April is upon us, and with less than four weeks until the 2022 NFL Draft, it's time to dive into Sporting News' seven-round mock draft. This year's edition offers predictions for all 262 picks, from the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1 to the "Mr. Irrelevant" pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Let's take a closer look at the first three rounds of the mock draft.
Round 1
The first round is always exciting, and this year is no different. Here are some of the top picks from the mock draft:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Jaguars have been locked into taking the best defensive player available, and Hutchinson fits the bill perfectly. He will be the cornerstone of their new-look defense under coordinator Mike Caldwell.
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4. New York Jets - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Thibodeaux slipping to the Jets at No. 4 would be a dream scenario for them. He has the potential to become the explosive cornerstone of head coach Robert Saleh's defense, much like Nick Bosa did for Saleh in San Francisco.
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos) - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Seahawks acquired this pick in the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade, and it's the perfect opportunity for them to find their next franchise quarterback. Willis has shown top-10 upside as a QB-needy team, and he possesses a strong arm, fine athleticism, and overall toughness.
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Round 2
The second round is often where teams find hidden gems and potential starters. Let's look at a couple of notable picks from the second round:
33. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Jaguars need to upgrade their safety position, and Cine brings a mix of intimidating hard-hitting and solid pass coverage skills. He will bring a much-needed physical presence to their secondary.
40. Seattle Seahawks - Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Staying in the state of Washington, the Seahawks select Gordon, a physical and aggressive cornerback who fits perfectly into Pete Carroll's vision for the position. He has the size, physicality, and aggressiveness that the Seahawks love in their corners.
Round 3
The third round often produces late-round steals and valuable depth players. Here are a couple of intriguing picks from the third round:
66. Detroit Lions - Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Lions should consider quarterback options beyond their first-round selection and take a chance on Howell's polished arm and athletic skill set. He could provide an upgrade and competition at the position down the line.
73. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders) - George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The Colts need to give their new starting quarterback, Matt Ryan, more reliable
