NFL mock draft 2022 - NFL Nation reporters make first-round predictions

You've heard this is the most unpredictable draft in years. Not even the top pick is a given.

You've read the latest mock drafts not only from ESPN gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, but one in which they collaborated.

Now it's time for our NFL Nation reporters to share their expertise on the 2022 NFL draft as we close in on Round 1 (8 p.m. ET, Thursday, ABC/ESPN/ESPN App).

NFL Nation reporters played general manager for the teams they cover and executed a first-round mock on Tuesday night. By the end, there were three quarterbacks taken — including one with the last pick of the round — and seven wide receivers, though the first of them didn't come until No. 10. Trades were not allowed.

Here are the full results:

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Offensive tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal and defensive end Travon Walker are certainly in play here, but the Jaguars go with the player who helps fix their biggest weakness: pass rush. The Jaguars sacked opposing quarterbacks 50 times over the past two seasons, fewer than any team but the Jets (47), and that's not going to get it done in a conference with Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow… you get the picture. The addition of Hutchinson, who set a single-season record at Michigan with 14 sacks in 2021, means opponents will no longer be able to concentrate on stopping DE/LB Josh Allen. — Mike DiRocco

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Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

After a 3-13-1 finish, the Lions have laundry list of needs and can go in a number of directions. However,