NFL Draft 2022: Walker, Thibodeaux, and Stingley Jr. Projected as Top 3 Picks
The 2022 NFL Draft's first round kicks off in Las Vegas on Thursday night. Based on recent betting line movements and insider reports, here are the projected top three picks:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (-400)
- Former favorite Aidan Hutchinson now +400 underdog
- Walker's superior athleticism and upside reportedly won over Jaguars' front office
- While Hutchinson has a higher floor, Walker's ceiling makes him the likely first overall pick
- Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (+135)
- Betting odds increasingly favor Thibodeaux over hometown favorite Hutchinson
- Lions have extensively scouted the Oregon pass rusher
- Questions about personality and dedication to football don't seem to concern Detroit
- Head coach Dan Campbell appears comfortable with Thibodeaux's unique character
- Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (+150)
- Multiple reports indicate Texans prefer Stingley over Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner
- Former guaranteed top-5 pick whose stock dropped due to injury concerns
- If healthy, Stingley has potential to become an elite NFL cornerback
- Houston willing to take the risk at #3 despite durability questions
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Note: Betting odds and team preferences can change leading up to draft night, but these selections represent the most likely scenario based on current information.