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

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.

Author:
Daniel Kelly
Publish date:
Apr 17, 2022 1:27 PM EDT

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New York Jets

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

Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson rushes passer — Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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

Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux works out at pro day — Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

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

Georgia LB Nakobe Dean celebrates tackle — Griffin Zetterberg-USA TODAY Sports

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

NC State OT Ikem Ekwonu blocks offensive line — Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

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.