The 2022 NFL Draft is still about six weeks away, but the end of the season put the mega event at the forefront of the discussion. It’s at this point in the year where the worst NFL teams know what their plan for free agency is, and then they can attack the draft.
Much will change between now and the end of April but there are value bets to be placed.
Some of the Names
Our favorite sportsbook, BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review), has continued to offer odds on who will be the top pick come April 28th, 2022. Some of the names have been consistent all year, especially Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, and Alabama tackle Evan Neal. As expected, some have also completely fallen out of the picture.
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After a historic performance against rival Ohio State, you can absolutely bet Michigan’s Aidan Hutchison is in the running for the top overall pick. His breakout 2021 season has highlighted a skill set comparable to current NFL All-Pro T.J. Watt. He’s that athletic and dynamic as a creative pass-rusher.
His production has been off-the-charts this season in addition to being a dominant film presence. His senior season has 54 tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He can play as a stand-up linebacker or down edge player and win with strength and speed alike.
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There may be some concern that Hutchison’s arm length is 32 ⅛” and his breakout came late in his career. But for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he might be a better fit due to his polish and versatility. His odds at +167 are not bad at all and are second to only Evan Neal.
Of course the direction the Jaguars go at No. 1 are as important as Hutchison’s skill set.
A New No. 1
Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Trevor Lawrence, never had much of a chance in his rookie season thanks to the lackluster set of blockers and receiving threats around him. The franchise must consider passing on the conventional top-two edge rushers in order to solidify their blindside blocker.
Neal is the best pass blocker thanks to his massive frame and surprising foot speed. He also showed devastating strength in open space as a run blocker. He’d be a considerable upgrade over Cam Robinson at left tackle and give Lawrence peace of mind for the next decade.
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Comparing Hutchison to Kayvon Thibodeaux, the latter is naturally the more gifted player and, traditionally, NFL teams favor the physical upside. Hutchinson is generally regarded as a stronger cultural fit considering Thibodeaux’s unique personality.
Versatile Player
The Jaguars would love how Hutchinson can play at end and tackle right away and be more of a well-rounded contributor. His personality will endear him to a staff filled with experience, and one wanting to get over the Urban Meyer saga. Compared to Thibodeaux, Hutchison is likely more of a sure-thing.
Hitting a double or triple with the top overall pick isn’t a terrible thing, but is it worth betting on? Hutchison is far from the betting lock, and in fact, I think the best value is to go with tackle Ikem Ekwonu at +480 to be the top pick of the NFL draft. The Jaguars absolutely need to protect Lawrence and can wait on a second edge-rusher to go with Josh Allen.
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It helps that the 2022 NFL Draft class depth is at the edge position. There should be between five and seven edge rushers in the first round, and one good edge will surely be on the board with the 33rd overall pick. But the same may not be said about the tackle position.
NFL Draft Betting Pick: Ikem Ekwonu to Go First Overall (+480) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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