The 2022 NFL draft is here. Months of evaluating prospects, talking to team personnel, stacking my board and everything else that goes into draft prep concludes with one final mock draft ahead of Thursday night’s Round 1.
Remember, these predictions are based on what I think a team will do, rather than what I think it should do. And that’s no simple task this year. There will be plenty of surprises in the opening 32 selections, and the intrigue begins right at No. 1 with the Jaguars. Jacksonville, and the teams that follow, will have options, though. This class is stacked with high-caliber players who should slide right into starting spots and make an impact.
But where will those talented prospects end up in the draft? How will the eight teams currently set to have multiple first-round selections approach the board? Who will land a quarterback? And will we see a run on wide receivers in a deep class? Here is my final projection of the opening 32 picks. Catch all the action Thursday night, starting at 8 ET on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App, and follow along live with our NFL Draftcast.
See more: My final rankings
Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
As I said on Monday, signs are now strongly pointing to Walker as the top pick. He is versatile, explosive and powerful, and he’d team up with Josh Allen to form a solid edge-rush pairing for new coach Doug Pederson. Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson — who was long rumored to be the guy here — has the production résumé, but Jacksonville is intrigued by Walker’s upside and traits. And while taking an offensive tackle isn’t out of the question, Wednesday’s three-year extension for Cam Robinson certainly made the Jags’ direction here much more clear.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Detroit might turn in the draft card before commissioner Roger Goodell is even finished reading Walker’s name. Landing Hutchinson would be a big win for general manager Brad Holmes and the rebuilding Lions. Hutchinson is my No. 1 overall prospect and would…
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