2022 NFL Draft News and Rumors: Deebo Samuel update, Kyle Hamilton falling, and more

There is less than one hour before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock to start the 2022 NFL Draft. But, there’s still plenty of uncertainty about what will happen with their pick and of course, everything following after. Here are the latest rumors swirling in regard to the early part of round one.

NFL Draft News and Rumors: The buildup to Round 1

The first ten picks in the 2022 NFL Draft will be unpredictable as this is a draft class like none other, which includes no clear-cut quarterback sitting atop draft boards. However, some clues and leaks have continued to emerge, which helps paint a better picture of what we might expect as the NFL Draft officially kicks off.

To hear more, tune in to our LIVE NFL Draft Show happening NOW over on the Pro Football Network YouTube channel as I talk with PFN’s Trey Wingo with more details on these news and rumors leading up to the draft.

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

As of publishing time, all signs point to Georgia junior defensive end Travon Walker. People tell me general manager Trent Baalke was sounding very confident this morning, and it looks like he won the battle.

We had previously reported that there was an internal battle between GM Baalke who favored Walker and owner Shad Khan who favored Aidan Hutchinson. Ultimately, it looks more and more like Walker will be the pick. He is currently the overwhelming favorite on most sportsbooks.

2) Detroit Lions

While some thought the Lions could decide to go with a quarterback with the second pick, it appears that as of now, it’s a toss-up between Aiden Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

3) Houston Texans

Newly-appointed head coach Lovie Smith is pushing for LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. but Ekwonu is also a real possibility. Stingley has been getting some late buzz as the draft process has advanced. Unfortunately, Stingley missed most of last season due to injury, but he is still considered one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

4) New York Jets

All signs right now point to Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner. Sources tell me that people inside the Jets front office have been singing his praises for the past 24 hours. Gardner has long since been discussed as the top CB in this class, and unless the Texans make a surprise selection of Stingley at three, Gardner should be the first cornerback off the board.

5) New York Giants

It appears that the Giants will target Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal unless Ekwonu somehow falls. Some teams have medical concerns about Neal but the Giants have cleared him.

Neal was a terrific lineman the past two seasons at both left and right tackle. He possesses the size and style to be used on the strong side, though I would guess Neal will start as a left tackle until he proves unable to handle the position.

6) Carolina Panthers

As we’ve been reporting here at Pro Football Network, it has always been OL Charles Cross for Carolina at the sixth overall spot and we expect this to be the pick, barring a last-minute change of heart. Cross is a fluid, athletic offensive tackle who showed improvement in his game and comes with a large upside.

7) New York Giants

If either corner is available — Sauce Gardner or Stingley Jr., the Giants will likely go that route. Otherwise, look for a pass rusher here at seventh overall.

8) Atlanta Falcons

The feeling right now within league circles is that it will be WR Garrett Wilson. If Atlanta does go with Wilson here, he will be the first WR selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Wilson possesses a solid combination of size and speed as well as pass-catching ability. He needs to improve the small details of his position, but he comes with an upside in addition to an NFL-ready game.

9) Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks desperately want to trade down but sources tell me that the phone lines are not burning.

10) New York Jets

League sources tell Pro Football Network that the Deebo Samuel trade is not yet dead. Jets assistant general manager Rex Hogan was telling people yesterday that the ball is in San Francisco’s court. The best-case scenario for the Jets is that both wide receivers, Jameson Williams and Garret Wilson, are available in this slot.

Other NFL Draft news and rumors

Beyond the top ten picks, there is plenty of intrigue regarding certain prospects, including Kyle Hamilton, Chris Olave, Zion Johnson, and others. Here’s what we are hearing as it relates to those players and more.

Where will Kyle Hamilton land?

If Hamilton gets past the Washington Commmandeers at the 11th pick in the first round, keep an eye on the Texans at 13 or the Philadelphia Eagles at 15. Highly regarded in many areas of the draft world, Hamilton was a terrific college safety who played fundamentally sound football. He possesses solid ball skills and shows a great head for the game.

Are the Saints eyeing Chris Olave?

League sources tell Football Network that the New Orleans Saints would love for Olave to be available when they are on the clock with their 16th overall pick. Olave was graded as the top senior receiver in the nation entering the year, but a change at quarterback for Ohio State led to disappointing results. Regardless, Olave possesses game-breaking speed and consistently runs past opponents while adding a lot of natural pass-catching skill.

Zion Johnson moving up draft boards?

Word around the league is that OL Zion Johnson is moving up draft boards. In fact, some are comparing him to Zach Martin. Johnson could go as early as 17th overall to the Los Angeles Chargers or the Dallas Cowboys at 24.

Dallas Cowboys set to move up in the Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft?

If a pass rusher starts to drop, look for the Cowboys to try and move up. They may also consider trading up for a receiver. Then again, sources tell Pro Football Network that if none of that happens and Dallas doesn’t like any of the players available at 24, they will look to move down.

Join us on the PFN Live Draft Show happening NOW!

To hear more, tune in to our LIVE NFL Draft Show happening NOW over on the Pro Football Network YouTube channel as I talk with PFN’s Trey Wingo with more details on these news and rumors leading up to the draft.