Rocio Robles
For the second consecutive season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have under their control the first overall pick of the NFL Draft, a situation in which they took quarterback Trevor Lawrence last year. In this way, they already gave some clues about their intentions for the one that will take place on April 28th.
The team’s general manager, Trent Baalke, made the comments during a press conference with the media, responding to rumors that the organization was discussing a trade for the selection.
“We are willing to listen, but no, no one has called directly. It’s still a work in progress and we have four players in mind for that pick.”
Trent Baalke on his plan for the first pick of the 2022 Draft.
Several prospects have been linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars to be taken as first overall picks. Michigan defensive wing Aidan Hutchinson is the favorite to go first, but many experts also consider Georgia linebacker Travon Walker a strong candidate to play in Jacksonville next season. Offensive tackles Evan Neal of Alabama and Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State have also been linked to the organization: these are likely the four names Baalke has in mind.
“Aidan is a good soccer player, but there are other good players in this draft as well. Who will be the best player when it’s all settled? Heck, if we knew that, we’d go to Las Vegas right now and bet the money.”
Trent Baalke on potential 2022 Draft 2022 first-round draft pick candidates
Qualities the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for in their first pick
In the extensive press conference held by Trent Baalke, the Jacksonville Jaguars manager also explained to the media the criteria that both he and the team’s new head coach, Doug Pederson, are analyzing to make this important decision.
“There are so many things that go into these decisions. It’s not just the (player) videos, it’s all the other things that go into that guy being successful or unsuccessful. Most of the time, they do not fail because they are not physically gifted: They fail due to other reasons.”
Trent Baalke on what they look at when selecting their picks
Baalke also stated that this has been a collaborative effort between the coaching staff and management, and that this is not a decision that will be made lightly, especially with the club having 12 picks in the upcoming draft, which is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the most this year.
