The first night of the 2022 NFL Draft was an entertaining round from picks made to unexpected trades. Much to talk about from round 1 but let’s review 5 of the top picks from day one. Guys that look to make an immediate impact on their new teams and one pick that stood out the most in my eye.
Jacksonville Jaguars #1 / Travon Walker
Let’s start with Travon Walker out of the University of Georgia going No. 1 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Walker was a surprise pick at No. 1 when most expected for Jaguars to select Hutchinson from Michigan. But the pick has been made so let’s go over what Walker brings to the Jaguars defense.
Walker is an Edge Defender with speed running a 4.51 40 time at the combine. Definitely brings size to the Jags d-line standing at 6’5″ 272lbs. Combination of bulk, height, length, and speed that Walker brings to this Jags defense. Great pass rusher that can lineup anywhere on the line and also drop back into coverage.
Jaguars taking Walker at No. 1 in hopes that it will boost their sack numbers from the previous season when they ranked 27th in the league with 32 sacks. Travon is a day 1 starter and lined up with Josh Allen the team’s most feared edge rusher Travon could contribute from the jump. Potentially a double-digit sack player from any spot on the d-line. A duo to keep an eye on in the AFC South.
Houston Texans #3 / Derek Stingley Jr.
Houston Texans who still have many questions on the offensive side of the ball went defense and selected CB Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3. Texans taking Derek’s look to improve their secondary which has not been the great past couple of seasons. Stingley Jr. brings plenty to the table to help improve the Texan’s secondary and be a true CB1.
Stingley has great size at CB at 6’0″ and 190lbs and is a physical press corner. Has the ability to locate the football as he runs with the receiver using his great speed and hip movement. The only downfall to Stingley is his tackling. Tends to get stuck on blocks and takes wrong angles that leading to missed tackles. Once in Texans camp, I’m sure it will be the main part of his game to improve before the start of the season.
Overall Stingley is a great pick for the Texans who need improvement in so many areas. Day 1 starter with lockdown capabilities and elite speed. Once was the best cornerback in college and now looking to be the bright future for this Texans defense who are in desperate need of finding their guy at CB. The past hasn’t been good to the Texans with their previous CB selections in the draft and looks to change their luck with their pick of Derek Stingley Jr.
New York Giants #5 / Kayvon Thibodeaux
Giants go defense with their first of two draft picks in the top 10 this 2022 NFL Draft. Selecting Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon University who is 6’4′ 254lbs. Ranking number 7 in the overall ranking for this year’s draft board. Giants look to improve their defensive line by adding Thibodeaux to play alongside last year’s pick Azeez Ojulari.
Thibodeaux brings an explosive first step that can blow past an offensive lineman or right into their pads to knock them off their line with his strength. Quick hands that keep offensive linemen unable to latch on to him. Effective moves that help him get past the lineman and pursue the ball as a run defender. Great tackler with the burst to shut down plays with chase down tackles.
With his speed on the edge and all his traits, he is a great fit for the Giant’s defense. Huge threat on the outside linebacker/defensive end spot making him a complete pass rusher the Giants need. Day 1 starter and will contribute from the jump and could end the season with double-digit sacks and be in running for defensive rookie of the year.
New York Giants # 7 / Evan Neal
With the need to improve the offensive line to open up the lanes for Saquan Barkley the Giants selected Evan Neal from the University of Alabama with the 7th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Neal is an offensive lineman who is 6’8″ and 337lbs. Giants had a hole to fill at RT after a late injury to last year’s starter Matthew Peart and losing Nate Solder to free agency. Evan Neal seems to be the man for the job.
Size and strength that could push back defenders once he latches on to them. Neal has a great first step for his size and moves around very well as a zone blocker as well into the second level. A wide frame that can give any defensive player trouble to get around despite not having the elite quickness. Neal is capable of playing both tackle positions which he played right in 2020 and left tackle last year at Alabama.
Evan Neal is a day 1 starter who can help improve the rush offense that ranked 24th in the league. If Neal quickly develops his skill set he can be an effective edge protector for Daniel Jones.
Pittsburgh Steelers # 20 / Kenny Pickett
This pick stood out because Pickett was the only QB taken in the first round of the draft. Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh University staying in Pittsburgh after being selected at No. 20 by the Steelers. Steelers are in need of a new QB after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Those are some big shoes to fill and many feel Pickett may not be that guy but the Steelers see something in him most don’t take him in 1st round.
Kenny Pickett has some speed when needs to run and is accurate with his throws. Great ability to buy time with good touch and timing on the long ball. Pickett is capable of getting you a first down if he has to tuck the ball and scramble. One thing that seems to stand out the most is that Pickett has smaller hands than your average QB. Something that scouts believe could be a factor in how he performs but we would just have to wait and see.
Pickett isn’t the Steelers starter on day 1 but could compete for it. Going up against a veteran in Mitchell Trubisky for the starter position. Pickett is the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year’s draft. I project he goes into the preseason and wins the starting job.
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