ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. published a new 2022 NFL Mock Draft on Monday and it had some pretty shocking picks in the first round.
We’re at the point in the NFL draft calendar when paralysis by analysis begins to set in, and some of the mock drafts that are published in March and April can be really… crazy. But that usually isn’t the case with Kiper.
Still, he had some surprising picks among his top 32 that warrant a little extra attention.
Here are 10 takeaways from Mel Kiper’s 2022 NFL mock draft.
Drake London jumps into top-five picks
The most surprising pick of Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft has to be USC wide receiver Drake London going fourth overall to the New York Jets. Kiper has long been on London as this year’s top wide receiver prospect, but fourth overall?
It’s a bit rich for my taste. London is currently 17th on PFD’s 2022 NFL Draft rankings and is our WR4. He’s a lock to be a first-round pick but I don’t see any way he cracks the top five.
Kiper is as locked in as any NFL draft analyst, though, so if he has London rated this high, it’s probably because his sources are feeding him some intel.
London would be a good fit for the Jets who need a my-ball wideout to win on downfield contested throws. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson has immense upside but he needs playmakers like London to unlock his potential.
Carolina Panthers pass on a quarterback
So much for Kenny Pickett to the Panthers at No. 6 overall. Instead, Carolina takes the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine’s biggest winner, Travon Walker.
“Walker just keeps rising in the pre-draft process, as he starred at the Senior Bowl and tested extremely well at the combine,” Kiper wrote. “He didn’t put up “wow” numbers in college — he had six sacks for the national champs last season — but that’s because of how dominant the entire Georgia defense was around him. He could put up better numbers in the NFL, and he’s stout against the run too.”
Walker is the ultimate boom-0r-bust prospect in this year’s class. If you like workout warriors and athletic traits, you’ll love Walker. If you prefer on-field production, you’ll be cautious to label him a top-10 pick.
Walker is currently our No. 5 edge defender and 13th overall player in PFD’s 2022 NFL Draft Rankings.
