As expected, the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was as dramatic and action-packed as it was advertised. Filled with twists, surprises and heartfelt moments, it did not disappoint.
The focus of the Draft was, of course, the players being drafted. As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travon Williams with the first overall pick. Shortly after the Draft, it was actually revealed that Williams crashed his car into two parked cars a few days prior to the Draft, and thankfully walked away unharmed.
Following Williams, the Detroit Lions selected Aidan Hutchinson, and the Houston Texans surprised the world when they selected Derek Stingley, Jr., who many believed would be the first or second overall pick. But nonetheless, Stingley, who is the grandson of the late Darryl Stingley, was followed by the New York Jets selecting Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who will fit perfectly in New York with the nickname “Big Apple Sauce.”
https://twitter.com/LDushenski/status/1519843997241331714
It isn’t an NFL Draft unless Roger Goodell gets mercilessly booed. 😂pic.twitter.com/gQypK6zpFR
— Bally Bet (@BallyBet) April 29, 2022
It was arguably a win for both New York football teams, as the Giants immediately followed the Jets with the fifth overall pick, which they used to select pass-rushed Kayvon Thibodeaux. As part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 19-year-old heart transplant recipient Sam Prince announced the pick to the world, amassing hugs from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (who was repeatedly booed throughout the event) and Thibodeaux, cementing a truly heartfelt moment.
After the Carolina Panthers selected Ikem Ekwonu with the sixth pick, the Giants also possessed the seventh pick, using it to draft offensive tackle Evan Neal. Picks 8, 9 and 10 went to the Atlanta Falcons (Drake London), Seattle Seahawks (Charles Cross), and the aforementioned New York Jets (Garrett Wilson), respectively.
The NFL Draft is not over, however. While Round 1 is in the history books, Rounds 2-3 will kick off tonight at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 will be on Saturday at noon ET. Let us know how excited you are, by either leaving a reaction below or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
