How Matt Ryan trade, free agency alter first round

Another week, another mock draft attempting (yet again) to forecast the 2022 NFL draft.

The latest variable that might potentially shake up Round 1 was interjected by Monday’s trade of quarterback Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons to the Indianapolis Colts. And while no first-round picks changed hands – amazingly, Atlanta didn’t even extract the Colts’ second-rounder, 42nd overall – the Falcons may have to reconsider their approach for importing Ryan’s long-term replacement.

The calculus for other clubs has also shifted as free agency, which has unofficially been ongoing for more than a week given the negotiating window opened March 14, lurches on. With Ryan and recent signings in mind, we nip and tuck the 2022 first-round projection once more:

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1. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan: The Jags might have quietly altered the top of this draft after franchising LT Cam Robinson for the second straight year. While it would make sense to move Robinson to the right side – or keep him as a placeholder for another year while also drafting the next blind side sentinel for QB Trevor Lawrence – it’s pretty unusual to pay right tackles or temps $16.7 million. Yet why wouldn’t you create a fallback plan that better enables you to tab Hutchinson, who’s widely considered as the top prospect available this spring – a sentiment that may be growing? Engaging off the field, relentless between the lines and highly productive, the Heisman Trophy finalist set a Wolverines record with 14 sacks in 2021. The 6-7, 260-pounder would form quite the QB-hunting tandem opposite Jacksonville’s Josh Allen.

2. Detroit Lions – DE Travon Walker, Georgia: They’re in a weird spot. Hutchinson would likely be a home-run selection if available,…