With Thursday's NFL Draft looming, let's take a look at projected first round pick and possibilities, courtesy of WalterFootball.com...

1.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

   The Jaguars' biggest need isn't edge rusher, but I don't know how they can pass up on the best prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. I believed that to be Kayvon Thibodeaux much earlier in the draft process, but as Charlie Campbell wrote in the NFL Hot Press, Jacksonville prefers Hutchinson at the moment. Travon Walker is also a possibility because of his upside.

   Hutchinson has excellent potential, but we didn't get to see it very much last year because he suffered an ankle injury.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Travon Walker, DE - The Jaguars believe Hutchinson is safer, but Walker has more upside.

3.  Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

   I've slotted Drake London here since the combine, and he was in the lead for the No. 2 pick. Now, Travon Walker has become the favorite. There's a chance Walker may not even be here, given that Jacksonville believes he has more upside than Aidan Hutchinson. If Walker is off the board, it sounds like Hutchinson will be the choice.

   Walker got off to a hot start during the 2021 season. Walker has great size and athleticism, and he was one of the top performers at the combine.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Aidan Hutchinson, DE - The Lions will likely pick the edge rusher the Jaguars don't take.

4.  Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

   The Texans missed out on the top two edge rushers, but that doesn't mean that they will avoid the position. Kayvon Thibodeaux is still in play despite his draft stock dropping a bit since the end of the 2021 college season. Also, a former Texans front office personnel man told me that he believes Houston is targeting Thibodeaux after initially stating it would be Ahmad Gardner. This may not mean anything, or it could mean everything.

   Kayvon Thibodeaux terrorized Pac-12 backfields with his great pass-rushing ability. There's some question now about his passion for football, but this might be FUD spread by other teams who want Thibodeaux to fall to them.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Evan Neal/Ikem Ekwonu, OT - It would make sense for the Texans to address their mediocre offensive line, especially after losing their right tackle this offseason.

   Pick change: previously Ahmad Gardner, CB

   
   
   
5.  New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

   The Jets have so many needs that it would be redundant and obvious to say that they must address [insert position here]. Cornerback has been a huge issue for quite some time, and the Jets may view Ahmad Gardner to be the best player available at No. 4. Gardner is a 6-foot-2 cornerback with great length, and he just enjoyed a terrific combine.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE/OLB - Edge rusher has been a huge hole for the Jets as well.

   2. Evan Neal/Ikem Ekwonu, OT - I don't think a tackle could be dismissed here, but I think it's more likely the Jets select an edge rusher or a cornerback.

   Pick change: previously Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE

   
   
   
6.  New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT/G, Alabama

   Andrew Thomas struggled to begin his career. He has improved, but right tackle is a big problem because Nate Solder is a shell of his former self.

   Evan Neal is a 360-pound lineman who can move very well, which almost seems impossible.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Charles Cross, OT - Charlie Campbell reported the Giants are targeting a tackle at No. 5.

7.  Carolina Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

   Matt Rhule believes he's the Jay-Z of NFL head coaches, but he's more Silkk the Shocker than Jay-Z at the moment. For Rhule to truly be Jay-Z, he needs his Beyonce, but he doesn't have a better quarterback option than Sam Darnold, who is basically Rebecca Black. The Panthers whiffed on all the quarterbacks they could've obtained via trade, so they almost have to use this selection on a signal-caller, given that this is the only pick the team has in the top 100.

   As of right now, I believe the Panthers are deciding between Malik Willis, Charles Cross and Ikem Ekwonu (assuming Evan Neal won't be available.) It really sounds like they're trying to sell themselves on selecting Willis. General manager Scott Fitterer discussed the excitement in the building during Willis' pro day, and owner Axe Tepper wants the team to make a home-run play with this pick. That won't happen with any tackle. Willis can provide the sort of energy Carolina has been lacking since the first time Cam Newton departed.

   Willis has a huge arm and great mobility, but struggles to process information and see the field very well. Still, he has the upside to be chosen as high as No. 6 overall.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Charles Cross/Ikem Ekwonu, OT - I'm 55-45 on the Panthers going with a quarterback with this pick. If they don't, they'll look to fill their huge hole at left tackle.

   2. Trevor Penning, OT - If the top two tackles are off the board, and the Panthers don't want a signal-caller, I believe Penning would make sense, as the Panthers' general manager may draft as the Seahawks have over the years.

8.  New York Giants: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

   The Giants have an excellent secondary, but that won't be the case once they trade James Bradberry, which seems inevitable right now. Once Bradberry is gone, the Giants will sorely need a No. 1 cornerback.

   Derek Stingley had a freshman campaign for the ages, completely erasing one side of the field despite having no experience entering the year. He has great size (6-1, 190) and athleticism, but could fall in the 2022 NFL Draft because of some major injury concerns.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Ahmad Gardner, CB - The Giants would love to land Gardner, but he'll probably be off the board.

   2. Kayvon Thibodeaux/Jermaine Johnson, DE - If the top two cornerbacks are off the board, the Giants could trade down. If they don't, they may address their poor edge-rushing situation.

9.  Atlanta Falcons: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

   The Falcons could opt to take a quarterback with this pick. If they like either Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett, they should. If not, they should tank for next April (I have three quarterbacks in the top three picks in my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.) Regardless, the Falcons will otherwise pick the best player available between edge rusher, cornerback, offensive lineman and wide receiver. Their blocking has been miserable lately, but Ikem Ekwonu would change that.

   Ekwonu has gotten rave reviews from talent evaluators. Some projected him as a late-first-round pick to start the 2021 season, but he has made major strides and is now a potential top-five choice.

   *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

   1. Malik Willis/Kenny Pickett, QB - The Falcons could target a quarterback with this pick, but then again, they passed on Justin Fields at No. 4 last year, and Fields was a much better prospect than Willis or Pickett.

   2. Jermaine Johnson, DE - Atlanta has lacked a potent edge rush for a very long time.
10.  Seattle Seahawks: Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State

    Prior to free agency, Pete Carroll discussed that finding edge-rushing help would be essential for the team this offseason. Yet, all the Seahawks have done in that regard is obtain Uchenna Nwosu. That's not nearly enough to combat Matthew Stafford, Kyler Murray and Trey Lance. I believe the Seahawks will target a dynamic edge rusher with this pick unless someone unexpected drops to them.

    Jermaine Johnson, who left Georgia for Florida State, has good speed off the edge.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Derek Stingley, CB - Stingley seems like the perfect prospect for the Seahawks, but he may not be available.

    2. Trevor Penning, OT - Rob Staton of SeahawksDraftBlog.com did a great breakdown of why Seattle could be interested in Penning at No. 9 overall.

11.  New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

    I didn't think the Jets needed a receiver very much, but Joe Douglas disagrees because he offered this pick to the Seahawks for D.K. Metcalf. Obviously, receiver will be considered at this spot if Douglas loves someone at the position. He needs to give Zach Wilson as much help as possible, after all.

    Garrett Wilson has ridiculous run-after-the-catch ability.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Derek Stingley, CB - As mentioned at No. 4, the Jets would love to obtain a prospect like Stingley if they pass on Ahmad Gardner at No. 4.

    2. Jermaine Johnson, DE - If the Jets eschew an edge rusher at No. 4, Johnson would be a great choice at this spot.
12.  Washington Redskins: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

    The Redskins traded for Carson Wentz, so how can they not provide their new quarterback with some new receiving talent? All they have is Terry McLaurin at the position. Wentz will struggle to catch on in Washington if they don't give him another dynamic weapon.

    Jameson Williams is a tall (6-2), electric play-maker with great burst. He hurt his knee in the national championship, but could play in 2022 at some point.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Chris Olave/Drake London, WR - Here are the other receivers in play at No. 11.

    2. Kyle Hamilton, S - I've mocked Hamilton here for a while, but I think there's more of a chance that he'll slip.

13.  Minnesota Vikings: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

    The Vikings are still stuck with playing against Aaron Rodgers twice per year, so they'll need to strengthen their cornerback situation, which has been in flux for quite some time. The top two cornerbacks are off the board, so Minnesota could move down.

    Trent McDuffie isn't six feet (5-11), but he has great cover skills.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Jordan Davis, DT - The Vikings could continue to beef up their defensive line with the best player available.

    2. Trade Down - Many of the Vikings' needs don't align with the top players on the board, so trading back makes a lot of sense.

14.  Houston Texans: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

    The Texans want to evaluate Davis Mills this season. They won't be able to properly do that if Brandin Cooks is Mills' only viable receiver.

    Chris Olave has a good mix of size (6-1, 185) and speed. He became a big play-maker at the end of 2019.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Drake London, WR - Another receiving option for the Texans.

    2. Charles Cross/Trevor Penning, OT - If the Texans pass on a tackle at No. 3, they could consider one of these options at this spot.

15.  Baltimore Ravens: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

    The Ravens have declined since Lamar Jackson's second season because of offensive line issues. Marshal Yanda retired, while Ronnie Stanley hasn't been able to stay healthy. There also have been issues at center, which could be fixed with this pick. However, if Charles Cross, who could go as early as No. 5, is still available, the Ravens may trip over themselves trying to hand their card into Roger Goodell.

    Cross has great feet as a former five-star recruit. Charlie Campbell reported that Cross has impressed team evaluators this season.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Trevor Penning, OT - The other tackle option for Baltimore.

    2. George Karlaftis, DE - Karlaftis seems like the type of prospect the Ravens love. Baltimore needs edge-rushing help.

16.  Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

    The Eagles need to begin thinking about life without Fletcher Cox. The soon-to-be 32-year-old signed a 1-year deal this spring, so this could be his final season in Philadelphia.

    Jordan Davis was a monster in the 2021 season debut against Clemson. He has continued to dominate this year, and he continued to improve his draft stock with a 4.78 40 time at the combine.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. George Karlaftis, DE - The Eagles will lose Brandon Graham in the coming years, so they'll need a replacement.

    2. Devonte Wyatt, DT - Wyatt would be considered here if it weren't for repeated domestic violence. We'll see if the Eagles have removed him off their board.

17.  New Orleans Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

    The Saints obtained this pick from the Eagles (check out my NFL Trade Grades for more). I wonder if they'll use their two selections to move up for a quarterback. In this case, they don't have to do anything because a first-round signal-caller fell into their lap.

    Pickett is an accurate passer with nice size. He was on fire in 2021. However, he's just a middling first-round quarterback prospect, and his small hands might scare the cold-weather teams.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Chris Olave/Drake London, WR - The Saints have nothing at receiver outside of Michael Thomas.

    2. Trent McDuffie, CB - New Orleans could use some cornerback help in their attempt to stop Tom Brady.

17.  Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

    The Chargers have done an excellent job of bolstering their roster this offseason. They now have the personnel to win a Super Bowl, though right tackle is a rare weakness. The oft-injured Bryan Bulaga was cut, and he was not replaced yet.

    Trevor Penning has massive size and good athleticism to go with it. He could go as early as No. 6 to the Panthers or No. 9 to Seattle.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. George Karlaftis/David Ojabo, DE - Despite adding Khalil Mack, the Chargers could use another edge rusher to make sure they put tons of heat on all the great quarterbacks in the AFC.

    2. Trent McDuffie, CB - Speaking of those great quarterbacks, the Chargers could obtain a cornerback for that reason.

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18.  Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC

    Could the Eagles pull a Matt Millen and draft a first-round receiver for the third consecutive year? Given that Jalen Reagor is an absolute bust, it could certainly happen. Philadelphia ran so much last year because it didn't have any talent at wide receiver outside of Devonta Smith. That must change.

    Drake London has mismatch size, and he could be the first receiver off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Chris Olave/Jameson Williams, WR - I believe the Eagles will use this pick on a receiver. These are the other options.

    2. Kyle Hamilton, S - The Eagles have a big hole at safety, and Hamilton is a great value.

19.  New Orleans Saints: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

    Charlie Campbell reported that the Saints are interested in this particular prospect as a replacement for Terron Armstead, who may leave via free agency.

    Tyler Smith is a terrific athlete with plus strength. Charlie Campbell's sources expect Smith to rise during the pre-draft process.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Kyle Hamilton, S - Another great value possibility spot for Hamilton.

    2. Devonte Wyatt, DT - Wyatt may go here if the Saints are willing to ignore his off-the-field issues.

20.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

    Yes, Kyle Hamilton could fall this far. Not only did he work out poorly at his pro day - some scouts clocked him at 4.7 in the 40-yard dash - but some teams don't know where to use him. There was a similar dilemma with Isaiah Simmons a couple of years ago, and that pick has not panned out for Arizona thus far.

    Rumors are that the Steelers like Malik Willis. They have traded up for players they've coveted before, so they may do so in this case because they really need a solution at quarterback.

    Unfortunately for the Steelers, Willis came off the board way too early. Thus, they'll have to settle for a different position of need. They talked about how safety was a big need at the moment.

    The very physically gifted Hamilton showed lots of promise in his freshman year. However, teams question if he'll play safety or linebacker in the NFL. As it so happens, the Steelers need help at both positions.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Malik Willis, QB (trade up) - The Steelers want Willis, but they'll likely have to trade up to obtain him.

    2. Tyler Linderbaum, C - Pittsburgh must improve its beleaguered offensive line. Linderbaum could be the team's next great center.

21.  New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah

    Dont'a Hightower is a free agent, while Kyle Van Noy was released. Bill Belichick may want a young linebacker.

    Devin Lloyd can be used outside or inside in a 3-4 (or at linebacker in the 4-3), as he's an athletic defender who has impressed as both a pass rusher and a coverage linebacker this year.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Daxton Hill, CB/S - Another versatile prospect who could intrigue Bill Belichick.

    2. Kyle Hamilton, S/LB - Guess what? Another versatile prospect! This may be Hamilton's floor.

22.  Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

    Will the Packers finally draft a receiver? They could finally do that with this pick, which they obtained in the Davante Adams trade (go here for the NFL Trade Grades page.)

    Christian Watson has a massive 6-4 frame and looked great at the Senior Bowl.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Chris Olave/Drake London, WR - The other receiver possibilities for the Packers.

    2. Zion Johnson/Kenyon Green, G - Receiver isn't the only problem area Green Bay has on offense. The offensive line must be repaired.

23.  Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

    Chandler Jones is gone, so the Cardinals need a new edge rusher. George Karlaftis is a steal at No. 23 overall.

    Karlaftis was a monstrous pass rusher in his freshman campaign, generating 17.5 tackles for loss.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Drake London/Treylon Burks, WR - The Cardinals lost Christian Kirk, so they could target a receiver at this spot.

    2. Zion Johnson/Kenyon Green, G - Arizona must also fix its offensive line to keep Kyler Murray healthy.

24.  Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

    The Cowboys are expected to target an offensive player with this pick. A receiver would be very appealing in the wake of Amari Cooper's departure, but Dallas must keep Dak Prescott upright. Connor Williams must also be replaced.

    Zion Johnson played tackle at Boston College, but his size and length limitations may force him to guard.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Kenyon Green, G - The other first-round guard makes sense at this juncture.

    2. Treylon Burks, WR - Dallas must replace Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson.

25.  Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

    We know the Bills wanted Eric Stokes last year, but the Packers snatched him off the board. Cornerback hasn't been addressed since, so I expect that to be the pick here unless all viable options aren't available once again. The Bills need players who can defend all the great quarterbacks in the AFC, after all.

    Andrew Booth Jr. is coming off an impressive 2020 campaign. There will be more focus on him with Derion Kendrick being expelled from the team.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Trent McDuffie/Daxton Hill, CB - Other cornerback options for the Bills.

    2. Zion Johnson/Kenyon Green, G - Buffalo has a big hole at guard that it must address.

26.  Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

    The Titans obtained Robert Woods to pair with A.J. Brown, but that's not enough receiving talent to aid Ryan Tannehill. Woods is coming off a torn ACL, so he's not even guaranteed to play well in 2022.

    Treylon Burks is a 6-foot-3 receiver with good speed.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Kenny Pickett, QB - I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that Pickett takes an Aaron Rodgers-type plunge and falls to the Titans.

    2. Zion Johnson/Kenyon Green, G - The Titans are another team in the 20s that could address guard.

27.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

    The Buccaneers lost two guards to free agency and retirement this offseason. They replaced one with Shaq Mason, but they still have a hole up front.

    Kenyon Green is a former five-star recruit tackle, but he may have to play guard at the next level.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Devonte Wyatt, DT - The Buccaneers are in win-now mode, so they may look past Wyatt's off-the-field problems.

    2. Christian Watson/Jahan Dotson, WR - Antonio Brown is gone, so he must be replaced.

28.  Green Bay Packers: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

    The Packers don't need an edge rusher because they have Preston Smith and Rashan Gary on the roster, but teams can never have too many players who can get to the quarterback.

    David Ojabo tore his Achilles this spring, but he's expected back in the second half of this upcoming regular season. Many expect him to fall to Round 2, and while that could happen, I see a Montez Sweat situation playing out where Ojabo is chosen in the 17-32 range.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Christian Watson/Jahan Dotson, WR - Again, the Packers must obtain a receiver.

    2. Travis Jones, NT - Green Bay has struggled against the run for years.
29.  Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

    The Chiefs acquired this pick in the Tyreek Hill trade (go here for my NFL Trade Grades.) They have many selections, so they could move up for a better receiver. If they stay put, one of their first-round choices will likely be used on a wideout.

    Jahan Dotson caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games in 2020. The 5-11 receiver made a big leap in production from the previous year.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Christian Watson, WR - Another receiver the Chiefs could draft.

    2. David Ojabo, DE - Another potential landing spot for the injured Ojabo.

30.  Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan

    The Chiefs lost Charvarius Ward in free agency, so they'll need to add another cornerback to help defend all the talented quarterbacks in the conference.

    Daxton Hill played great as the nickel cornerback this year, but he may move to safety in the NFL. He can be used all over the secondary.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Devonte Wyatt, DT - Andy Reid has taken chances on troubled players.

    2. Trade Down - The Chiefs could trade this pick to the Seahawks, who may move up for Matt Corral.

31.  Cincinnati Bengals: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

    The Bengals signed La'el Collins, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, so they won't be drafting an offensive lineman with this pick. Perhaps they'll look at the other side of the line of scrimmage after losing Larry Ogunjobi in free agency.

    DeVonte Wyatt has some quickness despite his 315-pound frame. However, some teams have removed him from their board due to repeated domestic violence, per a Charlie Campbell report in the NFL Hot Press.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Daxton Hill/Andrew Booth, CB - The Bengals can't count on Eli Apple to be the No. 2 cornerback again.

    2. David Ojabo, DE - Another logical spot for Ojabo.

32.  Detroit Lions: Nakobe Dean, OLB, Georgia

    I can't remember the last time the Lions had consistently great linebacker play. Perhaps they'll use this pick to rectify this issue.

    Nakobe Dean is an athletic and instinctive linebacker.

    *** OTHER 2022 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

    1. Lewis Cine, S - Another selection that would help the middle of the defense.

    2. Christian Watson/Jahan Dotson, WR - Detroit really needs a second receiver to go along with Amon-Ra St. Brown.

    Pick change: previously Lewis Cine, S