We’re less than 48 hours from the 2022 NFL draft, which means the rumor mill is churning at fever pitch, and the smokescreens are coming from 32 different directions.
This year’s draft is wide-open at the top, with no clear-cut front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick. The quarterback class is full of question marks, but it’s a great year to need edge defenders, wide receivers, offensive linemen and defensive backs.
While there might not be as much elite talent in this year’s group, the 2020 draft class is extremely deep at most positions, which should leave starting-caliber players still on the board well into the middle rounds.
Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of this year’s draft could play out, including compensatory picks:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars | Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
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There’s been some late buzz for Georgia’s Travon Walker here, but Hutchinson still feels like the favorite to take the top spot. He’s the more complete player, with an extremely high floor, and tons of production to back up his case.
2. Detroit Lions | Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
There’s likely to be some spirited debate in this draft room, but at the end of the day, common sense should win out. Thibodeaux is one of this year’s most dynamic prospects, and should be in the conversation at No. 1 overall. He can be a dominant force at a premium position.
3. Houston Texans | LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Start getting used to this one. Cincinnati’s “Sauce” Gardner is the favorite to be the first corner off the board (and with good reason), but don’t be surprised if the Texans throw a curveball here. Stingley was absolutely projected this high before injuries derailed his 2021 season, and he’s still an elite…