With the 2021 NFL season wrapped up, franchises around the league are now focusing their attention on the upcoming draft. The 2022 draft class is not a typical one, showcasing star edge rushers, alongside a notably weaker quarterback class compared to the ones most fans are used to. 

Winning big on first-round selections is critical for a team’s future success, as missing out with a top pick can set a franchise back for years. Look no further than the Chargers selection of quarterback Ryan Leaf with the second overall selection in the 1998 draft or Raiders selection of quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the top selection of the 2007 draft. Draft blunders like these haunted these franchises for seasons. 

Here are this writer’s predictions for how the top 10 picks of the NFL draft will pan out:

With the First Overall Pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars Select…Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

 After sticking with GM Trent Baalke, the Jaguars will end up with the number one pick for the second consecutive year. While tackle Evan Neal has been in the conversation to be selected first, Thibodeaux and Hutchinson pose as the better talent.  This pick could go either way, but Hutchinson seems to be the safer pick, as he stayed healthy the whole year, posting 14 sacks, and forcing two fumbles.

 “I think that the Jaguars will take Aidan Hutchinson with the first pick,” said an FLHS freshman. “With Josh Allen on the other side, that would be a deadly combo on the edge.”

With the Second Overall Pick, the Detroit Lions Select…Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Assuming the Jags select Hutchinson, this pick is a guaranteed lock.  Thibodeaux’s ability to quickly get to the quarterback provides an immediate boost to the Lions, who put up 30 sacks, coming out to third worst in the league.  In just 32 games from 2019-21, Thibodeaux tallied 19 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 35 ½ tackles for loss.  This will be a no-brainer for the Lions, regardless of whether Hutchinson or Thibodeaux fall to them.

 “Pass rushers like Thibodeaux, when you get an opportunity to get a Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, you take it--- that’s what it’s all about now is getting after the quarterback,” said Mel Kiper Jr., an NFL draft analyst.

With the Third Overall Pick, the Houston Texans Select…LT Evan Neal, Alabama

 The Texans struggled to protect the quarterback in the 2021 season, as they placed in the bottom third of the league for sacks allowed (44). This is the cue for Evan Neal, coming in at 6’7” and 360 pounds.  His immense size will challenge opposing rushers and protect whoever will be slinging the ball from the pocket.  Locking down the left tackle position is big for any team, and Neal presents himself as the next man up.

“He is massive, [360] pounds, but you don’t see many guys that can move and mirror, and slide in pass protection and get out as a second-level run blocker,” said Todd McShay, an NFL draft analyst. “He moves so well.  He’s tough to get around.”

With the Fourth Overall Pick, the New York Jets Select…CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

The 2021 Jets secondary was nothing but atrocious, allowing the third most passing yards a game (259.4 yds) and picking off opposing QBs only seven times.  Luckily for the Jets, there are a few prospects that can ease the beating they have taken.  Cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr., Andrew Booth Jr., Ahmad Gardner and safety Kyle Hamilton are the frontrunners for the Jets selection.  While Hamilton will be the first safety off the board, Stingley’s ball skills and quick feet slightly rank over Gardner and Booth, giving him the edge with this pick.

“The Jets are definitely in a position to upgrade their defense and should pick a top-flight cornerback,” said Richard Nelke, a longtime NFL fan, who closely follows the NFL draft.  “Either Derek Stingley Jr. or Andrew Booth Jr. would be a perfect fit.”

With the Fifth Overall Pick, the New York Giants Select…LT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

Two main issues with the team rest on the O-Line and getting pressure off the edge. Tackle Andrew Thomas progressed greatly this season, so pairing him with tackle Charles Cross would solidify both sides of the line. Cross wrapped up a season where on 682 pass blocks, he allowed only five QB pressures and one sack.  If Cross can translate that to the NFL, New York will have the tackle position locked down for years to come.

“Finishing a play doesn’t always mean putting your man in the dirt, but it appears that the Mississippi State OT did not get that memo,” said Oliver Hodgkinson, an NFL analyst for Pro Football Network. “Cross looks to punish his opponent every play, whether in pass protection or as a mauler in the ground game.”

With the Sixth Overall Pick, the Carolina Panthers Select…LT Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

In the number six slot, Carolina has a couple of roads to go down with their selection.  Assuming they re-sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore and edge Hasson Reddick, those two positions do not become one of immediate attention. Early indications have the Panthers giving QB Sam Darnold the reins for one more season, so an ideal choice would be tackle Ikem Ekwonu, which would refine an O-Line that allowed the fifth most sacks in the 2021 season (52).

“He is a baller and he’s got really good feet and balance and pass protection,” said Kiper Jr.  “This is a kid who wants to be great, studies, works hard, is really passionate about the game of football.”

With the Seventh Overall Pick, the New York Giants Select…EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

George Karlaftis, the last of the big three edge rushers remain, and the Giants showed their incapability to harass rival quarterbacks.  This is the Giants last pick inside of the first round, so passing on an edge like Karlaftis would be a costly mistake.

“Karlaftis coils and explodes off the snap even without having to time the snap perfectly,” said Derrik Klassen, a Bleacher Report scout.  “In turn, he often gets the jump on opposing offensive tackles, opening up the floor for him to show off his relentless bull-rushing or array of hand-fighting tactics.”

With the Eighth Overall Pick, the Atlanta Falcons Select…S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

Arguably the most talented player in this draft class may land in Atlanta, a team that allowed 27 points a game on average, the third worst in the league.  Gardner and Booth also present themselves as viable options, as either paired with stud cornerback AJ Terell would give Atlanta a two-headed monster at the CB position.  However, Hamilton is the better prospect overall, so selecting him would bolster the Atlanta secondary and make QBs give a second thought to whether they should throw at his 6’4’’ 219 pound frame.

“I would say corner Ahmad Gardner is probably more important for the Falcons, but Kyle Hamilton is the best prospect,” said Joe Taggart, the general manager of Parisi Speed School in Fair Lawn, NJ, who has also worked with over 50 NFL athletes.

With the Ninth Overall Pick, the Denver Broncos Select…QB Matt Corral, Mississippi

Ever since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset, the Broncos have struggled to find a solid quarterback.  If the Broncos do not succeed in bringing in Aaron Rodgers, this draft still presents projected first-round picks such as Matt Corral.  Denver needs to find a franchise QB sooner or later, and Corral can fill those shoes.   In his last 20 collegiate games, he threw for 4,699 yards and 40 total TDs.

“Corral has both arm strength in driving the ball down the field and the ability to throw the ball with velocity to spin it into tight windows,” said Hodgkinson. “His footwork is solid, enabling him to be agile in the pocket…once out of the pocket, he is elusive in the open field.”

With the Tenth Overall Pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers Select…QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Initially the Jets pick, Kenny Pickett might just lead the Steelers into a new era.  Pickett was a Heisman finalist and surpassed Dan Marino’s all-time passing TD record during his impressive season.  While a trade up scenario isn’t guaranteed, Pittsburgh is on the hunt for a new QB and Pickett can be the answer.

“Standing at 6’3”, 220 pounds, Pickett is a very good athlete with a strong frame.  With his mobility, he can sidestep rushers, escape the pocket, and produce on the ground,” said Ian Cummings, an NFL analyst for Pro Football Network.  “Pickett is clutch in crucial moments, and he plays through injuries, putting it all on the line each Saturday afternoon.”

These predictions set the aforementioned players up for a long future, but it will depend on their drive, determination, and willpower to see if their college game translates to the biggest stage of them all.

“It’s not where or when you get drafted,” said Josh Allen, now the quarterback of the Bills.  “It’s what you do after it.”

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