Four bold predictions for 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is just over a month away.

After all the ground-breaking trades and free agency moves from the past month, we’re finally into draft season.

Teams from across the league will have a clearer understanding on the college prospects they want to select and the areas they need to improve at.

We can usually predict a lot, but given the uncertainty of this draft, there will likely be a lot of surprises.

Here are four bold possibilities for the upcoming draft.

The New York Giants trade up for Iken Ekwonu

NC State’s offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu is a potential number one overall prospect. But with the Jacksonville Jaguars already making significant additions to their offensive line during free agency, they may be looking elsewhere with the first selection.

The Giants are said to be massive fans of Ekwonu. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them do everything they can to select him early.

The Giants have an abundance of picks in 2022, with nine in total. Trading up a couple of places to make sure they get their man is a risk, but one they can afford to make.

The Texans, who are currently placed at third overall in the draft order, have 11 selections in total.

But given their already low expectations for the 2022 season, Houston could see extra draft capital as being beneficial to their rebuild.

This trade could work out perfectly for both sides.

The Pittsburgh Steelers make a move into the top 10

Mitch Tribusky seems set to become the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh for 2022, but it’s difficult to see him as their long-term starter.

With their roster looking increasingly competitive, the Steelers need to find their next franchise quarterback fast if they want to win a championship anytime soon.

Liberty’s Malik Willis has impressed in recent months, notably at the NFL Combine and his recent pro day. Given reports that the Steelers have spent some time getting to know the prospect, he could be their star.

Willis represents a stark contrast in style to what was used to under Ben Roethlisberger. But this change could just be what the Steelers need in their pursuit for success.

If our first prediction comes to fruition, the Giants could be looking recoup what they lost in the trade with the Texans and more. The New York Jets also seem open to moving out of the number 10 pick.

Pittsburgh seems the ideal partner in both potential trades.

The Houston Texans draft a QB

Texans general manager Nick Caserio seems optimistic yet evasive on starting quarterback Davis Mills, with the former third-rounder expected to lead Houston in 2022.

Mills was much better than expected in 2021. He’s earned an opportunity, but his future as an NFL starter looks uncertain.

With five picks in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL draft, a move for a quarterback isn’t off the table for Houston.

They probably won’t use one of their premium picks at No.3 and No.13 overall on a quarterback, but if a player like Sam Howell or Demond Ridder fell to them in the second round, it would present a perfect opportunity to make a selection.

The Texans don’t have much to lose. Adding a playmaking QB would create some good competition at the position ahead of the new season.

The Green Bay Packers might not select a WR in the first round

After trading Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this month, the Packers have one crucial need. A new WR1.

It’s been 20 years since the Packers last used a first-round selection on a wide receiver, when they took Javon Walker in 2002.

For the 2022 NFL Draft, Green Bay now has two first-round picks. But at No.22 and No.28, these aren’t the greatest positions to be in select an elite receiver.

The likes of Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams could already have been taken once they are on the clock.

The Packers could trade up, but more likely they’ll stay where they are.

They’ve also got other problems on their roster. Bolstering their O-line will be important, as well as finding a replacement for Za’Darius Smith.

Wide receiver should take precedent. But given how against drafting a wideout early they’ve been previously, there’s a possibility the Packers won’t take one in the first round.