Jacksonville has several issues all over the field. It’s probably missing a playmaking receiver, it could use longer-term solutions at the offensive tackle spots, the secondary it heavily invested in is still struggling and the interior of the defensive line is mostly a committee right now.
But one issue is likely the most existential, and it’s the one the Jags should probably look to address with a young prospect in the 2022 NFL draft: pass rush. Josh Allen isn’t having the most productive third season, but he’s playing well.
The other side, however, has been a mess. K’Lavon Chaisson is still in just his second year, but he doesn’t look like he’s going to live up to the hype of a first-round pick. Free-agent pickup Jihad Ward has been solid in the rotation, but he’s not a permanent solution, either.
The team likely won’t have the opportunity to draft Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, but according to the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network, it could come away with the next best thing in Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The edge talent in the 2022 NFL Draft is impressive, to say the least. With a ton of scrutiny on their defense so far this year, the Jaguars use a top-five pick on Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson. When I say Jacksonville’s defense has been incredibly bad, that is not facetious. They are allowing a whopping 386 yards per game and have struggled to get to opposing QBs. The Jaguars need a lot of help on both sides of the ball, but Hutchinson is the right choice for them here.
Hutchinson, a senior, is in the midst of a breakout season for the Wolverines. His career-high in sacks entering the season was 4.5, but he already has six sacks in 2021 just past the midpoint. He’s one of the most dominant defensive players in the Big Ten, and he’s a major reason the Michigan defense has been so formidable so far.
As a junior, Hutchinson’s season was cut short after only three games as he suffered a leg injury that required surgery. He decided to come back to school, a call that has been proven to be the right one.
He’s now a likely top 10 (maybe even top 5) pick, and he would be a major help for a Jacksonville defensive line that could use all the talent it can get right now.
