5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Whether they’re picking at No. 1 or No. 5 — it’s almost impossible to see them going any further than this — the Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking for the same thing, a franchise left tackle. And the selection should be the same as well, as long as no one takes Evan Neal before they get a shot at him.
In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Neal is still there for the taking and Jacksonville is more than happy to bring him in. After taking Trevor Lawrence last season, the Jags now make sure to protect him the best they can with the 6-foot-7, 345-pound Neal who is an athletic freak at the position.
6. New York Giants: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The New York Giants are going to be tempted to take a quarterback this early but they also might be willing to see what Daniel Jones can do with a new staff — sorry Joe Judge and Jason Garrett, but it’s looking more likely than ever that they’re on borrowed time.
With their attention going away from the quarterback position, they use their first of two picks in Round 1 on Aiden Hutchinson from Michigan. Hutchinson was likely headed to the league as a late day one or early day two pick but returning for the 2021 season solidified his spot as a top-15 pick.