Today we bring you our fourth edition of our 2022 NFL Draft Match-Maker. We look at the elite, the blue-chip prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Aidan Hutchinson to the Detroit Lions:
Aidan Hutchinson has helped his draft stock as much as any player in college football in 2021. Heading into the season, Hutchinson was considered a borderline 1st round prospect.
Aidan Hutchinson has been thoroughly dominant in every game in 2021 and has now elevated his draft stock to the point that he is in consideration to be the first player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hutchinson slimmed down before the season to become more appealing to teams who scheme either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Reportedly, Hutchinson will have a tremendous workout leading up to the draft. Hutchinson is going to check every box.
The Detroit Lions could choose a quarterback–that outcome is within the range of possibilities. If the Lions go the best player available–Aidan Hutchinson could be staying in-state to play for Detroit.
Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Houston Texans:
The Houston Texans have navigated the DeShaun Watson situation about as well as someone could. The Texans didn’t sell low on Watson and, the feeling around the NFL is that Houston will get paid top dollar for his services in the off-season.
Houston could be in player to draft a quarterback in the 1st round, but Davis Mills III has done well down the stretch. I believe Mills makes it at least an internal debate on what direction the Texans should go.
If the Texans decide to add to a defense that lacks an identity–Kayvon Thibodeaux is in play. The Texans pass rush hasn’t been the same since the departure of J.J. Watt.
If you are the Texans, you need to add several good players to this roster. Kayvon Thibodeaux, who might have the highest ceiling of any prospect in the draft, would be a proper place to start.
Derek Stingley Jr. to the New York Jets:
I can hear the objections now–“The Jets won’t take a CB this early!” I can admit that this sentiment could very well be true. I believe it is also fair to acknowledge the lack of talent in the Jets secondary and identify the CB position as a desperate area of need.
The Jets’ defense has been one of the worst defensive units in recent memory and needs as much help as they can get.
Derek Stingley Jr. is viewed as a can’t miss prospect. Stingley was one of the best cornerbacks in the high school ranks in recent memory, and he has not disappointed during his time at LSU.
Stingley Jr. has true lockdown potential and would change the defensive dynamics for the New York Jets.
Kyle Hamilton to the Atlanta Falcons:
Kyle Hamilton may be the toughest player to gauge. Some around the league have Kyle Hamilton as the #1 ranked player on their draft boards. The issue with this is that Hamilton plays safety, and safety is a luxury position.
Finding a team that needs a safety upgrade desperate enough to use a top ten pick on the position is an exercise in futility.
Add the Atlanta Falcons to the list of teams that could use a quarterback to develop under Matt Ryan. The Falcons could also use upgrades throughout their roster.
Drafting a versatile player like Kyle Hamilton adds a defensive chess piece for your coordinator to use in many ways. Hamilton will be a top ten pick in the 2022 NFL Draft–whatever team takes the plunge is adding a future Pro Bowl-caliber player.
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