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NFL Draft 2022: Three bold predictions in the first round

By Lou Scataglia

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: General manager, Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: General manager, Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft: Three bold predictions in the first round

2. Jaguars go offensive line with the #1 pick

Generally speaking, teams should be built from the inside, out.

Meaning, teams should look at their offensive lines and front sevens as they start or continue a rebuild.

For the rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars, that should still remain the case.

Sure, taking an edge rusher like Aidan Hutchinson makes a ton of sense, but so does taking an offensive lineman, especially someone like Evan Neal, who can play both tackle and guard, but does project out as a quality tackle at the next level.

The Jaguars still need a bit of help along their offensive line.  They signed Brandon Scherff, who is a very good player, and also re-signed Tyler Shatley.  With the retirement of Brandon Linder, they need help along the interior.  They could also look to upgrade from Jawaan Taylor, who stinks.

Neal can play both guard and tackle and would be very good at both at the next level.

If the Jaguars want to help Trevor Lawrence develop as much as possible, drafting Evan Neal first overall makes a ton of sense.

To me, if I were GM Trent Baalke, I’d already have my card filled out.

I get that the edge players in this class are great, but there are plenty of other targets in later rounds to pair with Josh Allen.

Continuing to add to the fortress up front makes the most sense for the Jaguars.

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