The Jacksonville Jaguars come into the 2022 NFL Draft with the number one overall pick.
This marks the second consecutive year Jacksonville gets the first overall pick in the draft.
With their quarterback selection in last year’s draft, they can look to other areas with this draft.
They also have an option, if they choose, to trade away their pick.
However, that scenario isn’t likely to happen.
But it could happen, giving the Jaguars a winning pick no matter what they do.
So with the number one pick, who could the Jaguars pick?
Edge Rusher Aidan Hutchinson
If Jacksonville wants to improve their defense for the future, they should look for an edge rusher.
Aidan Hutchinson comes in as the best edge rusher in the 2022 draft and the best college prospect overall.
At 21 years old, he’s getting started with his football dominance.
His 14 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2021 made him a standout in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Aidan Hutchinson in 2021 was dominant. Teams game planned to slow him down.
He had 62 tackles (36 solo), 14 sacks, 16.5 TFL. Top five in win rate, led nation with 74 pressures
Travon Walker’s 3 year totals: 61 tackles (32 solo), 9.5 sacks. 13 TFL, 10% win rate, 34 pressures
— Mike Mitchell (@ByMikeMitchell) April 25, 2022
Those 14 sacks ranked him third last year in the 2021 NCAA football season.
With the Jaguars defense only having 32 sacks in 2021, Hutchinson would make an instant upgrade for the defense.
Edge Rusher Travon Walker
Another edge rusher whose draft day stock is rising is Travon Walker.
While Walker’s college career wasn’t as great as Hutchinson’s, he performed well at the NFL Combine.
His performance there crept him up in the draft day rankings.
However, some people question him moving up over others in the draft.
Travon Walker rising in the draft and Kayvon Thibodeaux falling is all the proof I need that NFL teams suck at drafting.
— Smoke Thee Author (@100PercentCocky) April 20, 2022
But if the Jaguars would rather focus on their offensive line, they have two choices there to help the team.
Offensive Lineman Evan Neal
Evan Neal comes into the 2022 NFL Draft as the best overall offensive lineman.
With the team giving up 32 sacks in 2021, adding Neal gives their quarterback more protection.
Neal is also a player that won’t need much adjustment time while in the NFL.
Learning plays and offensive line schemes fast bodes well for him in the draft.
It could be the reason Jacksonville takes him with the first pick.
He can also run block at the tackle position as well.
Another thing that’s helping Neal is he’s played three different offensive line positions while in college.
He played at left and right tackle, and played at left guard while at Alabama.
However, left tackle was his starting position in 2021.
With these upsides for Neal, he could shock some as the first overall pick.
Offensive Lineman Ikem Ekwonu
While some don’t see Ikem Ekwonu as a number one pick, there are reasons he could go number one.
The first being how he’s a versatile offensive lineman.
He has experience playing both left guard and left tackle in his college days.
With the Jaguars needing more protection for Trevor Lawrence, Ekwonu would be the perfect fit.
They could move him wherever they need him on the offensive line.
Whether they use him as a blind-side tackle or a run blocking guard, he helps improve the offensive line.
With the Jaguars needing help on the offensive line, they have many choices in the NFL Draft to address their needs.
