We haven't had many debates in recent years about who will be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Trevor Lawrence (2021) and Joe Burrow (2020) were no-brainers at the top of the draft, while the only argument in 2019 was whether the Cardinals would be willing to give up on Josh Rosen after one season in favor of Kyler Murray. But even then, there was no question who would go No. 1 overall.
Not only will that change in 2022, but April's draft probably will mark the first time since 2017 that a quarterback isn't the top pick. The debate that will rage from now until draft day comes over which defensive end has the ability more worthy of the No. 1 position: Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux?
The answer isn't as simple as this guy or that guy. Rather, the debate is more of a philosophical one: Should a team draft the more polished player, the one who can impact games right away? Or should a team go with the more raw prospect, the one who has what's believed to be the higher ceiling? That's a decision the Jacksonville Jaguars or Detroit Lions -- the favorites for the No. 1 pick -- will have to make at the top of the draft.
Hutchinson ranks No. 1 on Pro Football Focus' draft board for now, but there's a long way until the draft on April 26. Let's get into the pros and cons for each edge rusher, along with player comps for each.
