2022 NFL mock draft: Super Bowl edition after the Rams win it all
By Brad Weiss
The Los Angeles Rams have won Super Bowl LVI, and here, we look at what April’s first-round could look like now that the draft order is set.
In a game that was marred by some questionable calls, as well as some stagnant offense, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI Sunday night. For head coach Sean McVay, the victory was a sweet one, as he avenged a loss in the big game a few years back by beating a former assistant coach.
Here, we take a look at what the first round could look like in the 2022 NFL Draft.
. Edge. Jacksonville Jaguars. Aidan Hutchinson. 1. player. 52
For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars will hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Unlike last season, however, there is no consensus No. 1 overall choice, so it is anybody’s guess as to who they will select here to kick off the action this April.
One area they need to improve is on the defensive side of the ball, and that is getting after the quarterback. In Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan, they would be getting the premier edge rusher in this draft class, which is saying something considering how deep the position group is.
2. player. 50. . Edge. Detroit Lions. Kayvon Thibodeaux
The Detroit Lions saw their former franchise quarterback win the Super Bowl Sunday night, so that has to breathe some fire into the organization. It took Matthew Stafford only one season away from this franchise to win it all, as he cemented his Hall of Fame candidacy with his efforts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, the Lions have to figure out where they go from here, and while they could go quarterback at No. 2 overall, is there any quarterback in this class worth going that high? I think not, and with this pick, they take the best player available, adding Kayvon Thibodeaux to their defensive line.
Safety. Houston Texans. Kyle Hamilton. 3. player. 10.
The Houston Texans were once again one of the worst teams in football last season, and that led to their head coach being fired and replaced by Lovie Smith. Smith is a head coach who has had success at the NFL level, leading the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl, so you have to think they are in good hands.
Sitting with the No. 3 overall pick, the Texans need to go out and get the best player available, as they need help everywhere on this roster. Kyle Hamilton may be the most talented player in this draft class and could have a Derwin James-like impact in Year 1.