2022 NFL Draft: What every AFC team should focus on in round one
By Sean Basile
How should every AFC team approach the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft?
Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick #1)
The Jags have narrowed it down to four players, according to GM Trent Baalke.
God only knows what cockamamie draft board the Jaguars have fashioned together, but I have to believe it’s between pass rusher and offensive lineman for that number one pick.
Evan Neal has been one of the bigger names thrown around to be the overall number one pick. He can play an elite left tackle as well as right tackle if need be, which makes him a desirable draft option for top three teams like Jacksonville or Houston.
Ickey Ekwonu can wind up being a Pro Bowler at either tackle or guard, so his versatility could make him a sleeper choice for the top pick.
The thing with the Jags and O-linemen, however, is that they already re-signed their left tackle, Cam Robinson. The jury is still out on Jawaan Taylor at right tackle as well, though that ship is getting ready to sail after a not-so-impressive 2021 campaign from Taylor.
One could think at the moment, the two tackle spots in Jacksonville are taken, but that could change very soon.
I think the pick here for the Jags is a pass rusher, either Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker.
Hutchinson appears to be the player with the higher ceiling, though his sudden rise to fame and weakness in the run game might classify him as a hit-or-miss prospect.
Walker, on the other hand, appears to be the safer of the two options with the ability to fit into either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
If I’m Jacksonville, I think I barely take Hutchinson over Travon Walker to pair with Josh Allen just because of the upside. But Neal or Ekwonu I’m not opposed to either.