Steelers 2022 NFL Draft: Final first-round mock draft with trades

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 6: Travon Walker #44 celebrates a sack with Nolan Smith #4 during a game between Missouri Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 6: Travon Walker #44 celebrates a sack with Nolan Smith #4 during a game between Missouri Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Evan Neal #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after their 24-22 win. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1.01, Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Travon Walker is a player that many did not think of with the first overall pick just a couple of weeks ago. He has some nice upside but passing on someone like Aidan Hutchinson would be too much of a gamble for a franchise like the Jaguars that need immediate impact players.

This is the rumor that seems like it will happen as we get closer to Thursday. The Steelers showed some interest in this player, but he will likely be long gone.

1.02, Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Aidan Hutchinson will be the pick at two if Walker is taken at one. The Lions would run to the podium with this pick as they get a cornerstone piece for their struggling defense. They could always go quarterback here and that would be bad news for the Steelers. With Hutchinson available, they can’t pass on him.

1.03, Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal could be another option for the first overall pick and just after the college football season concluded, he was the first pick in many mock drafts. Other players have had their draft stocks on the rise since then and Neal slipped a little.

The Texans already have a left tackle, but this player would sure up both spots and help their quarterback of the future, whoever that may be.

1.04, New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Kayvon Thibodeaux has a unique personality and that has rubbed some teams the wrong way. He had a great meeting with the Jets and could be the selection here. Some have him dropping out of the top ten, but his talent and potential are too good to have dropped out of the top ten.

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