Mock draft tracker 1.0: Focus on three

Jan 18, 2022 at 04:15 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

JACKSONVILLE – The discussion focuses on three names.

That's the current vibe around the No. 1 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft – at least according to multiple draft analysts taking an early look.

The Jaguars hold the No. 1 selection in the draft for a second consecutive season, and – unlike last season, when quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the consensus selection among observers – analysts' opinions vary on who the Jaguars will select first on April 28.

Analysts generally project one of three players having the potential to be selected No. 1 overall. They are:

Evan Neal, offensive tackle, Alabama
Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan
Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon

And that's indeed the vibe in the 2022 jaguars.com mock draft tracker, with five of the 10 analysts included in this first tracker projecting Thibodeaux No. 1 overall.

"The former Ducks star can do it all and benefits from a polished repertoire of moves and a physical skill set that ticks every box," Bryan Fischer of Athlon Sports wrote.

USA Today Draft Wire's Luke Easterling wrote: "The Jags have bigger needs, but you never reach for need with the No. 1 pick. This spot is about taking the best player in the draft, and at this point, that's still Thibodeaux."

Three analysts projected Hutchinson to the Jaguars at No. 1, with Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus writing: "Size, athleticism and production — Aidan Hutchinson has it all."

Two analysts projected Neal to the Jaguars No. 1.

"Jacksonville's primary objective this offseason should be to locate protection and pass-catchers for Trevor Lawrence," Josh Edwards of CBS wrote. "It is a bit too early to address the latter so the Jaguars take the best available offensive lineman in Neal."

Here's the first jaguars.com 2022 mock draft tracker:

No. 1 overall …

Mocker, Affiliation (Date): Player, position, school