The time for speculation and false drafts is over: the 2022 NFL Draft gets underway in Las Vegas Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Over the cour...
The time for speculation and false drafts is over: the 2022 NFL Draft gets underway in Las Vegas Thursday at 8 p.m. EST.
Over the course of three days and seven rounds, the NFL’s 32 teams will select 262 prospects to join the league. The league awarded 39 top picks in this year’s draft, and seven picks were given to six teams — the Browns, Ravens, Saints, 49ers (which got two), Kansas City and the Rams — in the as part of an initiative to reward the diverse hiring of head coaches and senior football executives (CEOs).
How to watch the draft
The first round of the draft will air on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network and stream on the NFL and ESPN mobile apps. Rounds 2 and 3 are on Friday, starting at 7 p.m., and rounds 4-7 are on Saturday, starting at noon.
Teams to watch
For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the No. 1 overall pick. Jacksonville (3-14 last season) has a total of 12 draft picks and needs help in almost every position. The team’s biggest priorities are on the offensive and defensive lines, but they could also be looking for a wide receiver.
With the second and 32nd picks, the Detroit Lions are looking to pack their defensive line, and a new cornerback could be in their future. They are one of eight teams that have two first-round picks. Another, the Houston Texans (Nos. 3 and 13), may be looking for a wide receiver.
The Jets currently have five draft picks in the first three rounds, including the fourth and 10th picks. With the Giants having the fifth and seventh picks, the Jets would be interested in trading some of their existing draft stock to acquire a veteran player. (With teams reportedly buying wide receiver Deebo Samuel and quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo, there are options.)
Eight teams — the Rams, 49ers, Dolphins, Bears, Colts, Browns, Broncos and Raiders — don’t have a first-round pick.
Players to watch
Of the 262 prospects, only 20 will attend the event in Las Vegas. Among them are Aidan Hutchinson, a Michigan defensive end who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting and is in the mix as a potential No. 1 pick; Kayvon Thibodeaux, a pass thrower from Oregon; Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State, a quick and nimble American offensive tackle; Alabama’s Evan Neal, who for three seasons with the Crimson Tide played left guard and both tackle positions.
Travon Walker, a Georgia defensive lineman and another contender to be picked first overall, will participate remotely. This year’s first round is expected to be weak in quarters: Only Liberty’s Malik Willis and Mississippi’s Matt Corral will be in Las Vegas, and most prospects for the position are expected to be taken after the first round. The Carolina Panthers, the No. 6 overall pick, would be the first team allowed to select a quarterback.
But with no consensus on the top picks in the first round, prepare for surprises.
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