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.

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By: Tim Rodriguez

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is as talented as they come. His arm strength, athleticism, and accuracy are all above the threshold you would want in a franchise quarterback. However, his time at Oklahoma has left some to be desired by those evaluating his draft status. Going forward, Rattler will have to show that he’s wired like an NFL quarterback. Being consistent and making smart decisions are the things that matter this year for Rattler. Everyone knows about the traits already, and they aren’t going anywhere.  

Concerns 

Spencer Rattler is immensely talented, but as of right now, is more hope than anything right now. Rattler’s traits show up in spades, but the consistency is not there yet, especially when it comes to decision-making. Last week’s matchup with Tulane is the perfect example. On his home field against an incredibly subpar opponent, a potential number one overall pick should be expected to play well, at the very minimum. Unfortunately, Rattler threw two interceptions, with one being a completely unnecessary ball in double coverage. Rattler has another opportunity this weekend vs Western Carolina to show out against the lesser competition. The up and down roller coaster of the Spencer Rattler experience is something that may turn off several NFL teams.

Something else that has come into question about the Sooners’ star is his character and leadership qualities. Many of those criticisms come from his time on a Netflix show called “QB1” which chronicles the senior seasons of three top quarterbacks each year. Rattler appeared on the show before enrolling at Oklahoma and many believe that the way he carried himself was off-putting and not the way you would expect a quarterback to act. There was also a suspension thrown in there which raised even more questions. While a quarterback is inherently a leader, it’s hard to judge Rattler based on things he did in high school, especially when many of them are perceptions of him as opposed to actual incidents. However, Rattler cannot answer any character or leadership questions about himself this fall. The only thing he can do is show that he can make good decisions with the ball and play consistently enough to warrant a high draft pick being used on him.

The ultimate investment 

Taking a quarterback with a first-round pick is a massive investment, even more so with the number one overall pick. The first pick is a golden ticket and does not come around that often for teams. Getting that pick typically requires losing at least 13 games. When making that type of investment in a player, coaching staff and front office needs to be sure they can trust that player with the keys to their franchise, as well as their jobs. The young, talented, highly drafted quarterback will almost always outlast the coach that drafts him. Blake Bortles, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Jared Goff, Mitchell Trubisky, Ryan Tannehill, and Sam Darnold all outlasted the coaches that drafted them before the organization finally decided that they were no longer an option. When a team makes an investment in Rattler, they will certainly need quite a few questions answered. Take the Houston Texans for example. Houston is most likely going to pick first and currently has a circus surrounding disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson. With much uncertainty around Rattler, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the new-look Texans opt for a safer option like Nevada’s Carson Strong, or even pushing quarterback to 2023 and taking one of the excellent defensive players that this class has to offer.   

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By: Chris Thomas

Now that the College Football season has started it won’t be long until Heisman candidates and storylines start to emerge. The Heisman is awarded to the best player in college football that season and cements a player’s legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time. 

Last year was the first time in a couple of years that there wasn’t a clearcut favorite for the award. Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the award since 1991 and the fourth wide receiver ever to do so. Smith also became the first non-quarterback to win the Heisman since former Alabama running back Derrick Henry won the award in 2015. 

Many great candidates could be nominated and win the award this upcoming season. Here are a few players to look out for who could take home the Heisman at the end of the 2021-22 College Football season. 

Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma

It is hard to start a Heisman candidates list without the face of college football Spencer Rattler. The redshirt sophomore is about to enter his second full season as the team’s starting quarterback. Rattler is already the favorite to go first overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and by many to win the Heisman. He would be Lincoln Riley’s third quarterback to accomplish both feats since he took over the program in 2017. Both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray won the Heisman and went first overall in the NFL Draft back to back in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. 

Last season Rattler threw for 3,031 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 160 yards and six touchdowns on 81 attempts. That performance earned Rattler a spot on AP”˜s First Team All-Big 12 and made him a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien award. He finished the year with the third-highest PFF grade among quarterbacks in the FBS with a 92.5.

This upcoming season Rattler not only has the opportunity to build upon how he played last year but potentially take the Oklahoma Sooners to the College Football Playoffs and compete for a National Championship. If Oklahoma makes it to the College Football Playoffs it would be hard to imagine Rattler not at least being nominated for the Heisman after this season. 

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

It is not a ridiculous statement to say that Bryce Hall has the potential to be the most dynamic passer Nick Saban has had during his time at Alabama. That is not a shot at Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, or Mac Jones who are all NFL starting quarterbacks. In the small sample size that Young has shown, he displayed more of a playmaker skillset compared to a distributor/point guard type like Tagovailoa and Jones or athlete that relies on mobility like Hurts. 

Last season Young finished the season completing 13 of his 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. In high school, Young was considered the best dual-threat quarterback in the nation and a five-star prospect.

The sophomore quarterback has a fantastic opportunity to become one of the faces of college football now that he will be the starting quarterback of the reigning national champions. Young will be leading an extremely talented roster that is considered the favorite to repeat as champions. If Young shows why he was considered such a polarizing high school quarterback at the next level in a full-time starting role he could very well win the Heisman this year.

D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson

It cannot be an enviable position to follow up Trevor Lawerence as the starting quarterback of the Clemson Tigers. Lawerence was considered by many as one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. The sophomore quarterback will join a line of prestigious quarterbacks to start for Clemson over the last decade including Lawerence and Deshaun Watson. Both quarterbacks have left big shoes for D.J. Uiagalelei to fill. There are a lot of expectations that come with being the quarterback for a Dabo Swinney-led Clemson team. Both Lawerence and Watson were catalysts for the Tigers winning National Championships when they were starters. 

Last season he played in ten games but started two against Boston College and Notre Dame. In his first start against Boston College, Uiagalelei completed 73.2% of his passes going 30 for 41 and passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six rushes for 25 yards and a touchdown. Then the following week against #4 Notre Dame, Uiagalelei went 29 of 44 for 439 yards and two touchdowns. Uiagalelei rushed for two yards on 13 attempts and a touchdown in that game as well. He finished the year completing 66.7% of his passes completing 78 of 117 of them for 914 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Uiagalelei had 28 rushing attempts for 60 yards and four touchdowns. His 146.4 pass efficiency rating was fifth-best by an ACC freshman quarterback since 2002. Uiagalelei also became only the second FBS player since 2000 to throw at least 115 passes and record at least five passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

As long as Clemson makes the College Football playoffs Uiagalelei should be a Heisman contender. What he brings to the table that separates him from the rest is the combination of size and athleticism. At 6’4″ and 249 pounds he is a fantastic athlete and a threat as a ball carrier. His combination of size, mobility, and arm strength could draw comparisons to another former Heisman winner former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton who is 6’5″ and 245 pounds. If Uiagalelei plays similarly to how Newton did in his Heisman campaign in the 2010 season, he could very well win the award at the end of this season. 

J.T Daniels, QB, Georgia

One player that has been trending towards being considered one of the nation’s best quarterbacks is Georgia quarterback JT Daniels. He will start his second season as a Georgia Bulldog after two years at USC. Many believe a great season from him could catapult Georgia back into the National title picture. 

Daniels transferred to Georgia after redshirting his sophomore season due to a season-ending knee injury. Last season only started four games for Georgia at the end of the season. Daniels finished the year completing 80 of his 119 passes for 1,231 yards, ten touchdowns, and only two interceptions. That is an average of 307.8 passing yards, 2.5 touchdowns, and .5 interceptions a game. 

He is entering his Junior year this season so Daniels is eligible for another year. However, he is gaining a lot of hype as a quarterback prospect to look out for that could potentially be a first-round pick. Daniels has a cannon for an arm which will get him on a light of highlight reels throughout the season. If Georgia makes a National title push and Daniels makes huge plays throughout the season he could have a legitimate case to win the Heisman at the end of the year. 

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Now that the Sam Ehlinger era is over at Texas the star Longhorn tasked with bringing them back to relevancy is running back Bijan Robinson. The Longhorns have needed a star on their roster who can bring them back to what they were over a decade ago. So far Robinson has shown that he has what it takes to be that guy. 

During his freshman year, Robinson played in nine games, but only started six of them. He had three games last season where he rushed for over 100 yards and averaged 10.3 carries in each of those games. His best game came at the end of the year against Colorado where he rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown off ten carries. In that game, Robinson also caught two passes for 37 yards and two more touchdowns. He finished last year with 703 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only 86 carries. 

Robinson has the size and strength to be a power back, but is shifty and has the athleticism to make him almost impossible to defend. He has shown that he is also a threat as a receiver. His style of play is similar to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

If Robinson thrives in a workhorse role for Texas gets them closer to being a national title threat he could become the first running back since 2015 to win the Heisman. 

Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Last season Breece Hall was arguably the best running back in college football. He discretely had one of the greatest seasons for a running back in college football history. He could put up similar production in his junior year at Iowa State. 

After an outstanding freshman season Hall broke out in a major way his sophomore year. In the twelve games he played, Hall rushed for 1,572 yards on 279 attempts and 21 touchdowns. He led the entire country in rushing last season. He averaged 131 rushing yards per game. Hall became the first player in College Football to have 75+ yards and a rushing touchdown in all 12 games since NFL Hall of Famer and former TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson did it in 2000. He added multiple accolades to his resume including being the first unanimous All-American in Iowa State history, winning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-Big 12. This performance landed Hall sixth in the Heisman voting.

He came extremely close to winning the Heisman a year ago. If Hall were to repeat his performance or even break his records there would be slim to no chance that he does not get recognized as one of the greatest running backs to ever play in college football by winning the Heisman. 

Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama

Brian Robinson Jr. becomes the next running back to join the fraternity of Alabama starting running backs. The Crimson Tide have had an outstanding group of players at the position over the years including Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Derrick Henry, and Najee Harris. There have also been other talented running backs for the Crimson Tide that weren’t workhorse backs including Alvin Kamara, T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake, Damien Harris, and Josh Jacobs. So expectations are high for a player like Robinson who will now control this backfield and have a major role for this offense. 

Over the last two seasons, Robinson Jr. has played a complementary role to Najee Harris. Last year he rushed for 483 yards and six touchdowns on 91 attempts. Robinson fits the bigger running back mold the Crimson Tide have been known for under Nick Saban. He has been used to run the ball outside of the tackles on outside zone runs. He has also returned kickoffs for Alabama on occasion. 

This year the redshirt senior finally gets his chance to lead this backfield. If Robinson has a breakout season and is as dominant as the Alabama running backs that have come before him he has a great of a chance as anyone to win the Heisman. There has not been a more dominant position group on a college football team over the last decade than Alabama running backs. Robinson could be the third to win the Heisman since 2009.

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

It is extremely unlikely that a wide receiver wins the Heisman in any given year. It is even more unlikely that a wide receiver wins the Heisman in back-to-back seasons. But after DeVonta Smith won last year it does open up the conversation to the position group and it is unlikely that a talent like Chris Olave isn’t considered for the award after the season.

Last year Olave broke out and established himself as one of the best receivers in college football. He almost matched his receiving yardage and touchdown total from the season prior despite having his season reduced to seven games. Olave caught 50 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 104.1 yards per game. He was named First Team All-Big Ten after his performance. He was considered one of the best wide receivers in college football last season.

Coming into this season Olave is considered the best wide receiver in the nation. If he continues the pace that he set last season or exceeds it over a full college football season he could make it back-to-back seasons that a wide receiver wins the Heisman.

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By: Adam Hulse (@AdamHulseSports)

Times are changing in Atlanta for the Falcons. They have started the process of moving on from the “Matt Ryan Era” and into a new future. Two major moves were made by the organization this offseason to indicate that the time has come to move forward. First, they hired a brand new head coach in Arthur Smith, who is a young and innovative offensive-minded coach. A move like this usually means a new QB is soon to follow and that is probably what will happen with the Falcons. They do not have a real replacement yet for the 36-year-old Matt Ryan, so that will likely be the number one focus in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The young options that they do have on the roster, Josh Rosen and Felipe Franks, are less than inspiring to say the least while AJ McCarron has proven to be no more than a solid backup in his career. When an organization brings in a young and exciting head coach, it only seems right to allow him to seek out a young and exciting quarterback to pair with him. The Draft is the best place to do that, especially considering the Falcons will likely have a top 10 pick this year. The rebuild has already started, and is signaled by the second major move they made this offseason. That is of course trading their superstar wide receiver, and probably the best WR in the NFL over the last decade, in Julio Jones. All of that being said, here is who the Falcons can target at QB in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma

Oklahoma and the Lincoln Reilly offensive system have been a factory for quarterbacks in recent years, producing first overall picks and Heisman Trophy winners in Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Next up is Spencer Rattler and he has all of the tools to follow in their footsteps. He is the preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and is projected to have a huge season with the Sooners. He had a solid 2020 season passing for 3031 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for an additional six touchdowns. He is a very high upside prospect, especially coming from this program that has proven they can develop NFL-ready quarterbacks. If Rattler lives up to his expectations he very well may command the first overall pick in the draft, which is unlikely to be the Falcons pick. If he falls a bit, or Atlanta trades up, Rattler would be a very intriguing pairing for head coach Arthur Smith.

Malik Willis, Liberty

Willis is an incredible athlete with extreme raw talent and has some of the highest upside of any player in the entire country. He fits the modern-day style of NFL quarterback with his true dual-threat ability. In the 2020 season, he threw for 2250 yards with 20 touchdowns and added an additional 944 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Of course, playing at Liberty means that he is not exactly going against the toughest of competition, but those types of numbers are extremely impressive regardless. Arthur Smith is a creative offensive mind and a talent like Willis would open up endless possibilities for schemes and designs. It would be an exciting opportunity for Smith and an ideal situation for Willis, especially considering the Falcons have a reputation for being very patient with the growth of their coaches and key players. If all things play out the way they “should” than this is an ideal match.

Sam Howell, North Carolina

In two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels, Howell has passed for 7227 yards with 68 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. Many scouts believe that he is the best pure pocket passer available with the best arm talent in the country. While he is less dangerous with his legs than some of the other quarterback options, he is still mobile enough to roll out of the pocket and make things happen on the move. He has the “typical build for a quarterback” at 6’1 and 220 pounds with elite accuracy and very respectable throwing power. He is still only 20 years old so he can realistically still get even bigger and can definitely improve his game and raise his rating as a prospect even higher than it already is. Like Rattler, Howell is an early candidate for the Heisman and for the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Arthur Smith would be excited to work with Howell if he ends up in Atlanta.

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By: Adam Hulse (@AdamHulseSports)

It’s never too early to start planning for the NFL Draft. The 2021 football season is quickly approaching, for both college and professional, so it’s about time to start looking at preseason projections. Much can change during the course of a season, and almost always does, but this 2022 NFL mock draft will be based on expectations. The two main things to consider when making this list are the draft order based on projected team record and what kind of season the top college prospects will have. All things considered, here are the top ten picks of a preseason 2022 NFL mock draft.

1. Houston Texans: QB Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma

The Houston Texans are an absolute mess heading into the 2021 NFL season and much of that has to do with superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson. Between his ongoing legal issues that came up this offseason, paired with the fact that he wants to be traded, it is unknown if or when he will even play this year. If he doesn’t play the Texans will almost definitely be the worst team in the NFL and still could be even if he does play. Despite Watson leading the NFL in passing in 2020 with 4823 yards the Texans still only finished with four wins. It’s time to completely start over and rebuild in Houston. That process has already started with a new general manager and head coach so the quarterback should be next on the list.

Oklahoma and the Lincoln Reilly offensive system have been a factory for quarterbacks in recent years, producing first overall picks and Heisman Trophy winners in Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Next up is Spencer Rattler and he has all of the tools to follow in their footsteps. He is the preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and is projected to have a huge season with the Sooners. He had a solid 2020 season passing for 3031 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for an additional six touchdowns. If all goes as expected, he will be the number one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by Houston.

2. Detroit Lions: QB Sam Howell, North Carolina

Like the Texans, it’s rebuilding time for the Detroit Lions as well. They went through many changes this offseason including hiring a new general manager and head coach while also trading away franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and a package of draft picks. It seems unlikely that Goff is their future plan at quarterback so they will probably look to the draft for an answer. With how weak their current roster construction is, they should be selecting very high and will have the opportunity to take one of the top quarterback prospects in Sam Howell.

In two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels, Howell has passed for 7227 yards with 68 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. Many scouts believe that he is the best pure pocket passer available with the best arm talent in the country. While he is less dangerous with his legs than some of the other quarterback options, he is still mobile enough to roll out of the pocket and make things happen on the move. A big season in 2021 for Howell will put him right in the mix to be a top selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

3. New York Jets: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

The Jets are a team that has already started a rebuild of their own, bringing in a new head coach this offseason and drafting their quarterback Zach Wilson at second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. They are making progress in roster construction but they aren’t quite there yet so another high draft pick is likely coming this year. Here they will get the opportunity to select one of the best overall players in the country in Thibodeaux, who has 12 sacks and 23.5 TFL in his two seasons so far. He will improve their pass rush immediately, pairing up with newly signed Carl Lawson, and make their defense better as a whole. Their new defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh would be thrilled to add this type of player to the roster.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Derek Stingley Jr, LSU

The Eagles have been rebuilding their offense in recent years, filling it with a ton of young talent such as QB Jalen Hurts, RB Miles Sanders, WR Jalen Reagor, and WR DeVonta Smith. It’s now time to start focusing on the future of the defense. Stingley is not only the top cornerback prospect in the draft but one of the best overall players too. In two seasons he has recorded six interceptions and is widely classified as a lockdown corner with elite athleticism. LSU is notorious for producing good defensive backs, such as Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, so Stingley is hopeful to be the next one in line. He has all of the tools to be an NFL starter from day one and would be a great tandem next to Darius Slay in Philly.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DB Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

It’s a new era in Jacksonville now that they have a generational talent at quarterback with rookie Trevor Lawrence and an exciting new head coach in college legend Urban Meyer. The combination of the two, along with a very young and talented roster, provides a ton of optimism for a bright future. This is probably not the year where it all comes together for the Jags quite yet, so they will likely still have a very high draft pick. This gives them a great opportunity to select a uniquely elite talent on defense in Hamilton. He is a super-utility defensive back who can contribute in a wide variety of ways. He will help in just about every area of defense with no holes at all in his game. In terms of skill set and usage, he is a similar style of a player as Derwin James. If he can produce like Derwin, he is an excellent building block for any defense in the entire NFL.

6. Atlanta Falcons: QB Malik Willis, Liberty

The Falcons are yet another team that is now rebuilding. This offseason they hired a young and exciting new head coach in Arthur Smith and traded away veteran WR Julio Jones. Current QB Matt Ryan will be 37 years old when the 2022 NFL Draft arrives so it is time to start thinking about the future of the most important position in Atlanta. Willis is an elite athlete with extreme raw talent and has some of the highest upside of any player in the entire country. He fits the modern-day style of NFL quarterback with his true dual-threat ability. In the 2020 season, he threw for 2250 yards with 20 touchdowns and added an additional 944 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Smith is a progressive and new school style of coach so a player like Willis may really get him excited. This would be an interesting pairing to watch with unlimited creative potential if it works out.

7. New York Giants: EDGE Drake Jackson, USC

With head coach Joe Judge in charge, the Giants have shown that they are going to focus on defense as a priority. They are already solid in the secondary with players like James Bradberry and Logan Ryan while they look to improve their pass rush by trading for Leonard Williams and drafting Azeez Ojulari. They can continue to make progress in this department with one of the top-ranked EDGE prospects in Jackson. He looks the part at 6’4 and 255 pounds with good athleticism and a consistently improving skill set. There are good signs that he will continue to develop and polish his game as he further matures. In 17 games played at USC, he has totaled 7.5 sacks and 17 TFL.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: OL Evan Neal, Alabama

The Bengals have really built a young and talented offense of the future in Cincinnati. Two years ago they selected QB Joe Burrow with the first overall pick and also took WR Tee Higgins, who had a very impressive rookie season. In the 2021 NFL Draft, they went with a WR again in Ja’Marr Chase with their first pick, who was the favorite target of Burrow when they played together at LSU. Now that Burrow has the weapons he needs on offense, it’s time for the organization to focus on protecting him at all costs. Neal is currently the highest rated offensive line prospect and should be an easy pick for the Bengals if he is available when they are on the clock. He has the ability to play either guard or tackle and will look to join a very long list of successful Alabama offensive lineman at the NFL level.

9. Las Vegas Raiders: LB Christian Harris, Alabama

It seems like it’s always been an adventure in recent years when the Raiders are on the clock. By most standards, they have often “reached” with their selections and have been overall unpredictable about the way they are trying to build the roster of this team. It almost feels like a sort of randomness at times from owner Mark Davis, GM Mike Mayock, and HC Jon Gruden on draft day. Some of these selected players by the Raiders in the first round in recent years that qualify for this label are Clelin Ferrell, Damon Arnette, Henry Ruggs, and Alex Leatherwood. The one thing that all of these players have in common is that they come from the very top college programs in the country. Maybe they stick with that trend and select the top LB prospect, who happens to be from Alabama, but who really knows when it comes to the Raiders.

10. Carolina Panthers: EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

The Panthers are well aware that they need to improve on the defensive side of the ball and they began working on it by selecting CB Jaycee Horn with their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. It’s a good start to the process, but the main thing they really need now is more of a pass rush. In the 2020 season, they ranked 24th in the NFL with just 29 total sacks on the season. Karlaftis is a solid all-around player who could immediately help them in this category. In his freshman season in 2019, he recorded an impressive 7.5 sacks and 17 TFL across 12 games played. Unfortunately, a frustrating 2020 season filled with injuries and Covid issues only allowed for him to play in two games, but he still did find a way to add two more sacks to his career total. He is looking to have a big season in 2021 now that he is fully healthy again and is definitely a player to keep an eye on because of his great potential at a prime position.

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By: Adam Hulse (@AdamHulseSports)

The start of the college football season is now less than a month away. That means it is time to start looking at who the top contenders are for the Heisman Trophy this year. This long-running tradition of awarding the trophy to the top college football player in the country began in 1935 and will of course continue for the 2021 season. A quarterback has been the winner in 12 of the last 15 seasons and there is a very good chance that one of them will take home the award again this upcoming season. Here are the current top three candidates to win the Heisman Trophy this year.

1. QB Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma

According to the Draft Kings Sports Book, Spencer Rattler is the current favorite to win the award with a +600 betting line. Rattler is looking to become the third Oklahoma quarterback to win it in the last five years, joining Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Head Coach Lincoln Reilly has turned this program into a factory for quarterbacks and his offensive system really allows them to shine at the college level. Rattler has all of the tools to be the next Sooner star and his expectations are sky-high for the 2021 season.

After a slow start to the 2020 season, Rattler came alive and helped Oklahoma win their final eight games of the season. On the year, he completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 3031 yards and 28 touchdowns while also contributing an additional 6 rushing touchdowns. If he continues to progress as expected and fully utilizes the extremely quarterback-friendly system of Reilly to his advantage, Rattler is going to be a very special player this season. If all goes according to plan, he will not only be the front runner for the Heisman Trophy but also for the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft next year.

2. QB DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson

According to the Draft Kings Sports Book, DJ Uiagalelei is the second favorite to the Heisman Trophy at +750 betting odds. He has only started two games at Clemson so far, mostly serving as the backup to Trevor Lawrence, but that was enough for him to demonstrate his potential as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. In those two games alone, he completed 59 of his 85 passes for 781 yards and 4 touchdowns against zero interceptions while also contributing an additional two touchdowns in the rushing game. Expectations are through the roof as he enters his first season as the starting quarterback.

Head Coach Dabo Swinney has built Clemson into one of the top college football programs in the entire country. They will enter this season as the second favorite behind only Alabama to win the National Championship. The team expectations for success, as well as the giant shoes to fill of Trevor Lawrence, are a very tall order but Uiagalelei has the talent to live up to them and a ton of weapons around him to help him achieve greatness. He is a massively sized quarterback at 6’4 and 250 pounds so he is built to dominate his opposition. If he can play for a full season the way he did for two games last year, he will surely be right in the mix to win the award.

3. QB D’Eriq King, Miami

According to the Draft Kings Sports Book, D’Eriq King has the seventh best odds to win the award with a +2000 betting line. This qualifies him as a bit of a sleeper pick and one that is an excellent value selection. King classifies as a traditional “college style” quarterback because of his relatively small size but astronomical athletic ability. Interestingly, this type of player was once seen as unfit for the NFL game but recently that theory has been proven wrong by the success of quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. A true dual threat, but measuring at just 5’11 and 195 pounds, puts King in that same category in terms of style.

After spending four years in Houston, King transferred to Miami for the 2020 season and put up some excellent numbers. He completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 2686 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding another 538 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. When combining his career passing and rushing numbers, he has totaled nearly 10,000 yards and over 100 touchdowns, and even more than that if his receiving totals are factored in as well. He is an absolutely electrifying player who could take another step forward this season now that he has had over a full year to settle in to his new system. If he does indeed do so, his name could be firmly planted in the Heisman Trophy winner discussion at the end of the season.

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Jacob Keppen

Football is right around the corner. For the Philadelphia Eagles it looks like a year of rebuilding. This season is all about getting off to a good start in the Nick Sirianni era, building a team that can compete in the future. Coming off a 4-11-1 season, the Eagles most likely will be picking in the top 10 again next season. Here are prospects that Eagles fans should familiarize themselves with for the 2021 college football season.

1. Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma

If the Philadelphia Eagles pick in the top five next year, there’s a very good chance Nick Sirianni is looking for a quarterback of the future. In this scenario Jalen Hurts proved not to be the guy, leaving the Eagles looking for a new captain at the helm. The top quarterback to watch for is Spencer Rattler. The junior from Oklahoma has a lot of raw talent, with a wicked arm and knack for the big play. He progressed greatly over the course of last season and looks to cement himself as a player worthy of the 1st overall pick. 

2. Sam Howell, QB North Carolina 

Also in the conversation for QB1 is North Carolina junior Sam Howell. Howell has been one of college’s best quarterbacks over the past two years, throwing for over 30 touchdowns and 3,500 yards in both his freshman and sophomore campaigns. Howell has a big arm and improved his accuracy last season. While not as mobile as Rattler, Howell has shown the ability to play more within a system. 

3. Derek Stingley, CB LSU

The Eagles have a massive problem at cornerback. You can pretty much look at any preseason for the Eagles over the past decade and it will say that. The Eagles haven’t had a cornerback make the pro bowl since Asante Samuel in 2010, the same Asante Samuel whose son was just drafted this year. The last Eagles cornerback to make first team all pro was Lito Sheppard in 2004. Over the past few years some of the “best” Eagles corners of the past decade include: Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Nolan Carroll, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. This team has been CB deficient for years and it just so happens that top prospect Derek Stingley will most likely be available for the Eagles. Stingley has been on NFL radars since stellar play as a freshman and if Jalen Hurts earns another season in Philly, Stingley should be at the top of Eagles fan’s wishlists. Darius Slay can only cover so much.

4. Breece Hall, RB Iowa State

The Eagles no matter what have to keep adding weapons on offense. Whoever is playing at quarterback next year (hopefully Hurts) needs weapons around him. Philadelphia have done their best to try and bolster their wide receiver room, addressing the position in the first round in back to back years. Another way to help a young quarterback is improving the run game. Miles Sanders has talent but has not yet proven to be a workhorse back. Hall was one of the premier college backs last year and figures to so once again in his junior season. Even if the Eagles wish to keep Miles Sanders moving forward, lots of NFL offenses over the past few years have proven the value of having two extremely good running backs. Teams such as the Saints, the Browns, and yes the Colts have shown the effectiveness of two backs that can be productive. Getting a reliable, smart rusher such as Hall either in the late first or with their second round pick could really help out a young Eagles offense.

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The 2022 NFL draft class displays rare talent at the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver position. There are also numerous 2022 defensive prospects that could be future defensive players of the year. With the NFL and CFB season approaching, it’s enticing to know where the prospects stand among the NFL eyes. With that said, I’m going to untwine a full two 2022 NFL Mock draft and project where each prospect should land. Let’s begin.

1. Detroit Lions – Kavyon Thibodeaux 

The Lions will rebuild the team the right way. The Lions showed a franchise worst defense in 2020. Expect things to majorly turn around with this draft pick.

2. Houston Texans – Derek Stingley Jr. 

The Texans opt to not go QB after already carrying a young QB amid a disastrous roster. Stingley will be the next Patrick Peterson, not a rookie version of Jeffery Okudah. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justyn Ross

The Jaguars reach for an elite wideout so Trevor Lawrence can take the next step in his career. Justyn Ross can be a special and safe player.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Spencer Rattler

Many Philadelphia fans are eager to see Jalen Hurts grow in the system. Hurts can be a quality QB, but Philly is gifted a decade like talent with Rattler at No. four. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Kyle Hamilton 

The Bengals select the top player available at number five. Kyle Hamilton is the perfect pick for a team in countless shootouts.

6. New Orleans Saints (trade with NYJ) – Sam Howell

The New England Patriots picked Mac Jones to replace Tom Brady and now the Saints find their “long term” QB with the pick of Sam Howell. Winston’s ceiling isn’t impressive and Hill isn’t the answer, so Sean Payton makes the aggressive trade to acquire Howell.

7. New York Giants – Evan Neal 

The Giants are still average at best on the OL. Daniel Jones should be in the Big Apple for at least one more season. A fantastic offensive lineman will help Barkley and Jones evolve their careers. 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Kaiir Elam 

The Falcons clearly see a few quality years left out of Matt Ryan. They elect to go with a position of need (CB) and aim to win more shootouts in 2022. 

9. Denver Broncos – Drake Jackson 

Von Miller won’t live forever. Drake Jackson can help create a monster pass rush rotation in Denver. Mahomes will need to be stopped at all costs.

10.  New York Giants – Christian Harris

Joe Judge finds his leader on defense with MLB Christian Harris. The improving defensive unit takes a step closer to elite with this draft pick.

11.  Washington Football Team – Isaiah Spiller 

A surprise pick at number 11. I believe Ron Rivera wants to ground and pound his way to another Super Bowl appearance. Spiller and Gibson would edge out Cleveland for the best 1-2 punch at the RB position. 

12.  Las Vegas Raiders – Chris Olave 

Henry Ruggs may improve, but it’s not foreseen that he will be an elite talent. Chris Olave can be the franchise number one WR, which they’ve desperately missed. 

13.  Carolina Panthers – Carson Strong 

Sam Darnold will likely be a step ahead of Teddy Bridgewater and a step below Pro Bowl caliber. It would be wise to acquire a young, talented QB to compete with Darnold in the brutal NFC South. 

14.  Minnesota Vikings – Treylon Burks

Adam Thielen is no longer the Adam Thielen we’re accustomed to seeing. The Minnesota Vikings pass on a QB to grab a true complement to Justin Jefferson at wideout. 

15.  Arizona Cardinals – DeMarvin Leal 

The Cardinals continue to bulk up the defense, particularly on the aging defensive line. DeMarvin Leal is the perfect pick and could be a speculator plugger at DT right away. 

16.  Pittsburgh Steelers – D’Eriq King

D’Eriq King shows a lot of similarities between himself and Big Ben. King can be the QB to step in right away and utilize the elite WR talent to its fullest. 

17.  New England Patriots – Garrett Wilson

Belichick grew weary of avoiding skill weapons for TB12. With Mac Jones in town, he continues to bulk up the weapons for the young talent. 

18.  LA Chargers – Sevyn Banks

The Chargers get a unique talent at CB spot to pair with Derwin James in the secondary. 

19.  Dallas Cowboys – Zach Harrison 

The Cowboys add a talented edge player out of Ohio State to continue building the front seven. 

20.  Philadelphia Eagles – Ahmad Gardner 

Darius Slay won’t remain in Philly beyond a couple more seasons. Ahmad Gardner can be a quality chess piece for a defense that will lose numerous pieces in the next couple of seasons. 

21.  Tennessee Titans – Aidan Hutchinson 

Aidan Hutchinson can be the true replacement for Jurrell Casey.  

22.  Indianapolis Colts – Kedon Slovis

Carson Wentz could score lots of points next season, but his injury issues and inconsistencies are too much to be underlooked. Kedon Slovis could be the best backup available and a potential starter down the road.

23.  New York Jets – Jalen Wydermyer 

Chris Herndon hasn’t been the slightest of spectacular. He should remain on the roster, but the Jets could use an upgrade at TE for Zach Wilson. Wydermyer could help an excellent TE duo form in the Big Apple. 

24.  New York Jets (trade with NO) – Breece Hall 

The Jets could have a superb rushing attack for years to come with Michael Carter and now Breece Hall. 

25.  Cleveland Browns – Drake London

The Browns can’t roll the dice forever with Odell Beckham. Jarvis Landry is reliable, but not a WR that can put up multiple 150+ yard games in a season. Drake London is the perfect addition to the Baker Mayfield offense. 

26. Miami Dolphins – Kyren Williams 

The Dolphins went out and acquired Jaylen Waddle this offseason. It’s now time to get the franchise RB. 

27.  Baltimore Ravens – Isaiah Likely

The Ravens add on weaponry for Lamar Jackson by drafting TE Isaiah Likely. Likely can help out the run and pass game. 

28.  Detroit Lions – Matt Coral 

The Lions go with the top prospect number one overall then follow back with a QB that could beat Jared Goff for the starting job right away. 

29.  Green Bay Packers – Zay Williams 

The Packers opt to draft a WR after Aaron Rodgers exits the building. 

30.  Buffalo Bills – Eric Gray

The Bills didn’t get the Clemson star halfback in the 2021 draft, so they wait until 2022 to get a RB that can eat up the clock against the Chiefs in future championships. 

31.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Marvin Mims

The Bucs are stacked at the WR position, but AB will be gone after 2021 and they have a Super Bowl window open for a few more years. Garrett Wilson can be heavily involved on Day 1. 

32.  Kansas City Chiefs – Kenyon Green

The Chiefs signed Joe Thuney in this FA period, but the right side of the line remains modest. Kenyon Green can be a great fit and potential Pro Bowl player in his rookie season.

The post Full first round 2022 NFL Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The 2021 college football quarterback group entertains numerous decade like talents. There are QB prospects who yield traits that may exceed intangibles possessed by any professional signal caller. All in all, some of the current college QBs are bound to be All Pro players within the first few years of the NFL. 

1. Spencer Rattler 

The top quarterback in the nation is surely the player that wears number 7 for the Oklahoma Sooners. Spencer Rattler was phenomenal in 2020. His 28-7 TD to INT ratio and 172 passer rating justifies the comparisons he garners to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. Rattler reportedly threw a pigskin 52 yards off his backfoot! 

2. Sam Howell 

NFL fans will hope the UNC QB that gets picked in the top 10 next year has a better pro career than that of former UNC field general Mitchell Trubisky. Sam Howell tossed 38 passing touchdowns as a freshman, while possessing a 61.4 completion %. His passing numbers are the cream of the top, but his pro potential does not compare as well to Rattler’s freakish arm talent. Rattler and Howell are unquestionably the 1-2 QBs in the CFB QB rankings.

3. D’Eriq King 

D’Eriq King, the senior QB for the Miami Hurricanes, lands at No. 3 on the list. King didn’t quite elevate his game from his 2018 season (2,982 passing yards, 36 passing TDs), but his talent remains clear. King, who stands only 5’11, looks the part of Kyler Murray, but he’s not near the same speed. King has similar arm strength and some sneaky speed to the Cardinals QB. 

4. Matt Coral

The Ole Miss QB that also stands at a mere 6’1 is the fourth best QB in the CFB nation. Matt Coral flexed an impressive 70.9 completion percentage, while throwing 29 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. His all around talent is clear that he deserves to be a Top 5 QB prospect, but nothing is off the charts, nor does his size impress enough to edge out his competitors. Coral is still arguably the top SEC QB to enter the 2021 season.

5. Carson Strong 

Carson Strong is a coach’s dream, but he plays for Nevada. Strong is accurate (70.1% in 2020), efficient (160.6), and he stands at 6’4. Strong also displays a strong pocket awareness and he does a superb job of letting the play develop. He does have a poor knack to rush the football when pressured, however. He will need to do a better job of handling pressure and making more plays out of nothing, if he wants to keep many NFL coaches interested. 

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By: Will Baptist

The 2022 NFL regular season is still months away, and every team is holding out hope that they can make a playoff push this year. For most of the mediocre teams, the playoffs are not a reality. About halfway through the season teams will be evaluating their young talent and projecting which players will be their long term, due to their season not panning out as they had hoped.

Just to get a head start, I have projected which teams will be picking in the top 10 in the 2022 NFL Draft. It is never too early for a mock draft, and there are superstars on the horizon that can change the future of a franchise. Here is the 2022 NFL mock draft for the first 10 selections.

1. Houston Texans: QB Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma

The uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson is looming over the Texans front office. He requested a trade, but now with all of the legal issues that he is facing, it is unclear what his future is in the NFL. This will force the Texans to draft a new franchise QB, and they should be in a prime position to do so after a tumultuous offseason. Spencer Rattler is deadly accurate and completed 67.5% of his passes in his first year as a starter. His mobility makes him an intriguing prospect and he is poised for a potential Heisman winning season at Oklahoma. If Rattler continues to grow as a leader, he could be just what the Texans need to inject life back into the organization.

2. Detroit Lions: QB Kedon Slovis, USC

The Lions will experiment with Jarred Goff under center after shipping Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Goff’s success was in large part due to the coaching staff and talent surrounding him, which he simply does not have in Detroit. The Lions will likely be on the market for a QB after this season, and Kedon Slovis is a perfect fit. Slovis will be starting for the third consecutive season, and he has grown dramatically in each of his first two seasons. In 18 career games thus far, he’s completed 70% of his passes for 5,423 yards and 47 touchdowns. His accuracy and arm strength will make him one of the most sought-after QBs in the draft. If he can put together another year of excellent tape, this pick is a no-brainer for an organization that needs some hope.

3. Philadelphia Eagles: QB Sam Howell, North Carolina

This pick will be contingent on how successful Jalen Hurts is in his first full year as the starting QB. Assuming that Hurts struggles, the Eagles will be on the hunt for another franchise QB. Sam Howell is the third-best QB in this draft class, but he has tremendous upside. He has been the starting QB since he arrived on campus at North Carolina, and in just 25 games, he has thrown for 68 touchdowns, rushed for seven touchdowns, and thrown only 14 interceptions. The Eagles have plenty of holes on their roster, but addressing the QB position is the most important aspect of becoming a winning team in the NFL, and the Eagles should do just that.

4. New York Jets: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

The Jets new head coach, Robert Saleh, loves defense and dominant pass rushers. After signing Carl Lawson in free agency, they could still use another pass rusher to pair with him. Thibodeaux is head and shoulders above any other defensive end in this draft and is arguably the best overall player in this draft. Due to the other teams picking ahead of the Jets desperately needing a QB, they could hit the jackpot with this pick if Thibodeaux falls to them. He has freakish athleticism and strength that will translate immediately at the next level. His freshman season he was a humiliating opposing offensive lineman, and he finished with nine sacks on the year. He should be the next star pass rusher and the Jets defense will be a force if they can land him.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: OL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

The Jaguars new priority after addressing QB in the 2021 NFL Draft, will be protecting the #1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. They have some talented offensive lineman in place but Kenyon Green would be a huge boost to their line. Green can play all over the line and should be a starter from day one. He could start at either guard position when he arrives but he has the size and talent to transition to either tackle spot if they need him to. These are the type of versatile players that the Jaguars need to draft to ensure Lawrence stays upright for the foreseeable future.

6. Atlanta Falcons: QB Malik Willis, Liberty

This year could be Matt Ryan’s last season with the Falcons, and they will need to address QB in next year’s draft. Malik Willis is from Atlanta and would be a hometown favorite as soon as he gets drafted. He is easily the most mobile and elusive QB in the draft, but also has great touch and accuracy when throwing the ball down the field. Last season at Liberty he threw for 20 touchdowns and rushed for 14 touchdowns. He averaged 8.5 yards per completion and 6.7 yards per carry. He is dynamic in the open field and has a straight-line speed that is comparable to Lamar Jackson. Willis would be an excellent fit as the Falcons attempt to get younger and build for the future.

7. Green Bay Packers: WR Justyn Ross, Clemson

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers relationship is fractured beyond repair, but if they feel confident in Jordan Love moving forward, they need to draft a weapon for him. It’s quite ironic because that is part of the reason Rodgers is frustrated with the Packers because they have been reluctant to spend first-round picks on skill positions. Regardless, Justyn Ross is a can’t miss prospect and the Packers could pair him with Davante Adams to have one of the most lethal WR duos in the NFL. Ross would be an excellent complement to Adams because of his size and ability to high point the ball. Love would be set up for success with such dynamic WRs, if Rodgers does end up leaving Green Bay.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

The Raiders have struck out the year in and year out trying to address their horrid secondary. They have spent numerous first-round picks on defensive backs that have yet to pan out. Luckily for them, Derek Stingley Jr. is undoubtedly the best defensive back in the draft and could have been a top ten pick in the 2021 NFL Draft if he were eligible. Stingley is a ball hawk and grabbed six interceptions as a true freshman. He is extremely physical and has the size and speed to become one of the best cover corners in the NFL. He does not shy away from tackling bigger receivers, and he could finally turn the Raiders defense around once and for all.

9. Carolina Panthers: OL Zion Nelson, Miami

The Panthers are extremely young and have multiple needs that they need to address. After trading for Sam Darnold, they need to bolster their offensive line to make sure he doesn’t encounter the same issues he had with the Jets. Zion Nelson is arguably the best tackle in this draft class, and he could be the anchor at left tackle that the Panthers desperately need. At 6’5 and 312 pounds, he needs to continue to put on weight and build muscle, but he is already tenacious. He already has excellent footwork and quickness that will be extremely beneficial in his development.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Drake Jackson, USC

The Bengals should be much improved this season if Joe Burrow can stay healthy. Depending on how their offensive line holds up, they could go with the best available offensive lineman, but their defensive line is as big of an issue. After having the worst pass rush in the NFL in 2020, they signed Trey Hendrickson to replace Carl Lawson, but that was their only big singing on that side of the ball. That should not deter them from continuing to build their defensive line by adding another excellent pass rusher. Drake Jackson has great versatility and can play all over the defensive line. He recorded 5.5 sacks in his lone year as a starter and showed flashes of becoming a force on that side of the ball. The Bengals need another lineman with Jackson’s combination of strength and quickness, so they should not hesitate to select Jackson if he is on the board.

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