Mel Kiper releases first mock draft ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

Mel Kiper has released his first mock draft ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. With the NFL playoffs in full swing and the college football season coming to an exciting finish, Kiper predicted where the best athletes in college football will play the game at the next level.

As Kiper and the football world readies for the NFL Draft, the burning question is where will the quarterbacks go. Months before the draft, no quarterback has separated themselves as the true No. 1 of the class. Still, options like Liberty’s Malik Willis and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett provide intriguing options for franchises.

Moreover, the No. 1 pick is in question with Jacksonville looking to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While the Jaguars can select Alabama tackle Evan Neal and sure up their offensive line, they could also select a pass rusher and build up their defense with the selection.

The 2022 NFL Draft may be months away, but Mel Kiper took his first swing at predicting it. Here’s what Kiper believes will go down in the first round.

Mel Kiper: NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1) Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
2) Detroit Lions — DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
3) Houston Texans — OT Evan Neal, Alabama
4) New York Jets — S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
5) New York Giants — OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
6) Carolina Panthers — OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
7) New York Giants (via CHI) — OLB David Ojabo, Michigan
8) Atlanta Falcons — CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
9) Denver Broncos — ILB Nakobe Dean, Georgia
10) New York Jets (via SEA) — WR Drake London, USC
11) Washington Football Team — QB Malik Willis, Liberty
12) Minnesota Vikings — CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati
13) Cleveland Browns — WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
14) Baltimore Ravens — C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
15) Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) — ILB Devin Lloyd, Utah
16) Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) — DE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
17) Los Angeles Chargers — DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
18) New Orleans Saints — QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
19) Philadelphia Eagles — WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
20) Pittsburgh Steelers — QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
21) New England Patriots — WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
22) Las Vegas Raiders — CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
23) Arizona Cardinals — DE George Karlaftis, Purude
24) Dallas Cowboys — DE Travon Walker, Georgia
25) Cincinnati Bengals — OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
26) Miami Dolphins (via SF) — WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State
27) Buffalo Bulls — CB Trent McDuffie, Washington
28) Detroit Lions (via LAR) — QB Sam Howell, North Carolina
29) Kansas City Chiefs — DE Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
31) Tennessee Titans — CB Kyler Gordon, Washington
32) Green Bay Packers — TE Trey McBride, Colorado State