A look at 5 players the Jaguars may select with the 2022 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick
It is a busy offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars, not only are they amid a head coaching search they also have the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year.
But last year, there wasn't much suspense who they were targeting. From the moment they clinched the selection, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was their projected pick who they eventually selected.
This year, the Jaguars could actually trade down to select a talented wide receiver like Ohio State's Garrett Wilson. The consensus pick on most mock drafts have Michigan edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson projected as the No. 1 overall pick.
After finishing 3-14, the Jaguars need help on both sides of the ball. Defensively, surrendered the fifth most points (26.9) and allowed the ninth most rushing yards (125.1). Offensively, the Jaguars were the lowest-scoring team in the league (14.9).
The Jaguars have plenty of time to sort things out before the April 28-30 NFL Draft.
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Here is a look at five possibilities for the Jaguars for the No. 1 overall pick.
Aidan Hutchinson
College: Michigan
Position: Edge
Size: 6-foot-6, 265 pounds
Why should the Jaguars select him: The Jaguars may want to add an edge rusher to give Josh Allen a viable partner because 2020 first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson has been a bust with two sacks after 31 career games. Hutchinson has the strength to shed blocks, fast enough to chase down running backs, saw plenty of double teams, and still got pressure on the quarterback. He had 14.0 sacks during the 2021 season and 17.5 for his career despite playing only two games in 2020 because of an ankle fracture that required surgery. Hutchinson did not perform well against Georgia during the College Football Playoffs semifinal game. Rarely double-teamed, Hutchison did not have a sack, finishing with four tackles, including one tackle for loss.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
College: Oregon
Position: Edge
Size: 6-5, 258
Why should the Jaguars select him: He is a lock to be a top-five pick. Thibodeaux has an excellent first step, good athleticism, and uses his hands well to get off blocks to apply pressure on the quarterback. He is projected to start immediately based on his pre-draft grades. He totaled 126 tackles and 19 sacks during three seasons with the Ducks. At 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, probably needs to increase his size to become a dominant force in the NFL.
Garrett Wilson
College: Ohio State
Position: Wide receiver
Size: 6-0, 188
Why should the Jaguars select him: The Jaguars need to put more playmakers around quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Wilson is considered to be at the top of the 2021 draft class of wide receivers. He is a dynamic talent who can turn any catch into a touchdown. Wilson can get in and out of his breaks quickly because of his exceptional speed. In three seasons at Ohio State, Wilson caught 143 passes for 2,213 yards and 23 touchdowns. Wilson made 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch.
Evan Neal
College: Alabama
Position: Offensive tackle
Size: 6-7, 350
Why should the Jaguars select him: Neal is considered to be the top left tackle available in the draft. He would be considered an upgrade to replace starting left tackle Cam Robinson if the Jaguars let him hit the market as a free agent and not apply the franchise tag for the second consecutive season. Neal has good lateral movement and ability to make impact blocks in space. He made the adjustment last season moving from right tackle to left tackle. Despite his tremendous size, Neal is quick enough to beat defenders to the spot on pass protections.
Ikem Ekwonu
College: North Carolina State
Position: Offensive tackle
Size: 6-4, 320
Why should the Jaguars select him: Ekwonu was only the third unanimous All-American in North Carolina State history. He allowed just two sacks in 820 snaps at left tackle. He also played left guard. He thrives as a physically dominant blocker with a high rate for pancake blocks. He has good leverage coming out of his stance and quick feet to stay in front of edge rushers.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: NFL Draft 2022: 5 players the Jacksonville Jaguars may take No. 1
