ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 04: Evan Neal #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a touchdown by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter of the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
NFL mock draft after Tyreek Hill getting traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to Miami Dolphins changes the complexion and NFL Draft order once again.
The 2022 NFL Draft is only a month away, and in recent weeks, we have seen the order of the first round continue to change, most recently with the Tyreek Hill trade. Still, as teams make changes to their roster, and attack free agency and trades, the need to improve the roster stands for all 32 units.
Looking ahead to next April’s first round, we dive into the first 32 picks, and try and figure out who goes where in our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Evan Neal
Offensive Tackle,Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second straight year, but they are a team to keep an eye on next season. They have revamped their roster in a big way this offseason, and with Urban Meyer gone, they should be more prepared as a team from week to week.
Here, the Jaguars add more talent to an already bolstered offensive line, bringing in Alabama star left tackle, Evan Neal, at No. 1 overall. Neal will be the one to protect Trevor Lawrence’s blindside for the foreseeable future, and he has star written all over him.
Malik Willis
Quarterback,Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it is assumed that they would use the pick on an edge rusher. However, one player that is dominating the draft season is Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, and the Lions shock everyone and select him here.
Sure, Jared Goff is still on the roster, which means this is a perfect landing spot, as Willis would not have to start from Day 1. Goff is a solid veteran who could show Willis how the NFL game is played before the young quarterback takes over for him in 2023.
Aidan Hutchinson
Edge,Houston Texans
Well, it finally happened, as the Houston Texans were finally able to trade away former franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. It has been an incredible fall from grace for Watson, who now will look to turn his career and life around as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
For the Texans, they now have a ton of draft capital across the next few years, and with this pick, they add an elite edge rusher. JJ Watt tormented offenses in the AFC South for years, and maybe Aidan Hutchinson can be the next coming.