2022 NFL Draft: Ex-Jets Scout Releases New Shocking First Round Mock Draft

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Former Jets scout Daniel Kelly makes some bold takes in this mock draft, predicting all 32 picks in the first round of this month’s draft.

The excitement can be felt in the air, it is almost time for the 2022 NFL Draft.

The recent trade between Philadelphia and New Orleans has shaken up every first-round mock draft in America (including mine).

There also could be more trades on the horizon that have been rumored.

Minnesota has been shopping All-Pro pass rusher Danielle Hunter.

There is also the potential San Francisco’s “wide back” Deebo Samuel could be on the move.

What is interesting (and exciting) for New York fans is both Hunter and Samuel have been tied to rumors surrounding the Jets.

Where there is smoke, there is fire?

Barring that, I am releasing my latest and greatest first-round mock. I look at a first-round mock not as what the teams actually might do, but which prospects would move the meter the most for each organization.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Ex-Jets Scout Gives Latest First Round Predictions

Former New York Jets scout Daniel Kelly updates his mock draft for the first round, projecting all 32 picks.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

A relentless pass-rusher.

2. Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes will not survive another black Monday without him.

3. Houston Texans: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

There is a reason QB Baker Mayfield was not part of the Deshaun Watson trade.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Disruptive player who can be moved around with brute power, speed and has that coveted burst into the pocket. Thibodeaux is also a strong personality, who will demand better from everyone around him on this defense.

5. New York Giants: Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia

Phenomenal in pass coverage and he can get to the QB.

6. Carolina Panthers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Great in space.

7. New York Giants: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Wilson is a threat every time he touches the ball.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Shades of Randy Moss on the deep‑ball.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Shuts down one side of the field.

10. New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, LT, NC State

From day one he will change the complexion of New York’s offense. A brute blocker with a strong alpha personality who will not tolerate anyone messing around with his QB.

11. Washington Commanders: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

McBride reminds me of Detroit’s T.J. Hockenson, plus he is a tremendous blocker.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

Minnesota needs to move past the definition of insanity with QB Kirk Cousins. Strong does that.

13. Houston Texans: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

A relentless pass rusher with an infectious winning attitude.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

Looks very comfortable making a living on an island all by himself.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Philadelphia becomes Alabama 2.0.

16. New Orleans Saints: Nicholas Petit‑Frere, LT, Ohio State

A huge need to that is solved by a punishing blocker.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Green, RG, Texas A&M

The meanest guard coming into this league since Quenton Nelson.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

Piranha safety, linebacker, and corner all rolled into one.

19. New Orleans Saints: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

Micah Parsons 2.0.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Imposing corner who will get under a receivers’ skin and stay there.

21. New England Patriots: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Way beyond his years in terms of technique.

22. Green Bay Packers: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

A mean and dynamic pass-rusher.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Makes Travon Walker look like he came out of a gumball machine.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Christian Harris, MLB, Alabama

The type of bright-lights backer who will catch Jerry Jones’ attention.

25. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Brings a real physical presence to the position.

26. Tennessee Titans: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Adrian Peterson 2.0.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DT, Houston

A relentless and dynamic interior pass‑rusher.

28. Green Bay Packers: David Bell, WR, Purdue

Bell is a true elite blue-chip overlooked talent.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Has it in him and if anybody can get it out of him it will be Andy Reid.

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

A human-battering ram with violent hands.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Devin Lloyd, MLB, Utah

Fits the mold of this new kind of middle linebacker who can cover and blitz.

32. Detroit Lions: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

The combination of Willis to Pickens gives the Lions an actual downfield passing game.

Follow Daniel Kelly on Twitter (@danielkellybook). Be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.