5 top prospects the Jaguars can trade down for in 2022 NFL Draft

No. 5 prospect the Jaguars can take in the 2022 draft – George Karlaftis.

Aidan Hutchinson is a favorite to be the Jaguars’ choice at No. 1 but Kayvon Thibodeaux should make this a close race. On the other hand, the Jaguars could trade down and still land George Karlaftis, one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft class. The Purdue defensive end posted a 90.6 overall grade and is Pro Football Focus’ ninth-ranked overall prospect.

Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media has the former Purdue Boilermaker ranked a bit lower at No. 16 but says that he reminds him of former first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan. Jeremiah says Karlaftis’ best asset is “converting speed to power” and highlights his drive and ability to “set the edge easily against single blocks” when defending the run.

At Purdue, Karlaftis appeared in 26 games and logged 97 total tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, and three forced fumbles. While offensive tackle and wide receiver may be bigger needs for the Jaguars this offseason, they also need to get a bookend edge defender opposite outside linebacker Josh Allen to bolster their pass rush.

Karlaftis might lack Thibodeaux’s or Hutchinson’s shine but he’s a complete player that could come in and contribute right out of the gate.