NFL Draft Do-Over 2022: Jacksonville Jaguars go a different route at No. 1 year later

The Jacksonville Jaguars took care of several needs in free agency last year. However, they had so many roster holes that they had to keep addressing a handful of position groups in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Although it's a bit too early to tell the full impact of the Jags' last year's draft class, it feels like they might have missed on a few of the picks. Granted, all prospects are different and some take more than others to reach their potential. Having said it, Jacksonville would have benefited from going in a different direction with some of their selections in 2022. That's precisely what they do in this do-over.

Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 Draft Do-Over: Round 1, pick 1 - Aidan Hutchinson

After drafting Trevor Lawrence in 2021, the race for the No. 1 last year came to four players: Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Ikem Ekwonu, and Evan Neal. The Jags ultimately chose Walker, even though he had to make the transition to outside linebacker full-time.

Coming off a somewhat quiet rookie campaign, the former Georgia Bulldog is expected to make strides in Year 2. However, the Jaguars wouldn't have had to wait for Hutchinson to have an impact. The Michigan standout had 9.5 sacks and three interceptions in 2022.

Although cornerback Sauce Gardner took home the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award last year, Hutchinson also deserved strong consideration. And while Walker could end up having a breakout season in 2022, Hutchinson would have given the Jaguars' pass rush an immediate boost right off the bat.