{"id":736107,"date":"2026-06-14T14:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T14:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/736107\/"},"modified":"2026-06-14T14:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T14:00:13","slug":"the-top-five-picks-of-the-2022-nfl-draft-would-be-completely-different-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/736107\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top Five Picks of the 2022 NFL Draft Would Be Completely Different Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

We recently revisited the 2023 NFL Draft and analyzed how the knowledge we possess today would alter the top five selections of that class<\/a>. It turned out to be an exhilarating exercise. So much so that we’ve decided to revisit the 2022 NFL Draft in similar fashion.<\/p>\n

Some prospects selected in 2022 have already seen their rookie contracts expire<\/a>. Others will be playing the upcoming 2026 NFL season on the fifth-year option. Meanwhile some have already signed long-term extensions with their original teams.<\/p>\n

Let’s reimagine the opening five picks of the 2022 NFL Draft. Some organizations would accept do-overs if permitted. This is potentially how a 2022 redraft would shake out today.<\/p>\n

2022 NFL Draft: Re-Picking the Top Five1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE\u00a0(original pick: Travon Walker)<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the pre-draft process debating between Aidan Hutchinson’s reliable skill set and Travon Walker’s athletic upside. They chose upside, as Hutchinson’s perceived physical shortcomings created cause for concern<\/a>. Walker has developed into a very good NFL player, but the Jaguars would likely go back and make a different decision if they could.<\/p>\n

Hutchinson returned this past season from a serious 2024 injury and registered a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2025. He’s already signed a historic four-year extension worth $180 million. Walker is a consistent 10-sack guy and inked a $110 million extension of his own, but lacks the game-changing ability Hutchinson brings to the table.<\/p>\n

2. Detroit Lions: Derek Stingley Jr., CB\u00a0(original pick: Aidan Hutchinson)<\/p>\n

The Detroit Lions got Hutchinson with this original pick, meaning they’re forced to go in a different direction. We strongly considered swapping Walker here, but a better overall player went at No. 3 overall. The Lions take cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in this redraft scenario.<\/p>\n

Stingley was a slow starter, but began breaking out as a sophomore in 2023 and has since established himself as a top-three cornerback in the entire NFL. It’s probably between Stingley and Pat Surtain II right now. The Lions add a shutdown cornerback to their defense, but create an imaginary hole at EDGE.<\/p>\n

3. Houston Texans: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB\u00a0(original pick: Derek Stingley Jr.)<\/p>\n

The Houston Texans are another franchise who lose out on their original selection with Stingley going to the Lions. A theme is beginning to emerge here. The Texans simply look one pick below the actual outcome and select cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.<\/p>\n

Initially, it was believed the Texans chose the “wrong” cornerback as it was Gardner, not Stingley, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 2024-25 seasons have reignited the debate as Stingley has seemingly surpassed him now. Gardner is coming off an inconsistent, injury-fueled 2025 campaign, but it’s easy to envision him thriving in DeMeco Ryans’ defense had things played out this way.<\/p>\n

4. New York Jets: Brock Purdy, QB\u00a0(original pick: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner)<\/p>\n

The New York Jets continue struggling to find a franchise quarterback. The expectation is the rebuilding Jets will target a top quarterback prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft. That wouldn’t be necessary had they drafted Brock Purdy in 2022.<\/p>\n

Purdy may be the greatest Mr. Irrelevant selection of all time, as he’s developed from 262nd pick to $265 million quarterback<\/a>. Would Purdy have developed in the Jets’ toxic environment, the same way he thrived under Kyle Shanahan? Probably not, but the Jets would have to draft the quarterback.<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S\u00a0(original pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux)<\/p>\n

We debated this New York Giants pick. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a fine player, but they’d likely prefer a do-over. Walker, the No. 1 overall selection, garnered serious consideration, as did Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Nik Bonitto, Charles Cross, and Trent McDuffie. Ultimately, we settled on safety Kyle Hamilton.<\/p>\n

Hamilton, an elite prospect, slid to the Baltimore Ravens at 14th because teams overthought positional value and other baseless concerns. Hamilton has developed into a high-level defensive playmaker. The Giants would benefit from his presence in their secondary.<\/p>\n

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