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It feels like the Super Bowl was just yesterday! It’s hard to believe that the 2021-2022 season has been over for almost two months. As the free-agent frenzy is pretty much over already, now it’s time to start focusing on the NFL Draft.
On April 28th, the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft will be made in Las Vegas by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Let’s take a look at the first few picks in the draft, and we’ll make our predictions on who each team will take so you can make your bets against the NFL Draft Odds.
Draft Predictions That Every NFL Bettor Should Analyze
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
We know that the Jaguars won’t be taking a quarterback with this pick, as they took Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in last year’s draft. The Jaguars made a ton of moves in free agency, specifically beefing up their offensive line to protect Lawrence.
We see them taking someone on the defensive side of the ball. We think that they’ll take Aidan Hutchinson out of the University of Michigan. Jacksonville desperately needs someone to put pressure on the quarterback, and Hutchinson is the man that can do that.
2. Detroit Lions
Once again, the Lions are near the top of the draft board. Unfortunately for Detroit fans, this is becoming an all-too-familiar position for the Lions.
Even though Dan Campbell seems to have things going in the right direction, the Lions still have a long way to go before they become a playoff-caliber team.
We’re going to go out on a limb with this pick. We see the Lions shocking everyone and taking quarterback Malik Willis out of Liberty. Even though this is one of the weaker quarterback classes in recent history, Willis can run and throw, and he has been very impressive in his workouts.
We know that the Lions have Jared Goff under contract for at least two more years, but if they are to get rid of him, their cap hit won’t be near as large after next season. Call us crazy, but we think that this is the way the Lions go.
3. Houston Texans
Lovie Smith is a defensive man through and through. The former head coach of the Chicago Bears, Smith is known for his “Tampa 2” scheme.
In order for this scheme to be successful, you need someone that can pressure the quarterback from the edge. After putting up jaw-dropping numbers at the combine, we think they’re going to take Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker.
Many consider it to be a reach at pick number three, but if Walker is inspired to go hard on every play, he can make things miserable for numerous offensive linemen.
4. New York Jets
The Jets need to do something to help their second-year quarterback Zach Wilson out. They’ve drafted offensive linemen; they have a decent stock of running backs, and now they just need a go-to wide receiver.
While this class is loaded with receivers, we think there is one that is at the top of this class, and that is Drake London out of USC. London is a big, fast receiver, and he will be the top option for Wilson.