Table of Contents
This year’s draft is all about pressure.
That’s because the top prospects and one of the deepest talent pools in the 2022 NFL Draft is the edge and the defensive end group: Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, Georgia’s Travon Walker and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux figure to be the first three edge defenders off the board, but in which order is anyone’s guess.
That decision comes down to the Jaguars: There’s a number of different scenarios for the top overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the top 10 could plunge into utter chaos depending on what happens with that top pick. While
While this year’s first-round class is expected to be light on passers, a pair of quarterbacks could go in the top 10: Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis are jockeying for position to be the first quarterback taken. One could be off the board as early as No. 6 to the Panthers.
Leading up to the first round on Thursday night, here’s all the latest buzz surrounding what teams may do with their top selections.
MORE NFL DRAFT: TSN’s 7-round mock | Top 200 big board
2022 NFL Draft rumors
Texans want second top-10 pick
Date: April 28
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Houston enters draft night set to pick third and 13th overall, but the Texans might try to package No. 13 with other assets in an effort to land a second-top 10 pick “if the right player is there,” says ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Houston picks No. 3, but Texans also have been exploring a trade back up for a second top-10 pick, per league sources. If the right player is there, the Texans are trying to position themselves to move their second first-round pick at No. 13 to go get him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2022
Deebo Samuel could be on the move tonight
Date: April 28
Source: Rich Cimini, ESPN
Trades figure to play a key role in how the first round shakes out, and it won’t just be draft picks moving back and forth. Many expect the Browns to move Baker Mayfield sometime during the draft, and Deebo Samuel could still be in play as well despite 49ers GM John Lynch saying earlier this week he “can’t imagine wanting to move on from Deebo.” Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that the possibility of a Samuel move to the Jets “ain’t dead yet,” with New York and San Francisco perhaps waiting to see who is on the board at No. 10 overall, when the Jets are scheduled to make their second pick of the first round.
What I’m hearing: Deebo Samuel/Jets ain’t dead yet. This sets up the possibility of the ultimate draft-night drama. Quite possible both teams waiting to see what’s available at 10 before pulling trigger. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 28, 2022
‘Craziest draft’ in years on tap
Date: April 28
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Yes, even those inside the game are expecting the unexpected as the 2022 NFL Draft begins Thursday. A longtime front-office executive told Adam Schefter: “This is the craziest draft I’ve seen in 30 years.” Look for plenty of trades and other surprises as teams try to make the most of an unpredictable draft class.
One veteran front-office executive this morning: “This is the craziest draft I’ve seen in 30 years.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2022
USC’s Drake Jackson could be ‘surprise first-round pick’
Date: April 27
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Don’t be too surprised if USC edge-rusher Drake Jackson hears his name called in the first round. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Jackson’s agent said multiple teams expect the linebacker/defensive end to be a “surprise first-round pick” on Thursday. Jackson finished the season with five sacks, eight tackles for loss, 37 total tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. He is ranked No. 65 on The Sporting News’ Top 200 big board.
Each year, unexpected players sneak into round one. One possibility this year is USC pass rusher Drake Jackson, whose agent Drew Rosenhaus said that “multiple teams” predicted to him Wednesday that Jackson – who had 15 top 30 visits – “would be a surprise first-round pick.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2022
Texans almost certainly using No. 3 pick, No. 13 not so certain
Date: April 27
Source: Jim Trotter, NFL Media
The trend of teams using their early picks looks like it will continue at No. 3, with GM Nick Caserio saying he’s “99 percent” certain the Texans will be picking at No. 3. No. 13, however, is less clear, with Caserio putting the odds at “50 to 60 percent,” per Jim Trotter of NFL Media. Caserio added the Texans have talked to six to eight teams about No. 13.
What are chances Houston uses both the 3rd & 13th picks? GM Nick Caserio tells me there’s a 99% chance at 3 & a “maybe 50-60% chance” at 13. Has talked to 6-8 teams as part of due diligence. Open to going up as well as down depending on players still available from their board.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) April 27, 2022
Jaguars making No. 1 pick, could be a surprise
Date: April 27
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
It looks like the Jaguars will be making the No. 1 selection, but who it might be will surprise many. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “most general managers and coaches” expect Georgia’s Travon Walker to go at No. 1 overall to the Jags.
Taking a look at where the #Jaguars stand today on their No. 1 pick prior to a meeting to finalize the selection with their owner. pic.twitter.com/odNwSkq4lZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2022
Falcons eyeing a quarterback
Date: April 27
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
The Falcons could be looking forward to 2023 with their QB position. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Falcons are interesting in taking a quarterback, despite having Marcus Mariota under contract. Atlanta currently picks at No. 8 overall and could come away with one of Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett.
The #Falcons will come out of this draft with another QB. But where? pic.twitter.com/4kfFV8ZaAx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2022
Eagles interested in moving up
Date: April 26
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
With two first-round picks, the Eagles don’t seem willing to stick with where they’re at on the board. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Philly brass, though, has made it clear they’d like to scoot up the board just a bit come Thursday night.
Cowboys could spring for falling prospect
Date: April 25
Source: Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
The Cowboys could look to bolster their pass rush by way of the draft: Albert Breer reports that Dallas could jump up for Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux if he slips in the top 10. Dallas currently picks at No. 24 overall, so it would take a fair amount for them to shoot up into striking range for Thibodeaux.
Ikem Ekwonu may not fall past No. 4
Date: April 26
Source: DJ Bien-Aime, NYDN
The Jets are planning to build a wall for Zach Wilson. The New York Daily News reports that GM Joe Douglas won’t pass on Ikem Ekwonu if he’s available with the No. 4 overall pick.
Jets GM Joe Douglas unlikely to pass on NC State OT Ikem Ekwonu at No. 4: sources https://t.co/wfY4aIq5H0
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) April 26, 2022
Panthers, Ravens eyeing an offensive tackle
Date: April 26
Source: Aaron Wilson,
The Panthers and Ravens both have their eyes on Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning, per Aaron Wilson. Penning is a polarizing prospect, with some feeling he may be more suited for Day 2 than the first round.
Texans could be eyeing LSU star
Date: April 26
Source: Ian Rapoport, ESPN
Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the rumors. Houston currently holds the No. 3 overall pick, and have done a lot of work on LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley is considered to be one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft, but two years of injuries and uneven tape may have tanked his draft stock a bit.
The #Texans pick No. 3 and represent the draft’s ultimate wildcard. They may have a surprise for us. pic.twitter.com/AJNk8vX6FH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2022
Eagles want another ‘Bama wideout
Date: April 25
Source: Todd McShay, ESPN
Roll Tide: A year after taking DeVonta Smith with their first-round pick, the Eagles “prefer” Alabama’s Jameson Williams, according to ESPN’s Todd McShay (citing NFL executive sources).
Lots of options for the Eagles with picks 15 and 18. Kiper and I share our thoughts on today’s First Draft podcast. pic.twitter.com/weVTaOVzUS
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) April 26, 2022
Not a lot of top-end talent, report says
Date: April 25
Source: Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
Expect unpredictability in the first round: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that some teams have less than 15 players with first-round grades. The back half of the first round should lead to chaos.
Many teams have fewer than 20 players on their boards with first-round grades, which is in line with other recent draft classes; some have fewer than 15. General managers and other high-ranking executives foresee an unpredictable Round 1 — and that’s especially true in the back half, once the most celebrated prospects are gone.
Steelers looking to work the board
Date: April 25
Source: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert
The Steelers may be looking to make a move — or several — on Thursday night. Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert maybe let slip some draft day plans, saying the team will “guesstimate” what it’ll take to move up and down the order.
Kevin Colbert said they will touch base with every team below them and above them about potentially moving on the board. They’ll calculate all the value for all spots.
Just casually threw out: “We’ll calculate the value to move up from 20 to 7.”
Maybe a slip? I don’t know.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 25, 2022
“We’ll guesstimate what it’ll cost to move from 20 to 7 and from 20 back down to 32,” Colbert said on Monday.
Jermaine Johnson: Top-10 pick?
Date: April 25
Source: Jordan Raanan, ESPN
Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson is a first-round lock, but he may also be a top-10 pick. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that teams feel that Johnson could end up as the best pass rusher in the draft, and could end up as a top-10 selection, maybe even top five.
A player who will go higher Thursday than most seem to expect is FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Some I spoke with believe he will ultimately be best pass rusher in this draft. Seems to be a Top 10 lock. Maybe even sneaks into Top 5? #nfldraft
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 25, 2022
Civil war in Jacksonville
Date: April 25
Source: Tony Pauline, PFN
The Jaguars are locked between a few players for the No. 1 overall pick, and Pauline reports that owner Shad Khan and GM Trent Baalke are vying over the pick. Khan reportedly wants Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson while Baalke prefers Georgia’s Travon Walker.
A Jaguars surprise?
Date: April 25
Source: Peter King, NBC Sports
The Jaguars could be making a bit of a “surprise” at the top, according to NBC Sport’s Peter King. King reports that something unexpected could be coming out of the draft at No. 1 overall. That, coupled with Doug Pederson’s recent comments that the Jaguars “better be right” with the No. 1 pick makes it seem as though something is brewing in Jacksonville.
Trade downs galore, says Adam Schefter
Date: April 25
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
ESPN’s NFL insider reports that the first round could be loaded with trade downs, with a number of teams looking to back out of their spots in the first round. Considering this draft isn’t top-heavy with elite talent, it makes sense. But, it takes two to tango.
Within the past week, as the draft has drawn closer, multiple teams in the top half of the draft have inquired with others to try to trade back in the first round, per sources. So far, the interest in moving back in Thursday’s draft has greatly exceeded the interest in moving up.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2022
Seahawks could be eyeing a passer
Date: April 24
Source: Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
The Seahawks could still be looking for quarterback help, per PFN’s Tony Pauline. Pauling reports that Seattle could look to move back into the first round to snag a quarterback prospect.
Kayvon Thibodeaux could be a top-five lock
Date: April 22
Source: Matt Miller, ESPN
Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has a floor of No. 5 overall, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. Thibodeaux is widely considered to be one of the top three EDGE talents in the draft, but rumors of red flags surfaced during the pre-draft process.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux is expected to be a Top 5 pick by multiple teams. One source told me concerns about him are overblown. Multiple teams told me he’s their 1st or 2nd DE. The Giants at 5 feel like a floor for him.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 22, 2022
Kenny Pickett has ‘no upside,’ an AFC executive says
Date: April 21
Source: Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
If you want a “mother f—er” to play right now, then Kenny Pickett is your guy, but be wary of the upside — or lack thereof. An AFC executive told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that Pickett has “no upside,” but is still the most pro-ready quarterback of this draft.
AFC executive on Kenny Pickett: “If you had to have a m—–f—– play right now, it’s Pickett, but he doesn’t have any goddamn upside” (via @TomPelissero)https://t.co/JXCFjsxRTX pic.twitter.com/sdfxnKnWal
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 22, 2022
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