The 2022 NFL draft starts Thursday and continues until Saturday (ABC/ESPN/ESPN App). The Jacksonville JaguarsHave the first pick in the draft. They are one of eight groups to have two picks during the first round. Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York JetsAnd Philadelphia Eagles.
There are many opinions on how the top 20 picks will be selected, even though there is no consensus quarterback. Scouts, coaches, and general managers have divergent views. A quarterback has been selected as the No. 1 pick only four times in the 15 previous drafts. 1-pick — Myles GarrettTo the Cleveland BrownsIn 2017, Jadeveon ClowneyThe Texans in 2014. Eric FisherTo the Chiefs in 2013, and Jake Long to The Miami Dolphins2008
We will track all 262 picks for Rounds 1-7You also have the ability to see all available draft prospects.
The draft continues on Friday with Rounds 2 and 3 (7 p.m. ET). ET) and ends with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
Here are the picks from the first round as evaluated by ESPN NFL Nation’s reporters.
Travon Walker, LB Georgia| Highlights
Why they chose him Walker’s draft stock rose after the combine but it was not enough to cover the cost of the Combine. Jacksonville JaguarsWe were already impressed by the Georgia standout due to his versatility. He could play at linebacker, defensive tackle or defensive tackle in 2021. Jaguars can move him around to make the best matchup. If the Jaguars are looking to be creative, Walker is athletic enough to play in coverage. Walker’s best football was in the College Football Playoff games. This is a guy who gets things done when it matters most.
Biggest question:Walker’s 2021 record-breaking six sacks was a major accomplishment after only 3.5 in his two previous seasons. This raises concerns about Walker’s one-year rise. Walker was not the most prominent player on the Bulldogs defense. That honor went to linebacker. Nakobe DeanThis pick is less about Walker’s potential, but more about the Jaguars projecting his potential. All picks are made with that in view to some degree. But the Jaguars didn’t take a player most draft analysts agreed would make an immediate impact and be a perennial two-digit sack guy (Michigan). Aidan Hutchinson() for a player with 9.5 career sacks. Mike DiRocco
Aidan Hutchinson, | Highlights
Why they chose himThe Michigan player will remain at home. This pick is not just because of that. Hutchinson ticks all the boxes for the Lions. He will be ready to go immediately, and he has already created a fan base in the area that should help bring people to Ford Field. This is a smart choice and fits in with the goals of the Lions in rebuilding.
Biggest question:Hutchinson, a 2021 consensus first-team All-American player and Heisman Trophy finalist was named the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. Will that success translate to the next level? Hutchinson’s regular season performance was great, but he lost to Georgia in the national semifinals. Will his performance suffer against more talented competition? Only time will tell. Eric Woodyard
Derek Stingley Jr.CB, LSU| Highlights
Why they chose himCoach Lovie Smith stated earlier in the month that without improving at cornerback, the Texans can’t play football as they want. Although the Texans have added Steven Nelson, they drafted Stingley Jr. with No. Houston’s dedication to the position is evident with Houston’s No. 3 pick. Smith’s defensive system is sure to benefit Stingley Jr. Stingley Jr. has just returned from surgery. He had surgery in September 2021 following a ruptured ligament in his left leg.
Biggest question: Could the Texans give quarterback Davis Mills more assistance? I must say that there was no poor pick at No. 3, because there are so many holes on the Texans roster. Houston must ensure that Mills succeeds, even though there was a clear need for the secondary. Mills would have had reliable protection with left tackle Laremy Tulsil if he’d taken either Evan Neal or Ikem Nwonu offensive tackle. The good news is that the Texans have a second pick at No. They have the No. 2 pick. 13 to add an impact rookie.
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati | Highlights
Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon | Highlights