Three Potential Surprise Slides in Round One of the 2022 NFL Draft
After months of coverage and analysis, the 2022 NFL Draft is finally here.
This has been one of the hardest drafts to predict in recent memory. With just hours to go, we still don’t have any clarity on who’s going first overall.
We recently pointed out three potential surprise players who could sneak into the first round. Now, it’s time to assess who could possibly slide out of round one.
The lengthy wait for the event can cripple prospects as they hear name after name get called before them. Here are three players that could slide tonight.
Kenny Pickett, Quarterback
Pitt’s Kenny Pickett is a projected first-round quarterback.
However, the oldest quarterback in the class could face an agonizing wait on his sofa.
The Carolina Panthers at sixth overall feel like the early landing spot for Pickett. Panthers owner David Tepper is a Pitt alum, while head coach Matt Rhule tried to recruit Pickett to Temple University.
Their first-hand knowledge, coupled with the warmer climes of the NFC South, should suit Pickett.
But, Pickett lacks elite velocity, his pocket poise is questionable, and hand-size concerns are rampant. Finding a natural landing spot becomes hard if the Panthers don’t select Pickett until the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock.
The Steelers should know everything about Pickett. Pitt and the Steelers share a practice facility, although many rumors link Malik Willis to Mike Tomlin’s team.
Pittsburgh and Carolina are the two natural landing spots.
The New Jersey native may tumble down draft boards if they pass up on him unless a team gets desperate. In his most recent mock draft, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager has Pickett going 32nd.
Devin Lloyd, Linebacker
Devin Lloyd’s slide may concur with the rise of Quay Walker.
The national champion from Georgia boasts a better athletic profile and is younger than Lloyd. Walker’s stock is rising exponentially.
His rise is forcing Lloyd to drop in mock drafts and NFL insider grapevines. Concerns surrounding Lloyd’s age, lower athletic ceiling, and collegiate pedigree could all conspire to send Lloyd falling down draft boards.
Lastly, positional value in the NFL exists, and the linebacker position is an endangered species. In 2020, teams used a classic base defense featuring three linebackers on just 24% of snaps.
The Nickel formation is becoming the defensive base for all teams. Moreover, some coaches are now embracing three safety formations and packing the defensive backfield.
If Lloyd isn’t the first linebacker drafted, he could well slip into the back of round one or even round two.
Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver
With an expected run on edge rushers, offensive linemen, and a crop of talented wideouts ready to go, Alabama’s Jameson Williams could slip into the middle of round one tonight.
The speed demon suffered a season-ending ACL injury in late 2021.
Williams is arguably the most potent wideout available. However, this position group features exciting prospects like Drake London, Chris Olave, Treylon Burks, and Garrett Wilson.
Williams isn’t a cut-and-dry talent ahead of his peers. The injury concern could see Williams wait and see while others go ahead of him.
If Williams falls, a team could trade up to snag the Crimson Tide star.
