NFL draft 2022 1st day summary: 1st pick Travon Walker, first round results, players selected, analysis, order...
![All the picks and analysis from the first day of the NFL Draft 2022, where defensive players dominated the early choices. The Jaguars went with Walker.](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/FZFZYPCILQ57SXAVSUVBHYBRFA.jpg?auth=2decb3e4eecd6d356d4d5d977bd89d12a3c78a11658287c04543315d62de5a00&width=360&height=203&focal=3826%2C1335)
2022 NFL Draft live
First round headlines and picks:
- Jags select Georgia EDGE Travon Walker No. 1 overall
- Aidan Hutchinson top rated talent in the draft, goes to the Detroit Lions second overall
- Willis and Ridder the top QBs left after Pickett taken by Steelers
- The Pittsburgh Steelers select the first QB of the day with Kenny Pickett who will stay in Pittsburgh
- Jets finally got a good draft with Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson II
- Record five Georgia defenders taken in first round
- Draft order
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
3) Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
4) New York Jets: Ahmad Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
5) New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, NC State
7) New York Giants (from Chicago Bears): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
8) Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
9) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
10) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
11) Washington Commanders - trade to New Orleans Saints - Saints select Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
12) Minnesota Vikings - trade to Detroit Lions - Lions select Jameson Williams, WR, Ohio State
13) Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns) - trade to Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles select Jodan Davis, DT, Georgia
14) Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins) - traded with Houston Texans - Texans pick Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
16) New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts through Philadelphia Eagles) - traded with Washington Commanders - Commanders select Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St.
17) Los Angeles Chargers - Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) - traded with Tennessee Titans (received WR A.J. Brown) - Titans select Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
19) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles) - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
20) Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
21) New England Patriots - traded to Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs select Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
22) Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders) - Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
23) Arizona Cardinals - traded with Buffalo Bills - Bills select Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
24) Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
25) Buffalo Bills - traded to Baltimore Ravens - Ravens select Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
26) Tennessee Titans - traded to NY Jets - Jets select Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, FSU
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars - Jags take Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
28) Green Bay Packers - Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins) - traded with New England - Patriots select Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
30) Kansas City Chiefs - George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
31) Cincinnati Bengals - Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
32) Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) - traded to Vikings - Vikings choose Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
2023 Draft live
If you've ended up here in the 2022 Draft you might be looking for the 2023 NFL Draft, live with Andy. Check out all the picks, players, teams and trades.
Las Vegas finally gets its time to shine in the NFL Draft. But what about next year? If you're already curious about 2023, take a look at where the Draft will be held for the first time in history.
First round headlines and picks:
- Jags select Georgia EDGE Travon Walker No. 1 overall
- Aidan Hutchinson top rated talent in the draft, goes to the Detroit Lions second overall
- Willis and Ridder the top QBs left after Pickett taken by Steelers
- The Pittsburgh Steelers select the first QB of the day with Kenny Pickett who will stay in Pittsburgh
- Jets finally got a good draft with Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson II
- Record five Georgia defenders taken in first round
- Draft order
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
2) Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
3) Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
4) New York Jets: Ahmad Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
5) New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
6) Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, NC State
7) New York Giants (from Chicago Bears): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
8) Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
9) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
10) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
11) Washington Commanders - trade to New Orleans Saints - Saints select Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
12) Minnesota Vikings - trade to Detroit Lions - Lions select Jameson Williams, WR, Ohio State
13) Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns) - trade to Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles select Jodan Davis, DT, Georgia
14) Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins) - traded with Houston Texans - Texans pick Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
16) New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts through Philadelphia Eagles) - traded with Washington Commanders - Commanders select Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St.
17) Los Angeles Chargers - Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) - traded with Tennessee Titans (received WR A.J. Brown) - Titans select Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
19) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles) - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
20) Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
21) New England Patriots - traded to Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs select Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
22) Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders) - Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
23) Arizona Cardinals - traded with Buffalo Bills - Bills select Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
24) Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
25) Buffalo Bills - traded to Baltimore Ravens - Ravens select Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
26) Tennessee Titans - traded to NY Jets - Jets select Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, FSU
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars - Jags take Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
28) Green Bay Packers - Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins) - traded with New England - Patriots select Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
30) Kansas City Chiefs - George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
31) Cincinnati Bengals - Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
32) Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) - traded to Vikings - Vikings choose Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
I so far only got one pick right, but only half. I thought Jets pick Sauce at no. 7, but they got him first, at no. 4. Let's see tomorrow if I've guessed correctly for Trey McBride and Kenneth Walker III. Something tells me there is very little hope of that.
No team had a more successful night than the New York Jets. They made the most of their three first round picks by selecting impact players that were in the Top 10 of many people's draft boards.
Malik Willis was one of the stories of Day 1 of the Draft. He will be the story of Day 2 as the top rated QB in this year's class wasn't drafted in the first round.
The other trade that rocked the leage on Day 1 of the Draft was Baltimore sending Hollywood Brown to the Cardinal in exchange for draft picks. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was not pleased as you can see by his tweet.
No RBs in 1st round
No running backs were taken in the first round, unsurprisingly. Only one quarterback was taken, also unsurprisingly.
Best Available Players for Day 2
Some of the best players who didn't get called today will wait it out tomorrow to see it they'll get their name called:
Breece Hall, RB, Iowa
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
David Ojabo, LB, Michigan
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Crimson
The biggest story of the first round wasn't a player picked in the draft. It was former Titan AJ Brown getting traded to Philadelphia after Tennessee wasn't ready to renegotiate his contract.
Vikings with the last pick
Minnesota wraps up the first round by drafting yet another Georgia Bulldog. Safety Lewis Cine is headed to the Vikings to become the fifth Georgia defender drafted in the first round. That is an NFL Draft record.
That will do it for Round 1. What a night it was from Las Vegas!
Vikings with the last pick
Minnesota wraps up the first round by drafting yet another Georgia Bulldog. Safety Lewis Cine is headed to the Vikings to become the fifth Georgia defender drafted in the first round. That is an NFL Draft record.
That will do it for Round 1. What a night it was from Las Vegas!
Bengals select saftey Hall
The AFC Champions draft a hard hitting safety in Daxton Hill out of the University of Michigan. Could the Bengals be looking to replace Eli Apple who became a liablity for the Bengals secondary last year.
No. 32: Vikings pick Lewis Cine
The Minnesota Vikings traded the Lions for the 32 pick and they choose...
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Minnesota Vikings are on the clock with no. 32, the last pick of the 1st round!
No. 31: Bengals pick Daxton Hill
The Cincinnati Bengals get the no. 31 pick and choose...
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Karlaftis going to KC
The Chiefs going with EDGE George Karlaftis from Purdue. He had 30.5 tackles for a loss in 27 career games in college. He was a Third Team All-American in a year that was very heavy at the EDGE position.
Suprise of first round
Patriots fans going crazy after New England takes Chattanooga guard Cole Strange. They have no clue who Strange is most probably, but in Belichick they trust.
Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock at no. 31
No. 30 Chiefs pick George Karlaftis
The Kansas City Chiefs at no. 30 select...
George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
New Devonte in town
The Packers have just replaced Devante Adams, with a new Devonte. He's Devonte Wyatt, and while he may not play receiver, he is a fantasitc addition to the defense in Lambeau. The Georgia D lineman forced two fumbles and had 39 tackles in a national title winning season.
No.29: Patriots pick Cole Strange
The New England Patriots traded with the Chiefs to get the 29th pick, and they choose...
Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
New England Patriots are on the clock at no. 29 after trading with Chiefs
No.28: Packers pick Devonte Wyatt
The Green Bay Packers have the no, 28 pick and they select...
Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Jags focusing on defense this year
The Jaguars are back at the podium and Jacksonville goes defense again after taking Travon Walker with the first pick in the draft. Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd was a 1st team All-American after getting 22 tackles for a loss which was good enough for second in the country.
Green Bay Packers on the clock at no. 28
No. 27: Jaguars pick Devin Lloyd
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up (from Bucs) to select the no. 27 overall with...
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Jets hit jackpot
With their third pick of the first round, the New York Jets take EDGE Jermain Johnson II. They needed three things coming into this draft, a CB, a WR, and an EDGE. Sauce Garnder, Garrett Wilson and Jermain Johnson II could be one of the draft classes that turn the tides in the Meadowlands. They got all of them on the first day of the draft and there is no doubt who is winning this draft so far.
Jacksonville Jaguars are back on the clock at no. 27 after trading with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Linderbaum to slip right into Oline in Baltimore?
The Ravens going with a big boy on the Oline. Iowa's Tyler Linderbaum is heading to Baltimore, and aside from being a fantastic center he is a hell of a wrestler. Surely Michigan coach John Harbaugh told his brother Jim to have a look at Linderbaum who he became quite familiar with Linderbaum over the last few years.
No. 26: Jets pick Jermaine Johnson II
The New York Jets get their third first-round pick after trading with the Titans to the no. 26 pick...
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, FSU
New York Jets traded up (from Titans), on the clock at no. 26
No.25: Ravens pick Tyler Linderbaum
The Baltimore Ravens traded up to no. 25 to select...
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Cowboys make first pick
Dallas taking an Oklahoma guy in Tyler Smith from the Univeristy of Tulsa. There were doubts about Smith becuase of a condition he had growing up called Blount's Disease, meaning he was bow legged. In high school doctors had to break his legs to and let them reset. Since then he has been a standout tackel and is going to a Cowboys team with an owner that has showed faith with people coming back from injuries.
Baltimore Ravens on the clock at no. 25
Is Elam Buffalo's missing piece?
Kaiir Elam is head north from the Univeristy of Florida after the Buffalo Bills select the CB. The Bills had the top defense in the league for a brief moment early in the season, but their midseason slip was in large part due to their defense. And let's not mention the Chiefs game.
No.24: Cowboys pick Tyler Smith
The Dallas Cowboys make their first selection at no. 24 and it's...
Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
We've seen a few receivers already gone in the first round. Historically, Ohio State has had more first-round picks than any other team. Take a look at the receivers of the past selected in the first round.
Dallas Cowboys are on the clock at no. 24
No. 23: Bills pick Kaiir Elam
The Buffalo Bills traded with the Arizona Cardinals for the no. 23 pick to select...
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Pack looking for their next Clay Matthews
The Packers pick up Quay Walker, linebacker wtih the pick they got for sending Devonte Adams to Las Vegas earlier this offseason. Walking was the anchor of the National Title winning Georgia Bulldog's defense. He had 65 takles and 5.5 for a loss.
KC trades up for McDuffie
The Chiefs trade up to strengthen their secondary after swapping spots with the New England Patriots. They take Washington CB Trent McDuffie who had 35 tackles and 6 pass deflections. Defense was a big problem for KC all season long, especially late on. Andy Reid will be hoping McDuffie can bring some stability to the Chiefs pass defense.
Buffalo Bills coming up at no. 23 after trading with the Cardinals
No. 22: Packers pick Quay Walker
The Green Bay Packers pick at no. 22...
Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Green Bay Packers are on the clock. Will they go defense or offensive weapon for Rodgers?
Ladies and Gentleman, our first QB
We have our first quarterback drafted in 2022! Kenny Pickett won't have too far to move his belongings from campus at University of Pittsburgh, because he is a Steeler after Pittsburgh takes the gunslinger with the 20th pick of the first round. Pickett was the Johnny Unitas Award winner (best senior quarter back) and had 42 TDs in a season where he was named a 2nd Team All-American
No. 21: Chiefs pick Trent McDuffie
The Kansas City Chiefs trade up (from New England Patriots) for the no. 21 pick and they select...
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock at no. 21
Where the Dolphins at?? Are they worried about not having top picks this year? Not really, no.
No. 20: Steelers pick Kenny Pickett
At no. 20, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
They take the first quarterback of the draft and it's not Malik Willis like most suspected.
Winston gets Penning to protect him
Trevor Penning going to the Saints with the 19th pick of the Draft. The tackle for Northern Iowa had a PPF in the run game of 99.9 which was the best in the nation. The Saints look like they are sticking with Jameis Winston who will need some protection after tearing his ACL last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock at no. 20. Are they going to take Malik Willis and draft the first QB of the draft?
Titans replace Brown with Burks
After trading away A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Titans go for Arkansas WR Treylon Burks. He's a big physical down field threat and he's not going to cost the Titans $100 million like Brown would have. The new Titan had 66 receptions for 1,104 yards and 14 touchdowns last year after scoring 15 TDs the year before.
No.19: Saints pick Trevor Penning
The New Orleans Saints at no. 19 overall select...
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
New Orleans Saints on the clock at no. 19
No. 18: Titans pick Treylon Burks
The Tennessee Titans traded up to give Eagles A.J. Brown for the no. 18 pick and they select...
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Herbert gets another body guard
The Chargers go with Zion Johnson to go join the offensive line unit looking to keep Justin Herbert healthy while opening up some space for Austin Ekeler who made an on stage appearance earlier in the day.
Washinton's new receiver
The Washington Commanders will make their first draft pick as the Commanders. It's Penn State WR Jahan Dotson who is a great route runner and has the softest hands in this draft class. He had 91 catchs and 1,182 yards and 58 first down catches last season.
Tennessee Titans are on the clock at no. 18 after trading with the Philadelphia Eagles
No. 17: Chargers select Zion Johnson
The Chargers select at no. 17...
Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
No. 16: Commanders pick Jahan Dotson
The Washington Commanders at no. 16 select...
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St.
Houston going Green
The Texans dropped a couple spots after a trade with the Eagles knowing that they would still have a chance to pick up Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green. Davis Mills and Tyrod Taylor were under constant bombardement last year, but Green, who allowed just one sack last season, will provide some stability on the line in Houston.
Washington Commanders are on the clock
Trade news
The Baltimore Ravens trade Hollywood Brown and no. 100 pick to the Cardinals for the no. 23 overall pick
No. 15: Texans pick Kenyon Green
At no. 15 overall (traded with Eagles), the Houston Texans select...
Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Baltimore strengthens secondary
The Ravens go defense with the 14th pick taking Notre Dame saftey Kyle Hamilton. He may not have had the fastest 40 time or be the most athletic saftey in the draft but he he is a ball hawk and is one of the best defensive players in this class. The Ravens are no strangers to drafting fantasic DBs.
Houston Texans on the clock now after they traded with the Eagles
No. 14: Ravens pick Kyle Hamilton
The Ravens at no. 14 overall select...
Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
Eagles draft Davis for Dline
Philly goes with a run stuffer after trading with Houston Texans to move up two spots. Georgia's DT Jordan Davis had one of the most impressive combine performances of this or any combine. He ran a 4.78 40 yard dash in the combine at 341 pounds after winning the Chuck Bednarik Trophy for the Nation's best defender.
The Baltimore Ravens are on the clock
No. 13: Eagles pick Jordan Davis
The Eagles move up a few spots to no. 13 to select...
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Get to know the number one overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker, an aggressive and quick edge rusher from Georgia.
Eagles trade up to no. 13
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded with the Houston Texans for the no. 13 pick and are on the clock
Three straight WRs taken
The Lions move up 20 spots in a trade with the Vikings, and they take Jameson Williams from the University of Alabama. He was a second team All-ACC seclecton after going for over 1,500 yards and 15 TDs. He tore his ACL in the National Championship game, but that didn't scare the Lions off from taking the speedy receiver. He is unlikely to be around for Week 1, but Detroit can expect him back midseason.
No. 12: Lions pick Jameson Williams
At no. 12, the Detroit Lions moved up 20 spots to select...
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Buckeyes making noise
Back-to-back Buckeye wide receivers taken with the 10th and 11th pick. Chris Olave is headed to New Orleans after scoring 35 career TDs which is an OSU receiver record and he had 41 first down recpetions last year. This is the second time two Buckeye WRs have been taken in the first round, the other time was in 2007 when Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez were taken in the opening round. The Saints must really like what they see in Olave since they traded with Washington to get him.
Lions are on the clock at no. 12...
Lions trade up to no. 12
And now the Detroit Lions have traded up (from Vikings) to no. 12 from their original no. 32
No. 11: Saints pick Chris Olave
The New Orleans Saints traded with the Washington Commanders for the no. 11 overall pick and they select...
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Wilson goes from OSU to J-E-T-S
The Jets get a weapon for Zach Wilson with their second pick in the Top 10 after taking Sauce Gardner at number 4. Ohio State's Garrett Wilson had 1,058 yards and 12 TDs while breaking 19 tackles. Excitement to come for the Jets passing game which was much improved towards the end of Wilson's rookie season.
Saints on the clock at no. 11
The Saints trade with the Washington Commanders for the no. 11 pick
No. 10: Jets pick Garrett Wilson
The New York Jets select at no. 10...
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Seattle passes on QB, picks a pass protector
Many people thought the Seahawks might be the first team to take a QB after Russell Wilson shipped off to Denver early this offseason. Seattle goes with Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross. He was a first team All-SEC selection and allowed just two sacks all season long.
The Seahawks must not have been convinced by the QBs on the board, so at the moment it's Drew Lock or Geno Smith.
New York Jets on the clock yet again for their second pick at no. 10
No. 9: Seahawks pick Charles Cross
At no.9 overall, the Seattle Seahawks select...
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Twin Towers in ATL
We have our first skill postion draft pick in the first round with the eighth pick of the draft. The Atlanta Falcons go with WR Drake London from USC. He was the Pac 10 Offensive Player of the Year with 88 catches and 1,084 yards even though he missed the last four games with an ankle injury, but Atlanta takes a chance on the 6'4 pass catcher. He and Kyle Pitts are going to make for a very difficult matchup for opposing defenses. London just called the Falcons' new tandem the "Twin Towers."
Seattle Seahawks up next at no. 9
No. 8: Falcons pick Drake London
The Atlanta Falcons select No. 8 overall...
Drake London, WR, USC
Neal brough in to protect QB Jones
The Giants with their second pick in the last three selections. They go with Alabama tackle Evan Neal who allowed just two sacks all season in a brutal SEC. Daniel Jones has sturggled to stay healty and keep his jersey clean, he will be hoping that the first team All-SEC selection comes in and makes a big impact on the line.
Atlanta Falcons on the clock. Garrett Wilson is still available at receiver...
No. 7: Giants pick Evan Neal
At No. 7 the New York Giants select...
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Ikem staying in Sweet Carolina
The Panthers go pass protector with their first round pick by taking Ikem Ekwonu. He had a 93.8 PFF last season and allowed just 3 sacks at NC State. Carolina still don't have a reliable quarterback, but at least they have someone to protect whoever is under center next year. Carolina don't have another pick until the fourth round.
New York Giants are back on the clock again at No. 7
No. 6: Panthers pick Ikem Ekwonu
The Carolina Panthers at no. 6 select...
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Thibodeaux headed to Broadway
The Giants take the third pass rusher through the first five picks! Kayvon Thibodeaux is headed to New York, and like Sauce Gardner, Thibodeaux is all about the show. Off the field he's flashy, loud and perfect for the Big Apple. On the field he has the quickest first step in the class, and had 49 tackles with 7 sacks last season.
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock. Some people think they'll be the first to go with a QB, but I just don't see it. None of these guys is worth a pick this early. They have a lot of options available here. I see them going with Garrett Wilson at WR or Ikem Ekwonu at OT.
Defense, defense, defense
This is the first time four straight defensive players have been selected in the first four picks since 1991. We knew the top 10 was going to be defense heavy. Will the Giants make it five in a row?
No. 5: The Giants take Kayvon Thibodeaux
The New York Giants take at No. 5...
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
They'll be up again at no. 7 after the Panthers make their pick
Jets gettin Saucy
What better fit for the city of New York than a guy named Sauce? Ahmad Gardner has not allowed a touchdown since before the 2019 season, and told Podcast host and NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen he doesn't remember the last time he gave up a touchdown. The Jets gave up 29.6 ppg and had just 7 interceptions last season.
The New York Giants are on the clock. Will they go with a linebacker? They really could take anyone at any position..
No. 4 Jets pick Sauce Gardner
At the No. 4 pick in the draft, the New York Jets pick...
Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Texans take Stingley over Gardner
So the Texans beef up their secondary with Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU. The Tigers have made no secret of self proclaiming the University "DB U" (Defensive Back Univeristy). He moves across the Gulf to Houston after playing just three games in the 2021 season.
Many thought Sauce Gardner would be the first corner off the board, but the Texans see something they like with Stingley Jr.
The Jets are on the clock. Oh, what, oh what will they do?
No. 3: Texans pick Derek Stingley Jr.
And at the No. 3 pick, the Houston Texans take...
Derek Stingley Jr., Corner Back, LSU
Gotta say, didn't see that comin'!
Hutchinson staying in state
Aidan Hutchinson is staying in Michigan after being taken by the Detroit Lions with the second pick in the NFL Draft. Hutchinson was rated as the top prospect coming into today, and he goes number two after a season that saw his register 14 sacks.
He said before the draft started that Lions coach Dan Cambell has had him on speed dial for the last few weeks.
The Houston Texans are up next! Will they take another of the top three edges, Kayvon Thibodeaux?
Walker a Jaguar
After the Jags go quarterback with the first pick last year, Jacksonville goes defense this year. Travon Walker becomes the first Georgia Bulldog to go first overall in the NFL Draft since Matthew Stafford was taken by the Detroit Lions in 2009
Walker is a speedy edge rusher with power and pace who can get to the quarterback on the edge or up the gut. He had 33 tackles and 6 sacks in Georgia's Title winning season.
No. 2: Lions pick Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions at the No. 2 pick...
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Lions will be up next, with Aidan Hutchinson ripe for the taking
No. 1: Jaguars pick Travon Walker
And at the no. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars go with...
Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Jags staying cool
The Jags draft room was awfully quiet and calm as Goodell put them on the clock. A live look into the "war room" gave a very tranquil scene which has to mean that the Jags aren't just sure of their pick right now, that tells me they have been certain of this pick for a while.
Goodell getting the a warm welcome
Roger Goodell seems to not just be expecting the boos, but is embracing them these days. There were thousands of fans around the Draft Theater giving the commisioner the buisness. And with that... The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock.
Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock!
It's an out door afair from Vegas. Look how many fans showed up for the first day of the NFL Draft. It goes without saying, football has been missed since the Rams lifted the Lombardi Trophy over a month and a half ago.
Boos birds are coming
Always fun to listen to the boos for Roger Goodell when he comes out to announce the team with the first pick is on the clock. We are 10 minutes away from that scene playing out in Las Vegas.
Vegas finally gets it's Draft
The Draft is finally in Vegas after a two year wait. The 2020 selection show was scheduled to take place on Sin City's strip, but COVID forced the NFL to do a virtual draft hosted from Roger Godell’s basement. It may be long overdue, but in typical Vegas fashion they are more than making up for lost time.
Silence for Dwayne Haskins...
Here are the needs of the teams with the top five picks:
1) Jaguars: DE, WR, DT, S, LB
2) Lions: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, QB
3) Texans: WR, RB, DE, RT, CB
4) Jets: WR, EDGE, CB, S, LB
5) Giants: EDGE, OT, IOL, LB, TE
It's unlikely that Aidan Hutchinson slips out of the hands of the Jags, but if he does he is guarenteed to go top five.
The Jets and their terrible draft track record
Why are the New York Jets so dang terrible at drafting? We've got them with two picks in the top ten in round 1 this year. Will they royally screw it up again? History tells us, probably.
Since 2006, they have had some of the worst draft picks. Amongst them are Vernon Gholston (sixth overall in 2008 and one of the NFL's biggest busts ever), Mark Sanchez (fifth overall in 2009), Calvin Pryor (18th overall in 2014), and Darron Lee (20th overall in 2016).
They've had problems long before 2006 though..remember in the 80s when they had a chance to take Dan Marino and Jerry Rice and they were just like, "naw, we'll take this Division II guy instead"?
In 2005, they traded away their first round pick for tight end Doug Jolley, then used their first pick on kicker Mike Nugent.
The Jets are just plain bad at picking the winners.
What are the Jets expected to do in the 2022 Draft?
At no. 4, I think (and hope for their sake) they go with Ahmad Sauce Gardner, the cornerback from Cincinnati. At no. 10, I think they go with a receiver, Garrett Wilson. Will they be busts? I personally have high hopes for Sauce. But are the Jets cursed? We'll see..
First round headlines and picks:
- Jags go on the clock at 8 p.m. ET
- Aidan Hutchinson top rated talent in the draft
- Willis, Picket and Ridder the top QBs in this class
- Draft order
1) Jacksonville Jaguars
2) Detroit Lions
3) Houston Texans
4) New York Jets
5) New York Giants
6) Carolina Panthers
7) New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)
8) Atlanta Falcons
9) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)
10) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)
11) Washington Commanders
12) Minnesota Vikings
13) Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)
14) Baltimore Ravens
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins)
16) New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts through Philadelphia Eagles)
17) Los Angeles Chargers
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)
19) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia 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) Green Bay Packers
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins)
30) Kansas City Chiefs
31) Cincinnati Bengals
32) Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)
We are one hour away from the 2022 NFL Draft starting from the Draft Theater on the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.
The Draft is in Vegas, and even though this is a day that the NFLers are supposed to be doing and saying all the right things on the biggest day of their lives, they are are in Sin City. Having said that, I doubt any of them will have had the predraft preperations that Lawrence Taylor had in the 1981 Draft when he claims he had 41 beers!!
Busy days ahead for KC and J'ville
The Jacksonville Jaguars not only have the top pick in this year’s draft, they have the most picks in this year’s selection show with 12. The Kansas City Chiefs also have 12 picks over the next three day. Don’t be surprised to see some trades for KC and Jacksonville over the weekend. The Chiefs already have a stacked squad, and the Jags may be looking at all those picks as a chance to trade for some experienced players to help a very young team that struggled to win games last season.
This has to be one of my favorite moments ever at the NFL Draft. Two year's ago Quinnen Williams sneezed, blessed himself and thanked himself in an interview on the day he was taken by the New York Jets.
Who did the Jaguars draft no. 1 last year?
This being the Jaguars second year in a row picking first in the draft, you have to wonder, what poor decision did they make in last year's draft to end up here yet again in 2022? Well, if you'll recall, they drafted quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall in 2021. It isn't really fair to call that a poor decision just because it didn't take them from bad to kind of bad, but rather just still equally bad. We must be patient with the rookie, but we must also remember, they have a LOT more work to do.
The Jaguars are in the midst of a rebuild. Rookie QBs are not all going to be Tom Bradys right away, and that was just one of many holes to be filled in the roster. After going 3-14 last season, now the focus is on defense.
Saucy Sauce Gardner
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is the best cornerback in the NFL draft. He literally did not allow a single touchdown over three seasons in college.
But is he called Sauce because of some saucy football story? Yes, indeed. When he was six years old. This man has been juking his opponents since he was a wee tyke. It was his youth football coach who first commented that his moves were saucy. He complimented his cutback moves, calling Ahmad “A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner”, which is kind of a mouthful, so now, Sauce works.
Jacksonville with the opening pick
For the second straight year the Jacksonville Jaguars have the top pick in the draft. After drafting Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson with the number one overall pick the Jaguars struggled, winning only 3 of 17 games last year. This is just the seventh time ever that a team has the top pick back-to-back drafts. Earlier today Jags Gm Trent Baalke spoke about the pre draft preparations.
Draft format throughout the weekend
The NFL Draft will be the talk of the Vegas strip and the talk of the sports world over the next three days. We will have 32 picks tonight as we zip through the first round of the Draft on the opening night of a jam packed weekend from Vegas. There will be 10 minutes for each one of the picks in the first round. In Round 2 teams will be allotted seven minutes to make their selection while Rounds 3-6 will feature five minute selections and finally four minutes in Round 7.
WR Jalen Nailor, my favorite sleeper pick
Jalen Nailor is a wide receiver out of Michigan State and he’s not expected to be an early pick in the draft, but I could see him being a sleeper pick. At Michigan State, his playing time was limited due to injuries, only playing in 26 games total. But in the games he did play, he proved he could be a steal for an NFL team in a later round. In his last five games alone, he caught 27 passes for 5554 yards.
As always the Draft is just half the show. Before Roger Goddell steps on stage to announce the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock all eyes will be on the red carpet as this year's class flashes the drip on the Vegas Strip. This is Ahman Gardner with a whole lot of bling and a medallion with his nickname hanging from his chain.
When and where will Malik Willis go?
In this underwhelming quarterback draft class, we’ve got Malik Willis out of Liberty sitting atop the class. But is he good enough (or are teams desperate enough) to go in the top 10?
Here’s the teams picking first through tenth:
1) Jacksonville Jaguars
2) Detroit Lions
3) Houston Texans
4) New York Jets
5) New York Giants
6) Carolina Panthers
7) New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)
8) Atlanta Falcons
9) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)
10) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)
None of those teams desperately need a quarterback right away. And yet, there are many rumors that the Panthers or Seahawks could take Willis. The Lions do indeed need a quarterback, but they need a defensive end more, and they’d be fools to pass up on those top players at the no. 2 pick. If he does go top 10, I could see it being Atlanta that snatches him up. GM Terry Fontenot made mention of coming out of the draft with a QB, though who knows if they’ll go for it that soon in the draft. It’s certainly a risk. Another possible scenario is that the Steelers grab him at no. 20.
Green Bay has more than 10 picks for fourth year in a row
The Packers have 11 picks in this year’s draft, making it the fourth year in a row they’ll have more than 10 picks in the draft (two in rounds 1, 2, and 4, and three in round 7). Aaron Rodgers has been confirmed to be back for a few more years, so who are the Packs going to surround him with?
Their first pick comes at No. 22. Their biggest need right now is at receiver after trading Davante Adams to the Raiders, and they have some decent options there in this draft. At No.22, they likely have one of the top five WRs still available to them. The best receiver (arguably of course) in the class is Chris Olave from Ohio State. He’s a triple threat with speed, an excellent route runner, and ability to create separation on vertical routes, which the Packers need.
Best QB's in the class
Malik Willis is the top rated passer in this year’s draft class. He led Liberty to a 10-1 record while passing for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Kenny Pickett exploded on the scene and last year when he led the Pittsburgh Panthers to an 11-3 record. The Pitt gunslinger threw for 42 TDs and just 7 INTs while piling up 4,319 yards good enough for sixth in the nation last year.
Cincinatti’s Desmond Ridder finished his career with a record breaks 44 wins and just 6 losses. Ridder had 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns with a near perfect passer rating in his last season with the Bearcats.
Who goes number one to the Jags??
The Jaguars are apparently still keeping their lips sealed about who they’re going to take. I still have them taking Aidan Hutchinson, but the other names mentioned among his are Travon Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Ikem Ekwonu. Walker isn’t a bad choice since he’s got a lot of upside, but less production than Hutchinson. Thibodeaux has some concerns about whether he can perform at the professional level. And Ekwonu is a tackle, which the Jags aren’t really in need of.
Hutchinson is their safest option, though it’s also been noted that he really only had one breakout year. Is he a one-hit-wonder or was that year just the start of a path to greatness? I tend to lean towards the ladder. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins defensive rookie of the year for whichever team he ends up with.
No QB's in Top Ten
Did you notice in the list of top prospects that there isn’t a single quarter back? That’s a stark contrast from last year’s selection show when there were three QB’s picked with the first three picks, and five in the top 15 of the the 2021 NFL Draft.
Here are your top prospects for the 2022 class
There are 262 selections to be made over the next three days, but tonight’s focus will be centred around the top talent in the upcoming class. These are the most desired prospects available in this years draft according to our Draft expert Jennifer Bubel, Click here for an in-depth look at each of the 10 best players in the draft.
1. Aidan Hutchinson - EDGE - Michigan
2. Kyle Hamilton - Safety - Notre Dame
3. Ikem “Icky” Ekwonu - Offensive Tackle - NC State
4. Evan Neal - Offensive Tackle - Alabama
5. Kayvon Thibodeaux - EDGE - Oregon
6. Derek Stingley Jr. - Cornerback - LSU
7. Travon Walker - EDGE - Georgia
8. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner - Cornerback - Cincinnati
9. Jermaine Johnson II - EDGE - Florida State
10. Charles Cross - Offensive Tackle - Mississippi State
We are live from Las Vegas
Hello everyone and welcome to Sin City for the opening night of the NFL Draft! It has been a month and a half since the Super Bowl, but tonight football returns. All 32 front offices are currently in a frenzy doing last minute analysis and forecasting scenarios and players that could fall in their lap tonight.
NFL Draft live
The NFL Combine is all done. The interviews have taken place. The mock drafts have been mocked. Now it’s time for the for college football’s best to make the jump to the pros tonight from Las Vegas. AS English will be with you for each and every pick of the first round with live updates, stats and analysis of the 2022 NFL Draft.