By: Jeremy Trottier

With the 2022 NFL Draft just around the corner, many if not all teams still have some major holes they need to fill via their picks.  With this, the Green Bay Packers have multiple needs, but the most glaring at the moment would be wide receiver.  After trading away Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, as well as losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling via free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Packers really do not have much left at the position for Aaron Rodgers to work with.  In this article, I will be covering 3 draft targets at the WR position for the Packers, who could reasonably fall to the Packers various picks through the first few rounds.

Option 1: Treylon Burks ”“ Arkansas ”“ First Round

The first option for the Packers is the big bodied receiver out of Arkansas, Treylon Burks.  Burks would be probably the best option for the Packers at the back end of the first round if he were to fall there, as he fits the bill for a true WR1 in this league.  His game is primarily his ability to be physical and make tough high point catches through contact and has some very solid YAC capabilities.  He has some impressive overall measurables, at 6’3” 225 pounds, with 9 7/8” hands and a 79 1/8” wingspan.  His speed, while testing somewhat at an average level, is underrated, as he has some really good play speed that just is not shown in events like the 40-yard dash. 

Option 2: Jahan Dotson ”“ Penn State ”“ First Round/Trade into early second

Onto the second option, who is a much different prospect than Burks in Jahan Dotson from Penn State.  Dotson is an absolutely amazing route runner, as many other writers and scouts can verify, and has some great tempo in his running.  While not the 4.2/4.3 type speed receiver, he has the ability to stop and start to get himself open against DBs, and break up routes into pieces to keep defensive backs off balance.  He also has great hands and will come down with a lot of passed, even when they are not within an immediate catch radius. 

Option 3: Alec Pierce ”“ Cincinnati ”“ Second Round/Third Round

The final option on our list is more of a day 2 prospect, as to give some variety and allow the Packers to fill other needs on day 1 if needed.  Alec Pierce is another physical jump ball receiver at 6’3” and 211 pounds, however his speed blew a lot of people away, as he ran a blazing 4.33.  For a receiver this large and with such a wide catch radius, as well as some great high-pointing capabilities, he really has all the traits you would want in a developmental receiver.  With some training in YAC maneuvers and some diversification in his route tree, he could be something special at the next level. 

The post Green Bay Packers: 3 wide receiver options in the draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Matt Nagashima

As we gear up for the draft season, this crop of cornerbacks is making a splash. The onslaught of the modern NFL passing game has teams scrambling to revamp their secondaries, and that all starts at the corner. The 2020 and 2021 drafts both saw corners get selected twice in the top 10, and we could possibly see a similar valuation this year.

NFL scout Lance Zierlein has this class ranked 4th out of 11 position groups in the draft. Not bad, and there’s a lot to like at the top. Let’s take a look at the top 5 prospects here, and how they project at the next level.

5. Andrew Booth – Clemson

We don’t have a full profile on Booth because a quad injury held him out of the combine, but the Clemson product fields a lot to offer. At 6 foot 194 pounds, he has the length and size to hang, He played against top tier talent in the SEC, and what’s more he improved year to year in terms of production. After scarce playing time his freshman year, he posted a solid sophomore campaign playing 10 games, making 4 passes defensed and 2 picks, and built on that last year with 5 passes defensed and 3 picks. He’s also got tape making some beautiful one handed and athletic interceptions, so his potential as a ball-hawk is there.

Comparison: Bradley Roby

4. Kaiir Elam – Florida

Elam has elite traits mounted on his 6’1″ frame. He posted a 4.39 40, and with length and speed like that has the chops to make it as a boundary corner in the NFL. He’ll need to work on his consistency and abilities vs the run at the next level, but with tools like this, a team is sure to bite and mold him into the player they want to see out there. His peak performance in college was his 2020 season where he posted 39 tackles, 11 PD and 2 picks, so it’s easy to see what he’s capable of out there.

Comparison: Caleb Farley

3. Trent McDuffie – Washington

McDuffie has rock solid measurables at 5’11” 193 pounds and a 4.44, but what sets him apart is his aggressiveness in press and downhill mentality that makes him an asset vs the run. He’s been at both outside and slot positions in college, and with the growing demand for slot corners in the modern NFL, he seems like a great candidate to coach up. His quickness, stickiness and nose for the play all make him perfect for the slot, and he could be one of the greats moving forward.

Comparison: Chris Harris

2. Derek Stingley – LSU

I’d rank Stingley higher but we haven’t seen his ceiling as much as one would hope, as he’s been stunted by injury in the past two years. However, in his freshman campaign, the talent was beaming off the tape. He finished with 6 interceptions and 15 passes defended, showcasing incredible speed and burst to match with his 6 foot, 205-pound frame. If he can utilize his high-end athleticism and strength at the next level and stay healthy, he could go down as the best corner of the group.

Comparison: Patrick Peterson

1. Sauce Gardner – Cincinnati

He’s 6’3″, he’s got 4.4 speed, he’s a 3 year starter who posted 3 picks every year in college, and Rich Eisen is ready to riot and force the Jets to pick him at #4. It’s fair to say he’s popular in this draft cycle. After a good showing with the Bearcats and with tools to drool over, how is Sauce likely to stack up in the pros?

Gardner excels in man coverage, particularly in press. He’s physical at the point of attack vs receivers, and highly athletic. He could be the type of guy to lock down half of the field if he gains his DC’s trust, and I really like the idea of putting a big, sticky, fast corner opposite TE’s when applicable.

Comparison: Marcus Peters

The post Pro Comparisons for Top CB Prospects in the 2022 Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Natalie Miller

With the recent signings that the Jacksonville Jaguars have made in offensive guard Brandon Scherff, wide receiver Christian Kirk, and tagging left tackle Cam Robinson, all signs seem to be pointing to edge rusher at the number 1 pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL draft.

The question becomes, which edge rusher may that be? I am firmly in the camp that Jacksonville should and will target Michigan university’s Aidan Hutchinson over someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux or recent riser Travon Walker.

Hutchinson during his last year at Michigan dominated college football, producing 14 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 16.5 tackles for loss. He helped carry a plain dominant Michigan defense all the way to the college playoffs before getting bounced by eventual national champion Georgia Bulldogs.

There’s constant energy from Hutchinson, whose pursuit of the quarterback could be described as harassment and pure love for the game of football and his Michigan teammates. It’s obvious he turns it up in the big moments and his motor seemingly never stops. Every down comes off like it’s the last of his career. A motor like this cannot be taught but it’s something Hutchinson has and will make Jacksonville secure with taking him.

His play strength and adjustment speed are evident on tape, where he is able to use his power to lure the tackle into a solid base before exploding off the edge. He also excels at pushing inside the tackle using his raw strength and motor to slide inside and throw the offensive line off balance. In the run game he is able to be patient and use his strength to fill the gaps and diagnose where a runner will end up before shoving through, he was almost unstoppable in that regard, a true linebacker on the edge.

There is more to his raw pass-rushing skills and ferocious nature to Hutchinson, he has high football intelligence as well, as he was one of the primary play callers on the Michigan defense. He was able to call out offensive plays and adjust, while also helping his fellow defensive lineman get into whatever position they should be in. Helping more raw players like David Ojabo enters the mix and be put into a good position to succeed. It is fairly rare to get that kind of leader on the defensive line, as defensive play-callers are typically held for the mike linebacker, but that is just a testament to the type of effort and study that Aidan Hutchinson put into his craft during his time at Michigan that lead to his meteoric rise.

A good pro comparison almost seems a bit too obvious, but I liken him a lot to Nick Bosa coming out of Ohio State as their burst and motor are awfully similar. Teams just struggled to keep up with the ferocious nature of both Hutchinson and Bosa. Now does Hutchinson have quite the same grade as Bosa? No, Bosa was a more talented and consistent player coming out, but then the production and playstyle match up nicely.

Hutchinson is the exact type of player Jacksonville needs to take the next step in the NFL, a ferocious winner with a non-stop motor who will inspire his teammates and make calls at the line. He is the perfect fit for the number 1 overall pick and Jacksonville should not make the mistake of passing him up.

The post Why Aidan Hutchinson will be the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Khari Demos

There’s no denying the pure talent and production Kyle Hamilton has. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the former Golden Domer helped Notre Dame get to the College Football Playoffs as a sophomore during a first-team All-ACC season, then was named a Consensus All-American in 2021. In 31 career games, Hamilton piled up eight interceptions and 16 passes defended.

His range and explosion are a rare blend for a player of his size. Hamilton is far and away considered the top defensive back in the class, as he patrols the secondary as a do-it-all safety. Whether it’s coming downhill in the run game, or covering the back end from sideline to sideline, he has a similar skill set and frame to All-Pros Derwin James and Kam Chancellor.

Then he went to the NFL Combine and showed out. The soon-to-be 21-year-old leaped with a 38-inch vertical, measured 10-feet, 11-inches in the broad jump, as well-timed at 6.90 in the three-cone drill and 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. When a player with elite tape couples that with elite physical tools, you have the makings of a can’t miss prospect. Hamilton is a true prototype player and projects as a safety that can move fluidly in many assignments throughout a defensive backfield.

But the issue for Hamilton in this draft class comes down to value; playing a role on the field that is considered lower in positional value (safety), the Notre Dame product is not a lock to go within the top five because of it. A team like the Detroit Lions, however, should at least ponder over bringing in a player who could be a plug-and-play starter and Pro Bowler.

During Dan Campbell’s first year at the helm, the Lions showed progress but ultimately finished at the bottom of the NFC at 3-13-1. Posting the 29th overall defense in the league last season, Detroit also ranked 24th in pass D, tied for the third-most TD passes allowed, and tied for the fifth-least picks in the NFL.

The Lions did have solid safety play from Tracy Walker last season, but he’s set to hit free agency next week. The team’s other starting safety, Will Harris, is still under contract but he is coming off a rough go in 2021 (42.6 PFF grade). So if selected, Hamilton could upgrade the secondary in an immediate fashion.

Detroit has been trying to figure out its secondary for some time now. The Lions traded former All-Pro Darius Slay in 2020, then took Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah with the No. 3 pick that same year. But through two NFL seasons, the former Buckeye has struggled on the field and has only played in 10 games. Even more directly at Hamilton’s position, the Lions also traded safety Quandre Diggs to Seattle in ’20, and he’s picked up two Pro Bowl selections since then.

And let’s be honest, who would you even consider Detroit’s best defensive player? Amani Oruwariye? Alex Anzalone? Trey Flowers? Charles Harris is coming off a 7.5-sack season, but he too will be heading to the free-agent market. The Lions need an absolute difference maker on D and selecting Hamilton could bring in that caliber of player.

It will be a major move if Detroit selects Hamilton at No. 2. The highest a safety has gone in recent years was when the Jets picked Jamal Adams No. 6 overall in 2017, and the last to go top five was Eric Berry in 2010. And historically, only two others (Eric Turner at No. 3 in 1991, Sean Taylor at No. 5 in 2004) have gone in the top five. Those are some great names to be in conversation with, and Hamilton deserves to be in the same breath as them as the next great safety prospect.

There could be a push to add edge rushers, Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux, especially for the former as a Michigan native that dominated just 45 minutes away in Ann Arbor as a Wolverine last fall. And I’m sure as a former tight end Campbell would love to add a presence in the trenches. But Hamilton, in my opinion, is an even more coveted prospect, so the Lions should seriously mull overtaking the ND product.

The post Why the Lions really need to draft Kyle Hamilton appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Cincinnati Bengals will surely not take their foot off the pedal in the 2022 offseason. Zac Taylor’s squad has the fifth-most cap space in the league and they will look to soon add a few big pieces in the free agency pool.

The 2022 NFL draft will still be very important for the Bengals and it’s vital they add a profile that can help them immediately and be an important addition for many years to come. The NFL world witnessed the Kansas City Chiefs arguably get too comfortable with their 32nd pick in the 2020 NFL draft, as they picked Clyde Edwards-Helaire (largely from the opinion of their “QB Patrick Mahomes”). The Chiefs were missing dominance from CEH and their RB spot in the 2021-2022 season, as CEH clearly didn’t prove to be a stud in key moments for the Chiefs.

With that stated, which prospects could the Bengals count in the 2022 NFL Draft? Well, here is the latest 3-round mock draft for the Bengals.

Round 1: Jordan Davis – DT – Georgia (Trade up)

I really expect the Bengals to ink numerous free-agent offensive linemen in the 2022 free-agency period. The Bengals could ink the Saints Pro Bowl left tackle and potentially even bring back Riley Reiff. I want to see the Bengals acquire one of the best players available at a position that could be improved (IDL).

The Bengals picked Ja’Marr Chase at a position that wasn’t a dire need in 2021 (WR) and it’s safe to say that pick paid off. I’d love to see the Bengals select the mammoth-like DT Jordan Davis, who recently clocked a 4.78 at 341 pounds, and watch him wreak havoc next to Trey Hendrickson and D.J. Reader. He can certainly help them win a Super Bowl NOW and later.

Round 2: Darian Kinnard – OT – Kentucky

The Kentucky Offensive Lineman brings great versatility, as he can play guard and tackle. He’s a fierce run blocker with his power and he’s been one of the best pass-blocking offensive tackles in college. He was a first-team SEC OL and he clearly has the production and work ethic that any team wants. He’s gotten slimmer this offseason, which should help him be more athletic at the pro level.

Round 3: Isaiah Spiller – RB – Texas A & M

The Bengals could use another potent RB to join Joe Mixon in the backfield. Spiller is another bruising RB, who is well-known for shedding countless tackles. Isaiah, who isn’t related to CJ, has run over 1,000+ yards in each of the past two seasons. Samaje Perine hasn’t been an unearthly RB2 and he’s also a free agent in 2023. It could be time to get more productive and younger at the RB position for the Bengals.

The post 2022 Bengals 3-Round Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: TD Hunter

The 2022 NFL Draft is littered with big names and big talents that teams will be clamoring to select this coming April.

INTRO

Travis Jones
Position: Defensive Line
School: UConn
Height: 6’4
Weight: 326 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 11 games, 48 TAK, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 SK

Strengths:
-Tremendous upper body strength with strong hands to match
-Great length for a nose tackle
-Handles double teams well
-Solid first step
-Outstanding run defender
-Pushes the pocket well with a high motor

Weaknesses:
-Has the quickness you’d expect from a near 330 pounder
-Needs refinement as a pass-rusher
-Almost strictly a 1-technique

Overview:
Travis Jones is a relatively late riser in the draft process but the buzz surrounding him is well deserved. The defensive lineman out of UConn blew away observers during the Senior Bowl, showing off a unique blend of short-area quickness and natural power that overwhelmed nearly every offensive lineman that went up against him in one-on-one drills. This display of natural ability has him rising on most draft boards. However, the Senior Bowl was just a taste of what Jones has to offer. While at UConn, he was a big-bodied interior disrupter. A wall of a defender, he was virtually impossible to run against and his strength combined with a relentless motor helped him collapse plenty of pockets. While he still needs polish as a pass rusher and does not rely so much on his natural strength to win matchups, he has plenty to offer any team looking for a stout nose tackle. Had Jones played for a bigger football program, it is possible that he may be talked about as a potential first-rounder this year.

Dameon Pierce
Position: Running back
School: Florida
Height: 5’10
Weight: 215 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 100 CAR, 574 YDS, 13 Rushing TDs, 19 REC, 216 YDS, 3 Receiving TDs

Strengths:
-Perfect frame for the pros
-Finds holes with good vision
-Has enough speed and explosion to break off long runs
-Solid as in pass protection
-Showed potential as a pass-catcher

Weaknesses:
-While he has good speed, he is no track star
-Not overly quick or shifty
-More of a downhill runner that takes an extra step to hit his extra gear
-Could never take over a feature role while at Florida

Overview:
In a league that values players that can fill multiple roles, Pierce is going to make one team very happy. The former Florida Gator has all the tools to carve out a prominent role on any team, whether that be a short-yardage/goal-line runner, a third-down back who is relied upon as a pass-catcher, or a blocker, or even a special teams player. That kind of versatile skill set would make him an ideal No.2 running back for any team looking for quality depth at that position. Pierce was never used extensively during his time at Florida and many see that as a sign of concern but the bright side is that he comes into the league with little wear and tear. He may not wow any team with his explosiveness or game-breaking ability, but he could quickly prove to be a perfect complimentary piece that can wear many hats on any team.

Troy Andersen
Position: Linebacker
School: Montana State
Height: 6’4
Weight: 242 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 137 TAK, 14 TFL, 2 SAK, 2 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FR

Strengths:
-Violent tackler
-Fiery competitor
-Superb athlete with sideline-to-sideline speed
-Has shown plenty of potential while in coverage
-Has been labeled as “the most versatile player in the draft”

Weaknesses:
-Has only spent two full years at linebacker
-Still learning the position that can delay his processing
-Easily taken out of a play if a blocker gets his hands on him

Overview:
When someone says that Troy Andersen has done it all as a football player, they mean it. Andersen has played quarterback, running back, and linebacker while with Montana State and has racked up accolades while playing all three positions. However, linebacker appears to be his permanent home in the NFL and it’s not hard to see why. A tremendous athlete who can chase down anyone, Andersen flies to the ball. The downside is that he is still relatively new as a linebacker and may take a year or two to develop as he learns the intricacies of the professional game. Still, his athletic profile could make many teams drool and his versatility could be enticing to any coach wanting to run a few trick plays.

Calvin Austin
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Memphis
Height: 5’7
Weight: 170 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 63 REC, 1,053 YDS, 11 TDs

Strengths:
-Terrific hands and doesn’t drop many passes
-Electrifying playmaker
-Can play both inside and out on the perimeter

Weaknesses:
-Very small frame
-May only ever be a Top 2 or 3 option on offense at best
-Competitive but can still be handled easily on the line

Overview:
Calvin Austin was seen as a diminutive track star who just played football but his 2021 dispelled that notion in a hurry. Displaying top-end speed with soft hands, Austin quickly established himself as an electrifying playmaking threat. Obviously his smaller size and stature will lower his ceiling in the league and his physical limitations may cap his potential and that will scare some teams off come April, but they shouldn’t. Austin plays much bigger than his size suggests and can quickly become an explosive second option for a team looking for a secondary dynamic threat. He played both in the slot and on the outside while in Memphis so he is not just limited to the inside. Austin’s stock may drop because he doesn’t have that prototypical size at receiver but what he lacks in size he easily makes up for in virtually everything else.

Cam Taylor-Britt
Position: Cornerback
School: Nebraska
Height: 6’0

2021 Stat Line: 51 TAK, 1 SAK, 1 INT, 11 PBU

Strengths:
-Great size for the position
-Vicious tackler for a corner, isn’t afraid to deliver a big hit
-Solid ball skills with 5 career interceptions
-Physical in man coverage, excels in zone coverage
-Fierce competitor

Weaknesses:
-Does not possess top-end speed
-Can get “grabby” with breaking receivers
-A willing yet sloppy tackler

Overview:
If a team is looking for a high intensity enforcer on the perimeter, they should look no further than Cam Taylor-Britt. The defensive back out of Nebraska is a firery leader who is never afraid to lay down a big hit on a ball carrier. Standing a hair above 6 feet and hovering around 200 pounds, Taylor-Britt has the size and attitude to handle bigger receivers. Though his lack of top end speed and his competitiveness will get him in trouble from time to time with speedy receivers, he has more than enough functional athleticism to keep up with most pass catchers. The most impressive aspect of his game, his tackling, certainly needs refined but that can be said about most corners in football. All of these traits could help Taylor-Britt see the field early and often in his young NFL career as whichever team that drafts him will certainly love the physical nature that he can bring to a secondary.

Cole Turner
Position: Tight End
School: Nevada
Height: 6’6
Weight: 246 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 62 REC, 677 YDS, 10 TDs

Strengths:
-Impressive size
-Solid athlete
-Great RAC ability
-Willing blocker
-Can line up at multiple spots to create matchup problems

Weaknesses:
-Suffers from concentration drops
-Needs to add bulk to be more dominant
-Doesn’t possess elite straight end speed

Overview:
Turner has quietly been one of college football’s most productive tight ends over the last few years. A favorite target of fellow 2022 draftee quarterback Carson Strong, Turner’s blend of size and athleticism made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defense. NFL teams should be drooling over him come draft time. His 6’6 frame makes him a big target and his athleticism combined with his willingness as a blocker means he can line up along the line as a traditional tight end or flexed out wide as an extra receiver. That level of versatility will make him a valuable asset for any NFL offense. While he doesn’t possess game-breaking speed, he has enough juice to rip off big yards after the catch while he is one of the better blocking tight ends in this draft. The depth at tight end in the draft might drop him down a bit as more polished prospects may go earlier but Turner has everything a team is looking for in a starting tight end. With a little bit of patience, Turner has the opportunity to shine within a year or two.

Michael Clemons
Position: EDGE
School: Texas A&M
Height: 6’5
Weight: 270 lbs

2021 Stat Line: 32 TAK, 7 SAK, 1 FF, 1 FR

Strengths:
-Imposing size
-Nice combination of speed and strength
-Has a variety of pass-rush moves
-Played both on the edge and inside

Weaknesses:
-Not overly athletic or flexible
-Has trouble diagnosing plays and can be late to the ball-carrier
-Has had a few off-field issues

Overview:
When you build a pass-rusher, he most likely will look like Michael Clemons. Coming out of Texas A&M (the same school as Myles Garrett), Clemons has an interesting blend of size, speed, and power that allowed him to be used both on the edge and kicked inside as an interior pass rusher. His strength and ability to set the edge make him a stout run defender already and Clemons has a variety of pass-rush moves to help him wreak havoc in an opponent’s backfield. He does have trouble diagnosing plays and he does not possess elite lateral mobility meaning he can be late to a ball carrier but that can be adjusted with time and coaching. Clemons may not light the world on fire in his first few years in the league but he flashes plenty of potential that makes him an intriguing late-round prospect that could be a project that will pay off nicely for any team willing to put in the work.

Max Mitchell
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Louisiana
Height: 6’6
Weight: 300 lbs

2021 Stat Line: N/A

Strengths:
-Elite in pass protection
-Highly atheltic
-Possesses prototypical frame
-Can play either tackle position
-High football IQ

Weaknesses:
-Does not possess elite strength
-Needs to add weight
-Can get pushed back by stronger pass-rushers

Overview:
If your team needs help at offensive tackle, then Max Mitchell is a name you should familiarize yourself with. An experienced starter, Mitchell has seen extensive action at both tackle spots. An elite athlete, Mitchell may very well be one of the best pass protectors in this entire draft. A great lateral mover, he would do well in a run-heavy, zone-blocking scheme. His lack of upper body strength is a bit concerning but that is something that can be added later. At 6’6, Mitchell has the frame to bulk up when asked but he would be an excellent developmental swing tackle and shouldn’t take him long to lock down a starting spot at one of the two tackle spots.

The post Top draft gems in the 2022 NFL Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Chris Moore, Jake Rajala, and Charlie Vakassian

The 2022 NFL draft holds many talented prospects and it is bound to be one of the most exciting parts of this NFL offseason. We feel like this NFL draft won’t bring the same results that the 2006 NFL draft or the 2013 draft displayed. The 2022 NFL draft will be special and it will start with the first overall pick.

There are a few potential first overall picks that are gifted football profiles and it’s safe to say the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the first overall pick, will be beyond thrilled with whoever they select. With that said, here is a breakdown of the top competitors to be potentially chosen first overall.

Aidan Hutchinson, DL, University of Michigan 

By: Jake Rajala

The University of Michigan defensive lineman, Aidan Hutchinson, went from having 3.5 career sacks in three seasons to unveiling 14 sacks in 2021. The 6’6 265 DL also had 36 combined tackles last season. We’ve seen many Michigan defensive stars like Chase Winovich and Josh Uche, but Hutchinson has been the most impressive U of M star over the past few years. Perhaps, Hutchinson can be as special as former Wolverine Charles Woodson in the NFL.

Hutchinson was so impressive as a defensive lineman in 2021 that he finished as the fourth defensive player ever to land in the top two of the Heisman voting. Unfortunately, Stanford QB Bryce Young was superb from the QB position, as he went on to win the 2021 Heisman. Young threw 47 touchdowns, 4,872 yards, and obtained an 87.6 passer rating last season. Young is the early favorite to be selected first overall in the 2023 NFL draft. 

Hutchinson isn’t only a very safe pick, but he has the potential to be a decade-like player. Mel Kiper compared Hutchinson to the Bosa brothers, which should make Jaguars fans wish for his name called. In particular, Nick Bosa was a Top 3 edge rusher in 2021, as he notched 15.5 sacks last season. I could see some similarities between Saints All-Pro DE Cameron Jordan and Hutchinson, too. They both possess unique power and a high motor against offensive tackles. The Jags were 27th in sacks last season, so it’s clearly a major issue for them. Hutchinson and Josh Allen (7.5 sacks in 2021) would be a fantastic pass-rushing duo for years to come. They have failed to replace edge rusher Yannick Ngakouye, who has been a stud with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Aidan Hutchinson is also PFF’s highest-ranked draft prospect in 2022. Kiper also projects Hutchinson to land first overall with the Jaguars. Hutchinson can be the face of the Jaguars defense for many years to come, while T-Lawrence is the face of the Jags offense for the next decade. We’ve seen how beneficial elite defensive players have been in the NFL. The future Hall of Fame Rams defender Aaron Donald was the key reason why the Rams won Super Bowl LVI and 2021 Defensive Player of The Year T.J. Watt was the leader for the Steelers in their surprise playoff berth. The Jags can ink an offensive lineman like Terron Armstead in free agency or select an OT in round two, while they select the supreme Hutchinson and strive to return to the days of “sacksonville”. The Jags may also bring back Left Tackle Cam Robinson via a franchise tag, so it would really make sense for the Jags to strike gold at the edge-rushing position.

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

My top-ranked tackle in the 2022 draft, Ekwonu is an absolute mauler. He has immense versatility as well, with the ability to play guard or tackle. He does his best work in the run game, where he absolutely demolishes blockers going up to the second level. His pass protection is less refined, but he has room for improvement, a scary thought for a player who is already proficient in most areas. 

A giant of a man at 6’4 and 320lbs, Ekwonu’s strength lies in the point of attack. His size and strength allow him to push defenders back, and he has incredible football intelligence, with the ability to pick up any twists or stunts. Ekwonu plays with unmatched aggression, pancake blocking every chance he gets, establishing his dominance as the best lineman on the field. NC State ran a lot of zone-heavy concepts, playing to the strengths of Ekwonu, Doug Pederson, the Jaguars new head coach, also likes to run zone schemes, along with some gap concepts mixed in. Ekwonu would thrive in this type of system. 

No prospect is perfect, and Ekwonu does have some concerns which will need to be ironed out at the professional level. He did face trouble with inside pass rush moves over the course of this past season and tended to break out of his stance. He will also need to work on holding his sets longer, as he occasionally would break down too soon, allowing defenders to penetrate the line. There will be some other kinks that NFL coaches will want to work out, but all in all, Ekwonu is one of the more complete prospects, with few flaws in what has been an impressive college career. 

As implied earlier, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the first overall pick in this year’s draft. The chances of trading back from that spot are slim since there are no difference maker quarterbacks to move up for. Since Jacksonville will stay at one, they have to analyze what makes the most sense. They already have multiple edge rushers, with first-round picks invested in Josh Allen and K’lavon Chaisson. So drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson may not make the most sense. While they would most certainly improve the Jaguars defense, the offensive side of the ball is where help is needed. 

Trevor Lawrence could not stay on his feet at all last season, with a subpar offensive line in front of him. The Jaguars line ranked 24th overall, according to PFF, and the most reliable lineman in Cam Robinson is headed to free agency. An overhaul is needed. While I expect free agent money to go into the line, the draft will be a necessary avenue to beef up the line. And who better than Ekwonu? If Robinson is retained, he can play at the right tackle, with less pressure on him. He has the most upside, will immediately be a mauler in the run game, and can do enough in the passing game to start out, while the coaches work on refining his skills. Ekwonu can also slide over to guard as necessary, where his skillset projects just as well. He will be an excellent starter on day one, and by the end of his rookie contract will have earned at least one, if not multiple Pro Bowl selections.

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

While you can make the case that the Jaguars should be drafting the best player in the draft class in Aidan Hutchinson, it makes sense for them to pass on a premier pass rusher to support their franchise quarterback. The Jaguars should focus on getting Trevor Lawrence more help this offseason, and selecting one of the best offensive linemen in the draft should help.

Neal is not a flawless prospect, but he for sure has the tools to excel at the tackle position in the NFL and carries the most upside out of all the offensive linemen in this draft class. I expect Neal to be the leading candidate for the first-round selection after his performance at the combine. We should see Neal’s athleticism shine during the combine and see him show the league why he deserves to be the pick. While Neal’s athleticism is off the charts, he also provides a lot of utility, as he can play multiple positions on the offensive line. Neal started his career at Alabama playing left guard. He played right tackle in 2020 and finished his career at Alabama playing left tackle. He’s shown he can play at all three positions, and it’s a nice benefit to have when drafting linemen.

While I believe Aidan Hutchinson is the best prospect in this year’s draft class, the Jaguars need to prioritize protecting their franchise quarterback. After the year Trevor Lawrence just had, I don’t see the Jaguars taking the Bengals approach of ignoring their offensive line. The Jaguars should be committed to a complete overhaul of the offensive side of the ball this offseason. Adding the best offensive linemen prospect in the class would be a step in the right direction for the organization. I also don’t see the Jaguars investing more draft capital into an edge rusher.

The Jaguars used a premier draft pick in 2019 on Josh Allen and another first-round selection in 2020 on K’Lavon Chaisson. The Jaguars selected Chaisson in the hope he would become a dominant edge rusher to pair with their star Josh Allen. Now I know Chaisson has been disappointing so far and hasn’t lived up to the play many expected from him. That’s a ton of draft capital over the past three seasons into the pass rush to use another first-round pick on an edge rusher. Not to mention the first pick in the entire NFL Draft.

I expect Neal to be the leading candidate for the first-round selection after his performance at the combine. We should see Neal’s athleticism shine during the combine and see him show the league why he deserves to be the pick. The Jaguars recently hired Doug Pederson to be their next head coach, and his top priority should be getting his franchise quarterback more support. Pederson should be making sure Lawrence has the tools around him to succeed. Something Urban Meyer and the Jaguars failed to do last season. The Jaguars cannot afford to remain a dysfunctional organization. Supporting Trevor Lawrence needs to be the priority this season.

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By: Chris Thomas

Even though the 2022 NFL Draft is months away it is never too early to speculate about who could go first overall. Two weeks into the college football season it appears that a non-quarterback may go first overall since Myles Garrett was drafted in 2017. Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is the consensus #1 non-quarterback prospect. He is also thought of by many as the potential number one prospect of this entire draft. Here is why Thibodeaux could be the first overall pick in the draft in late April. 

Lack of premier quarterback talent

An NFL Draft class is defined by its quarterbacks. Over the last couple of seasons, it feels like there has been a premier quarterback prospect that has been on top of the class and went first overall. After the first two weeks of the college football season, none of the speculated upon top quarterback prospects have been over impressive. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler had a brutal debut where he threw only one touchdown and two interceptions against Tulane. Oklahoma barely won that game. North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell had an even worse season debut against Virginia Tech. Howell threw for only 208 yards and one touchdown. He finished the game with three interceptions as well. Both quarterbacks bounced back in their second games of the season, but at this rate, none have looked like a first overall pick quarterback. The standard a quarterback must reach to be taken first overall for it to be worth it is Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawerence.

Recently there have been a couple of quarterbacks that have gone first overall that was not worth the selection. Some of these quarterbacks aren’t considered busts but during their respective predraft processes other non-quarterbacks were considered better prospects and turned out to be much better than the quarterbacks taken first overall. Those quarterbacks are Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff. Both are solid starters but both the Browns and Rams had better options available. Cleveland could have drafted Saquon Barkley, Quenton Nelson, or Bradley Chubb with the first pick in 2018. All three of which are considered more talented than Mayfield, when healthy. Then the Rams showed they regretted trading up for Goff in 2016 when they packaged him with two first-round picks to Detriot for Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles could have drafted Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey, Ronnie Stanley, DeForest Buckner, or Laremy Tunsil with the first overall pick. 

This draft class is shaping up to be similar to the latter where there may be multiple non-quarterback prospects who could end up being better than the quarterbacks in this class. Whoever lands the first overall pick may want to learn from the previous mistakes of those teams and take the best player available which is Thibodeaux.

Production

Kayvon Thibodeaux is the number one edge rusher in a loaded edge rusher class. He isn’t just the number one edge rusher prospect in the draft class like Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, or Dante Fowler Jr. Right now he is spoken about above the likes of Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and Chase Young who were elite pass rusher prospects in their respective drafts. Thibodeaux has been placed in the same tier as Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett who were no doubt first overall picks in their respective draft class. He has been placed in that tier of player for good reason. 

During his first season at Oregon, Thibodeaux had 9 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. PFF gave him a 79.9 grade that season which was the best in the Pac-12 and ten points higher than any other freshman edge rusher in the Power Five. In seven games last season Thibodeaux had 3 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Already this season Thibodeaux has a sack and forced fumble in one game played. He earned an 87.2 PFF grade for his sophomore season.

This is a player who has dominated college football over the last three seasons. Scouts have anticipated this season because Thibodeaux is now eligible for the draft. From what he has shown on the field, he is the type of player that scouts love the opportunity to analyze and potentially add to their roster. 

Multiple #1 pick contenders have a young quarterback

In a decent amount of cases when a team drafts a quarterback that team usually doesn’t improve dramatically from where they finished the season before. These are teams who selected quarterbacks early in recent drafts could be picking near the top of the draft and be in the range of this year’s top quarterbacks. These teams include the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals. They are a few teams who could be in range to select a quarterback in this upcoming draft but should be content enough with their quarterback play to not consider selecting another one early this year, especially in a potentially weak quarterback class. 

Other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Detriot Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders have a great enough quarterback in house to pass on a quarterback. Also, the Houston Texans have shown in recent history that they are willing to take a pass rusher first overall went they have to choose between an elite one and a quarterback from a weak class (Mario Williams 2006 & Jadeveon Clowney 2014). Since they took Davis Mills in the third round it is likely they want to give him a shot to be the team’s potential QB1 before taking one in the first round. 

All of the teams listed could potentially land the first overall pick. If they land it they would likely have to choose between trading down to a quarterback-needy team or taking the draft’s best prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The post Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux can really be the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Tim Rodriguez

We are one week into the 2021 NFL season and hope is still in the air for all 32 franchises. However, it is necessary to be realistic in these times. It was wildly entertaining to see the Detroit Lions, a team that is obviously in rebuilding mode, battle back against a talented 49ers squad and make it a hotly contested game towards the end, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the Lions are ready to punch their ticket to the postseason. Fanbases like the Lions’ should be turning their attention to the 2022 NFL draft, chock full of questions at quarterback and intriguing defensive talent. 

{Pick 1} Detroit Lions: Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma 

There is no safe option at quarterback in the 2022 class. They all have their question marks. The one with the highest upside, however, may be Oklahoma’s, Spencer Rattler. Rattler certainly has issues with consistency and decision-making but has all of the necessary traits to justify taking him at number one overall. If Detroit is uncomfortable with the questions surrounding this quarterback crop, they have the draft capital to push this decision to 2023. 

{Pick 2} Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Jacksonville Jaguars made the ultimate investment in Trevor Lawrence this April. It’s high time to start protecting that investment. With offensive tackle Cam Robinson and A.J. Caan entering free agency and veterans Brandon Linder and Andrew Norwell continuing to age, right tackle Jawaan Taylor may be the only player on their current offensive line starting in a year. A 6’7”, 350 pound-force, Alabama’s Evan Neal is a battering ram who plays with exceptional power and would be a great option to protect Trevor Lawrence’s blindside for the next decade. 

{Pick 3} Houston Texans: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada 

It is time to give up on the Deshaun Watson dream. Aside from the incredibly disturbing accusations levied against him recently, Watson has made it clear he will not be playing in Houston. The Texans should be looking to move forward without their disgruntled star. Should they be moving forward with Nevada’s Carson Strong; they would be getting a strong-armed pocket passer with the ability to do everything asked of him, including escaping the pocket to make a play off-script. If Houston is able to acquire picks and/or players for Watson, they could use that capital to build an offensive line for Strong. 

{Pick 4} Atlanta Falcons: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

No quarterback? Whoever new general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith select to replace future Hall of Famer will define their tenure in Atlanta. There is no need to rush that decision and reach for a player with question marks they are uncomfortable with. Liberty’s Malik Willis and Ole Miss’ Matt  Corral may end up being talented players, but with the rebuild kicking off, the Falcons should push this decision to next year and select an elite prospect at a premier position. Thibodeaux, a freak athlete coming off the edge, has the burst and explosiveness to be an elite speed rusher and be the cornerstone of a defense that is getting a makeover with new coordinator Dean Pees.

{Pick 5} New York Jets: Kaair Elam, CB, Florida 

The cornerback room in New York may be the worst in the NFL by a mile. With some promising talent at safety, the Jets should be looking to complement those players with a shutdown corner. With an excellent length and ball skills, Elam feels like a cornerback that head coach Robert Saleh would be pounding the table for. After going with an offensive heavy approach in 2021, it is time for the Jets to bolster their defense. 

{Pick 6} Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Eagles are another team that has the draft capital to be creative with how they handle the quarterback position. With Jalen Hurts trying to prove that he’s a franchise quarterback and multiple other picks, the Eagles, at least in September, can opt to take the player who may be the best player in the class. Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton is a player that makes you throw away positional value. A 6’4” safety with the range to boot, Hamilton is going to be a force in the NFL on the back end. 

{Pick 7} New York Giants: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty 

Should the Giants actually be picking in the top ten, there will be plenty of changes coming for “Big Blue”. General manager Dave Gettleman will likely be gone, along with his former first round pick quarterback Daniel Jones. Head coach Joe Judge would likely get a “hot seat” year in 2022, meaning he would also change at least one coordinator, most likely offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The Giants would have explosive athletes in tow with Kadarius Toney, Darius Slayton and Saquan Barkley, with some other nice offensive pieces. With that being said, why not add an explosive athlete at quarterback? Liberty’s Malik Willis brings next-level athletics and improving mechanics. 

{Pick 8} Las Vegas Raiders: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M 

Regardless of the Raiders record, Jon Gruden will still be the head coach. However, if they are picking in the top ten, he may be working with a new general manager. With the offensive line getting ripped to shreds last off-season and the inevitable retirement of Richie Incognito, this feels like a no-brainer here. In 2021, the Raiders selected Alex Leatherwood, who can play guard or tackle. Kenyon Green has played guard and has recently been kicked out to right tackle. Las Vegas would be able to have them compete at tackle and then play the “loser” at guard. 

{Pick 9} Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson

The Bengals are still looking for some long-term answers at the cornerback position. Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton are great short term options, but the room could certainly use an influx of young talent. Clemson’s Andrew Booth has all of the potential to be a top-tier boundary corner for the Bengals. In the second round of 2020, when they needed an offensive lineman, the Bengals selected a receiver. They did the same thing in 2021 with the fifth overall pick. The Bengals have shown that they prioritize the outside. 

{Pick 10} Chicago Bears: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Justin Fields will be the man in Chicago eventually. When that happens, it will be on the Bears front office to surround him with talent. They also may be afforded a high draft pick as some rookie growing pains may cause the Bears to lose some winnable games. With star receiver Allen Robinson making it evident he wants out, the Bears will likely need to add a receiver to the room. The Bengals, Dolphins, and Eagles all gave their young quarterbacks their former teammates with first-round receivers. The Bears can elect to do the same with Ohio State’s Chris Olave, one of the smoothest receivers to come out in recent years.

The post 2022 NFL mock draft is here appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Tim Rodriguez

The NFL draft really is something to marvel at. The process, which begins about eleven months prior to draft day, is constantly in flux. Some of the players that are “first-round picks” in the summer, find themselves falling all the way until day three. The draft is a fluid process, and scouting in itself is so subjective that seeing drastically different opinions on players is not uncommon. With that, risers and fallers are natural. However, there are always some prospects who seem to slip through the cracks in summer scouting, but find themselves in first and second-round mock drafts by the time March and April roll around. Whether that be injury history clearing up, finally breaking out in college, or a positive combine performance, mock drafts vary in the span of eleven months. With the 2022 NFL draft just eight short months away, who could be this year’s Jaelan Phillips, Zach Wilson, or Terrace Marshall?

George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue 

Purdue’s George Karlaftis burst onto the scene as a Freshman in 2019 with 7.5 sacks and finds himself in many first-round mock drafts going into his junior year. Karlaftis lost most of his sophomore year to injury. Had he not been injured in 2020, we may have seen him put even better sack and pressure numbers. A rare blend of strength and athleticism makes Karlaftis a tantalizing prospect. As Karlaftis gears up for an extremely important 2021 season with the Boilermakers, his 2019 film indicates a healthy Karlaftis can be a top 15 pick. The tweet below (via Ben Glassmire) is a great example of the type of player an NFL would be getting with Karlaftis.

Grayson McCall, QB, Coastal Carolina

Ah, the 2022 quarterback class. It makes no sense. For the most part, everyone agrees that Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler has the best chance to hear his name called first, but it’s rather confusing after that. After names like Malik Willis and Carson Strong, there is a long list of guys with massive question marks. One of those is Grayson McCall, the breakout star for Coastal Carolina in 2020. As a redshirt Freshman, McCall was efficient and showed the ability to make plays with his feet. With a full off-season and a bonafide weapon in tight end Isaiah Likely, McCall has an opportunity to be a riser if he declares in 2022. 

The entire tight end class 

There may not be a Kyle Pitts in the class, but there is a massive amount of talent and depth at the position in 2022. It may all start with Alabama’s Jahleel Billingsley but continues on with Coastal Carolina’s Isaiah Likely, Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert, and many more after. A surprise riser may be SMU’s Grant Calcaterra, who is back after medically retiring following an injury-riddled career at Oklahoma. The 2022 class may end up producing more quality tight ends than 2021. As the tight end position grows in college football, classes like 2020 appear to be an anomaly.

Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State 

Yes, Joey Porter’s son is draft eligible. You are old. Moving past that, the younger Porter is one of the more intriguing cornerback prospects this year. As a redshirt sophomore, there’s no guarantee that Porter declares, and it may be wiser to stay as the 2022 cornerback class is chock full of talent, pushing him down the board. He has a great chance to shine on a Penn State defense that features NFL-caliber players at every level. With tremendous length and size, Porter will certainly be on NFL radars after being thrust into a starting role midway through the 2020 season. 

Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota 

This mountain of a man-made headlines for the Gophers when people started to realize how absolutely massive he is. Previously standing at 6’8”, 400 pounds, Minnesota offensive tackle Faalele is without a doubt the largest player in the draft. However, there were questions about whether or not he could play in the NFL at that weight. He has since lost at least 30 pounds and continues to drop to a more realistic weight. If Faalele puts out some good tape in 2021, he is going to shoot up draft boards.

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