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Mel Kiper Jr.
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Football analyst- Mel Kiper has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on SportsCenter and ESPN Radio and writes weekly for ESPN Insider.
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Todd McShay
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ESPN Senior Writer- ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
- Joined ESPN in 2006
- Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.
In nine short days, Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft will finally be here. One day later, we’ll get Rounds 2 and 3. So NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay are here to project all 105 picks of the first three rounds.
The twist? Kiper and McShay took turns, alternating each selection. They made their predictions for Rounds 1-3 based on a combination of what they think each team will do and what they would do. They’re playing general manager for all 32 teams and using their personal rankings to guide them. The rules for the draft:
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Three full rounds, 105 total picks, with prospect predictions for each slot.
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Kiper and McShay alternated each pick, with McShay starting at No. 1 and taking the odd numbers and Kiper taking the evens.
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No deals that even hint at “I won’t take Player X if you don’t take Player Y.” No cheating.
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No trades allowed here. We’re just following the board as it is.
Eight teams make at least five picks, and all 32 franchises have at least one selection — though the Dolphins and Rams will have to wait until late in Round 3. McShay gets us going with the Jaguars at No. 1, and he’ll also get the final pick of this mock draft as we go through the compensatory selections to the 49ers at No. 105. Check out the SportsCenter Special: Kiper & McShay Three-Round Mock Draft at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Note: An asterisk denotes a compensatory selection.
ROUND 1
McShay’s pick: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Top selection, best player on the board. It’s that simple. Josh Allen and Hutchinson — who had 14 sacks last season — would form a fantastic edge-rush duo in Jacksonville.
Kiper’s pick: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
I don’t have Walker ranked this high — he’s No. 10 on my Big Board — but he’s going to go in the top five picks because of his ceiling. If the Lions can’t get Hutchinson, they could get instant edge-rush help with Walker.
McShay’s pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
The Texans had just 32 sacks last season, and Thibodeaux has an incredibly fast first step off the edge. Houston has been looking for a top pass-rusher since it moved on from J.J. Watt last offseason.
Kiper’s pick: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
With the top three edge rushers gone, I think the Jets will go with the best defender available. Gardner can be a shutdown corner.
McShay’s pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Andrew Thomas looked better in 2021, but the Giants still need a tackle opposite him — and the best one in the class is still here at No. 5. New GM Joe Schoen would be sprinting to turn in the pick card if the board fell this way.
Kiper’s pick: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Unless the Panthers trade down here, they won’t have any picks on the second day of the draft. This is their chance to get a quarterback. Willis is more talented than Kenny Pickett.
McShay’s pick: Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State
Hutchinson, Walker and Thibodeaux went 1-2-3, but Johnson is also worthy of a top-10 pick, and the Giants have a glaring issue at edge rusher. This would be a great start to the draft for the Giants, checking off a pair of boxes with their first two picks.
Kiper’s pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
What do the Falcons need here, Todd? I’d say everything. Wilson, a smooth route runner with elite speed, can be their No. 1 receiver.
McShay’s pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Sure, quarterback is a possibility — but with Duane Brown‘s spot at left tackle vacant and Neal falling, the Seahawks need to make this happen. It doesn’t matter if it’s Drew Lock or someone else, whoever starts under center will struggle if he can’t stay upright.
Kiper’s pick: Drake London, WR, USC
This might be wide receiver all the way, unless a team trades up. Jameson Williams could be an option, but I like the 6-foot-4 London a little more. He’s a weapon in the red zone.
McShay’s pick: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Man, London would have fit nicely with Washington, and Ohio State receiver Chris Olave wouldn’t be out of the question. But Hamilton’s value is too strong to pass up. Let’s get the Commanders a difference-maker on the back end of the defense and worry about receiver on Day 2.
1:25
Check out the best highlights from former Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton ahead of the NFL draft.
Kiper’s pick: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Stingley made the list of my favorite prospects, and I mentioned that Minnesota is probably his floor in Round 1. NFL teams will bet on his talent, even with back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
McShay’s pick: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
If Davis Mills is going to have success in the NFL, Houston has to get some protection for him. Cross might be the best pure pass-protector in the entire class.
Kiper’s pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Ravens have options here. They could also go with an offensive tackle or defensive lineman. McDuffie gives them versatility and depth at a position that was injury-hit last season.
McShay’s pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
He might not be ready for Week 1 as he rehabs his torn ACL, but Williams has the wheels, elusiveness and hands to be a serious problem for NFL defenses. The Eagles keep drafting Day 1 receivers, but pairing Williams with DeVonta Smith — last year’s first-rounder — should halt that urge for quite a while.
Kiper’s pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
With two first-round picks now, the Saints could keep their picks or try to move up for a quarterback. If they keep them, they have to get a starting right tackle. And ultimately, if they think they are a contender, they should focus on guys who can play immediately. Penning is a nasty finisher.
McShay’s pick: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Are you surprised? I don’t think the need for a run-stopper like Davis is as big as it once was, considering the Chargers signed Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson. But this 341-pounder has been a popular mock draft pick here, and he would only help improve a miserable run defense.
Kiper’s pick: Daxton Hill, S/CB, Michigan
I’m a huge fan of Hill, who played mostly as a slot corner for the Wolverines last season. He could stuff the stat sheet for the Eagles, making tackles at the line of scrimmage and getting his hands on passes as a center fielder.
McShay’s pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Mel took care of Terron Armstead‘s replacement at offensive tackle (Penning), so I’ll finish the first-round job for the Saints with a receiver. Michael Thomas hasn’t been on the field much over the past two seasons, and the depth chart is pretty weak beyond him. Olave is a smooth route runner with the ability to make vertical plays.
Kiper’s pick: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Will Pickett go higher than No. 20? Probably. But without trades and with the Saints getting two instant starters and forgoing a quarterback in this scenario, Pittsburgh is the most logical landing spot for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he beat out Mitch Trubisky.
McShay’s pick: Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia
If you’ve read my other mock drafts this spring, you know I love this fit. Dean has some unbelievable tape, and coach Bill Belichick would get him involved on defense in a number of ways.
Kiper’s pick: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
This one is tricky because there’s a chance the top four receivers will be off the board by the time the Packers pick, and so if they want their guy, they might have to package Nos. 22 and 28 and trade up. If they stay put, Watson, who has stellar physical tools but is still a little raw, makes sense.
McShay’s pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Watson over Burks, Mel? In my eyes, the Cardinals get lucky here. They re-signed A.J. Green, but Christian Kirk is off to Jacksonville, and Burks is a physical receiver who can produce after the catch and do damage out of the slot in Arizona.
Kiper’s pick: Arnold Ebiketie, DE/OLB, Penn State
I love this team-prospect pairing, especially if this many receivers have already been taken. Ebiketie can join Micah Parsons — another former Nittany Lion — in Dallas, and he’ll allow Parsons to stay at off-ball linebacker.
McShay’s pick: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Six receivers are off the board, so I’m looking at cornerback here all the way. Booth — who excels in press-man coverage — would be a perfect replacement for Levi Wallace opposite Tre’Davious White (who is recovering from a torn ACL).
Kiper’s pick: Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College
This is a pick for a clear need position. Johnson dominated at left guard for Boston College last season, but he could move to center if needed. The Titans have to get road graders to pave the way for Derrick Henry.
McShay’s pick: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Johnson would have been a great pick for Tampa Bay, but you stole him, Mel. Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green could make sense, too, to help fill the Ali Marpet/Alex Cappa void on the interior line. But I’m going with the interior of the other line, where the Bucs appear set to lose Ndamukong Suh.
Kiper’s pick: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The Packers parted ways with Za’Darius Smith, but they still need edge-rush help. Karlaftis played both stand-up outside linebacker and hand-in-the-dirt end for the Boilermakers, so he’s a fit in Joe Barry’s scheme.
McShay’s pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
I think the Chiefs will be in the trade-up business with these back-to-back picks, but since we’re not simulating such moves today, I’m setting Patrick Mahomes up with another speedy pass-catcher with excellent hands.
Kiper’s pick: David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
For a contender like Kansas City, why not take a chance on a pass-rusher with top-10 upside? The only reason Ojabo dropped this far is the torn Achilles he suffered in March. The Chiefs can afford to wait on him. He could make an impact down the stretch of the season.
McShay’s pick: Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah
I originally thought hard about Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum here, but Lloyd’s slide out of the top 30 forced my hand. Lloyd impacts the game in so many ways, and he could be the long-term answer in the middle of the Bengals’ defense.
Kiper’s pick: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
How about this one, Todd? The Lions would get the fifth-year option for Ridder, which we know is important. And I think he could be their starter soon. Ridder is a veteran with poise, arm strength and the ability to throw on the move.
ROUND 2
McShay’s pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Linderbaum is a first-round talent who is still here to start Day 2. And wouldn’t you know it, the Jags have a hole at center after Brandon Linder retired this offseason.
Kiper’s pick: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Cine played safety, nickel corner, wide corner and linebacker for the national champs last season. He also ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the combine. With their third pick in the top 34, the Lions could get a player who makes the whole defense better.
McShay’s pick: Boye Mafe, OLB, Minnesota
You had the Jets’ two first-rounders and passed on edge rushers, Mel, so I guess it’s up to me to find someone to get after the QB. And if you want explosion off the edge, Mafe is your guy.
Kiper’s pick: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
If the Giants address their offensive and defensive lines with picks Nos. 5 and 7, they can move on to find a safety or linebacker here. Pitre is physical against the run and has some range in coverage.
0:51
Check out the best highlights that contributed to a great college career for Baylor’s Jalen Pitre.
McShay’s pick: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
It’s no secret that Houston has a lot of weak spots on its roster, and we could go just about any direction here after a great Day 1 haul of Thibodeaux and Cross. But the Texans were dead last in the NFL in rushing last season (3.4 yards per carry), and Hall is tough to contain when he finds some space.
Kiper’s pick: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Walker is a punishing runner who complements Michael Carter well. Zach Wilson has to get more help around him — Drake London at No. 10 is a great start, too — and this is a way to take off some pressure.
McShay’s pick: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Chicago gets things rolling on its draft weekend with my No. 27 prospect. Green is versatile and would make an impact for the Bears as both a pass-protector and run-blocker.
Kiper’s pick: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Am I picking all the quarterbacks in this exercise, Todd? I just don’t see Seattle going into the season with only Drew Lock and Geno Smith. Corral has a quick release, but he will need time to adjust to running an NFL-level offense.
McShay’s pick: Quay Walker, ILB, Georgia
You got the bigger attention-grabber of these two back-to-back Seattle picks, Mel, but let’s not sleep on what Walker could do in the Seahawks’ defense. I like the idea of teaming the hard-hitting Walker up with Jordyn Brooks at the second level.
Kiper’s pick: Tyler Smith, OT/G, Tulsa
For the Colts’ first pick, I see them going best offensive lineman on the board. They have a hole at right guard and left tackle. Smith could fill either of those voids. He was almost too aggressive at times last season (12 penalties), but he is physical at the point of attack.
McShay’s pick: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Falcons brought in Casey Hayward Jr., but he’s 32 years old. Gordon has some value here for a team that still needs more difference-makers in the secondary behind A.J. Terrell.
Kiper’s pick: Travis Jones, DT, UConn
Jones is a 6-foot-4, 325-pound nose tackle who can swallow up double-teams and free up the linebackers behind him. The Browns don’t have much draft capital to grab impact players, but Jones is a tremendous fit.
McShay’s pick: Cameron Jurgens, C, Nebraska
This is perhaps a slight reach, but Baltimore needs a center after Bradley Bozeman departed in free agency. And I like Jurgens’ quickness as a zone blocker, which fits nicely with the Ravens’ run-heavy scheme.
Kiper’s pick: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
McBride is the first tight end off the board in a so-so class, and the Vikings need to replace Tyler Conklin, even with Irv Smith Jr. returning from injury. McBride is a threat inline and from the slot.
McShay’s pick: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Moore had a great combine, and he showed great ball skills on tape. His best trait is his ability to produce after the catch. This would give Carson Wentz another really good target in the pass game, along with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.
Kiper’s pick: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Bears’ pass defense was awful last season — they allowed 31 touchdown passes — and they need someone on the other side of Jaylon Johnson. Elam is big (6-foot-1), fast (4.39 40 at the combine) and has great ball skills.
McShay’s pick: Sam Howell, QB, UNC
I promise I’m not making this pick solely because Mel has drafted the first four quarterbacks. Let Howell develop — his footwork, for one, needs some work — behind Jameis Winston and see what you have. His touch on the deep ball stands out on tape.
Kiper’s pick: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Charvarius Ward, who signed with the 49ers this offseason, was an underrated part of the Chiefs’ success. Kansas City hasn’t yet found a replacement for him. McCreary has short arms, but he could play outside or in the slot.
McShay’s pick: Christian Harris, ILB, Alabama
It’s easy to fall in love with Harris’ versatility and full-throttle approach to the game. Philly struggled to contain tight ends last season, and Harris is outstanding in coverage.
Kiper’s pick: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
This is another pick I projected in my recent two-round mock. The Steelers need a slot playmaker after JuJu Smith-Schuster left in free agency. Metchie tore his ACL in December, but he could be healthy for training camp.
McShay’s pick: Logan Hall, DE, Houston
Some see Hall as a 283-pound position-less tweener, but I look at his versatility as a good thing. I could see him playing multiple roles — including 5-technique — in Green Bay’s 3-4.
Kiper’s pick: Dylan Parham, C/G, Memphis
Parham just feels like a Patriots kind of lineman. He’s a veteran (51 college starts) who is technically sound. He played both guard spots and right tackle for the Tigers, but he will likely stay at guard in the NFL.
McShay’s pick: Nik Bonitto, OLB, Oklahoma
Arizona’s pass rush win rate off the edge was 27th in the NFL last season (10.9%), and that was before Chandler Jones signed elsewhere. So yeah, it’s a problem. Bonitto has the burst and bend to get home on the QB.
Kiper’s pick: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
With La’el Collins gone, Lucas could compete for Dallas’ right tackle spot. He’s not a surefire early starter, but his experience at right tackle (2,862 college snaps) makes him a nice value pick this late on Round 2.
McShay’s pick: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pickens tracks the deep ball well, and Josh Allen would have a field day targeting him on vertical shots. One of the top offenses in the NFL just got better.
0:46
Check out the best highlights that contributed to a stellar college career for Georgia’s George Pickens.
Kiper’s pick: Drake Jackson, OLB, USC
Atlanta’s pass rush was abysmal last season; its 18 sacks were 11 fewer than any other team. Jackson has some upside, even if he didn’t always produce for the Trojans. He’s an ideal match for a Dean Pees defense.
McShay’s pick: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Robert Tonyan is returning, but he’s also coming off a torn ACL. Dulcich is the kind of seam stretcher whom Aaron Rodgers loves to target.
Kiper’s pick: Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
This is a clear need position for Tampa Bay, which lost Alex Cappa in free agency and Ali Marpet to retirement. Even after the trade for Shaq Mason, the Bucs have a hole. Strange, who had a really solid Senior Bowl, started 44 games at left guard in college.
McShay’s pick: Nick Cross, S, Maryland
The Niners could look at someone like UTSA cornerback Tariq Woolen, but the value is much better on Cross here when it comes to the secondary. Jimmie Ward is entering the final year of his deal, and Cross has size, range and versatility.
Kiper’s pick: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Yes, Todd gave the Chiefs a wideout in Round 1, but they should take Pierce, too, if he’s available. He’s a speedy (and big) deep threat who can make contested catches. He and Jahan Dotson could help fill the Tyreek Hill role.
McShay’s pick: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
There isn’t really a cornerback in this range, and the Bengals could use a boost on the interior of the defensive line, especially after losing Larry Ogunjobi. Mathis’ game went to another level in 2021.
Kiper’s pick: Cam Taylor-Britt, S, Nebraska
Denver dealt away its premium picks to land Russell Wilson, and this one is from the Rams’ trade for Von Miller. Taylor-Britt’s 4.38 40 at the combine wowed scouts. He played a lot of corner in college, but I see his best position as free safety in the NFL.
ROUND 3
McShay’s pick: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Get the ball in this guy’s hands. He’ll break your ankles with his explosive shiftiness and then run away from you with his speed. Jacksonville could use another playmaker for Trevor Lawrence.
Kiper’s pick: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
We’ve probably undervalued Tindall a little bit, Todd — I think he’s more likely to go in the top 45 picks. The Lions could get a steal here with a fast off-ball linebacker with upside.
McShay’s pick: Chad Muma, ILB, Wyoming
With Blake Martinez coming off a torn ACL, why not get some insurance at inside linebacker? Muma tied for the FBS lead in tackles last season (125).
Kiper’s pick: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
This is the first Texans pick I’ve gotten to make, and they really need to add as much talent as they can, no matter the position. Brisker could be a potential Justin Reid replacement.
McShay’s pick: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
The Jets land a steal here in Raimann, who has a ton of upside. He gives the Jets some options at tackle, especially if Mekhi Becton‘s injury concerns continue.
Kiper’s pick: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
I’m going to double up on short slot receivers for the Jags, because I’m not sure Laviska Shenault Jr.’s future is in Jacksonville. Todd gave the Jaguars Robinson a few picks ago, and Austin is a dynamo with the ball in his hands. At 5-foot-8, he ran a 4.32 40 at the combine. Austin and Robinson can be versatile targets for a quarterback who needs them.
McShay’s pick: Josh Paschal, DE, Kentucky
The Bears would have drafted either of the two players who just came off the board if still available — Chicago could use Raimann on its offensive line or Austin catching passes. But Paschal could make an instant impact, too, especially defending the run off the edge.
Kiper’s pick: Amare Barno, OLB, Virginia Tech
Barno was a workout warrior at the combine, running a 4.36 40 at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds. He also led all edge rushers there with a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump. Seattle has to add front-seven talent in this draft.
McShay’s pick: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
The Colts have to get themselves a receiver before Friday night is over, even though 13 are already off the board. Matt Ryan, meet Tolbert, who is a smooth route runner with good speed.
Kiper’s pick: Troy Andersen, ILB, Montana State
Andersen, who played quarterback and running back early in his college career, is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He had 150 tackles last season, and he’ll light up ball carriers.
McShay’s pick: Leo Chenal, ILB, Wisconsin
Chenal is the best player still on the board, and even though the Broncos re-signed Josey Jewell, he’d make a splash in the middle of the Denver defense with his sideline-to-sideline range.
Kiper’s pick: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Since you filled Baltimore’s hole at center, Todd, the next position on my list is defensive tackle. Winfrey could be a steal here. He was one of the best prospects at the Senior Bowl, though he was inconsistent at Oklahoma. He could play end in a 3-4 scheme.
McShay’s pick: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
The Vikings allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season, tied for third worst in the NFL, so they need help up the middle. And their edge rushing could use depth. So while Leal lacks the ideal speed of an edge rusher or the ideal size of a traditional defensive tackle, Minnesota would welcome a prospect like him who can move around and affect multiple areas of the defense.
0:41
Check out the best highlights that contributed to a stellar college career for Texas A&M’s DeMarvin Leal.
Kiper’s pick: Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State
Before Cleveland traded the No. 13 overall pick to get Deshaun Watson, I thought it would target one of the first-round wideouts. Here, the Browns could get a slot target to replace Jarvis Landry. Last season, 789 of Shakir’s 1,117 yards came when lined up in the slot.
McShay’s pick: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
A 6-foot-8, 384-pounder at right tackle opposite Rashawn Slater? In the third round? The Chargers would be pumped for this outcome, even if Faalele takes a bit of time to develop into a regular starter.
Kiper’s pick: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
With the last of Houston’s five picks in the first three rounds, I’m going to give the Texans an ascending corner who is the best return man in the class. He won the Paul Hornung Award last season as the most versatile player in college football. Jones is only 5-foot-8, which means he’s probably a slot corner only.
McShay’s pick: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
I love this guy’s traits. Woolen is a former receiver who is still learning the cornerback position, but he ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the combine at 6-foot-4. Tack on the explosion demonstrated by a 42-inch vertical jump and some incredible 33 5/8-inch length, and you have someone who could develop into a star with time.
Kiper’s pick: Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
Let’s continue the Falcons’ perfect class, since I’ve done four of their five picks here. Butler is underrated; watch his tape against Alabama and you’d think he was a first-round lock. He was inconsistent at times, but he has rare endurance for a 300-pounder. He could play end in Atlanta’s 3-4 scheme.
McShay’s pick: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
Mel handed the Eagles a defensive back in Hill earlier, but remember that this secondary allowed a 69.4% completion percentage last season (tied for the worst in the NFL). Oh, and Joseph is a ball hawk who can play multiple defensive back roles.
Kiper’s pick: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Here’s another really solid Cincinnati defender, and it was Bryant, not Ahmad Gardner, who won the Jim Thorpe Award last season. Bryant doesn’t have elite straight-line speed, but he has good instincts and oily hips. He had seven picks over the past two seasons.
McShay’s pick: Cordale Flott, CB, LSU
Cornerback depth is important for New England, which lost J.C. Jackson in free agency. Flott’s size and speed provide upside.
Kiper’s pick: Luke Goedeke, OT, Central Michigan
The Raiders have just one pick in the first three rounds, and they have to find a right tackle to at least compete for the starting job. It’s clear Alex Leatherwood, their first-rounder in 2021, is better at guard. Goedeke started 26 games at right tackle in college.
McShay’s pick: James Cook, RB, Georgia
The Cardinals re-signed James Conner, but Chase Edmonds is off to Miami. Arizona likes to operate with two running backs, and Cook brings breakaway speed and plenty of receiving ability out of the backfield.
Kiper’s pick: Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson are gone, which means Dallas could look to Day 2 to draft a slot receiver, especially if it wants CeeDee Lamb to play more outside. Melton was a demon in the screen game in college, and he ran a 4.34 40 at the combine.
McShay’s pick: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
I like this fit because Petit-Frere offers Buffalo some versatility along the line. He could fill in wherever needed as he continues his development.
Kiper’s pick: Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee
Tennessee doesn’t have its second-round pick because of last year’s Julio Jones trade, so it could use this pick to add a playmaker for Ryan Tannehill. Jones, who will be 25 years old when the 2022 season begins, is lightning quick (4.31 40 at the combine) and will help in the return game.
McShay’s pick: Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State
Thomas was a big-time producer in college, piling up 11.5 sacks (tied for eighth) and 23.5 tackles for loss (second) in 2021.
Kiper’s pick: Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky
We have filled all of the top needs for Green Bay so far, except for the one at guard. Kinnard, a three-year starter for the Wildcats, played mostly right tackle in college, but I see guard as his best NFL position. He didn’t test well at the combine, but he’s incredibly strong when he latches on to defenders.
0:34
Check out the best moments from Darian Kinnard’s college career at Kentucky.
McShay’s pick: Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
Time to check off the other defensive back need for San Francisco, after getting Cross at safety earlier. McCollum has speed, size and ball skills, and I think he could become a reliable No. 2 cornerback early on in his career.
Kiper’s pick: DeAngelo Malone, OLB, Western Kentucky
I projected David Ojabo to the Chiefs in Round 1, but they could still look to add edge rushers on Days 2 and 3. Malone had 34 sacks and 62 total tackles for loss in college. He has some pass-rush savvy. If he’s still here, the Chiefs should try to add him to their rotation, even if he’s only a third-down player as a rookie.
McShay’s pick: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
The Bengals would welcome Jobe’s ability in press coverage to a defense that could lose much of its cornerback room after this season.
Kiper’s pick: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
With Noah Fant shipped to Seattle in the trade for Russell Wilson, who’s going to play tight end in Denver? Woods wasn’t much of a receiver at Oklahoma State, but he caught eight touchdown passes after transferring to Virginia in 2021. He also has some intriguing physical tools.
McShay’s pick: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
The Lions might have more pressing needs, but this is really good value for Spiller here. And remember, D’Andre Swift has yet to play a full season in the NFL.
Kiper’s pick: JT Woods, S, Baylor
Baylor has produced several talented prospects recently, and could have two safeties in the top 100 picks this year. Woods had nine picks over the past three seasons, and he has big-time track speed. He could take some reps as a third safety as a rookie.
McShay’s pick: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
The Browns franchise-tagged David Njoku, but they could use another pass-catcher at the position. Likely finished second among FBS tight ends in both receiving yards (912) and touchdown catches (12).
Kiper’s pick: Myjai Sanders, OLB, Cincinnati
Here’s another pick to increase the depth in Baltimore’s front seven. Sanders is still growing into his 6-foot-5 frame (he weighed just 228 pounds at the combine after a stomach bug), but he could be a situational pass-rusher as a rookie. He can pressure quarterbacks.
McShay’s pick: Dohnovan West, C, Arizona State
Jason Kelce is back on a one-year deal, but Philly should start thinking about the future. West would help out the Eagles’ run game with his zone-blocking ability at the second level.
Kiper’s pick: Brandon Smith, ILB, Penn State
Since this is Miami’s first pick of the draft, I’m going to follow my board and take the best prospect available. Smith has some limitations in coverage, but he will seek and destroy running backs. If the Dolphins are serious about stopping the run in 2022, Smith will help.
0:29
Check out the best highlights from Brandon Smith’s college career at Penn State.
McShay’s pick: Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU
Farrell is disruptive and powerful up the middle, and he plays with a no-quit motor.
Kiper’s pick: Sean Rhyan, OT/G, UCLA
With Andrew Whitworth and Austin Corbett gone, the Rams could use their first pick of this draft on a college tackle who might play guard in the NFL. He can move his feet in pass pro. The Super Bowl champs could also be in on defensive backs here.
McShay’s pick: David Bell, WR, Purdue
Bell wasn’t super impressive at the combine (4.65-second 40-yard dash), but he’s a crafty route runner who would bring versatility to an offense likely undergoing a change under center.