NFL Mock Draft 2022: Predictions, Analysis for Combine Stars and Top Prospects

The 2022 NFL draft board is moving at ludicrous speed.

Between draft prospects improving their stock at the Combine to the landscape-shifting trades that saw first-round picks change hands for the likes of Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, mock drafts look dramatically different than they did just a few weeks back.

We're here to make sense of all the movement with a fresh, trade-free mock first round and a couple of predictions for some of the combine's biggest winners.

Mock Draft

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

2. Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

4. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

7. New York Giants (via CHI): Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC

9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

10. New York Jets (via SEA): Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

11. Washington Commanders: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

13. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

14. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

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

18. New Orleans Saints: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

19. Philadelphia Eagles: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

22. Green Bay Packers (via LVR): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

23. Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

25. Buffalo Bills: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

26. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

28. Green Bay Packers: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA, via SF): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

32. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Prediction: Chris Olave Will Be a Top-15 Pick

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

With more touchdown receptions (32) than games played (31) over the past three seasons, Olave's draft stock wasn't exactly hurting before the combine.

Still, the show he put on in Indianapolis should have elevated him from the back half of the opening round into the first 15 selections.

He zipped through a 4.39 40-yard dash, then dazzled during the field drills. With the speed to take the top off an opposing defense and the quickness to separate in tight spaces, he has total-package potential and could easily emerge as the top pass-catcher in this draft class.

He may not be the first receiver taken—this mock has him third in line at the position—but he won't be waiting long to hear his name called.

Prediction: Breece Hall Will Be Only RB Taken in 1st Round

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

If anyone second-guessed Hall's status as the best running back in this draft, that question was convincingly answered at the combine.

He needed to show scouts the top-level speed needed to turn good runs into highlight scores, and he did just that with a 4.39 40-yard dash. He also exploded for a 40-inch vertical leap, suggesting his physical tools might be just as strong as his patience, vision and three-down skill.

"I just feel like over the last two years, no running back's been able to do what I've been able to do," Hall told reporters. "I really respect those other guys' games ... I just feel like I'm the best running back in this draft."

Hall's draft stock was in a good place before traveling to Indianapolis. Scoring 56 touchdowns in 36 games at Iowa State took care of that. His explosive showing at the combine, though, took that stock to the next level and cemented him as the top prospect at his position and, according to our crystal ball at least, the only one slotted for the opening round.