2022 NFL Mock Draft: Carson Strong surprises at No. 2 overall, Spencer Rattler lands with Giants
This QB class isn't as hyped as last year, but the position's value will push passers into the top half of Round 1
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1 min read
Welcome back to mock draft season. Well, it's not really mock draft season yet, but we're starting to pump them out at CBS Sports because football is back. I love typing the last part of that sentence.
I don't adore the quarterback class -- at this point -- but I completely understand how valuable the position is today, which will likely lead to plenty of passers being picked early. And I think we're in for another year with an "obscure" quarterback to rise rapidly up boards before the draft.
You know the drill here. Below you will see how all 32 picks unfold, including two first-round selections for the Giants, Eagles, Jets and Lions.
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The draft order below was determined using SportsLine's Super Bowl odds but in reverse order. So no need to get upset. These are your team's odds of winning a Lombardi Trophy.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Even though the Deshaun Watson era is likely over in Houston, the Texans go with the safe pick of Thibodeaux at No. 1 overall. He's an impeccable athlete at legitimate NFL defensive end size.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Strong has everything needed to go this early in the 2022 draft. He's experienced with a strong arm, quick release, and great accuracy. Plus, he's bound to have a monstrous 2021 thanks to the skill-position talent around him.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Stingley has been on the top 5 radar since his freshman season in 2019, and Robert Saleh will lean defense in the draft. The Jets secondary needs major work.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Easy selection here for Jacksonville. Neal is a dancing bear who'll protect Trevor Lawrence for years to come.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Karlaftis looked like a future first-round pick as a freshman in 2019 and got off to an awesome start in Week 1 of this college season. The Bengals add more beef and versatility to their defensive front.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Daniels is a twitched-up, super-speedy corner with lockdown abilities. The Eagles need someone to complement Darius Slay on the outside.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
The Giants probably need to make the playoffs for Dave Gettleman and Daniel Jones to keep their jobs. If New York isn't a postseason team, there'll be a new quarterback in the shotgun next year, and this is good value with Rattler at No. 6 overall.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Willis' style fits wonderfully with today's NFL. He is a special athlete with a rocket for an arm. If things go south for the Raiders in 2021, there very well could be a new coach and quarterback at the helm next year.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
The Panthers stay local with Howell, who has the arm talent and improvisational skills to eventually become a franchise quarterback.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
Beyond Grady Jarrett, the Falcons defense hasn't had a star in a long time. That will change when Hamilton enters the headquarters in Flowery Branch.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Ridder surprises everyone going this early, but his natural playmaking skills and experience at the college level give him a relatively high floor.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 12
Linderbaum has the immense talent to be picked this early at center. Regardless of who the quarterback is for the Giants in 2022, he'll need better protection up the middle.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Gardner is the most physical cornerback in college, which will make him a welcomed addition to the Steelers secondary.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
The Vikings continue to provide Kirk Cousins with the weapons he needs to tap into every ounce of his talent.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Leal can wreak havoc from anywhere on the defensive line given his unique body type, pass-rush move arsenal, and strength and burst combination.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Elam is a long, handsy cornerback who's a Day 1 starter on the perimeter in Arizona.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Wilson is the type of splash-play specialist the Colts need in their wideout room.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Burks is deceptively athletic at around 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. The Saints have to build out their receiver group at the beginning stages of their new era at quarterback.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
The Nick Saban to Bill Belichick pipeline continues. Harris is the next Crimson Tide second-level defender with first-round talent.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 20
Anderson has freaky, All-Pro traits. With more weight on his frame he can be a perennial double-digit sack guy in Philadelphia.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Flowers provides Justin Herbert with a young, springy YAC wideout who's also a burner downfield.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Ekwonu is a pick for the future in Dallas. He can play guard or tackle and packs a serious punch at the point of attack.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
 
Jeremy Ruckert
TE
Ohio State
• Sr
• 6'5"
/ 250 lbs
Ruckert will acclimate quickly to the ground-and-pound ways in Tennessee because he's such a devastating blocker. There's serious pass-catching upside with him too.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 24
Hutchinson has an NFL body right now, and he understands how to utilize his hands. The Jets have to continue to construct their pass rush.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Metchie will thrive in Cleveland running intricate vertical routes as Baker Mayfield utilizes play action.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 26
The Dolphins wanted Javonte Williams in 2021. After getting jumped by the Broncos, they get Spiller in Round 1. He's a bruising, three-down back.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 27
London is the throwback type of bullying, big-body receiver. Sounds like a Dan Campbell type of wideout to me.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Kirkland is a pass-protecting wizard at his gargantuan size. He'll fit in wonderfully in Green Bay.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Rhyan was a guard recruit but has matured into a powerful yet nimble tackle. Exactly what Baltimore needs.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
The Bills have proven they like to wait on cornerback, but Kendrick is too good of a talent to pass here.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Hard to find a clear weakness on the Buccaneers roster, but the interior of their offensive front -- outside of Ali Marpet -- could be tightened.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
The Chiefs continue to build the outside of their pass rush with the ultra-talented Enagbare.
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