In our final first-round mock, we predict the likelihood of your favorite prospect ending up in Kansas City. Who does everyone else take? We discuss.
After what seems like a century, the draft is finally here. Before it starts, we wanted to give you one last mock draft to reference while you watch. At this point, we all have favorite prospects and we are eager to know where they will find a home. So, who will the Chiefs select? Will the AFC get even scarier? We discuss all that and more in our final mock of the 2022 NFL draft.
This seems pretty consensus in most mock drafts. After drafting Trevor Lawrence first overall last season, the Jaguars are going to draft their defensive cornerstone. Hutchinson’s ability to step in day one and compliment Josh Allen makes him an excellent pick here and one that Jacksonville cannot miss on.
Hutchinson will step in on day one and improve the Jacksonville defense. While they certainly have a long way to go, Hutchinson helps the improve the roster significantly. Hutchinson has both a very high floor and a high ceiling. It is possible that Hutchinson is a 9 or more sacks per year kind of player and the Jaguars need that kind of talent on their roster.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is certainly worthy of being drafted first overall. With tremendous athleticism, Thibodeux not only gets consistent pressure, he can also make it look easy. The Lions are in need of talent everywhere and they could certainly go elsewhere with this pick but would be wise to take Thibodeaux due to his high ceiling. Thibodeaux may be the best player in this draft class when it is all said and done.
Specifically for Detroit, this move makes a lot of sense. Thibodeaux could step into Detroit and get some work behind Michael Brockers and Charles Harris and slowly rotate in as a third-down pass-rusher. If he is playing at a high level early in his career, Detroit could use him as an every-down player. If he can develop into a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL, the Lions could potentially change the entire face of the franchise.
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is one of the best defensive backs in the draft and has had one of the best collegiate careers in recent memory. When Gardner ‘wowed’ scouts at the combine with a 4.41 second 40-yard dash. At 6’3, Gardner provides a defensive backfield with tremendous length and has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback for years.
Lovie Smith and the Houston Texans seem committed to giving the offense a chance to develop under Davis Mills. Smith, a long-time defensive-minded coach will likely add some key defensive pieces in the draft. Gardner is the best defensive option left outside of Kyle Hamilton whose value isn’t as high because he is a safety. Gardner could be a key reason that Houston gets back on track.