Early odds released for top overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft

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Just as the race to make the playoffs is interesting late in the year for the NFL, teams battling for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft is just as entertaining. With two weeks remaining in the regular season for most teams, the fight may go until the final Sunday of the year.

As for who will be selected top overall will not be known until April 2022. However, Sportsline has released odds as to who will be the first to hear their name called in Las Vegas.

Of the four names with odds attached to their name, two were finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett were in New York City and are now favorites to be taken within the top five.

Hutchinson decided to come back for a senior season and destroyed the Big Ten on a weekly basis. The Michigan Man had 14 sacks on the season, with six coming in the Wolverines’ two biggest games of the season (three vs Penn State, three vs Ohio State). He will have at least one more time to showcase his talents in the College Football Playoff against Georgia.

As for Kayvon Thibodeaux, he was seen as the favorite to go No. 1 overall heading into the season. He backed it up by recording seven sacks last season for the Oregon Ducks and having 12.0 tackles for a loss as well. If Hutchinson does end up as the top edge rusher, an NFL team will be getting an elite player in Thibodeaux at No. 2.

Pickett has shot up draft boards for his performances this season, leading the ACC in pass completion (67.2%) and passing touchdowns (42). He finished the year with 4,319 passing yards and was fifth in the country in that category. A recent trend in the NFL has been experienced quarterbacks being able to come in and compete early. Teams will be hoping Pickett will be the next example.

Finally, in Corral, another Lane Kiffin-coached quarterback will be making their way to the NFL. The Ole Miss product lit up the SEC in the air, throwing for 3,333 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also led the program to a 10 win regular season, the most in its history. Corral will be the one of the first quarterbacks taken to lead an NFL franchise.

Only 14 teams make the playoffs and the remaining 18 teams will immediately begin to evaluate talent for the NFL Draft. These four guys will be on nearly every team’s board, especially at the top.