The 2022 NFL draft, i.e. the league’s 87th annual “Player Selection Meeting,” and its myriad mysteries are finally here.
Perhaps appropriate that an event that leads so many teams to hit blackjack and comes up snake eyes for quite a few others is being staged for the first time in Las Vegas, which was originally supposed to host the draft in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic scrapped those plans. However the Sin City backdrop should make the visuals uniquely spectacular this year.
The intrigue should also be rampant given the number of trades that have already impacted the draft with more sure to come. Make sure to follow the instant analysis here starting at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, when the players start coming off the board.
Now, to the picks:
2022 NFL draft tracker: First-round picks
What a year it’s been already for the 6-5, 272-pounder. After winning a national title with the Bulldogs, he took the NFL scouting combine by storm, laying down a 4.51 40 time and posting a 35½-inch vertical leap. Those physical traits and a sublime ability to move in space for such a big man have vaulted Walker from little-known lineman all the way to the top of this draft. Walker’s three-year production in college (9½ sacks, 13 tackles for losses) was a red flag to some, however being part of such a deep rotation while often being asked to work inside or even drop into coverage certainly depressed his numbers to some degree. But the Jags are clearly banking on future potential over past production with this selection. And Walker plans to deliver the goods, telling me last week: “Whoever passes up on me – to each his own. But you’re definitely making a mistake if you don’t draft me.” This is the first draft since 2017 where a non-quarterback has been chosen No. 1.
2. Detroit Lions – DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
He’s the No. 1 overall player on many draft boards even if he might not have the ceiling of Walker. But Hutchinson is closer to a finished product, the All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist setting a Wolverines single-season record with 14 sacks in 2021 while also posting 51 hurries. Hutchinson, who has a non-stop motor, was also a two-time team captain in Ann Arbor – and should help establish the kind of culture coach Dan Campbell and the Lions are seeking. A 6-7, 260-pounder with 4.7 speed and an engaging personality, the Plymouth, Michigan, native could instantly become the face of a franchise that needs one. A 29th-ranked defense that had the league’s third-fewest sacks in 2021 (30) and recently let go of oft-injured DE Trey Flowers should reap the benefits. The last time defensive players went 1-2 in a draft was 2000.
3. Houston Texans – CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
Three years ago, he was perceived as a top-five talent following a stellar freshman season. Now that’s come to pass after a circuitous journey. His talents as a cover man are undeniable and were apparent for the 2019 national champions, for whom he had six interceptions, earning All-American honors for his efforts. But Lisfranc surgery limited him to three games in 2021 – a year after he was slowed by ankle issues. But a promising showing at LSU’s pro day – Stingley unofficially ran a 4.37 40 earlier this month – apparently allayed concerns about his health and readiness to play. GM Nick Caserio and new Texans coach Lovie Smith interestingly begin rebuilding their defense with a lockdown corner instead of a pass rusher.
4. New York Jets – CB Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, Cincinnati
A franchise that’s been looking for Darrelle Revis’ successor for the past half-decade should benefit greatly from the 6-3, 190-pounder Gardner, who never surrendered a TD pass for the Bearcats. In fact, his interception-to-TDs allowed ratio in college was nine to 0. The 2021 AAC Defensive Player of the Year, who has 4.4 speed to go with his great length, didn’t allow 60 catches in three seasons for the Bearcats. The consensus All-American allowed only 20 receptions in 2021, picked off three passes and – evidence of his all-around game – posted 40 tackles and three sacks. He’s not going to sustain that kind of shutdown rep in a division now featuring WRs Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs, but he’d certainly upgrade the league’s worst defense, both in terms of points and yards allowed in 2021. The last time defensive players went 1-4 in a draft was 1991.
5. New York Giants – DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Given his off-field aspirations, including a post-football career in broadcasting among other ventures (including crypto), the former Ducks star probably couldn’t hope to land in a better market … assuming, of course, he brings all of his prodigious talent to bear in The Big Apple. Perhaps the prize of the 2019 high school recruiting class, Thibodeaux might have more potential than any other player in this draft but will have to dispel questions about his dedication to the game and what appears a lack of hustle at times. In 30 games at Oregon, the 6-4, 254-pounder had 19 sacks and 35½ TFLs, thanks in part to the 2021 All-American’s tremendous first step. Big Blue had 34 sacks and 53 TFLs in 2021, so a difference maker of Thibodeaux’s stature will certainly be welcome. He and Azeez Ojulari (8 sacks as a rookie in 2021) should form a nice, young edge combo.
6. Carolina Panthers – OT Ikem ‘Ickey’ Ekwonu, North Carolina State
Generally viewed as this draft’s top tackle prospect, good luck finding anyone who thinks there’s a better run blocker coming out than Ekwonu. The All-American coming down Tobacco Road has some refinement to do in pass protection, but this 6-4 310-pounder has the sweet feet and athleticism (4.9 40 time) to fulfill his vast expectations. He addresses a huge need for Carolina, which isn’t scheduled to select again until late in Round 4, and might give QB Sam Darnold a fighting chance to succeed if the offense’s other weapons – namely RB Christian McCaffrey – are ready to go in 2022.
7. Giants (from Chicago Bears) – OT Evan Neal, Alabama
Yet another All-American – one who won a ring with the Tide in 2020 – the 6-8, 337-pounder might be the most user friendly of the incoming blockers. Taken with the pick acquired in last year’s Justin Fields trade with the Bears, Neal has extensive experience at left tackle, right tackle and guard and is effective both in the run game and pass protection. He’ll likely plug into the right side given 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas seems settled as the Giants’ left tackle. This new-look like line should give embattled QB Daniel Jones – his fifth-year option was declined Thursday – RB Saquon Barkley and a fleet of receivers a much better to succeed in 2022.
8. Atlanta Falcons – WR Drake London, USC
The 2021 trade of Julio Jones, 2022 suspension of Calvin Ridley and free agent departure of Russell Gage evidently moved wideout right to the top of GM Terry Fontenot’s wish list. A 6-4, 219-pounder, London reminds many of Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, partially due to their basketball backgrounds. London and 2021 first-round TE Kyle Pitts should provide new QB Marcus Mariota quite a pair of capable rebounders – “twin towers” as London said Thursday. He had 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven scores in eight games for the Trojans in 2021 before a broken ankle cut his season short.
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) –
10. Jets (from Seahawks) –
11. Washington Commanders –
12. Minnesota Vikings –
13. Texans (from Cleveland Browns) –
14. Baltimore Ravens –
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins) –
16. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts via Eagles) –
17. Los Angeles Chargers –
18. Eagles (from Saints) –
19. Saints (from Eagles) –
20. Pittsburgh Steelers –
21. New England Patriots –
22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders) –
23. Arizona Cardinals –
24. Dallas Cowboys –
25. Buffalo Bills –
26. Tennessee Titans –
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –
28. Packers –
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers via Dolphins) –
30. Chiefs –
31. Cincinnati Bengals –
32. Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) –
Dealing Deebo?
Heading into the draft – after an offseason packed with notable trades – the status of 49ers All-Pro Deebo Samuel has been a primary topic after he requested a trade from San Francisco following his breakout season. Probably going to be harder to execute a deal – if the Niners even really entertain one for their budding, 26-year-old superstar – once teams go on the clock given any transaction would need parameters, and a team acquiring Samuel would have to be ready to pay him $25+ million annually. But you never know in the NFL. The Jets and Lions could be receiver-needy teams to monitor.
Fashion show
The players are already hitting the red carpet in Vegas. The bling and threads are impressive, and you might be surprised by what occurs on the fashion front behind the scenes. USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter did a deep dive on the suit game that occurs before the draft.
Haves and have nots
If the current order holds, a record eight teams would make multiple selections in Round 1. Eight others wouldn’t pick at all on Thursday night. Quite the indicator of how trades have pervaded the roster-building process when it seemed it wasn’t that long ago that teams were highly reluctant top part with prime draft capital, especially first-rounders.
Advice for every NFL team
Though not every club will play in the draft sandbox Thursday night, that doesn’t mean each franchise doesn’t have objectives to achieve over the draft’s full three days and seven rounds. Here is our friendly advice for all 32 NFL teams, pertinent both to the draft and beyond, as they continue shaping their rosters ahead of the 2022 season.
Top 50 prospects
Which players do you want your team to target? Middlehurst-Schwartz revealed his top 50 players of the 2022 draft earlier this week. Of note, it hardly mirrors your typical mock draft, with Walker – who could be Jacksonville’s selection at No. 1 – listed 18th, and Pitt QB Kenny Pickett not making the top 50 cut at all (only two QBs did).
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft 2022: Live news, analysis on picks throughout first round