Three Potential Surprise Picks in Round One of the 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is just days away.

The weekend-long extravaganza feels like the first real staging point of a new season. After four months of nonstop coverage and analysis, the actual event is finally here.

By this point, mock drafts have been refined and shaped as analysts use every tool available to get a clear picture.

The NFL Scouting Combine, Pro Days and team visits provide teams and pundits with much more information; therefore, everyone should understand how the draft will play out. 

However, this is the draft, and surprises almost always happen.

History has demonstrated that franchises view the board differently to TV experts and NFL insiders.

It may hold in 2022 when there is a glut of evenly matched talent and various positions boasting great depth. Do not be aghast when several names get called out earlier than expected.

The following three players are in play to spring a shock. 

Matt Corral, Quarterback

Thanks to injury, Ole Miss Rebel Matt Corral has quietly flown under the radar.

Ranked as our second best QB in the draft, Corral boasts the prototypical quarterback build, and his mobility will certainly intrigue teams wanting a quarterback.

The 23-year-old’s injury prematurely ended his college campaign in 2021, and it has impacted his pre-draft stock having been limited during various workouts. 

Nevertheless, there is an argument that Corral is the most talented quarterback available. His elastic arm allows him to change arm angles and make plenty of NFL throws. 

Corral is a capable thrower and is excellent in the play-action passing game. The California-born signal-caller is a quick decision-maker with terrific velocity. 

Multiple teams need quarterbacks this year. Ranked at 54 on Pro Football Focus’ big board, Corral won’t drop that low on draft night.

Some are now linking Corral to the New Orleans Saints, and if there is a run-on quarterbacks early, the Ole Miss product might find himself posing with Roger Goodell on night one. 

Quay Walker, Linebacker

A member of the 2021 national champion Georgia Bulldogs, Quay Walker is a linebacker rising up draft boards.

Walker is a rangy, explosive player with tons of potential and a high athletic ceiling. He ticks the athletic box, the football experience, and has a championship-winning pedigree.

The 21-year-old’s testing yielded an outstanding 9.66 Relative Athletic Score. 

The NFL Combine helped to rocket Walker up draft boards because of his on-field performance and how well he came across in interviews.

Over 20 NFL teams met with Walker in Indianapolis, and many insiders stated that he interviewed superbly.

This dynamic, speedy linebacker with an excellent IQ could sneak into the back half of round one. Ranked 45th on PFFs big board, Walker is a first-round talent in waiting. 

Josh Paschal, Edge

With a run of edge defenders expected to fly off the board early on Thursday, Kentucky product Josh Paschal could find himself in round one territory.

Graded as a second-rounder and ranked 44th on PFFs big board, Paschal is a toolsy pass-rusher with plenty to like.

His range and length make him an exciting prospect due to his propensity to win with long levers.

Paschal isn’t as athletic as other edge rushers. His 40-yard dash and 20-yard split were average, although his 10-yard split was more than good enough.

Paschal may not be able to drop into pass coverage, but his run-stopping ability is arguably better than some of the elite rushers who go early.

His long levers allow him to control and push into the offensive backfield. While some teams may consider him a reach, Paschal is very talented, and his essential traits may well force someone to choose him at the back end of round one.

The Kentucky defensive end is a fine example of the depth at this position.