With under six weeks till the 2022 NFL Draft, we are in the final stretch run. Between free agency and the flurry of trades, the outlook of the draft isn’t the same it was two weeks ago. Given how aggressive teams have been this offseason, much will change over the next several weeks. As we get closer to the draft, several questions need addressing. Let us take a look at a few of them.
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Is Aidan Hutchinson a lock to go first overall?
Never say never, but it sure seems like Hutchinson will be a Jacksonville Jaguar. After the team placed the franchise tag on Cam Robinson and signed Brandon Scherff, the need on the offensive line has diminished. Before those two moves, Evan Neal was the favorite to go first overall. However, that has changed, with Hutchinson becoming a heavy favorite to be the first pick. The AFC has turned into an arms race this offseason, as several teams have made blockbuster moves. The Denver Broncos traded for Russell Wilson while the Cleveland Browns added Deshaun Watson. If the Jaguars are going to compete in the AFC this year, they will need to get pressure on the opposing quarterback. Meanwhile, Hutchinson had a career-high 14 sacks last season at Michigan.
Should the Detroit Lions take a QB with the No. 2 pick?
Absolutely not! While rumors are swirling that the Lions will take Malik Willis with the second overall pick, they shouldn’t. A few weeks ago, the Lions likely land Hutchinson with the second overall pick. However, he is now a heavy favorite to go first overall. Instead of taking Willis, the Lions should select a different edge rusher like Georgia’s Travon Walker or Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. Many believe Willis is at least a year away from starting in the NFL. Meanwhile, Jared Goff was solid last season, throwing for 19 touchdowns and only eight interceptions despite a sub-par receiving core. The Lions will likely have an early pick in the 2023 draft. They can add a better quarterback prospect next year, like Alabama’s Bryce Young.
How many offensive linemen will go in the top 10?
Much could change between now and the draft. There are several quality offensive linemen still on the free agent market. However, Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, and Charles Cross are all locks to go in the first 10 picks. With the New York Jets and New York Giants each having two selections in the top 10, we could see all three offensive tackles go before pick eight. Furthermore, the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks could also use their top 10 pick on an offensive lineman. If the offensive tackles fly off the board early, don’t be surprised to see a team trade up into the top 10. Two potential names that could sneak into the top 10 are Trevor Penning and Tyler Linderbaum.
Will a tight end go in the first round?
The only tight end who could sneak into the first round is Colorado State’s, Trey McBride. After a strong performance during the Senior Bowl, McBride started to get first-round hype. However, he didn’t build on that momentum at the Combine. Before free agency, there were several potential landing spots for McBride in the late first round. However, the Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Dalton Schultz. Then, the Tennessee Titans signed Austin Hooper, while the Green Bay Packers re-signed Robert Tonyan. It is now unlikely that McBride or any other tight end get selected in the first round. However, we could see him come off the board early in the second round. The Giants hold the 36th overall pick, while the Indianapolis Colts have the 42nd overall pick.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive follow him @Mike_NFL2.
