NFL mock draft 2022 for Rounds 2-3: Malik Willis’ wait ends with Bucs as QBs fly off board; Chiefs, Packers finally take WRs

The 2022 NFL Draft started with some strong selections in the first round. But with 32 players off the board, there are still six rounds of 230 more picks left to be made.

Starting with Rounds 2 and 3, that means there’s still plenty of top talent available. Although much of the hype and focus is on Round 1, a team’s draft class isn’t made by just one or more first-rounders. This year, many teams are making their initial selections on Friday night.

Knowing who’s still available, including some first-round fallers and Day 3 risers, it’s time for one last mock draft for the second and third rounds. Here’s projecting what might happen with many good fits for each team from No. 33 to No. 105 overall:

MORE 2022 NFL DRAFT:
Live grades | Winners & losers | Big board of top 200 prospects

NFL mock draft 2022: Round 2

33. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Jaguars)

• Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (6-0, 219 pounds)

The Buccaneers traded down out of the first round, when they saw the Panthers, Falcons and Saints, all with questionable quarterback situations in the present, all pass on Willis. There’s the expectation Tom Brady will really retire after his Age 45 season, setting up the ideal redshirt opportunity for Willis behind the GOAT in a terrific downfield passing offense under Byron Leftwich. Willis offers great upside with his big arm and dynamic athleticism and he could learn quickly to emerge as a trusted young starter in 2023.

34. Minnesota Vikings (from Lions)

• Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (6-0, 194 pounds)

The Vikings brought back fading Patrick Peterson because of hurting depth but they still need to address corner to get the ideal complement to well-rounded Cameron Dantzler. Booth’s size, strength and aggressiveness that add up to big plays on the ball make him an ideal protegee for Peterson.

35. Tennessee Titans (from Jets)

• Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota (6-3, 261 pounds)

The Titans got a breakout season from Harold Landry and locked him up to lock down half of their edge equation. But former Steeler Bud Dupree has been a disappointment getting after the QB and there’s also not much pass-rush depth. Mafe has been a considerable riser because of being able to show more of his explosiveness and top-flight athleticism in draft season.

36. New York Giants 

• Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia (5-11, 229 pounds)

The Giants, after getting Kayvon Thibodeaux to boost the edge pass rush on the second level of Wink Martindale’s 3-4, also need to clean up the inside next to Blake Martinez where Tae Crowder is a very shaky option. Dean is a rangy playmaker who does everything well required of the position, including fly over the field and inspire with his leadership.

37. Houston Texans

• David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 250 pounds)

After getting Derek Stingley Jr. for corner, the Texans must get better at getting to the quarterback for Lovie Smith. Ojabo returning from a ruptured Achilles’ suffered at Michigan’s pro day. He can start out as a rotational option before becoming a solid, productive starter opposite Jonathan Bullard. 

MORE: Best players available after Round 1 in 2022 NFL Draft

38. New York Jets (from Panthers)

• Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State (6-1, 200 pounds)

The Jets can keep dominating the draft by getting Brisker to further upgrade the secondary along with Sauce Gardner. He would be a good complement to free-agent addition Jordan Whitehead with his all-around game and coverage skills.

39. Chicago Bears

• Jalen Pitre, S/CB, Baylor (5-11, 198 pounds)

The Bears were terrible at cornerback away from young rising star Jaylon Johnson and need to add a solid coverage option for new defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus. Pitre has great smarts and instincts and the versatility to play outside and inside.

40. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

• Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington (5-11, 194 pounds)

Gordon doesn’t need to go far should this pick go down as his size, physicality and aggressiveness would be fits in what Pete Carroll wants in a corner.

41. Seattle Seahawks

• Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (6-3, 211 pounds)

The Seahawks can get their successor to Russell Wilson after shoring up left tackle in the first round. Ridder’s experience, leadership, strong arm and sometimes dazzling athleticism provides the welcome makeup for their new franchise passer.

42. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders)

• Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan (6-6, 303 pounds)

The Colts can replace Eric Fisher with an intriguing product from the same program. They can tap into the Austrian import’s immense physical and athletic upside.

43. Atlanta Falcons

• Christian Harris, LB, Alabama (6-0, 226 pounds)

Harris can help the Falcons quickly forget about what they lost in Foyesade Oluokun with his own brand of speedy and rangy playmaking.

44. Cleveland Browns

• Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma (6-4, 292 pounds)

The Browns are pretty weak inside next to Myles Garrett. They could use a powerful presence such as Winfrey, who also has a nice wingspan.

45. Baltimore Ravens

• Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan (5-10, 195 pounds)

The Ravens can make up for trading Marquise “Hollywood” Brown by giving Lamar Jackson Moore’s speed, quickness and slot versatility.

46. Detroit Lions (from Vikings)

• Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn (5-11, 190 pounds)

The Lions hope to get Jeff Okudah back healthy and effective so it would be nice to pair him with another promising young corner. McCreary offers good size, physicality and fluidity.

47. Washington Commanders (from Colts)

• Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State (6-4, 260 pounds)

The Commanders like Logan Thomas as a big target but he is coming off a torn ACL. They need traditional blocking and receiving help at the position to give Scott Turner some 12-personnel flexibility and another Dallas Goedert-type playmaker for Carson Wentz to play well off Terry McLaurin and first-round rookie Jahan Dotson.

48. Chicago Bears (from Chargers)

• Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State (6-4, 208 pounds)

The Bears need a field-stretcher opposite new No. 1 Darnell Mooney with Allen Robinson gone. Watson would fit the bill as the ideal speedy No. 2 for Justin Fields playing off Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet.

49. New Orleans Saints

• Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State (6-2, 250 pounds)

The Saints, after desperately missing the production of Trey Hendrickson opposite Cameron Jordan, can land Ebiketie as a key situational asset or someone who can push Marcus Davenport back into that role.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (from Dolphins)

• John Metchie III, WR, Alabama (5-11, 187 pounds)

The Chiefs need to add a big-play threat outside for Patrick Mahomes minus Tyreek Hill and Metchie would be a steal for them in that role.

51. Philadelphia Eagles

• Logan Hall, EDGE, Houston (6-6, 283 pounds)

The Eagles brought back disappointing first-round Derek Barnett but still need to address pass-rush depth with a good potential starting stash. At this spot, it’s difficult to ignore Hall athletic upside.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State (6-5, 316 pounds)

The Steelers should still think about upgrading offensive tackle for first-rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Petit-Frere has experience starting well on either side, showing off his athleticism at either tackle for the Buckeyes.

53. Green Bay Packers (from Raiders)

• Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota (6-8, 384 pounds)

The Packers stay patient at wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers with their kind of offensive lineman. The Australian Faalele is an intriguing development athlete who could be groomed to start as the successor to David Bakhtiari sooner than expected.

54. New England Patriots

• Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming (6-3, 239 pounds)

The Patriots can recover well here without Dean or Devin Lloyd. Given their shaky interior situation without Dont’a Hightower and also moving on from Kyle Van Noy, the Patriots can plug Muma in to become an immediate impact playmaker and leader for Bill Belichick’s defense.

55. Arizona Cardinals

• Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (5-11, 217 pounds)

The Cardinals can replace free agent departure Chase Edmonds with this complete big-play runner who can complement Kyler Murray well.

56. Dallas Cowboys

• DeMarvin Leal, DT/DE, Texas A&M (6-4, 283 pounds)

Leal’s versatility would be good for Dan Quinn as he can help Dallas be more disruptive overall inside.

57. Buffalo Bills

• Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State (5-10, 210 pounds)

The Bills can’t sleep should Walker fall a little bit despite the fact he’s a complete back and they got a good finish with Devin Singletary last season. Walker can add a more consistent rushing element to their offense.

58. Atlanta Falcons (from Titans)

• Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut (6-4, 325 pounds)

The Falcons need to bolster and better support Grady Jarrett in their three-man front and Jones could do the trick nicely.

59. Green Bay Packers

• George Pickens, WR, Georgia (6-3, 200 pounds)

The Packers tap into the Bulldogs one more time and steal Pickens, who has the speed and physicality to be Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1.

60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-3, 248 pounds)

The Buccaneers need to address their pass-rush depth minus Jason Pierre-Paul. Bonitto is also good enough to help out dropping into coverage.

61. San Francisco 49ers

• Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC (6-3, 254 pounds)

The 49ers need some pass-rush versatility behind Nick Bosa. Jackson would be a good fit in their scheme with his agility.

62. Kansas City Chiefs

• Damone Clark, LB, LSU (6-2, 239 pounds)

The Chiefs could use some help in the middle between Nick Bolton and Willie Gay. Clark’s intriguing blend of strength and athleticism would be a great fit 

63. Cincinnati Bengals

• Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State (6-4, 267 pounds)

The Bengals need some situational pass-rush help behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. Thomas continues to rise up boards as a well-rounded prospect.

64. Denver Broncos (from Rams)

• Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama (6-4, 310 pounds)

The Broncos need to tap into some 3-4 defensive line help with Shelby Harris leaving as part of the Russell Wilson trade. Mathis isn’t limited to nose and can be a good complement to free-agent addition D.J. Jones. 

NFL mock draft 2022: Round 3

65. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky (6-5, 345 pounds)

The Jaguars need to think about upgrading left guard next to Cam Robinson and Kinnard’s combination of power and athleticism should be appealing for Doug Pederson.

66. Minnesota Vikings (from Lions)

• Carson Strong, QB, Nevada (6-3, 220 pounds)

The Vikings extended Kirk Cousins and went cold on Kellen Mond fast. Strong would be a good stash in Kevin O’Connell’s offense give Cousins is going into his Age 34 season.

67. New York Giants

• Cade Otton, TE, Washington (6-5, 247 pounds)

The Giants have moved on from Evan Engram, Kyle Rudolph and Kaden Smith and signed journeyman Ricky Seals-Jones in free agency to give them a viable option. Otton can provide a dynamic, athletic pass-catcher for Daniel Jones while he rounds out his blocking.

68. Houston Texans

• Tariq Woolen, CB, Texas-San Antonio (6-4, 205 pounds)

The Texans could also improve the versatility in their secondary to help Stingley and Woolen can help in nickel packages and maybe even start at safety to replace Justin Reid.

69. Tennessee Titans (from Jets)

• James Cook, RB, Georgia (5-11, 199 pounds)

The Titans need to think about easing the burden on Derrick Henry significantly and Cook be effective doing just that. Cook may not be a natural workhorse like his older brother Dalvin, but he has share of explosive qualities.

70. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Panthers)

• Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama (6-1, 194 pounds)

The Jaguars signed Christian Kirk to a big deal but he’s more of a big playmaking No. 2 or slot and they need help on the outside for their new coaching staff. Tolbert has intriguing raw skills including size and speed to think he can develop into the ideal No. 2 with better hands and routes.

71. Chicago Bears

• Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati (6-5, 228 pounds)

Sanders has become polarizing as a prospect because of his boom-or-bust freaky flashy pass-rush skills. The Bears need to tap into that kind of upside, however, in the wake of trading Khalil Mack.

72. Seattle Seahawks

• Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina (6-4, 258 pounds)

The Seahawks like physical players holding down the edge who have power moves getting to the quarterback so Enagbare aligns with that philosophy.

73. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders)

• Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245 pounds)

The Colts saw Jack Doyle retire and need a complement to Mo Alie-Cox in 12 personnel sets under Frank Reich. Likely has some explosive pass-catching qualities and is rounding out well with his blocking potential.

74. Atlanta Falcons

• Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (6-0, 200 pounds)

The Falcons can give Corral’s arm and athleticism a shot behind Marcus Mariota as he’s a good fit for Arthur Smith’s style of offense.

75. Denver Broncos

• JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska (6-1, 228 pounds)

The Broncos signed former Eagle Alex Singleton to replace Alexander Johnson for now next to re-signed Josey Jewell but Domann is a worthy upgrade to target with his special coverage skills.

76. Baltimore Ravens

• Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia (6-2, 230 pounds)

The Ravens are anchored by Patrick Queen on the second level but Josh Bynes is a limited playmaker inside. Tindall is a perfect fit for their scheme with his speed and range.

77. Minnesota Vikings

• Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State (6-6, 252 pounds)

The Vikings lost Tyler Conklin in free agency and with Ruckert, they can get some of receiving pop back to better complement returning Irv Smith Jr. in 12 personnel.

78. Cleveland Browns

• Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA (6-4, 243 pounds)

The Browns cut Austin Hooper and still have some wide receiver questions inside after trading for Amari Cooper. Dulcich can be a dynamic hybrid target for Deshaun Watson.

79. Los Angeles Chargers

• Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia (5-11, 194 pounds)

The Chargers landed J.C. Jackson in free agency and Kendrick can further boost their coverage as a rangy complement.

80. Houston Texans (from Saints)

• Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA (6-5, 321 pounds)

The Texans addressed guard with Kenyon Green early to complement Laremy Tunsil but also could use an upgrade outside. Rhyan can provide that with his strong run blocking and enough athleticism.

81. New York Giants (from Dolphins)

• Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss (6-4, 261 pounds)

The Giants revved up their pass rush early with Thibodeaux but could also use some situational pop. Williams has a wide array of quick moves and does a little bit of everything well.

82. Atlanta Falcons (from Colts)

• Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M (6-0, 217 pounds)

The Falcons already took a wide receiver in Drake London and should think about a QB, too, on Day 2. They love Spiller’s power running style to further upgrade offensive skill for Smith.

83. Philadelphia Eagles

• Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin (6-3, 250 pounds)

The Eagles need some inside consideration after moving on from Alex Singleton with Kyzir White serving as a limited veteran option. Chenal is an active upfield player against the run and in the pass rush who can grow quickly as a cover man.

84. Pittsburgh Steelers

• David Bell, WR, Purdue (6-0, 212 pounds)

The Steelers lost big slot JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency and can replace him well with Bell, who offers strength, physicality and some big-play ability.

85. New England Patriots

• Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis (5-8, 170 pounds)

The Patriots need to keep working on remixing their wide receiver corps after trading for DeVante Parker. Austin can be an excellent undersized quick option for Mac Jones in the open field.

86. Las Vegas Raiders 

• Dylan Parham, G, Memphis (6-2, 315 pounds)

The Raiders need some powerful run blocking and Parham can deliver just that. He also offers rare agility for the position.

87. Arizona Cardinals

• Marcus Jones, CB/S, Houston (5-8, 174 pounds)

The Cardinals need some secondary depth and versatility for nickel back and safety. Jones has some Tyrann Mathieu-attributes in coverage.

88. Dallas Cowboys

• Nick Cross, S, Maryland (6-0, 212 pounds)

The Cowboys got a nice season from Jayron Kearse but Donovan Wilson is a liability next to him. Cross can be an absolute upfield thumper against the run with keen blitzing efficiency.

89. Buffalo Bills

• Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State (6-0, 190 pounds)

The Bills are set with Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Jamison Crowder for their 11 personnel, but they need to replenish some depth and Shakir can develop quickly as a potential slot replacement for Crowder in 2023.

90. Tennessee Titans

• Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (6-0, 218 pounds)

The Titans need to think about stashing a QB behind Ryan Tannehill. Howell’s polished arm and skill set have value appeal this late in the round.

91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M (6-3, 255 pounds)

The Buccaneers aren’t sure about Rob Gronkowski’s future with the team and need some depth anyway with O.J. Howard leaving in free agency.

92. Green Bay Packers

• Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati (6-3, 211 pounds)

The Packers continue their Day 2 rebound at wide receiver with another big target to put outside for Rodgers along with Pickens, with Pierce providing his own brand of sudden field-stretching.

93. San Francisco 49ers

• Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska (5-11, 196 pounds)

The 49ers did spent to get Charvarius Ward but use more playmaking pop in subpackages and Taylor-Britt is one aggressive cover man.

94. New England Patriots (from Chiefs)

• Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 297 pounds)

The Chiefs need to beef up their defensive front minus Jarran Reed and Steve Spagnuolo can use Bulter in a variety of effective rotational roles because of his smarts and versatility.

95. Cincinnati Bengals

• John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas (6-5, 321 pounds)

The Bengals also need to replenish their interior rotation with multiple bodies and Ridgeway is a classic run stuffer.

96. Denver Broncos (from Rams)

• Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama (6-2, 225 pounds)

The Broncos need to get a complementary power back to replace Melvin Gordon with Javonte Williams. Robinson is a bruiser and strong finisher, built out of a familiar Crimson Tide mold.

97. Detroit Lions (compensatory)

• Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma (6-0, 226 pounds)

The Lions need to keep working on upgrading their defense after taking Aidan Hutchinson in the first round. Asamoah’s speed and quickness will allow him to flash before rounding out his physicality for an every-down option.

98. Washington Commanders (from Saints, compensatory)

• Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon (5-10, 173 pounds)

99. Cleveland Browns (compensatory)

•  Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky (5-8, 178 pounds)

After taking Dulcich to create some mismatches, the Browns should also think about giving Watson a bona fide big playmaker, either in Robinson stretching the field or getting downfield quickly after the catch. He can be the solid replacement for Jarivs Landry.

100. Arizona Cardinals (from Ravens, compensatory)

• Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati (6-1, 193 pounds)

The Cardinals can address their need for improved depth at corner. Bryant, named after the NBA legend, complement Byron Murphy Jr. well with smart, strong coverage.

101. New York Jets (from Saints through Eagles and Titans, compensatory)

• Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana (6-6, 307 pounds)

The Jets can land an offensive tackle with some raw talent and nice athletic upside to potentially replace disappointing George Fant in not too long.

102. Miami Dolphins (from 49ers, compensatory)

• Jamaree Salyer, OT, Georgia (6-4, 325 pounds)

The Dolphins got busy in free agency in landing Terron Armstead and Connor Williams but shouldn’t be done thinking of ways to keep upgrading up front for Mike McDaniel. Salyer has the skill set to displace Austin Jackson on the right side.

103. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory)

• Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State (6-6, 252 pounds)

Kolar has intriguing wideout hybrid skills to develop quickly and well behind Travis Kelce and give Mahomes yet another new weapon from free agency and the draft.

104. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory)

• Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama (5-11, 182 pounds)

The Rams have become thin at corner opposite Jalen Ramsey with Josh Hill and Darious Williams leaving in free agency the past two seasons and Jobe is a nice way to address that.

105. San Francisco 49ers 

• Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati (6-1, 206 pounds)

Cook has a nice blend of smarts and physicality to develop into a replacement for Jaquiski Tartt, who is signed for only one more season at age 30.