board, as well as tumbling down from the top five.
The first eye-opener comes at No. 5 overall, where Jeremiah has the New York Giants opting for Georgia edge defender Travon Walker, despite Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux still being on the board.
Another surprise comes at the very next spot, where the Carolina Panthers spend the No. 6 selection on Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning.
Thibodeaux finally lands at No. 8 overall with the Atlanta Falcons, while LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. doesn’t come off the board until the Baltimore Ravens steal him at No. 14 overall.
USC wide receiver Drake London (No. 7 overall, New York Giants) and Florida State edge defender Jermaine Johnson II (No. 9 overall, Denver Broncos) also leap into the top 10 in Jeremiah’s projection.
The first quarterback doesn’t come off the board until the No. 18 pick, where the New Orleans Saints grab Pitt’s Kenny Pickett. Liberty’s Malik Willis heads to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20 overall, and the rest of this year’s quarterback class is left waiting until Day 2.
To check out Jeremiah’s full first-round mock draft at NFL.com, click here.
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