Over the recent weeks, we have seen a flurry of landscape-changing trades and free-agent signings that will undoubtedly alter the entire draft approach for over 70 percent of organizations in the NFL. The 2022 NFL DRAFT is a little under a month. We dive into the first five selections.
1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: AIDAN HUTCHINSON DE/MICHIGAN
Since the start of Free Agency, the Jags have been one of the busiest franchises in football regarding overhauling their roster. The temptation of pairing Aidan Hutchinson with Josh Allen to further bolster a pass rush may be too good to pass up. The Jaguar’s front seven accumulated thirty-two sacks in 2021. Mainstays in Taven Bryan, Myles Jack, and Jihad Ward all leave the defense to seem just as urgent.
2. DETROIT LIONS: MALIK WILLIS QB/LIBERTY
The Detroit Lions have the pleasure of picking 2nd Overall in a Draft with no consensus Top Pick or QB. That Lions can potentially strike it rich. Willis is still very raw in the nuances of quarterback but possesses elite arm strength, deep ball accuracy, intangibles, mobility, and is a natural playmaker. Pair his skillset with an incredibly young and athletic Offensive Line, a solid stable of Running Backs, the perfect bridge QB on a friendly deal, and an ascending TE in TJ Hockenson. The Lions could potentially see their long-time struggles finally fade.
3. HOUSTON TEXANS: IKEM EKWONU T/NC STATE
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The team is all in on second-year pro QB Davis Mills who showed a ton of promise during a very trying rookie season. He had few weapons on the outside, in the backfield, and with one of the poorest Offensive Lines in football. I do not expect the Texans to reach for a perimeter player this early, but the next best thing would be to build a competent line for the young QB who already has an injury history. Ekwonu has a rare combination of size, power, agility, nastiness, and position versatility makes him an easy decision for a Texans team desperate to see what they have in the long term in Mills.
4. NEW YORK JETS: JERMAINE JOHNSON DE/FSU
Johnson was the biggest standout and beneficiary of the entire Senior Bowl process. The National Team (Coached by The New York Jets) was able to get the first firsthand look and coaching with the former Seminole pass-rusher. Johnson has great size, power, get-off, effort, and finishing ability. He also plays the run just as well. He finished 2021 with 70 Tackles, 12 Sacks, and two FFs.
5. NEW YORK GIANTS: KAYVON THIBODEAUX EDGE/OREGON
New York’s Defense regressed from 2020 to 2021. Getting to the QB was not the problem; it was more the pass defense. A Cornerback such as Gardner or Stingley Jr. would fill a need, but Thibodeaux is a unique pass-rush specialist that could develop into the best in this class. He is a top-five talent; adding him to a Giants front-seven that already contains Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and 2021 rookie Azeez Ojulari could have the makings of the great Giants pass-rush of old.
