3 realistic trade scenarios for Jaguars’ No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars should explore trade options for the number one overall pick.

The Jaguars and their general manager, Trent Baalke, will have the opportunity to reload their roster in April’s NFL draft. Unfortunately, having the first overall selection appears to be more of a burden as there’s a lack of generational talent in this year’s crops. There’s no Khalil Mack or Joe Burrow. Granted, there are about five defensive players and two to three offensive tackles that would instantly enhance the Jaguars.

Still, if Baalke could swing a deal and load up on draft capital, why wouldn’t he? Well, let’s take a look at some plausible scenarios in which some teams come ringing on his cellular phone.

The Jaguars swing a deal with the Washington Football Team.

The Washington Football Team needs a quarterback and acquiring a first-round choice allows them to have their pick of the litter. For the purpose of this scenario, imagine that Washington’s management falls in love with Kenny Pickett from Pitt. Would they be willing to give up four picks, including a second-rounder next year?

Well, their quarterback play since 2020 has been mediocre at best, with names such as Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, and Kyle Allen. Taylor Heinicke had a solid season, tossing 20 touchdown passes, but is he the long-term answer at the position?

Conversely, Baalke and the Jaguars would be in excellent shape with the 11th overall choice on Draft Day. They could end up helping Trevor Lawrence by picking a tackle such as Charles Cross from Mississippi State or Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning, and helping him with his pass protection. Alternatively, the Jaguars could draft DeMarvin Leal and establish a foundational piece on their defensive line.