3 reasons why Jaguars should not dismiss Evan Neal in 2022 NFL Draft

3. The Jaguars can still draft a pass rusher in the second round of the draft.

There are two reasons, Aidan Hutchinson is the favorite to go first overall. As mentioned before, the Jaguars tagged Cam Robinson and the other one was that they didn’t add a pass rusher in free agency until they signed Arden Key.

Key could become a key cog in the Jaguars’ defensive line rotation but he is by no means an elite pass rusher. That’s why Jacksonville could still take Hutchinson first overall. However, there are going to be plenty of quality edge defenders available in this year’s draft, and as many as seven could get their names called in the first round. On the other hand, there’s a good chance a few of them will fall down to the second round, where the Jags hold the 33rd overall pick.

General manager Trent Baalke could easily take Evan Neal with the top pick and select a pass rusher in the second round. Minnesota’s Boye Mafe and Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie could be available at No. 33. Heck, if there’s an edge defender late in the first round that the Jaguars like, they could easily move up.

After all, the Jaguars have two third-round picks and a handful of late-round selections that they may not use, so why not use all that ammo to land an edge rusher if there’s one they like? Sure, none of them are as polished as Hutchinson and may not have Walker’s upside but they could still develop into solid starters opposite outside linebacker Josh Allen.