2022 NFL Draft: Pro comparison for all 32 picks in Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
With the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft in the books, we look back over all 32 picks and compare them to current NFL players
The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was nothing short of a whirlwind.
There seemed to be one trade after another as teams continually moved up and down throughout the night. This led to some great picks, some shocking reaches, and even a couple of veterans being shipped off.
With all the dust from night one settling, we look at all 32 picks from Round 1 and select a pro comparison for each.
What current NFL players do 2022 NFL Draft first-round picks compare to?
Jacksonville pick No. 1: Travon Walker, EDGE, Michigan: J.J. Watt
The Jacksonville Jaguars got the night started out by bringing in Travon Walker from Georgia. Not long ago, it seemed as though Walker would be someone available outside of the top-10 but his workouts shot him up the board.
In the end, he went first overall and the Jaguars now have a 6-foot-5, 272-pound defensive end who is built similar to J.J. Watt — and can also play inside and outside the way Watt can.
Detroit Lions pick No. 2: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan: DeMarcus Lawrence
One of the reasons there were doubts Hutchinson would go as high as he did was that he’s not seen as a perennial All-Pro player but rather someone who will just always be solid. He’s going to make a ton of Pro Bowls but he might not ever be a top-five rusher in the league consistently.
That’s why his pro comparison is DeMarcus Lawrence of the Dallas Cowboys. While Lawrence was a second-round pick, he came into the league with the ability to play in the 3-4 and 4-3 like Hutchinson. He’s also known for his great technical ability — especially with hand-fighting — and leadership on the field.
Houston Texans pick No. 3: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU: Stephon Gilmore
In arguably the first shocking pick of the night, the Houston Texans took Derek Stingley, Jr. from LSU. Stingley was one of the top cornerback prospects early in his LSU career but he wasn’t as good in his final seasons.
Of course, he still was an elite cornerback but his tape was better early which is what made this a shock. Still, his pro comp is a pretty solid player in Stephon Gilmore who is similar in size, stature, and football IQ.
New York Jets pick No. 4: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati: Richard Sherman
With Derek Stingley going third, the New York Jets were able to take Sauce Gardner at No. 4. Head coach Robert Saleh needed a new cornerback for his defense and he landed the best in the class. Gardner is reminiscent of Richard Sherman in the fact that he didn’t blow people away with his speed but has insane confidence and when he’s in the zone, no one is beating him.