2022 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers Go QB, Giants Double Down On OLine

1. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

The Detroit Lions will likely finish with the top pick for the 2022 NFL Draft, and will have a decision to make at the top. Will they go the in-state route? Or will they take the guy who’s been at the top of the edge class since the summer?

In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they go with Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson has had an unreal season for the Wolverines, and plays 100 percent on every snap. He comes with a different plan to unleash on tackles, and has the athleticism, power, and hand usage to rush the passer and defend the run.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Will Jaguars fans enjoy this selection? Probably not, as they’d like to see offense with this pick, but in this mock, getting the best player available is the move here. Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best available at an important position.

Thibodeaux brings incredible tools to the table as a rusher, but is even better defending the run, playing with good pad level, a great initial strike, and plays with great leverage to quickly stack and shed. He’d be great opposite Josh Allen for years to come.

3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Quarterback will certainly be on the table for the Houston Texans here, especially if the top two edge rushers are off the board. Davis Mills played his best game of the season against Seattle this past week, but it’s hard to say if he’s the long term answer.

Instead of reaching here, the Texans go with another elite defensive prospect in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Derek Stingley Jr. has been a top flight playmaker at corner since he stepped on LSU’s campus, and has the elite cover skills to become a quick cornerstone for the Texans.

4. New York Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The New York Jets will be looking for a major turnaround in 2022, and it’s going to start with retooling things on offense to give Zach Wilson the best chance to succeed. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that includes adding Evan Neal to the offensive line.

Neal’s best play has come at left tackle, but he has experience on the right side. A line of Mekhi Becton, Neal, and Alijah Vera-Tucker would be one of the best young units in the NFL.