- The 2022 NFL Draft Begins This Thursday At 8 PM On ESPN/NFL Network
- Aidan Hutchinson Is Expected To Be The First Overall Pick Of The Jacksonville Jaguars
- Malik Willis Is Projected To Be The First Quarterback Selected
This Thursday ushers in a new crop of pro football talent into the National Football League as all 32 teams will select the best collegiate players available in hopes of bolstering their roster for the immediate and long-term future.
Betting on the NFL Draft involves choosing the correct player from a list of potential athletes. Based on the current 2022 NFL Draft odds posted at the top online sportsbook sites, here is what picks one through nine of the first round could look like.
2022 NFL Draft Selections Based On The Odds
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Defensive End (-175)
This 6’6″, 265-pound edge rusher seems like a can’t-miss prospect that could easily slide into the starting front four for any NFL franchise. The Jaguars selected a QB first overall last year who could use some extra protection on the offensive line, but Hutchinson and his potential to cause disruptions right now represents too much of a potential game-changer to pass up. - Detroit Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Defensive End (+160)
Just a few months ago, Kayvon Thibodeaux was the projected #1 overall pick at most NFL betting sites, and many draft experts consider him and Hutchinson to be 1a and 1b. Again, when it comes to elite edge rushers, any team can use a surplus so they are always a safe bet to go toward the top of the draft. - Houston Texans – Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State Offensive Tackle (+200)
Predicted to be the first offensive lineman taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ikem Ekwonu has the perfect dimensions for a dominant left tackle (6’4″, 320 Lbs.). There is the potential for Ekwonu to play right tackle since the Texans already have Laremy Tunsil on the roster, but either way, the Texas o-line will receive a major upgrade. - New York Jets – Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati Cornerback (+325)*
The top corner in college football could certainly shine in the bright lights of New York, but Gardner is actually the second-ranked player in NFL prop bets for the 4th overall pick behind Kayvon Thibodeaux. - New York Giants – Evan Neal, Alabama Offensive Tackle (+300)
Neal is a 6’7″, 351-pound behemoth that is the latest in a long line of top offensive tackles from the University of Alabama. The Giants are hopeful that Ekwonu slips but will gladly take Neal if not. - Carolina Panthers – Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Quarterback (+175)
The first QB off the boards may just end up in Carolina as they are still looking for answers after the Sam Darnold experiment. - New York Giants – Derek Stingley, LSU Cornerback (+400)*
Stingley certainly possesses top 10 talent, but he is the second most favored option at this spot behind Ahmad Gardner who we already have going to the New York Jets. - Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Wilson, Ohio State Wide Receiver (+500)
This speedy receiver is lightweight but less of a risk in the wake of proven talents like the Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle, and could be used in a similar manner. - Seattle Seahawks – Charles Cross, Mississippi State Offensive Tackle (+350)*
A potential third offensive tackle could go in the top 10 if Seattle makes good on the above projection, but Cross is the second-most favored player to go ninth behind Evan Neal who is already positioned to become a Giant at number 5.
