The Jacksonville Jaguars have a tough decision to make with the top pick in the 2022 NFL draft. For a while, it was seen as a given that the team would take one of the two elite edge rushers at the top of the draft in Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan or Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon.
In recent weeks, however, the prevailing opinion has changed a bit. Now, many expect the team to draft a franchise left tackle with the pick, potentially Alabama’s Evan Neal.
The latest betting odds seem to reflect that belief. Per the current futures odds for the first overall pick from Tipico Sportsbook, Neal is the betting favorite to be the first selection at +140.
He’s followed shortly behind by Hutchinson at +150. Thibodeaux is +380, while North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu is +425. There’s a massive dropoff after that, with Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross having the next best odds at +3000.
While there is a lot of mystery with the pick right now, that could change in the next few weeks. If the Jags choose not to extend or re-tag offensive tackle Cam Robinson, it would seemingly indicate that’s the direction it wants to go with the first overall pick. If they do, it would likely be a good omen for Hutchinson.
We’re still more than two months away from the draft, so a lot could change before then. But for now, there seems to be a consensus that Neal is the favorite to go with the first pick.
