2022 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys reach for surprise EDGE

After losing Randy Gregory in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys could get desperate as they go for a splash in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft

With the calendar finally turning to April, we are officially entering the month of the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s hard to find another sport where so much anticipation and excitement builds for a draft as the NFL has done a fantastic job promoting the event and turning it into a spectacle.

All season long, we look at prospects who could be entering the league, and then as soon as the year ends, the workouts begin and get us even more excited.

Here, we continue to look ahead to the event with our first 2022 NFL Mock Draft for the month of April. Once again, the first round kicks off with a familiar name, and later in Round 1, the Dallas Cowboys land a surprising edge defender.

Jacksonville Jaguars land OT in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

The Jacksonville Jaguars seem very committed to making life easier for Trevor Lawrence in 2022. They added a couple of wide receivers as well as Brandon Scherff to play guard. Now, they continue that trend as they bring in Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State with their first pick in this mock.

Ekwonu showed out in the combine and was able to put himself ahead of Evan Neal and in the end, this leads to him being the first player chosen in this draft.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

As good as Ikem Ekwonu is, there are still calls for Aidan Hutchinson to be the No. 1 player taken in this class. However, the need at left tackle for the Jags means that the Detroit Lions end up with a shot at Hutchinson with the second pick.

Hutchinson just feels like a player who fits what Dan Campbell wants and should be a centerpiece for their defense. He considered turning pro in 2021 but went back to Michigan for one more season and that ends up paying off in a big way.