2022 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Nation's Elite Prospects

The top of the 2022 NFL draft is expected to be dominated by defensive players. 

Oregon Ducks edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson are the current favorites to land in the top two picks in April.

Thibodeaux has been a known quantity in draft circles for some time. He entered Oregon as a highly touted recruit and thrived during his time in the Pac-12. 

Hutchinson broke onto the scene this season with his tremendous year on the interior that helped Michigan qualify for the College Football Playoff. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in line to select first, and they may be inclined to pick a defensive player after taking Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. 

There will be a few quarterbacks chosen in the first round, but they may come toward the middle of the first round based off the defensive prospects available and the needs of teams inside the top five. 

1. Jacksonville: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

2. Detroit: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

3. Houston: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU 

4. New York Jets: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

6. Carolina: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama

7. New York Jets (via Seattle): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

8. New York Giants (via Chicago): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

9. Washington: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

10. Atlanta: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

11. Denver: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

12. Minnesota: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

13. Cleveland: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

14. Philadelphia (via Miami): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

15. New Orleans: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

16. Baltimore: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

17. Pittsburgh: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

18. Las Vegas: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

19. Philadelphia: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

20. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

21. Philadelphia (via Indianapolis): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

22. Miami (via San Francisco): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

23. New England: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson 

24. Arizona: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

25. Buffalo: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M 

26. Cincinnati: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

27. Dallas: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

28. Tampa Bay: Drake London, WR, USC

29. Kansas City: David Ojabo, LB, Michigan

30. Detroit (via Los Angeles Rams): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty 

31. Tennessee: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

32. Green Bay: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Kayvon Thibodeaux was a menace to opposing offensive lineman throughout his time at Oregon. He totaled 19 sacks and was in the backfield on countless occasions for one of the nation's top programs. 

The 21-year-old improved statistically in his junior campaign, when he recorded a single-season best of 49 tackles. He also had career bests in solo tackles and forced fumbles, and he was two sacks away from tying his nine-sack freshman campaign. 

Thibodeaux is the game-changing edge-rusher that many of the teams at the top of the draft order could use. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to revamp their defense after they tore that unit apart to accelerate the rebuild that brought them Trevor Lawrence in last year's draft. 

However, Thibodeaux should not have to wait long to hear his name called if the Jaguars pass up on him for another defensive player. 

The Oregon edge-rusher could boost the defenses of any team currently projected to pick inside the top five. The Detroit Lions and Houston Texans may go after a quarterback, but the New York Jets and New York Giants should be looking to improve their defenses. 

Aidan Hutchinson surged to the top of the NFL draft conversation following his fantastic senior season with the Michigan Wolverines. 

The 21-year-old recorded 14 of his 18.5 career sacks this fall while becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and leading the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship. 

Hutchinson was fantastic in the games that mattered most in Big Ten play. He had seven tackles and three sacks against the Ohio State Buckeyes and a trio of sacks versus the Penn State Nittany Lions. 

The Michigan edge-rusher was neutralized somewhat by the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl, but that single performance will not affect his draft status.

Hutchinson's name will be mentioned alongside Thibodeaux throughout the pre-draft process. Some analysts, including Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus, already have the Michigan player above his Oregon counterpart. 

Jacksonville could use Hutchinson's presence on the defensive line as well, and its decision will likely come down to the Wolverines star and Thibodeaux. 

The Detroit Lions would love the opportunity to take a Michigan player at No. 2. They have the option to go for a defensive player at No. 2 since they can select a quarterback later in the first round with the pick they obtained from the Los Angeles Rams in the Matthew Stafford trade.