2022 NFL Draft: 3 Best options for Jaguars No.1 pick

When the season began, Kayvon Thibodeaux was not only the prohibitive favorite to be the first pick in the draft, but he was also projected as the top defensive end/EDGE in the draft. Thibodeaux missed a couple of games, and it was as if scouts and the media forgot him.

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson got a lot of love (and rightfully so) as the Wolverines ascended this season, defeating Ohio State and making a run to the College Football Playoff. Because of his tools, Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has moved up boards during the postseason process.

That said, Thibodeaux is still the best defensive end in this class. Watch the UCLA game, and that will tell you all you need to know. Hutchinson benefited from playing alongside Kwitty Paye and David Ojabo; Thibodeaux had no such luxury. The same could be said of Walker playing next to Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt.

Thibodeaux, much like Ekwonu, can be a high-impact rookie despite not scratching the surface of how good he can be yet. He relies on his elite athleticism and raw power as he refines his technique.

He’d make a great bookend with Josh Allen and Arden Key. Jacksonville could use his services since they’ve had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL the last two seasons.