2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Has Trades Galore!

It is safe to say that the Urban Meyer era was a complete and utter disaster in Jacksonville. Despite a less-than-stellar league wide reputation, it looks as though general manager Trent Baalke will retain control for at least one more season.

After an odd interview process, the Jaguars tabbed former Eagles’ head coach — and Super Bowl Lll champion — Doug Pederson to lead their franchise going forward. Pederson is highly-regarded as a top offensive mind and brings immediate credibility to a locker room in desperate need of it.

With the No.1 overall pick, the Jags will field offers but ultimately stand pat in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft and select edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Last year they chose quarterback Trevor Lawrence to be a cornerstone for the franchise on offense. This year they find themselves atop the draft order again, but instead they come away with a cornerstone on the other side of the ball.

Thibodeaux was the highest-rated player in his recruiting class, and his time in Eugene really helped him develop into one of the few blue-chip prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. Pairing Thibodeaux with Josh Allen gives Jacksonville a fearsome duo that can chase down opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis.

Detroit fans are likely very familiar with this Heisman-finalist. Aidan Hutchinson grew up in the state, quickly signing with Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines soon after the offer was extended. He had a breakout 2021 season, highlighted by his dominant performance in the schools first win versus rival Ohio State in a decade. With his partner-in-crime, David Ojabo, Hutchinson terrorized the Big Ten all year long, setting a school record with 14 sacks.

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions could only muster 30 total sacks as a team in 2021, with the Eagles (29) and Falcons (18) as the lone teams looking up at them. Because of this massive need, and the fact that Hutch is a hometown boy, the glove fits perfectly. The star pass rusher will bring his relentless work ethic and all-around skillset to a team that sure could use it. Kyle Hamilton rumors are heating up, but the Lions go with the bigger need here at two in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.