Jaguars: 5 first-round targets for Jacksonville in 2022 NFL Draft

Jaguars first-round target in the 2022 Draft No. 5 – Aidan Hutchinson, DL

Edge rusher Josh Allen is becoming the player the Jaguars envisioned when they made him a first-round pick in the 2019 draft. Dawuane Smoot has also played at a high level and together, they’ve formed a formidable pass rush duo. Still, the front office could add another difference-maker to the front seven next year.

The 2022 draft class isn’t particularly strong at quarterback, so there’s a good chance the Detroit Lions, who currently hold the top pick, take Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. If he doesn’t go first overall, he won’t fall past number three. That’s how talented he is. Fortunately for the Jags, he’s not the only pass rusher worthy of a top-five pick.

George Karlaftis of Purdue would be a solid addition to the Jags’ front seven but they could also target Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and get a difference-maker. He’s number five in Mel Kiper’s Big Board and the second-highest ranked pass rusher, only behind Thibodeaux.

This season, Hutchinson has logged 35 total tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble. His draft stock could go up if he has a dominant performance against Penn State. He and fellow Michigan defensive player David Ojabo are two players worth watching when the Wolverines face off against the Nittany Lions.