Panthers Draft 2022: OT secured in full 32-team first round mock draft

Detroit Lions select Aidan Hutchinson

• Defensive End | Michigan

This would be a popular pick within the state of Michigan, where Aidan Hutchinson starred in college. If the Jacksonville Jaguars spurned the chance to take the defensive end, then one suspects it wouldn’t take too long for the Detroit Lions to hand in their card.

Hutchinson was a phenomenon for the Wolverines in 2021, boasting the high-end motor and big-play ability that is sure to go down extremely well at the next level. As luck would have it, this is also an area where the Lions struggled to find consistency.

Houston Texans select Kayvon Thibodeaux

• Defensive End | Oregon

The run on edge rushers continues with the Houston Texans taking Kayvon Thibodeaux, who might be the best of the bunch. His explosiveness is absolutely off the charts and the concerns about his effort simply don’t come across when watching him at Oregon.

Thibodeaux is coming into the league with a huge chip on his shoulder after so much criticism during the evaluation process. Something that will provide extra motivation to prove his doubters wrong from the moment he steps onto the field.

New York Jets select Sauce Gardner

• Cornerback | Cincinnati

This is a pick that the Carolina Panthers will be watching closely as the New York Jets could trade out if they receive a big offer from someone looking to move up for a quarterback. However, with plenty of assets already, the organization opts to bolster its cornerback options by taking Sauce Gardner.

The Cincinnati product’s production as a shutdown presence in college was nothing short of exceptional. Gardner has all the athleticism and football smarts needed to continue this trend in the pros.