3 Round mock draft – AFC South – Jaguars Surprise; Draft Kyle Hamilton

This article marks the first of eight divisional breakdowns of a three round 2022 NFL mock draft.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

RD 1 (PICK 1) – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

In this mock, the Jaguars opt to select the best available player. After placing the franchise tag on tackle Cam Robinson, as well as signs of life among pass rushers Josh Allen, Dwuane Smoot, and K’Lavon Chaisson, the Jaguars should select a major playmaker on defense. While tackle and edge defenders certainly have positional value, this class is not as top heavy as in prior drafts.

RD 2 (PICK 33) – Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia

Here, the Jaguars bolster the offensive line with a player that provides value in his versatility and power.

RD 3 (PICK 65) – Drake Jackson, DE, USC

Drake Jackson’s best football is likely ahead of him, and the Jaguars can add to their pass rush here.

RD 3 (PICK 70) – Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

Khalil Shakir is one of the more underrated players in this draft class, and he would be a great addition to the Jaguar’s wide receiver room.

HOUSTON TEXANS

RD 1 (PICK 3) – Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan  

Hutchinson, a Heisman Trophy finalist, has the profile of an elite pass rusher in the NFL. If the Texans opt to stay and select a player here, filling the void left by J.J. Watt’s departure could be a solid move.

RD 2 (PICK 37) – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida 

The Texans are thin at corner, and if they want to be able to stay competitive in the coming season, drafting a player like Elam can start the formation of a promising defensive back group.

RD 3 (PICK 68) – Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Smith would be an excellent value here if the Texans decide not to take a tackle at the top of the draft.

RD 3 (PICK 80) – Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

The Texans likely do not have their answer at running back currently on their roster. If Spiller is still on the board, this is an easy pick, but even if he is not, there are other running backs worthy of this draft pick.

TENNESSEE TITANS

RD 1 (PICK 26) – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah 

Lloyd is a very talented player, and would fill a much needed presence on this Titans defense.

RD 3 (PICK 90) – Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

The Titans still do not have a viable tight end after losing Jonnu Smith, and in a talented tight end class, Wydermyer could be a steal this late.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RD 2 (PICK 42) – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Most people have Pickett going much higher, but with a late breakout in college and modest upside, it would not surprise me if he begins to slide down this year’s draft. This late, however, Pickett would be a great value.

RD 3 (PICK 73) – Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

Whoever is under center for the Colts next year will need more playmakers to get the ball to, and Austin fits the bill.

RD 3 (PICK 82) – Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Ruckert is a player whose talent will likely lead to more NFL production than college production.