For the second consecutive season, the Jacksonville Jaguars own the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. After selecting Trevor Lawrence last year, where will they go in 2022? Let’s answer that question and more with this Jaguars 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Using the free PFN Mock Draft Simulator with trades, equipped with the current 2022 NFL Draft order, let’s see who the Jaguars should target with 12 picks.
Round 1, Pick 1: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Whatever the Jags do with the first overall selection, they will get a talented player. Offensive tackle could have been the pick, but that went out the window with Jacksonville franchise-tagging Cam Robinson. Aidan Hutchinson is incredibly agile, wins with power and explosiveness, and is one of the safest NFL projections in the class. Thus, the Jaguars bring Hutchinson to pair with Josh Allen off the edge, reshaping the fortunes of the defense.
Round 2, Pick 33: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie is routinely mocked to teams on Day 1, but there is a non-zero chance he falls to the second round — barely. The Washington corner is an athletic marvel, jumping out of stadiums and accelerating at rates rivaling the Tesla Roadster. Moreover, he is an exceptional tackler and is seasoned in zone schemes. The Jaguars would love his reliability in a secondary that has been anything but reliable recently.
Round 3, Pick 65: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
The wide receiver position is a major need for Jacksonville — even after they agreed to terms with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Marvin Jones is little more than a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3. Laviska Shenault performed poorly last year, and he is reportedly on the trade block. So, yea, adding a receiver wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Thus, the Jaguars take John Metchie III in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Metchie was heading toward first-round territory before suffering a torn ACL in the SEC Championship Game. Still, when he is healthy, Metchie has the route running and speed to pressure defenses and create separation.
Round 3, Pick 70: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Cam Robinson is on the franchise tag, and Jawaan Taylor is entering the last year of his deal. Could Walker Little and Abraham Lucas step in as the new starting tackles in 2023? Lucas shined at the Combine, and his immense experience in pass protection is valuable. His run-blocking prowess is unknown, but the Jaguars need to do everything they can to keep Lawrence upright.
Round 4, Pick 106: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
Leo Chenal thrives charging toward the line of scrimmage, whether that be as a run stuffer or blitzer. His coverage ability is a bit of a question mark due to what Wisconsin asked him to do, but his ability in the box is worthy of a pick alone. Foye Oluokun agreed to terms with the Jags, but they released Myles Jack, so a downhill linebacker remains a need.
Round 5, Pick 157: Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
Charlie Kolar isn’t much of a downfield weapon, but he can be a safety blanket for Lawrence. He can come down with contested catches and easily haul in red-zone targets thanks to his 6’6″ frame and 34-inch arms. Kolar also gives effort as a run blocker, which will endear him to coaches. Yes, Evan Engram has agreed to a contract with Jacksonville, but he is more of a jumbo slot receiver than an inline tight end.
Round 6, Pick 180: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
At 5’8″, 174 pounds, with 28-inch arms, Marcus Jones is a smaller prospect. However, he is the best returner in the class, and that talent alone is worthy of a Day 3 pick. Yet, he has the genuine ability as a nickel/dime corner. His quick feet and fluid hips are built for the slot, though he has some technical refinement to undergo.
Round 6, Pick 188: Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo
Andrew Wingard (pending free agent) struggled as a deep safety, and Rayshawn Jenkins wasn’t much better closer to the line of scrimmage. Tycen Anderson played primarily in the slot last year for Toledo, but he has experience in the box and free safety. His 4.36 40-yard dash showcases impressive deep speed, and he isn’t afraid to mix it up in run defense. Jacksonville continues to bolster their secondary in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Round 6, Pick 197: Luke Fortner, OL, Kentucky
Luke Fortner offers guard/center versatility along the interior of the line. He was battle-tested in the SEC and hardly allowed pressure in his career. His run blocking improved each year, though his athleticism limits his upside. Fortner’s size, length, and tape point toward starter potential down the line, which is a steal in the sixth round.
Round 6, Pick 198: Jerreth Sterns, WR, Western Kentucky
Making the move from FCS Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky, Jerreth Sterns lit up the skies with record-setting QB Bailey Zappe. In 2021, Sterns led the FBS with 148 receptions for 1,891 yards and 17 touchdowns, ranking first in each category. He’s a sure-handed slot-only receiver that proved he can hold up with a heavy workload. Furthermore, Sterns has some wiggle in the open field and solid short-area burst, but he isn’t much of a deep threat.
Round 7, Pick 222: Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State
Eric Johnson dominated on the FCS level at Missouri State and showed out during the NFLPA Bowl. Johnson even earned a trip to the Senior Bowl, where he proved he can hold his own against top prospects. Johnson may not be there in Round 7, but if he is, the Jags should jump at the opportunity to select him.
Round 7, Pick 235: D’Vonte Price, RB, FIU
James Robinson and Travis Etienne are both in-house talents, making running back a low-priority position in the draft. Thus, the Jaguars wait till their last pick to add depth in D’Vonte Price. The FIU rusher is a height/weight/speed problem for defenses. He runs upright at times and can be indecisive when reading his blockers. Still, Price has the physical tools to step in when called upon early in his career.