It’s time for the final 2022 NFL mock draft of the year with some big predictions, including Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder soaring up the board.
The 2022 NFL Draft is finally upon us. It’s finally time for the final 2022 NFL mock draft of this year’s circuit, and as always, it’s critical to keep in mind that predicting the first round of the NFL Draft is even more inexact and unlikely than attempting to make a perfect bracket in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Getting even half of the picks in a first-round mock draft projection correct is bordering on legendary status, and with a class as unpredictable as the one we’re currently looking at, even getting 10 picks right might rank you among this year’s best.
Teams don’t just willingly give away their strategies this time of year, and there’s plenty of smoke out there to deceive, but there are insiders around the NFL with information worth listening to when it comes to predicting the NFL Draft.
We’re going to connect as many dots as possible. We’re going to aggregate as much information as possible and try to bring you the most accurate first-round prediction of the 2022 NFL Draft possible.
Onto the picks…
2022 NFL mock draft: Travon Walker completes his meteoric rise
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
After all the build-up, the Jacksonville Jaguars end up taking Travon Walker, who had a meteoric rise over the last six months as one of the many very gifted members of the vaunted 2021 Georgia Bulldogs defense.
Although Walker had some intriguing production, this pick would be almost all about choosing the guy with superior traits (Walker) over the guy with superior production (Hutchinson).
Trent Baalke solidified his offensive line in free agency by tagging (and recently re-signing) Cam Robinson at the left tackle spot as well as bringing in offensive guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
Walker is an outstanding athlete, a hard worker, and a genuinely humble young man who is also just 21 years old.
He’s built like a traditional defensive end but was frequently dropped into coverage for the Bulldogs and excelled thanks to his athleticism and range.
This is anything but a home run pick, but it’s certainly a justifiable selection for the Jaguars with high upside.