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The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone. Last week, the football word descended upon Indianapolis, where NFL clubs evaluated hundreds of prospects through on-field drills, in-person interviews, and medical screenings. It is always a major checkpoint in the offseason calendar as draft boards around the league start to firm up. READ: Whose draft stock rose following the NFL Combine? Pro days will start to kick into gear in the coming days, but for now, here is a look at the latest mock drafts coming out of Indianapolis: Todd McShay, ESPN Pick for No. 5: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia Analysis: “The Giants generated just 34 sacks (tied for 22nd) last season, and while Walker didn't pile on the QB hits at Georgia (six sacks and 29 pressures last season), he was asked to do a lot of different things in a Bulldogs' front seven that presents three other likely first-rounders. The 272-pound Walker had a terrific workout in Indy, running a 4.51-second 40 and 6.89-second three-cone drill. Few players I've ever evaluated can generate the power he does from the ground up, and that was on display with a 35½-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump. Teamed up with Leonard Williams and Azeez Ojulari, Walker will only continue to develop while giving the Giants a dynamic edge rusher to spark the defense.” Pick for No. 7: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State Analysis: “With the top three linemen in the class off the board already, new GM Joe Schoen and new coach Brian Daboll can get quarterback Daniel Jones help in another fashion. Wilson has elite body control, 4.38 speed and a big catch radius. New York can walk away happy on Day 1 with exciting new players on defense (Travon Walker) and offense (Wilson).” Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon Analysis: “If the draft plays out like this and both of the top offensive tackles are off the board before the Giants pick, taking a defender makes the most sense. And if Thibodeaux is available, he'd be a perfect fit for a New York defense that needs to pair a true edge rusher with rookie Azeez Ojulari, who led the team with eight sacks last season. Thibodeaux has to improve his all-around game, but he has outstanding physical tools as a pass-rusher. He had seven sacks last season and put up the second-best pressure rate in the country (17.8%). If he comes close to his ceiling, he'll make multiple All-Pro teams. The Giants have some nice pieces to build around for new general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, but they're not going to be able to acquire an edge rusher like Thibodeaux anywhere other than the draft. We could look back at this pick in five years and consider it a steal.” Pick for No. 7: Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah Analysis: “With the Giants' second top-10 pick, I'm going all-in on improving the front seven of the defense. Lloyd is a middle linebacker, yes, but he does so much more. He had 111 total tackles, eight sacks, 20 tackles for loss, four interceptions and a forced fumble last season. He had 16.5 total sacks over the past three seasons. Lloyd (and No. 5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux) can add some pass-rush upside to a team that desperately needs it.” Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media Pick for No. 5: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia Analysis: “Walker is a unique talent because of his size, athleticism and versatility. The Giants need more playmakers on defense.” Pick for No. 7: Drake London, WR, USC Analysis: “London has inside/outside versatility and he'll be a monster in the red zone.”Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State Analysis: “One of the best run-blockers in the draft, Ekwonu can make any block and has recorded back-to-back elite run-blocking grades over the last two years. He’s an improved pass-blocker, but there’s still room to grow in that department. He’ll move to the right side opposite 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas to start New York's offensive line overhaul.” Pick for No. 7: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU Analysis: “This is a forward-looking move that has home run potential for the Giants. Stingley has an incredible skill set to go with a freshman season in 2019 that is one of the best PFF has seen from any college corner since 2014. He’s battled injuries and a drop in performance since then, but if he gets back on track, he has top-five cornerback potential.” Bucky Brooks, NFL.com Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Analysis: “Rebuilding the Giants' offensive line has to be a top priority for new general manager Joe Schoen. As a Day 1 starter, Cross could immediately help Big Blue re-establish a blue-collar mentality on offense.” Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Analysis: “The Giants have always been at their best when a dominant defensive front can take over the game. The ultra-twitchy pass rusher from Michigan would add significant juice.” Dane Brugler, The Athletic Pick for No. 5: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati Analysis: “In Joe Schoen’s first season as the assistant general manager in Buffalo, the Bills drafted cornerback Tre’Davious White in the first round. Now the general manager with the Giants, Schoen could follow a similar path with Gardner, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash with his impressive size (6-3, 190 pounds, 33 1/2-arms).” Pick for No. 7: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Analysis: “With a pair of top-seven draft picks in his first year running the front office, Schoen will be looking to draft players that help establish the new culture. Cross lacks brute power, but his athletic movement patterns and outstanding hand exchange skills are why he is one of the best pass-blockers in the draft.” Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon Analysis: “Thibodeaux coming off the board at No. 5 might feel like a “fall,” given that he was the consensus No. 1 overall pick just a few months ago. But after learning more about the class, it makes more sense that his range falls between Pick 1 and Pick 5. He still could very well be the first player taken in the draft, but if he’s not, there’s no guarantee he’s the next name after that. His natural gifts as a pass-rusher make him a top-five lock, but I’ll give some hope to Giants fans because I do think it could play out like this, given the talent at the top of the class and the potential team needs in the top five.” Pick for No. 7: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa Analysis: “Yeah, yeah, I know. “You don’t take a center this high.” However, I genuinely think this is where Linderbaum’s range begins, and I also think there’s a chance he could be the Giants' second selection. New general manager Joe Schoen comes over from Buffalo, where he served as assistant GM for five years. He was Brandon Beane’s right-hand man, and with 20 years of a scouting background, his voice was likely a very important one in the war room. The Bills have honed in on the trenches in each of their last three drafts — all five of their first and second-round picks since 2019 were spent on either offensive line or defensive line. Here, they went with a dynamic, high-ceiling pass protector at No. 5, and I bet Schoen is one of those GMs who simply says, “we’re going to draft great football players in the trenches.” Linderbaum is one of them.” Austin Gayle, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama Analysis: “Evan Neal will draw comparisons to Tristan Wirfs throughout the pre-draft process because of his rare size-athleticism combination. The 6-foot-7, 350-pound behemoth landed at No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s College Football Freaks List and drew insanely high praise for his explosiveness.” Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue Analysis: “Karlaftis will get tagged as just a lunchpail type with a high motor in a lot of lazy analysis this draft season, but he’s so much more than that. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder was extremely productive for Purdue this season and should surprise with his athletic testing at the combine. Karlaftis, another Feldman Freaks List member, reportedly recorded a 10-foot-1 broad jump, 37.5-inch vertical and 4.69-second 40-yard dash at just over 270 pounds this offseason. Boilermakers head coach Jeff Brohm also raved about Karlaftis’ efforts on and off the field in a Tailgate interview before the season.” Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon Analysis: “The Oregon product teams up with Azeez Ojulari to give the Giants an athletic duo to pressure opposing quarterbacks.” Pick for No. 7: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati Analysis: “Gardner allowed a 32.6 passer rating on throws into his coverage during his college career.” Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State Analysis: “Pro Football Focus loves what Ekwonu did in N.C. State's run-blocking game, counting 18 big-time blocks this past season -- seven more than the next closest guy. He also has experience playing both left tackle and left guard. Not only would Daniel Jones appreciate this pick, but so would Saquon Barkley (which also helps Jones)." Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue Analysis: “Karlaftis’ résumé includes reps aligned over and outside the tackle, which means at his size (he will likely measure around 6-foot-4 at the NFL Scouting Combine) teams will consider how he might be valuable in hybrid fronts and rushing from the inside as well as the outside. His ability to both win after making contact (response win rate) and ability to pressure opposing QBs when they get outside of the pocket rank in the top 88th percentile of the 10-season sample." Chad Reuter, NFL.com Pick for No. 5: Ickey Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State Analysis: “Ekwonu is a wide-bodied stud who has lighter feet than you'd expect for someone with his girth. The Giants could play him at guard or tackle.” Pick for No. 7: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah Analysis: “Lloyd steps into the middle of the Giants' defense, providing run-stopping ability but also the athleticism to work in coverage and attack the passer. He showed some potential to affect games as a pass rusher like Dallas Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons did last fall when given the chance.” Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama Analysis: “Neal started 13 games at left guard in 2019 and 12 at right tackle in 2020 at Alabama, so he has proven positional flexibility. Neal weighed in at 337 pounds at the NFL combine and doesn’t appear to have an ounce of body fat on his massive frame. He allowed just 15 quarterback pressures over a 15-game season.” Pick for No. 7: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati Analysis: “Gardner likely solidified his status as the No. 1 cornerback in this year’s draft class with his NFL combine performance, running a 4.41 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3. In addition, his 33 1.2-inch arms will surely entice a lot of teams as well. Throughout his time in Cincinnati, Gardner never allowed a touchdown pass even while garnering tough matchups and playing a heavy dose of man-to-man coverage. He’s the exact type of cornerback that new Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is looking for in New York.Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama Analysis: “This feels like best-case scenario for the Giants (though we heard zero complaints from Giants fans when they had Kayvon Thibodeaux fall in their lap last week), who now have a new GM and head coach, and appear fully committed to Daniel Jones. Neal is one of the best offensive linemen in this class, and should Jones return, the Giant have to protect him.” Pick for No. 7: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah Analysis: “The Giants could target edge rusher here, but Lloyd is a special talent. We were impressed by him during the '21 season and have been watching more of him ahead of the combine and we're somehow more impressed. He's the prototypical off-ball linebacker in today's NFL and it's like he was built in a lab. This may seem high but, well, it's not.” Josh Edwards, CBS Sports Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State Analysis: “New York has two picks in the span of three. The thought process is that Carolina is more likely to take Cross than it would be to take the player I have given the Giants at No. 7 overall. New York continues to build out that offensive line in support of Daniel Jones.” Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “The Notre Dame product is arguably the most talented player in the draft and the Giants land him at No. 7 overall.” Jordan Reid, ESPN Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Analysis: “Andrew Thomas, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, has turned into the left tackle the Giants envisioned, but they still need help across multiple spots along the offensive line. Newly hired general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll seem to be on the same page with wanting to set up quarterback Daniel Jones for success. That could mean adding a right tackle opposite Thomas in order to keep Jones clean in the pocket.” Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “Hamilton is my top-ranked prospect in this draft, and although safety isn't a premium position or an immediate need for the Giants (though Jabrill Peppers is set to become a free agent), taking the best available prospect is the way to go here. The Giants already have some talent in the secondary with James Bradberry and Xavier McKinney, but Hamilton is an X factor who could unlock everyone on the back end because of his versatility. This could be seen as a luxury pick for Schoen, but Hamilton is that good.” Joe Marino, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State Analysis: “Ikem Ekwonu is a dynamic run blocker that took a major step forward in pass protection in 2021. He has the size, length, power, and movement skills to pair with Andrew Thomas to provide the Giants with a gifted pair of tackles for Jones to operate behind.” Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Analysis: “After landing a top offensive tackle at No. 5, the Giants can turn their attention to the defensive side of the football, a unit that regressed in 2021 after a promising 2020 campaign. If newly-hired general manager Joe Schoen has been influenced by Brandon Beane then Giants' fans can expect investments on the defensive line early and often—and the team needs more options off the edge. David Ojabo is a toolsy pass rusher with great length and burst. I'm impressed by his ability to string together moves and apply heat off the edge. He can pair with Azeez Ojulari to provide New York with an exciting young pair of pass rushers.” Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News Pick for No. 5: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa Analysis: “The Giants would be smart to target the offensive line in the first round, perhaps multiple times to boost both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.” Pick for No. 7: Ikem Ekwonu, G/OT, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds) Analysis: “The Giants get another strong blocker with their two top-10 picks. Ekwonu is a strong, powerful run blocker with the nasty streak needed to dominate at times. He can play either inside or outside in the NFL, but with Linderbaum bolstering the middle, it would be nice to have Ekwonu flank left tackle Andrew Thomas on the right side.” Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State Analysis: “Play him at guard, play him at tackle — just play him. He’s a 6’4″, 320-pound savage who will carve open lanes for Saquon Barkley and protect Daniel Jones.” Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Analysis: “Having added a game-changing offensive line piece with their first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Giants turn to the defensive side of the ball and do the same. Michigan’s David Ojabo has all the pass-rush tools and athletic upside to be a monster in New York. While I believe his Michigan teammate is the better overall prospect, I prefer the schematic fit of Ojabo in the Giants defense.”Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Pick for No. 5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State Analysis: “After proving himself this season to be a skillful pass protector in addition to a bully in the run game, Ekwonu looks like just the kind of blocker Big Blue needs.” Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “At 6-4 and 220 pounds with massive range both in coverage and as a tackler, the two-time All-American can be utilized in an array of different manners. Pairing him with emerging standout Xavier McKinney would give the Giants a formidable tandem on the back end of their defense.” Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon Analysis: “Thibodeaux reminded us what he's all about in Indianapolis, showing out with a STRONG weekend of athletic testing. We all knew that was going to be the case, but it was great to see a healthy Thibodeaux competing at full capacity. The Giants enjoyed a good rookie season from pass rusher Azeez Ojulari this past year but they certainly need more on the outside. Thibodeaux playing in Wink Martindale's defense offers a TON of appeal and a chance for a double-digit rookie sack season.” Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa Analysis: “I certainly hope you weren't hoping to see any of these top-four tackles get outside the top 10 picks. Penning's offseason circuit is a clean sweep—he knocked his opportunity to compete at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine out of the park. He's sufficiently put to bed the questions about his level of competition by showcasing that his physicality translates against better players and he's still a top-tier athlete (at least from a raw athleticism standpoint).” Bryan Perez, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama Analysis: “Neal, the safer of the top two offensive tackles, doesn’t wait long to hear his name called. And he’ll play his home games in the same stadium as Ekwonu! I have Neal a smidge ahead of Ekwonu on my personal rankings and there’s no doubt he’s going to be a top-five pick.” Pick for No. 7: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Analysis: “The Giants’ second top-10 pick flips to the defensive side of the ball where New York lands Hutchinson’s running mate in Ojabo, who had 11 sacks despite still learning the nuances of playing football. He’s new to the sport (he began playing football as a junior in high school) and his upside is arguably just as high as Hutchinson’s. Combined with Neal, the Giants land two potential cornerstone players as they kick off a new front office and head coaching regime.” Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “Hamilton is pound-for-pound the best player in this draft. He immediately becomes a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and can quickly mask some of the talent deficiencies that the Giants have at other defensive positions.” Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue Analysis: “The last time the Giants were consistent NFC contenders, they had a tough, physically-imposing defense with guys like Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Jason Pierre-Paul.” Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State Analysis: “Cross is so smooth athletically and is a young prospect, so the upside is through the roof.” Pick for No. 7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon Analysis: “The Giants jump at the opportunity to add Thibodeaux to their defensive front.” Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “This is a best player available projection. Safety isn't the Giants' most significant concern, but there aren't many teams in the NFL who couldn't use a player of Hamilton's caliber.” Pick for No. 7: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue Analysis: “It might defy expectations for the Giants to go defense with both their first-round picks, but they've greatly improved both their pass rush and secondary with this pick and Kyle Hamilton.” Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “It’s going to be hard for the Giants to pass on a player that some believe is the best all-around prospect in the draft. Hamilton's combination of height-weight-speed is difficult to ignore, and his ability to play both down in the box and deep in the middle of the field will be great for the Giants defense.” Pick for No. 7: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa Analysis: “The Giants' interior offensive line needs help and although this isn’t a sexy pick, there hasn’t been a better center prospect in years. Linderbaum has everything the Giants could want from a center." Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports Pick for No. 5: Charles Cross, OL, Mississippi State Analysis: “Cross won't wow you with his power or agility, but he is at his best in pass protection and can step in right away.” Pick for No. 7: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “After addressing a glaring need (offensive line), the Giants select one of, if not the best player available in Hamilton. New York certainly has weaker positions, but the Notre Dame product is a Swiss Army knife who can impact all three levels of the defense.” Drae Harris, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame Analysis: “Hamilton's ability to align in multiple roles and alignments gives him a realistic chance to compete and to be an impactful player right out the gate.” Pick for No. 7: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Analysis: “In the NFL, Cross' best position will be as a left tackle who can athletically match up with some of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Cross lacks the true strength at the point of attack to be a dominant run defender, but in the right offense, he will be a great pass protector.” Damian Parson, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State Analysis: “Jermaine Johnson was effective and efficient during his limited snaps at Georgia. His lone season as a Seminole showcased his game-changing abilities. Pair that production with his dominance at the Senior Bowl earlier this month and his stock has risen—rightfully so. He pairs a great motor with length, physicality, and pass-rushing savvy to be a menace off the edges.” Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa Analysis: “New head coach Brian Daboll spent time with another big, physical, and athletic OT from Northern Iowa in Spencer Brown. He more than likely loved what he saw and decided to dip back into that well for Brown’s former teammate Trevor Penning. Penning showed up to the Senior Bowl with one goal in mind, to prove he belonged. His quest was successful. He had moments where he struggled and moments of dominance. His utter nasty demeanor from snap to snap is infectious, but irritating for defenders. Penning can slide at RT across from Andrew Thomas to give Daniel Jones bookend tackles.” Brentley Weissman, The Draft Network Pick for No. 5: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Analysis: “With the new hire of Wink Martindale as the team’s defensive coordinator, it’s highly likely that the team is in the market for pass rushers who are both explosive but also versatile, as Martindale likes to move his edges around to create favorable matchups. Ojabo is highly versatile and has the pass-rushing upside that warrants a top-five selection.” Pick for No. 7: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa Analysis: “This could be a bit of a reach, but the draft is always a supply and demand exercise and the demand for offensive tackles in the draft exceeds the supply. Trevor Penning is coming off a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl where by all accounts he was one of the best overall players at the event. He offers prototypical size and is a very good athlete overall. He plays with power in both phases of the game and has the versatility to play either left or right tackle.”

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2022 Mock Draft Tracker

Mock Draft Tracker 8.0: Post-combine edition