Ranking Jaguars top 5 options at No. 1 in the 2022 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the first overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second year in a row. General manager Trent Baalke said the team is willing to entertain offers and trade the selection but their phone isn’t ringing.
This isn’t surprising when you take into account that this draft doesn’t feature a particularly strong quarterback class and if there were a prospect worth taking in the top 10, other clubs would be rushing to get a deal done with the Jaguars.
The Jags could still find a trade partner but it looks like they will make the pick. If they do, they will have their fair share of prospects to choose from. Here’s a ranking of the best five they will have at their disposal.
No. 5 prospect the Jaguars can draft at No. 1 – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE.
Just a few months ago, Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux looked like a good bet to be the go No. 1 in the 2022 draft. However, his stock has taken a hit in the last few months and hasn’t been mentioned as the top pick recently.
Last year, Thibodeaux appeared in 10 games and posted 49 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. While these aren’t eye-popping numbers, it’s worth noting that he played through a high ankle sprain.
The biggest flags surrounding Thibodeaux are his personality and effort. Some people in his inner circle have questioned his drive and his interests outside football have been seen as a potential distraction. However, all this criticism seems unwarranted when you take into account that he suited up and produced even though he was injured. Moreover, not all players are the same, and trying to grow his personal brand shouldn’t be held against him.
Thibodeaux gets the last spot in the ranking because he hasn’t been linked to the Jaguars as much as some of the top prospects in the draft. This doesn’t mean he won’t be a fine pro. Quite the contrary, his explosiveness, flexibility, and power should make him an enticing prospect, one that won’t likely fall outside the top 5 in the draft.