NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 4 (Final Edition)

Travon Walker, No. 2 to Detroit

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Fast-rising defensive linemen Travon Walker recently became the betting favorite to No. 1 in this week's NFL Draft, but those rumors seem like more smoke without fire than anything else to me. Aidan Hutchinson has consistently been the top name across most draft boards and offers Jacksonville a proven commodity with an extremely high floor. 

Previous Selection: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Other Possibility: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

2. Detroit Lions

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Walker's quick ascent up draft boards has been one of the most interesting storylines of the pre-Draft process. He was a solid contributor during his time in Athens, but never jumped out at you. To be fair, he was playing on one of the best college defenses of all-time, but his tremendous showing at the Combine was really what vaulted him into No. 1 discussion. Detroit needs help everywhere, so I think they'll go for whoever they believe is the best player available at this spot, leaving it down to Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Previous Selection: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Other Possibility: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

3. Houston Texans

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The mystery at the top of this Draft continues with Houston, who could choose between Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu on the O-Line, or instead take one of the top pass rushers. It will be tough to pass up on Thibodeaux, but the fact of the matter is that Houston needs significant offensive help and Neal is among the most hyped offensive line prospects of the past decade.

Previous Selection: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Other Possibility: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

4. New York Jets

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

For most of the 2021 college football campaign, Kayvon Thibodeaux was viewed as the top prospect of this cycle. He has been absolutely picked apart in the pre-Draft process, more than just about any other likely Top 10 selection, but I'd be floored if he makes it out of the Top 5. He has astounding physical traits and while some question his work ethic, his college tape speaks for itself.

Previous Selection: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

Other Possibility: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

5. New York Giants

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

For years, the Giants have tried investing in their offensive line, without much luck. They rid themselves of veteran Nate Solder's hefty contract over the offseason and could find his replacement here in the form of Ikem Ekwonu. The NC State product can play just about any position on the O-Line and has one of the highest floors of any prospect in this Draft.

Previous Selection: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

Other Possibility: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

6. Carolina Panthers

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

I've said for awhile that when all things are all said and done, I believed Malik Willis was going to be the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. Well, here we are in the final mock of the year, and Willis goes off the board to Carolina. The Panthers know Sam Darnold is not the answer and Willis' skillset is superstar-esque, if he can round out the finer parts of his game.

Previous Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Other Possibility: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7. New York Giants

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

After addressing the offensive line earlier on, New York focuses on their next significant need: defensive back. Kyle Hamilton could certainly be in play at this spot, but corner appears to be the more obvious answer. While I have Gardner higher on my own board, Derek Stingley Jr. has a bunch of fans among NFL personnel, and I think he will be the top CB taken.

Previous Selection: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

8. Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Atlanta's one of those teams in the first round that could go just about anywhere with their first selection. They could address offense by going either quarterback or receiver here, although Marcus Mariota looks like he'll be the bridge QB in 2022. Pass rusher or corner is also a possibility, considering they have needs at those spots. With so much mystery around this pick, best player available seems like the best way to hedge your bets. Hamilton is my No. 1 player, regardless of position, in this Draft and gives Atlanta an immediate impact player on the back-end.

Previous Selection: Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

Other Possibility: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

9. Seattle Seahawks

Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

Seattle appears to be entering a sizable rebuild after trading Russell Wilson this offseason, meaning they're yet another team that could go plenty of different directions. My bet is they invest in a pass rusher with this selection, and the Seahawks and Jermaine Johnson II have been linked for some time. Johnson went the JUCO route and played at Georgia before a breakout 2021 at Florida State.

Previous Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

After going defense with the No. 4 pick, the logical move for the Jets would be offense with this selection. The Jets have been linked to both Tyreek Hill and D.K. Metcalf over the offseason, but weren't able to come to a trade agreement for either. Instead, they get their wide out No. 1 of the future in Garrett Wilson, the top in this class.

Previous Selection: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

11. Washington Commanders

Drake London, WR, USC

It would be ideal for Washington if either Kyle Hamilton or Derek Stingley Jr. were to drop to them at this spot, but I think the chances of that happening are slim. They could still choose to address the defensive backfield with Ahmad Gardner, but receiver makes more sense. Drake London is a big, physical target on the perimeter who could give Carson Wentz much-needed help.

Previous Selection: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Other Possibility: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

12. Minnesota Vikings

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Most mocks I've seen have both Stingley Jr. and Gardner gone before this selection. But I'd be surprised if the trio of Stingley, Gardner, and Hamilton were all gone; one of them has to drop. If it's Gardner, the Vikings don't wait on a chance to add an impact defender to their aging secondary. As a lukewarm Vikings fan, this is also a bit of a selfish pick for me, as Gardner is among my favorite players in this Draft.

Previous Selection: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

13. Houston Texans

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Outside of offensive line, Houston has two clear need areas: receiver and pass rusher. With most of the big-name pass rushers gone and with Neal taken earlier, wide out seems the likely route. Chris Olave has a fairly wide range where he could go, but he's a proven playmaker who I envision having a long NFL career. He's so polished, he could immediately be their top weapon, supplanting Brandin Cooks.

Previous Selection: Drake London, WR, USC

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

14. Baltimore Ravens

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

I'm conflicted here; I think Baltimore will go either offensive line or defensive line with this pick, but that only narrows things down so much. I've had Jordan Davis mocked in the past here, but with Charles Cross, Tyler Linderbaum, and Trevor Penning all available, O-Line seems the likelier route. If I were the GM, Linderbaum would be my pick, but Penning seems like a Ravens prospect to me.

Previous Selection: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

Other Possibility: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

It's easy to forget that Jordan Davis, not Travon Walker, was the most dominant defensive linemen on Georgia last season, and an All-American. The gigantic interior D-Linemen has been linked to several different teams around this range, with Philadelphia seeming like a good fit. He's the likely long-term replacement for Fletcher Cox, who was cut earlier this offseason before coming back on a one-year deal.

Previous Selection: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Other Possibility: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

16. New Orleans Saints

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

There's not an obvious landing spot for Kenny Pickett if Carolina doesn't take him at six. Atlanta or Seattle are the most likely places if another team doesn't trade up, but those teams seem to be interested in addressing other needs. With that being said, there's no way Pickett should last outside the Top 20 and while the Saints seem content with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston for now, his value at this spot is too good to pass up.

Previous Selection: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Other Possibility: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Although the Chargers invested a high-draft selection in tackle Rashawn Slater a year ago, the offensive line still needs reinforcements to adequately protect Justin Herbert. Most of the big names are gone, but Charles Cross offers great value here. He could go in the Top 10 or slide a bit, depending on team needs and what teams think of Trevor Penning.

Previous Selection: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Other Possibility: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

18. Philadelphia Eagles

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

While the Jordan Davis selection shores up Philly's D-Line, the secondary is getting old, fast. Adding a young, polished corner such as Trent McDuffie is an ideal move for the Eagles. McDuffie seems to be slowly ascending up draft boards and could fall somewhere in the Top 15, but this spot makes even more sense.

Previous Selection: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Other Possibility: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

19. New Orleans Saints

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Already addressing their passing game earlier by adding Kenny Pickett, New Orleans finds a franchise receiver for him in Jameson Williams. Williams probably won't be ready for the start of the 2022 campaign, but the former Ohio State transfer is a game-changer who will add some explosiveness to a mediocre Saint receiver corps.

Previous Selection: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Other Possibility: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Pittsburgh waited a long time on a long-term replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, but with "Big Ben" officially retired, they can't hold off any longer. Enter Desmond Ridder, the winngest QB in Cincinnati school history, who improved every single season in the college ranks. There's not a lot of flash in his game, but he's a reliable, well-rounded signal-caller who wins.

Previous Selection: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Other Possibility: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

21. New England Patriots

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

New England's defense wasn't bad by any means in 2021, but their lack of speed and athleticism proved to be a real issue against the elites of the AFC. Expect them to fix that early on by adding Utah's Devin Lloyd, a proven defender with tremendous sideline-to-sideline range. Lloyd just has the feel of a Patriot prospect and would fit in nicely on this defense.

Previous Selection: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Other Possibility: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

22. Green Bay Packers

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Treylon Burks seems to be sliding down draft boards late in the process, but the former Arkansas Razorback should still land somewhere in the first round. Green Bay is almost definitely going to take a receiver with one of their first-round selections and I don't see them waiting. Considering how productive Burks was in college while playing with mediocre to plain bad quarterback play, he could put up numbers in Green Bay.

Previous Selection: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Other Possibility: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

23. Arizona Cardinals

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Despite being rated as my No. 2 pass rusher in this Draft, there's a chance George Karlaftis could slide outside of the Top 20 based on team need and fit. That's great news for Arizona, who is leaning heavily on an aging J.J. Watt. Karlaftis can come in and play right from the get-go, as he did at Purdue, when he tallied 17 tackles for loss as a true freshman.

Previous Selection: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

Other Possibility: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

24. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

I completely understand that drafting a center in the first round isn't a great value play, but Tyler Linderbaum is an exception. It's hard to accurately portray just how dominant he was during his tenure in Iowa City, and he should have a long NFL career. Dallas could use some extra help in the interior O-Line, making this one a no-brainer.

Previous Selection: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Other Possibility: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

25. Buffalo Bills

Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

With Levi Wallace gone and Tre'Davious White coming off a torn ACL, Buffalo needs to address the cornerback position early on in this Draft. They'd love if Trent McDuffie were to slide down to them at this spot, but I find that highly unlikely, particularly if Stingley and Gardner go early. Instead, the Bills get the ultra-versatile Daxton Hill, a well-rounded defender who can play either corner or safety in the pros.

Previous Selection: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Other Possibility: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

26. Tennessee Titans

Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

Tennessee lost a pair of starters along the offensive line over the offseason, leaving them a little thin for a team that leans on a power-run game to set up their entire offense. While last year's second-rounder Dillon Radunz is likely to be elevated to a starting role, the Titans could still choose to address this position by taking Boston College's Zion Johnson.

Previous Selection: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Other Possibility: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

I've had offensive line mocked to Tampa for some time now, but with all the defensive talent available at this spot, it's going to be hard to pass up. Devonte Wyatt is a quality selection at this juncture in the Draft; he can play multiple spots along the D-Line and has a high floor. If not for all the talent around him on that Georgia defense, he would probably go even higher.

Previous Selection: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Other Possibility: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

After drafting a receiver earlier, Green Bay's second first-rounder is more of a question. My feeling is they'll go best player available here and despite tearing his Achilles in the pre-Draft process, that's got to be David Ojabo. Ojabo was more than a complement to Aidan Hutchinson; he was one of the premier pass rushers in college football and would have been a Top 10 pick prior to his injury.

Previous Selection: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

Other Possibility: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Although Kansas City patched up the wide receiver corps by bringing in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marques Valdes-Scantling, they will be temped by this deep receiver group. Patrick Mahomes is talented enough to make any receiver corps work, but adding a dynamic weapon like Jahan Dotson would make this offense even more potent.

Previous Selection: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Other Possibility: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Yet another Georgia Bulldog finds their way into the first round, this time being safety Lewis Cine. Even though the Chiefs brought in Justin Reid to fill the hole vacated by Tyrann Mathieu, this is a defense that relies heavily on the safeties. Expect Cine to come in and play big snaps right away, providing Kansas City with an absolute punisher on the back-end.

Previous Selection: Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

Other Possibility: Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

No matter your thoughts on Eli Apple's antics, there seems to be broad agreement that he's a below-average cornerback. For a team that wants to compete with the elites of the AFC, the Bengals can't keep sending out Apple in big moments. Instead, they bring on Andrew Booth Jr., who seems to be the consensus No. 4 corner in this Draft, even if I'm not as high on him as others.

Previous Selection: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Other Possibility: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

32. Detroit Lions

Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

If I had to put my money on it, I'd suspect Detroit probably trades this pick to a team looking to trade into the back-half of the first round for a QB. If they stick firm and most of the big name quarterbacks and defensive backs are gone, receiver makes the most sense. Christian Watson is no Calvin Johnson, but his imposing frame and his vast catch radius may remind some Lions fans of "Megatron."

Previous Selection: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Other Possibility: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

NFL Draft 2022: Defensive Player Position Rankings

Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

Defensive Linemen

1. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan -- Aidan Hutchinson could have left for the NFL in the spring of 2021 and be a first-round selection, but he instead decided to stay for one more year in Ann Arbor. The decision paid off, as Hutchinson was the leader of a CFB Playoff team and earned himself a seat at the Heisman ceremony. He's now the betting favorite to be the top selection next week and for good reason; the defensive end has the size, strength, and explosive first step needed to be an elite NFL edge rusher. He's not necessarily as freaky of an athlete as other top pass rushers in this cycle, but checks just about every box and has the highest ceiling of any defender in this Draft.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. George Karlaftis, Purdue -- George Karlaftis remains a forgotten name in this 2022 Draft. He's still likely to land somewhere in the Top 15, but I still think he has major steal potential. Karlaftis was high-profile recruit out of high school who chose to stay local with the Boilermakers. He started Day One for Purdue and was a three-year contributor. Despite facing double and triple teams at every opportunity in West Lafayette, Karlafts often dominated his competition and was regularly the best player on the field. He projects even better to the next level, as he's got the physical tools to continue it on to the next level and is just scratching the surface of what he can be as a football player.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon -- Kayvon Thibodeaux was the nation's top recruit before enrolling at Oregon and after a stellar career in Eugene, looks set to land somewhere in the Top 5 this spring. The physical traits are astounding; he's 6'5" and a hair under 260 pounds, but moves like someone 50 pounds lighter. He's got long arms to clog up passing lanes and is a decent run defender, despite being known for his pass rushing prowess. I have Thibodeaux rated slightly below both Hutchinson and Karlaftis because I think his floor may be lower than that pair, but I believe his ceiling is also higher than those two. He's in many ways a "boom-or-bust" prospect in my eyes, but I have a feeling the chance he "booms" is pretty high.

Projected Range: Early first round

4. Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State -- Want a reminder of just how talented this Georgia defense has been over the last several years? Jermaine Johnson II was a former Bulldog who left the loaded UGA front seven and had a career year at Florida State, with 70 total tackles and 12 sacks. He's now trending in the Top 10, and it's understandable to see why. The one-time junior college product has a limitless motor off the edge and a true nose for the football. He has the versatility you can imagine him playing either stand-up outside linebacker or traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, finding a way to produce at either spot. 

Projected Range: Early to late first round

5. Travon Walker, Georgia -- Every year, we see prospects rise at the right time in the Draft process and this year, it looks like one of those examples is Georgia's Travon Walker. A strong pre-Draft performance has him rising into Top 5 category, and there's even some that believe he could land in the Top 3. Scouts rave about his physical tools and potential in the long-term, even if he didn't get a chance to truly shine in Athens. That's not a knock against Walker; he was playing on a defense that could see as many as five first-rounders and may be go down as one of the best defenses in college football history. 

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

Linebackers

1. Nakobe Dean, Georgia -- Speaking of that dominant Georgia defense, how about Nakobe Dean? The former high-profile recruit was all the Bulldogs could have hoped for during his collegiate career, wrapping it up by winning the Butkus Award and earning All-American honors. He's clearly the top linebacker in this group in my mind, an absolute specimen with limitless range and decent coverage ability. Dean could theoretically play either inside or outside linebacker in the NFL at a high level and at 21, he could be getting even better. There aren't a ton of teams in the first round that have an obvious need at linebacker, which means he could slide some, but he's still a first-round lock.

Projected Range: Mid to late first round

2. Devin Lloyd, Utah -- Devin Lloyd is the other linebacker in this cycle who has a legit chance to go No. 1. He's not quite as flashy of a prospect as Dean, but was extremely productive throughout his collegiate career and checks a lot of boxes. Lloyd isn't as physically gifted as Dean, but is an intelligent, well-rounded defender who could fit in a wide range of NFL defenses. The ceiling isn't quite as high as Dean, but the floor is high, and he should find himself as a quality NFL defender for years to come.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

3. Christian Harris, Alabama -- There's a drop off here after the top two linebackers, but Alabama's Christian Harris is still worthy of an early Day Two pick. The injury to Dylan Moses in 2019 forced Harris into a premier role earlier than expected and he proved to be a twitchy, hard-hitting defender with elite closing speed. After a productive 2020, Harris was expected to be a Butkus Award frontrunner and while he was solid, he didn't quite live up to expectations. Even so, he looks to be the next in a long line of Alabama inside 'backers set to move onto the pros and have a quality career.

Projected Range: Early second to early third round

4. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma -- There seems to be a large variance in how NFL scouts view Oklahoma's Nik Bonitto. He was a dominant force throughout his time in Norman as a ferocious, pass-rushing outside linebacker, but how he projects to the NFL is slightly unclear. He's undersized for the pros at 240 pounds and hasn't demonstrated his football IQ is at the levels of others in this Draft. As a college football fan, I may be slightly biased based on what Bonitto did in the collegiate ranks, but I believe he can be a highly productive pro. I'm not sure if Bonitto will be an every-down linebacker, but he could be the type of specialized pass rusher that have grown in popularity in recent years.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

5. Damone Clark, LSU -- Even as LSU suffered a pair of frustrating seasons in 2020 and 2021, Damone Clark proved to be a real bright spot. He was particularly impressive in 2021, as he totaled 136 tackles and notched 5.5 sacks on an inconsistent defense. At 6'3", 240 pounds with superb range, he should be a tackling machine in the NFL. With that being said, I do wonder whether his production in college was more about playing on poor defenses than being a truly elite defender. Even though his numbers were strong, Clark didn't impact games the way you might expect, which I worry could carry on into the professional level.

Projected Range: Early second to mid-third round

Cornerbacks

1. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati -- The term "shutdown corner" is thrown around a lot when it comes to discussing defensive backs, but few players fit the definition quite like Gardner. Gardner did not allow a single touchdown pass in coverage throughout his time at Cincinnati, despite starting since he was a true freshman. It wasn't like teams weren't throwing at Gardner either; he totaled 16 pass deflections and nine interceptions during his three-year career. Sure, the NFL is a different challenge than American Athletic Conference football, but teams shouldn't overthink this. "Sauce" Gardner is a proven prospect with the size and intelligence to have a long career.

Projected Range: Mid to late first round

2. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU -- Few schools in the country have produced elite defensive backs at the rate LSU has the past decade-plus and after a superb freshman campaign, people assumed Derek Stingley Jr. was next in line. In fact, the corner was so good as a true freshman on the 2019 National Championship team, there was legit Heisman discussion entering 2020. Stingley wasn't able to quite build on that, putting up two solid, but rather underwhelming, seasons in response. To be fair, Stingley did suffer through injuries the last two years and played on a 2020 LSU defense that was ill-equipped to be successful, but his play soured some people's view. I still like Stingley as a prospect, but believe the value for corners in the modern NFL makes him a reach in the Top 5. He has higher bust potential in my mind than Gardner, which is why I place him second in the position group.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Trent McDuffie, Washington -- Speaking of schools that produce a lot of elite defensive backs, how about Washington? The program has been an absolute factory for NFL defensive backs this past decade and Trent McDuffie appears to be the next. He's a prospect without very many weaknesses in his game; he was extremely consistent throughout his time in college, and has the athleticism and ball skills that should translate to the next level. There's extra added value with McDuffie, as he returned punts in college and proved to be a real special teams weapon. Even if that's not in the cards in the NFL, it adds an extra element to a really well-built corner.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

4. Roger McCreary, Auburn -- If you're a cornerback-needy team in the late first or early second, I don't think you could go wrong with Auburn's Roger McCreary. He quietly had a very productive career on the Plains and despite being undersized, should be a good fit in the pros. McCreary is incredibly quick and a hard-hitting defender, but his lack of elite speed on the perimeter probably projects him more as a nickel corner in the NFL than anything else. That may limit is value overall, but I like him a lot as a low-risk, high-reward piece in early Day Two.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Kaiir Elam, Florida -- Florida had some of their worst defenses in school history the past two seasons, but that shouldn't be a negative reflection of Kaiir Elam, who was regularly the best defender on the field at UF. There's just something about the way Elam plays; he's a smooth athlete with proven coverage skills who plays with a certain swagger. He seemed to play some of his best ball at the biggest moments (just watch his Alabama tape) and has a diverse skillset. Most mocks have Elam landing somewhere in the first or second, which seems like a fair match for what he will bring to the pros.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

Safeties

1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame -- My favorite player in this Draft, regardless of position, is none other than Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton played immediately as a true freshman and had a stellar three-year career for the Irish, operating as their leader on the back-end. During his time with Notre Dame, Hamilton proved that he had true sideline-to-sideline range with elite closing speed, impressive instincts, and tremendous ball skills. He also showed that not only was he a proven commodity in pass defense, he could come up and make plays in run support. At 6'4", 220 pounds, Hamilton already has the look of an NFL veteran and should be an ideal fit in just about any NFL defensive scheme. No matter where he lands, I have no doubt he's going to make an immediate impact.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State -- Jaquan Brisker is a great story, a player who put up mind-boggling numbers in high school but due to academics, was forced to spend two seasons at Lackawanna Community College. He didn't stop those early struggles from a successful football career, earning JUCO All-American honors before getting a shot at hometown Penn State, where was a three-year contributor and two-year starter. Brisker now has a chance to sneak into the late first round, although he's more than likely a second day selection. He's a well-built, instinctive safety who isn't afraid to get downhill and make a big hit. Considering this safety class is fairly thin behind Hamilton, he easily takes the cake as the second best in this position group.

Projected Range: Early second to late third round

3. Jalen Pitre, Baylor -- One player I'm surprised isn't getting more attention is Baylor product Jalen Pitre. He was an unheralded recruit coming out of high school who grew into one of the best defensive backs in the nation, earning All-American honors and winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He followed that up with strong performances at both the Senior Bowl and Combine, yet projects firmly as a mid-round pick, if not later. Sure, he is slightly undersized at under 200 pounds and had previous injury concerns, but he's a hard-working defender who got better each year in college. I don't envision him as a Pro-Bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but think he can certainly carve out a nice career in college.

Projected Range: Early third to early fifth round

4. Lewis Cine, Georgia -- Plenty of NFL folks have Lewis Cine going somewhere in the first two rounds, set to become a high Draft selection. I'm lukewarm on Cine as a prospect; he's got size, good athleticism and is a ferocious competitor, but he was pretty inconsistent in college and is a bit of a tweener. I'm not sure whether free or strong safety is his future spot, although I do believe he should be able to pick things up quickly. There's rumors that NFL people are very high on Cine so I wouldn't be shocked if he's a late first-rounder or very early second-rounder.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Bryan Cook, Cincinnati -- Often the forgotten man in a Cincinnati secondary that included Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant, Bryan Cook is an underrated prospect in this cycle. He's a former transfer from Howard who had a breakout 2021, earning All-AAC honors after a campaign in which he had 93 tackles and nine pass deflections. Cook doesn't jump off the page athletically at you, but he's an intelligent football player who is exceptional in run support. NFL teams are also high on his mentality and mindset for the game, as a real leader on the back-end. He's probably a mid-round guy, but has the skillset to develop into a reliable NFL starting safety.

Projected Range: Mid-third round to early fifth round

NFL Draft 2022: Offensive Player Position Rankings

Malik Willis, Liberty

Spring has sprung across most of the United States, which means that the NFL Draft is right around the corner. This year's draft process has returned to normalcy after the wacky 2020 and 2021 editions, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of intrigue throughout the first round. In preparation for the impending event, it's time for my definitive rankings of each position group, beginning with the offense. It's important to note that this isn't the order I envision players to be drafted in, but instead where I would draft them if     I were an NFL GM. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Quarterbacks

1. Malik Willis, Liberty -- In an underwhelming quarterback class, Malik Willis takes the cake as the best signal-caller available. The former Auburn Tiger had an extremely productive career at Liberty, and has now caught the attention of NFL scouts with his electrifying playmaking ability and huge arm. That doesn't mean he's a perfect prospect; his mechanics are funky and his decision-making was suspect throughout his collegiate career. However, he's the one quarterback in this Draft that I could envision being a true superstar, even if the bust potential is similarly high. He reminds me of Robert Griffin III coming out college, even if he wasn't quite as accomplished. Willis is an even better fit in the modern NFL than Griffin was out of college and as long as he can stay healthy, I think he's worthy of a Top 10 selection this spring.

Projected Range: Early to late first round

2. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh -- Kenny Pickett is a prime example of how quickly opinions can change about quarterback prospects. For much of his Pittsburgh career, he was an average, rather underwhelming Power Five QB who didn't seem to have much of an NFL future. Then came the 2021 season, where he exploded for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns en route to being a Heisman finalist. He's now the favorite to be the top QB off the board in the Draft and likely a first-round lock. I can understand why Pickett has garnered significant support among NFL decision-makers; he's always had an accurate arm and poise in the pocket, while playing with a certain swagger and energy that you can't teach. Yet, I have him rated lower than Willis because I don't think the ceiling is quite there. I have a feeling Pickett will be a solid NFL quarterback with a long career, but I don't see him ever being a true superstar. With that being said, a huge portion of the league would love a stable, well-built quarterback like him leading the way.

Projected Range: Early to late first round

3. Carson Strong, Nevada -- Behind Willis and Pickett, there's a drop-off in quality of quarterback prospects in this class, but Carson Strong could be a huge steal, especially if he lasts until the second or third round like some are projecting. The Nevada product isn't an elite athlete and there are reports his medicals have been cause for concern, but he's 6'4" with potentially the best natural arm talent of this cycle. He put up monster numbers throughout his Nevada career and has followed that up with solid showings throughout the NFL Draft process. I've seen Strong compared to Phillip Rivers and I think it's an apt comparison; he doesn't move well in the pocket, but has a proven body of work in college and a great arm. How quickly he can pick up an NFL offense will determine what type of impact he'll be able to make early on at the next level.

Projected Range: Late first to mid-third round

4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss -- Matt Corral is a prospect you will hear a lot of differing opinions on. Some scouts love his arm talent and mobility, while others question his decision-making and fit in an NFL offense. I think you're going to have to weigh both sides of the equation with Corral. He makes some jaw-dropping plays, but many of the fundamental parts of his game still need plenty of refinement. It would be ideal if he landed in a scenario where he was able to take a "redshirt" year and learn behind a veteran QB, but that isn't always the reality of the modern NFL. 

Projected Range: Mid-first to mid-second round

5. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati -- As the winningest quarterback in Cincinnati school history and the first QB to lead a Group of Five program to the CFB Playoff, Desmond Ridder will always be somewhat of a living legend in college football lore. As for his NFL future, there's a lot to like and, of course, plenty that he needs to work on. He's a well-rounded quarterback who moves extremely well for his size and was extremely consistent in college. Ridder does need to prove he can throw the deep ball more consistently, something he wasn't asked to do much in the collegiate ranks, and also polish off his mechanics. With that being said, one thing I really like about him is the fact he improved each and every year while at Cincinnati. That doesn't mean he's an elite quarterback prospect, but demonstrates a certain work ethic and willingness to learn that should serve him well as he prepares for the next step.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round

Sleeper: Jack Coan, Notre Dame -- There's nothing flashy about the way Jack Coan plays, but the former Wisconsin and Notre Dame quarterback had a productive college career and should carve himself a backup role somewhere in the NFL. Coan has a decent arm, tremendous pocket awareness, and is a much better athlete than most give him credit for. He didn't put up gaudy numbers in college playing on run-first teams, but proved to be more than capable of running the show. He's likely to land somewhere in the late rounds, but is worth a flier for any team looking for an intelligent, capable quarterback to fill out their roster.

Projected Range: Early fifth to early seventh round

Running backs

1. Breece Hall, Iowa State -- Much like quarterback, this is not exactly a banner year for running backs, but Breece Hall is a proven commodity who was an absolute workhorse at Iowa State. Hall's known as a power back, but he has displayed decent shiftiness and open-field speed when needed. He's also a decent pass-catcher out of the backfield, as well as solid pass blocker. I don't expect Hall to ever round into an All-Pro tailback, but could certainly see him landing somewhere as an every down option for a power-run team. Don't expect to see him sneak into the first round, but Hall is likely to find his name called anytime shortly after.

Projected Range: Early second to early third round

2. James Cook, Georgia --  Zamir White is the Georgia back likely to go higher in this Draft but if I were an NFL GM, James Cook would be my choice. Dalvin's younger brother has electrifying playmaking potential, even if he wasn't able to show it very often while in Athens. Cook has elite open-field speed and explosiveness, and had a knack for breaking off huge runs for the Bulldogs. He's a tremendous pass-catcher out of the backfield and has the versatility to help offenses in countless ways. To me, he's reminiscent of Reggie Bush coming out of college, but obviously without all the accolades or the top-end speed. 

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

3. Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama -- It's no secret Alabama has had a long run of elite tailbacks, but with a mixed track record of success in the NFL. Robinson is no Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, but the Tide product had a long 'Bama career and proved to be more than capable. He's not known for his speed, but relies more on excellent vision, patience, and superb burst through the hole. Robinson was overshadowed by the success of his backfield mate, Heisman-winning Bryce Young, but still proved his worth with a 1,300-yard, 14 touchdown campaign. I think Robinson has a chance to settle in as more of a third-down tailback than anything else, although I think he's being a little too overlooked at this point in the process.

Projected Range: Early third to early fifth round

4. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State -- Few players in college football had the type of season Kenneth Walker III had in 2021. After sharing the backfield during his time at Wake Forest, Walker exploded this fall, running for over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns as Michigan State went 11-2 and won a New Year's Six bowl. While I understand why Bryce Young won the Heisman, to my mind Walker was the most consistently great player in college football all season long, with the lone exception being the Ohio State loss. He helped himself out with a strong performance at the NFL Combine, but is still likely a mid-round pick right now. There may be some concerns that his 2021 was merely a fluke, but there's no doubt in my mind he can be a productive NFL tailback. Simply look back to that Michigan game; against a defense full of future NFL players (including potential No. 1 selection Aidan Hutchinson) Walker went for nearly 200 yards and totaled five scores.

Projected Range: Late second to late fourth round

5. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame -- Kyren Williams burst onto the scene in 2020, as the surprise starter went for over 1,100 yards for the Playoff-bound Irish during the shortened COVID campaign. Although he still notched over 1,000 again last fall, it wasn't quite the encore some had hoped for the redshirt sophomore. As he looks ahead towards the NFL, teams are wary about his size and scheme fit at the next level. Fair concerns, but I'm higher on Williams than a lot of NFL personnel seem to be. He's a compact back with adequate quickness who does the little things, such as pass blocking, extremely well. I see a lot of Austin Ekeler in the way he plays and while he won't be a high draft selection, should offer great late-round value.

Projected Range: Early fourth to late sixth round

Sleeper: Max Borghi, Washington State -- After a solid career at Washington State, Max Borghi enters the NFL Draft as an unheralded name who could surprise some folks. He was often underutilized with the Cougars, spending most of his time in the Mike Leach Air Raid offense and struggling through injury. He offers plenty of playmaking potential as a shifty, elusive runner with decent burst. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, as evidenced by monster catching numbers in the Leach offense. Borghi is viewed more as a likely special teams weapon than anything else, but he could surprise some folks if he lands in the right spot.

Projected Range: Early fifth to late seventh round

Receivers

1. Garrett Wilson -- This receiver group isn't as strong as the last few editions, but Garrett Wilson is still worthy of a Top 10-15 selection in my eyes. Even though he split targets with Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wilson was highly productive throughout his time in Columbus, thanks in large part to his elite speed and deep threat ability. He's got a gigantic catch radius and despite not being the largest guy on the field, his ability to jump out of the stadium makes him a liability against any type of defender. The thing is, I think he's still growing as a receiver, and may just be scratching the surface. 

Projected Range: Early to late first round

2. Jameson Williams -- If not for a torn ACL suffered in the National Championship Game, Jameson Williams would seriously challenge Wilson for the top spot. Even with his future somewhat in question, the former Ohio State transfer is one of the best wide outs in this class. He got an opportunity to fully blossom after moving on to Alabama and put together a monster season. In my mind, he was the best receiver in college football this fall, and should have the Biletnikoff Award winner. Williams' mix of size and speed makes him a matchup nightmare, and he's the type of receiver who will fit in just about any scheme.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

3. Treylon Burks -- Most mocks have Treylon Burks going somewhere in the Top 15-20 and yet I still feel as though the Arkansas product is slightly underrated. He was a three-year contributor on Arkansas teams that were either terrible, like the 2019 group, or one-dimensional offensively, like the 2020 and 2021 teams. It's not the production either, he has ideal size-speed ratio, standing at 6'3", 225 pounds, but still proving to be an explosive weapon in the open field. Burks didn't run as well at the Combine, which has threatened to drop him to the late first round, but if you watch any of his tape in school, there's no question he's got burners.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

4. George Pickens -- If not for missing most of the 2021 college football season, George Pickens would have likely been a first-round lock in this Draft. Even with the injury costing him so much, Pickens still looks like he has a good chance to sneak into the bottom half of the first round. He's possibly the most purely talented receiver in the class and showcased vast potential with Georgia, but the primary concern surrounding him is maturity questions. There were several cases during his time with the Bulldogs that he made boneheaded moves that ended up costing the team. Pickens has some growing up to do and recovering from a torn ACL hasn't helped him in the pre-Draft process, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being one of the steals of this Draft.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

5. Chris Olave -- Chris Olave had an illustrious Ohio State career, finishing with 2,711 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns, despite splitting targets and also playing during the shortened 2020 campaign. He's likely to go below his two former teammates in Wilson and Williams, but should still land somewhere in the first. Olave is a polished route runner with sure hands and while he doesn't have elite top-end speed, he can still move very well. Olave may not have the ceiling of other receivers in this group, but I think he will have a long, productive NFL career.

Projected Range: Mid-first to mid-second round

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama

A two-star prospect coming out of high school, Jalen Tolbert has exceeded expectations every step of playing career. After having a breakout 2019, Tolbert followed that up with two more stellar seasons for South Alabama, including going for 1,474 yards in 2021. Tolbert has then continued to improve his draft stock with strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, likely locking him in somewhere around the mid-rounds. Although he isn't the largest receiver at 6'1", 195 pounds, he's a smooth athlete who looks the part. He had occasional problems with drops during his South Alabama career, but the production speaks for itself. Even in a deep receiver class, Tolbert should be worthy of consideration within the first three rounds.

Projected Range: Late second to early fourth round

Tight Ends

1. Trey McBride, Colorado State -- Even on a Colorado State team that has suffered some rough years in recent memory, Trey McBride proved to be one of the best tight ends anywhere in the nation. He led FBS tight ends with 90 receptions for 1,121 yards this past fall and has the clear John Mackey Award winner, even with suspect play at the quarterback position. As he prepares for the NFL, scouts have no doubt that his reliable hands and proven route running ability will make him a worthy weapon for years to come. He isn't as strong of a blocker as you'd like to see at this point in his career but with the way the NFL is moving, I'm not sure that's a huge issue. I see McBride as an early second round prospect who offers excellent value, likely to have a long pro career.

Projected Range: Early second to late third round

2. Cade Otton, Washington -- Viewed by many as one of the top tight ends in the country before a quiet 2021, a lot of people seem to have forgotten about Cade Otton. In some ways, it's understandable; Washington was one of the most disappointing teams in college football this past season, their passing game was nonexistent, and Otton also missed time with COVID. However, somebody is going to be getting a steal in the mid-rounds with this guy. Although Otton isn't quite as athletic as others in this Draft, he's a tough, gritty competitor with soft hands. He's a well-rounded tight end prospect who could fit in just about any NFL offense and move the chains. I think he could be one of the major steals of this cycle nobody is talking about.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

3. Greg Dulcich, UCLA -- Greg Dulcich is a name that seems to be trending at the right time, as he's looking like an early Day Two pick. It's fair to see why there is interest in the UCLA product; he had a strong Bruin career, has great size, and excellent open field speed for the position. There were times throughout his career at UCLA where he looked and played more like a large boundary receiver than true tight end, and I think NFL teams can be creative with how they use him.

Projected Range: Mid-second to late third round

4. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina -- One of the primary reasons for Coastal Carolina's success the last two seasons, Isaiah Likely has the tools to be a very productive NFL tight end. He's one of, if not the, fastest players at his position in this Draft and his ability to contort his body and make contested catches is something you don't see often from tight ends like him. If there is one thing he clearly needs to work on it's his blocking ability, which is way below where it should be at this point in his career. If he doesn't round that out, he's more than likely a situational tight end than every-down starter,

Projected Range: Late third to early fifth round

5. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M -- One of the players I'm most conflicted about in this Draft is Texas A&M product Jalen Wydermyer. On one hand, he put up consistently great numbers during his Aggie career and isn't your typical tight end. On the other, he played in a Jimbo Fisher offense that absolutely leans on tight ends, likely inflating his numbers. Plus, he had a lot more drops in 2021 than previous years, so it's hard to tell whether that was an aberration or a reality of him as a player. Wydermyer still is a good athlete with a lot of the physical tools you like in a modern TE, but I'm not super sold on him going any higher than Day Three.

Projected Range: Early fourth to early sixth round

Sleeper: Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin -- As a Minnesota Gopher fan, I know first-hand the type of impact Jake Ferguson can have on the gridiron. The Wisconsin Badger product put together an impressive career in Madison, but is viewed more as a late round possibility than anything else. He doesn't jump off the page athletically like others in this class and the route running needs work, but I could certainly see a future for him in the pros. He has a lot of the tools necessary to be a real red zone presence and should be able to carve out a niche role somewhere in this league.

Projected Range: Early sixth round to undrafted

Offensive Line

1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC State -- While most NFL personnel view Evan Neal as the top offensive linemen in this Draft, Ikem Ekwonu would be the top off my board. Playing at NC State he didn't get a ton of national attention, but is an absolute mauler who had a highly productive career with the Wolfpack. Ekwonu can play either guard or tackle, but projects more as a tackle than anything else at the next level. He'll have work to do to refine his pass blocking, but the physical traits are there and I'm extremely impressed by his college tape.

Projected Range: Early first to mid-first round

2. Evan Neal, Alabama -- Clearly there's a lot to like about Evan Neal, and he still has a decent chance to go No. 1 overall. It's rare you see a guy who is 6'7", 350 pounds, who can accomplish the athletic feats that he can. He projects very well to the NFL, but I'm slightly wary on him, at least compared to most NFL scouts I follow. While he was a regular starter from the moment he stepped on campus at Alabama, I found Neal to be awfully inconsistent during his Tide career. There were several times in 2021 where he was outplayed by opposing defensive lines, which resulted in Bryce Young having to work his magic to get the Tide offense going. Playing in the SEC every week, it's understandable to have an off-day or two, but Neal never jumped off the page at me the way you might expect. He's still certainly worthy of a Top 10 selection, but proceed with some level of caution.

Projected Range: Early first to mid-first round

3. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa -- Based solely on the position they play, interior offensive linemen are always valued a bit different than other positions in the Draft, especially centers. Yet, Tyler Linderbaum is not only worthy of a first-round pick, I have him in my Top 10. It's nearly impossible to describe just how completely dominant he was throughout his Iowa career, playing on an O-Line that included Tristan Wirfs and several other NFL linemen. After racking up the awards in his time with the Hawkeyes, Linderbaum should become the next Iowa blocker to enjoy a lengthy pro career. Although he's slightly undersized for the position at 290 pounds, there's no doubt in my mind he'll have a successful NFL future.

Projected Range: Mid-first to late first round

4. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa -- Although he played at a "small school" Trevor Penning has big-time talent. Penning first earned recognition with impressive play during the wacky 2020 season, but followed it up with an even better 2021. However, Penning really cemented his first-round status with dominant showings throughout the pre-Draft process, where he dominated Power Five competition. Penning can play either left or right tackle and after a stellar college career, should acclimate quickly to the NFL.

Projected Range: Mid-first to early second round

5. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M -- A highly decorated player coming out of high school, Kenyon Green did not disappoint, with an impressive career at Texas A&M. During his time with the Aggies, Green played both guard and tackle and was regularly one of the top blockers in the loaded SEC. He can play either spot in the NFL, but is significantly stronger at guard, where his physical traits really shine through. There were times when exotic blitzes or twists gave some troubles in the college ranks which will have to be ironed out, but I think he's more than capable of being a first-round selection.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

Sleeper: Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan -- While his teammate, Bernhard Raimann, is the one getting most of the potential first-round attention, I would not be shocked if Luke Goedeke ended up being the better pro. After missing all of 2020, Goedeke returned this fall and put together a strong campaign for the Chippewas. He hasn't been able to build on that too much due to the fact he left the Senior Bowl early, but he's a hard-nosed blocker who is deceptively athletic. Most mocks I've seen have him landing somewhere in the third or fourth round, which certainly puts him in steal territory.

Projected Range: Early third to late fourth round

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Edition 3

 

Kyle Hamilton to Detroit

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

The No. 1 overall selection has flipped a few times throughout the draft process, but the pendulum appears to be swinging back to Aidan Hutchinson. The Michigan product was a Heisman finalist this fall and has the athleticism and intangibles to be a fearsome pass rusher at the next level. After landing their franchise quarterback last spring, Jacksonville gets their franchise pass rusher.

Previous Selection: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

2. Detroit Lions

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Quarterback remains an intriguing possibility for Detroit with the No. 2 pick, but something tells me they will hold off, at least with this selection. Instead, the coaching staff adds an immediate impact defender in the form of Kyle Hamilton, who will shore up a secondary that has been an Achilles Heel for years. Hamilton is one of my favorite prospects in this Draft, a long, rangy defender who has a track record of success from his time with Notre Dame.

Previous Selection: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

3. Houston Texans

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Texans have surprisingly not moved Laremy Tunsil this offseason, indicating they're likely to hold onto the veteran tackle into the fall. Even if they do, an offensive linemen makes sense, and Evan Neal is the top on the board. Neal could start right away at right tackle or move inside, as he started 13 games at guard for Alabama back in 2019.

Previous Selection: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

4. New York Jets

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

It's been years since the Jets had a truly fearsome pass rusher, so both the front office and coaching staff would be thrilled if Kayvon Thibodeaux were to drop here. Thibodeaux isn't quite as complete of a prospect as Hutchinson, but his raw physical gifts make him worthy of a Top 5 selection.

Previous Selection: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

5. New York Giants

Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

Few teams in the league have invested as much draft capital in offensive line the last few years as the New York Giants. They simply have not gotten the production up front they would have liked, which has in turn crippled Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. They're hoping taking Ikem Ekwonu at this spot finally solves their O-Line woes and provides them with a consistent, versatile blocker for years to come.

Previous Selection: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

6. Carolina Panthers

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Carolina may be the most fascinating team drafting in the Top 10. They have a hot seat head coach, an obvious need at quarterback, but also holes along both lines. Throwing a young QB into the mix seems like an unwise move, but Kenny Pickett is the most safe QB prospect in this Draft and has the mental makeup to make the most of this situation.

Previous Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7. New York Giants

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Few players in this Draft have seen their stock rise as rapidly as Georgia product Travon Walker. Once considered a mid-to-late first rounder, Walker has a legit chance to land somewhere in the Top 3. I think it's more likely he finds himself somewhere in the 5-10 range with a team looking to snag a high upside edge rusher, like the New York Giants.

Previous Selection: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons

Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

For the first time in a decade-and-a-half, Matt Ryan is not an Atlanta Falcon. His absence makes quarterback a distinct possibility (Malik Willis perhaps?), but Marcus Mariota is a more than capable short-term QB. Instead, Jermaine Johnson II is a name that seems to be trending at this spot. Johnson spent time with Georgia and in the JUCO ranks before a dominant season on a bad Florida State team.

Previous Selection: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

9. Seattle Seahawks

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

When it's all said and done, I think Malik Willis has a very good shot at being the top QB off the board in this Draft. He's the type of dynamic playmaker that simply doesn't come around too often, even if there are some questions about his mechanics and fit in an NFL offense. I don't believe it's a lock Seattle goes quarterback with this selection, but Willis is simply too tantalizing to ignore.

Previous Selection: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

10. New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

New York has done a decent job upgrading their receiver corps as of late, but I'm not sold on either Corey Davis or Elijah Moore being a true No. 1 guy. Instead, the Jets go with a truly dynamic wide out in Garrett Wilson, who was awfully impressive in Columbus, even with important targets going to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave. 

Previous Selection: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

11. Washington Commanders

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Washington would be thrilled if Kyle Hamilton were to drop to them at this spot, but I don't think there's any chance he survives the Top 10. Derek Stingley Jr. is still one heck of a consolation prize; even though he wasn't quite able to build on a marvelous freshman season in Baton Rouge, he has all the tools to be a top corner in the NFL.

Previous Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

12. Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

There seems to be a real split among Vikings fans on which direction they go here. Do they upgrade corner, even with Patrick Peterson back, or fix their interior defensive line? Even with the Harrison Phillips signing, my money is on interior D-Line. Jordan Davis became somewhat of a cult hero among many college football fans this year and makes a lot of sense for the Vikes.

Previous Selection: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

13. Houston Texans

Drake London, WR, USC

Houston appears set on moving forward with Davis Mills as their starting quarterback, at least for the time being. Mills has a chance to be a rock-solid NFL QB, but he needs help from a depleted offense. Drafting Neal at three obviously helps, but Drake London would make an even larger impact. Before a season-ending injury at USC, he was a near lock for the Biletnikoff Award and has the physical tools to be a superb NFL wide receiver.

Previous Selection: Drake London, WR, USC (to Cleveland)

14. Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

I suspect offensive line is the play here for Baltimore, but do they focus on the tackle spot or the interior? Charles Cross and Trevor Penning are two names I'm watching, but Tyler Linderbaum seems to be the trending selection. He was absolutely dominant the past few seasons for Iowa and could be the next great Hawkeye turned Raven, after Marshall Yanda, who retired this offseason.

Previous Selection: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

15. Philadelphia Eagles

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Behind Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, and the rising Travon Walker, George Karlaftis seems to be the forgotten edge rusher in this Draft. He's going to be a steal for someone, and might not be too difficult to pass up here for Philadelphia. Even facing double and triple teams in college, Karlaftis was still a three-year contributor for Purdue.

Previous Selection: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

16. New Orleans Saints

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The swift decline of Michael Thomas has New Orleans scrambling for weapons on the perimeter. They could choose to wait on taking a receiver if Wilson and London are off the board, but Treylon Burks is one of my favorite wide outs in this class and is heavily under-appreciated. He provides the Saints some much-needed playmaking potential on the outside.

Previous Selection: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (to Philadelphia)

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

There seems to be a wide range of possible destinations for Mississippi State product Charles Cross. I still think he has a chance to land somewhere in the Top 10, but he could also slide into the 20s depending on team needs. I'd be shocked if he slides past Los Angeles, a team that desperately needs to upgrade their pass protection if they wish to unleash Justin Herbert's full potential.

Previous Selection: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

18. Philadelphia Eagles

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

After addressing their pass rush with Karlaftis, I suspect Philadelphia again does defense with their second selection of the first round. Ahmad Gardner is a Top 15 prospect in my eyes, but could slide depending on where Derek Stingley Jr. goes. If so, the Eagles jump at the chance to add a talented young corner to an aging secondary.

Previous Selection: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (to New Orleans)

19. New Orleans Saints

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Quarterback is a possibility for New Orleans at this spot, with the trio of Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, and Sam Howell all available. However, the organization seems content rolling with Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton as a short-term starter. Instead, they address a need along the offensive line with a high-upside, low-risk tackle in Trevor Penning.

Previous Selection: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (to Philadelphia)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins was a complete shock, and while there are more important things to consider than the football side of things, it threw Pittsburgh's QB room into more mystery. Even if Willis is off the board at this spot, I think the Steelers take a signal-caller, and Desmond Ridder makes the most sense. The winningest QB in Cincinnati history, he's got a proven pedigree and seems like a nice fit in this offense.

Previous Selection: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

21. New England Patriots

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

There may be corners more physically gifted than Trent McDuffie in this Draft, but the Washington product is a well-rounded, intelligent defender who could play in just about any NFL defense. There are certain prospects that just feel like Patriots players, and to me, McDuffie has that fit.

Previous Selection: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

22. Green Bay Packers

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

This has got to be a receiver...right? With one of the selections they received in the Davante Adams, Green Bay finally addresses a position that has long been a weak spot, taking a dynamic weapon in Jameson Williams. Williams might slide slightly after suffering a torn ACL in the National Championship, but in my mind he was the best receiver in college football this fall and is worthy of this pick.

Previous Selection: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah (to Las Vegas)

23. Arizona Cardinals

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

Chandler Jones is now as Las Vegas Raider and J.J. Watt is 33 years of age, meaning Arizona will have some work to do on their defensive line moving forward. There's a lot of options to like here, including the sliding David Ojabo, but Devonte Wyatt's versatility should make him a hot commodity. He gets forgotten at times with all the talent coming out of this Georgia defense, but he's a stud who can make an immediate impact.

Previous Selection: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa

24. Dallas Cowboys

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Cowboys chose to bring back Leighton Vander Esch to pair with Micah Parsons, but they could still use a first-round selection to help shore up their rush defense. Enter Devin Lloyd, who had an extremely productive career at Utah, and now should find himself somewhere in the first round. Pairing Lloyd with Parsons should guarantee Dallas a strong linebacker corps for years to come.

Previous Selection: Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

25. Buffalo Bills

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Buffalo has never been one to shy away from the "best player available" approach, but I think they instead focus on their need at corner here in the late first round. Obviously, they would love if one of the trio of Stingley, Gardner, or McDuffie were available here, but Andrew Booth is still a nice selection. A well-built defender with elite ball skills, he could be a fun piece in this secondary.

Previous Selection: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

26. Tennessee Titans

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Another team that could go several different directions, I'm monitoring D-Line, linebacker, O-Line, and receiver for Tennessee here. Even though the Titans added Robert Woods after moving on from Julio Jones, I still think Chris Olave makes sense at this spot. Olave may not have the upside of his former teammate Garrett Wilson, but he's a polished route runner who should have a long NFL career.

Previous Selection: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

While Tampa Bay added Shaq Mason to help shore up their need at offensive guard, don't be surprised if they still add another interior linemen early on. They have two nice options in Kenyon Green and Boston College product Zion Johnson, but Green has more potential in the long term. 

Previous Selection: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

There seems to be near universal agreement that the Packers will take a receiver with one of their first round selections, but the other pick isn't as clear. Edge rusher is always a good default option, particularly one as talented as David Ojabo. His torn Achilles is going to drop him like a boulder, but he's a Top 10-15 prospect in this Draft.

Previous Selection: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Tyreek Hill is now a Miami Dolphin and while JuJu Smith-Schuster and company are serviceable, I still think Kansas City takes a shot at receiver early on in this Draft. Don't be surprised if North Dakota State's Christian Watson comes out of seemingly nowhere to sneak into the bottom of the first. Obviously, he doesn't have Hill's speed (who does?), but is an elite jump ball receiver at 6'4".

Previous Selection: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia (to Miami)

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

This is prime territory for a team looking to trade into the back-end of the first round for a QB, especially if Matt Corral is still available. If Kansas City does stay firm, I think a pass rusher could be in the cards. Arnold Ebiketie had an impressive career at Temple, but proved he could play with the big boys during a one-year stint at Penn State. His length and explosiveness off the edge helps him lock into the first.

Previous Selection: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

I've had offensive line mocked here previously, but the fact Cincinnati has invested so heavily this offseason seems to indicate they'll use this pick elsewhere. They're decent at linebacker but could still use some reinforcements there, and Dean is just too good to make it out of the first round. He becomes the fourth Georgia defender to go in the first, but don't be surprised if there's even more.

Previous Selection: Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan

32. Detroit Lions

Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

I don't see Jared Goff being the one to lead Detroit back to contention and while he'll almost surely be the 2022 starter, the Lions get a long-term replacement in Matt Corral. Detroit won't contend this fall, so why not let Corral sit behind and learn for a year before seeing what he's got in 2023?

Previous Selection: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Spring Football 2022: 10 Most Important Quarterback Competitions

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Auburn Tigers

Competing: Zach Calzada (So.), T.J. Finley (Jr.), Robby Ashford (RFr.)

After a tumultuous offseason, Bryan Harsin will enter 2022 firmly on the hot seat on The Plains. He'll need a rebound year after a 6-7 debut in 2021, but will have to do so without last year's starting QB, as three-year starter Bo Nix transferred to Oregon. That leaves Harsin and his staff choosing between a trio of contenders, all of them transfers. There's Zach Calzada, who started ten games for Texas A&M a season ago and led the Aggies to a victory over Alabama, but was otherwise mediocre. Former LSU transplant T.J. Finley is on his second season with Auburn; he played sparingly last fall but started five games for LSU in 2020. Finally, Oregon transfer Robby Ashford remains firmly in the mix after announcing his decision to come to Auburn over the offseason. Ashford is untested, but coaches have been high on his mix of speed and arm strength. The spring has given us some clarity on this competition so far, but also complicated things. Calzada has been limited throughout spring due to surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, giving Finley and Ashford an early chance to make an impression. Redshirt freshman Dematrius Davis was also considered a possibility for the job, but announced his decision to transfer. Davis was always a bit of a long shot as an awkward fit in the offense Harsin wants to run, but his decision to move on thinned the room quickly. With Calzada somewhat of a mystery, at least for the time being, I would say Finley is the premature favorite, thanks to his familiarity with Harsin and the program. With that being said, Calzada has a year of SEC experience under his belt and should make a serious push come summer.

Favorite: Finley

Cincinnati Bearcats

Competing: Evan Prater (RSo.), Ben Bryant (Sr.)

Following a year in which they completed the nearly impossible mission of making the CFB Playoff as a Group of Five team, the pressure is on Cincinnati to build on it. It will be hard to do that without the winningest QB in school history as Desmond Ridder departs to the NFL, but Luke Fickell has two interesting options to choose from. One is redshirt sophomore Evan Prater, one of the most decorated recruits in school history, who has shown flashes in short spurts of playing time but hasn't made a start in college. He appeared in seven games last fall and has demonstrated playmaking ability, even if it's been in limited playing time. The other contender is veteran Ben Bryant, who spent 2021 with Eastern Michigan after serving as Ridder's backup for several years. Bryant played well for EMU last fall, totaling over 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns and has familiarity with the program. It's the classic case of the veteran with limited ceiling versus the unproven youngster with massive upside. Normally, I lean with the veteran here, particularly one as accomplished as Bryant, but Prater is just too talented to keep off the field. I firmly believe he could be one of the breakout stars of the 2022 college football campaign.

Favorite: Prater

Clemson Tigers

Competing: D.J. Uiagalelei (Jr.), Cade Klubnik (Fr.), Hunter Johnson (RSr.)

In my mind, there may not be a single quarterback battle this offseason more important than the one raging in Clemson, South Carolina. I firmly expect Clemson to rebound after a down 2021 by their typical standards, but they need better production from a position that saw major slippage after the wonders of the Trevor Lawrence era. D.J. Uiagalelei made several starts in 2020 when Lawrence was out with COVID-19 and played incredibly well for a true freshman. Naturally, the prevailing thought around the college football world last fall was that his 2020 success would carry over into 2021. Simply put, it did not. Uiagalelei finished '21 with a stat-line of 2,246 yards and 13 total touchdowns, compared to 10 interceptions. He completed just 56% of his passes and some of the misses were shocking from a former five-star quarterback who had all the physical tools. To be fair to Uiagalelei, he wasn't completely healthy last season and also dealt with a beat up receiver corps. However, his struggles left open the door for a newcomer to come in and take the starting job, and that's true freshman Cade Klubnik is hoping to do. Klubnik is a high-profile newcomer hailing from Austin who was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Texas and the top QB in the Class of 2022 among several recruiting sites. Coming in and winning the job at a top-tier program as a freshman is never easy, but Klubnik has all the tools to do so. In addition, Hunter Johnson is at least a name to mention. The redshirt senior began his career at Clemson before transferring to Northwestern and spending three years there. He opted to come back to Clemson, becoming the first transfer Dabo Swinney has ever taken as Tiger head coach, but is almost sure to play a backup or mentor role rather than seriously battle for the starting job. As of right now, Uiagalelei's edge in experience makes him the favorite, but he certainly does not have a lock on the starting job. Don't be surprised if this is similar to the Kelly Bryant-Trevor Lawrence or Cole Stoudt-Deshaun Watson situation, where the veteran begins the year, but the youngster is too good to keep off the field. 

Favorite: Uiagalelei

Florida Gators

Competing: Jack Miller (RSo.), Anthony Richardson (RSo.), Jalen Kitna (RFr.), Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (RFr.)

New Florida head coach Billy Napier has earned rave reviews from Gator fans for the staff he's built in Gainesville and his early work on the recruiting trail, but now comes the first big decision: naming a starting quarterback. Things got a bit clearer this past month when Emory Jones, who started 12 games for UF last fall, announced his decision to transfer. However, there are as many as four contenders to take over the reigns of the offense and only one, Anthony Richardson, has seen significant action. Richardson impressed as a redshirt freshman in 2021, earning All-SEC Freshman honors and showcasing dazzling playmaking potential. As a 6'4", 240 pound gunslinger with elite open-field speed, he has the physical tools to be a dominant SEC quarterback. But, he will still have to prove himself to a new coaching staff and is still a bit raw at this early point in his collegiate career. That leaves the door open for the other three contenders, namely Ohio State transfer Jack Miller. Miller saw action in six games over two seasons for the Buckeyes but wasn't able to beat out C.J. Stroud in Columbus, which isn't necessarily a knock against him. He's not the athlete Richardson is, but offers Napier and the staff a more traditional quarterback who undoubtedly learned valuable information during his time at OSU. After those two there's a pair of redshirt freshmen in Jalen Kitna and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, who both joined the team last offseason. Both are considered long shots to win this job this year and it wouldn't be a shock if one, or both, hit the transfer portal. As it stands today, Richardson seems to have the edge now that Jones is moving on, but Miller intrigues me. He's still a fairly unproven commodity but coaches have raved about him, and the fact he enrolled for the spring semester seems to indicate to me he thinks he has a decent shot to unseat "AR15."

Favorite: Richardson

LSU Tigers

Competing: Jayden Daniels (Jr.), Myles Brennan (Sr.), Garrett Nussmeier (RFr.), Walker Howard (Fr.)

Much like Billy Napier, one of the first major decisions for Brian Kelly and the new staff at LSU will be naming a starting quarterback. There are four contenders for the starting job, although highly touted freshman Walker Howard is a bit of a long shot at this point. The early favorite has to be Myles Brennan, a fifth-year senior who has started three games in his LSU career but appeared in 20. Brennan was supposed to be the heir apparent to Joe Burrow in 2020 but was done for the year after three weeks. He was in the midst of a QB competition last spring and fall before a season-ending injury just days before the season, allowing Max Johnson to take the job (who has subsequently transferred). Brennan is an LSU guy through-and-through and seems like a good fit in new OC Mike Denbrock's offense, but newcomer Jayden Daniels actually has the leg up in terms of game experience. Daniels made 28 starts during three seasons at Arizona State, with one of them being the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. After looking like the next big star at the position with a stellar freshman season, Daniels was inconsistent for much of the last two years. He's still awfully talented, but it's fair to say a lot of the shine from his impressive 2019 performance has worn off. Rounding things out is redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeier, who had been considered the future at the position but is still learning. He's the son of Doug Nussmeier, a former college offensive coordinator who is currently the Dallas Cowboys' QB Coach. He's got the long-term potential to still be a factor in the race but Daniels and Brennan have to be considered the frontrunners right now because they are more proven commodities. Brennan's comfortability with the program makes him a very early favorite, but something tells me Daniels didn't come to Baton Rouge to sit. By the time September rolls around, I suspect Daniels to be the Day One starter.

Favorite: Daniels

Michigan Wolverines

Competing: Cade McNamara (Sr.), J.J. McCarthy (So.), Alan Bowman (Sr.)

It's not often we see a returning starter on a Playoff team in the midst of a quarterback competition, but Cade McNamara will have to hold off J.J. McCarthy to once again lead the Michigan offense. McNamara put up solid numbers across the board in a run-heavy offense, totaling 16 touchdowns and over 2,500 yards through the air. He's the type of quarterback that Jim Harbaugh has long enjoyed, a competitive, gritty signal-caller who doesn't turn the ball over and can make the occasional play with his legs. With that being said, McCarthy is a former five-star recruit who has had Wolverine fans drooling for years. While he didn't overtake McNamara to win the job a year ago, he appeared in 11 games as a true freshman and threw for five touchdowns. McCarthy might not have the intangibles of McNamara, but there's little denying his arm talent. Simply put, he can open up this offense in a way McNamara can't, but is Harbaugh willing to make a change? Harbaugh has always been a run-first, methodical offense guy but to win a National Title, he's going to need to more from the quarterback position. Whether he realizes that and is willing to make a drastic change remains to be seen. One other name to mention is Alan Bowman, who remains on the roster as a graduated senior. Bowman came from Texas Tech and offers arm strength, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy at all throughout his collegiate career. He probably won't be more than a third string in 2022, but is a name to at least keep an eye on.

Favorite: McNamara

North Carolina Tar Heels

Competing: Jacolby Criswell (So.), Drake Maye (RFr.)

North Carolina was one of the most disappointing teams in the nation last fall, and now they embark on 2022 without star QB Sam Howell. Howell wasn't quite the Heisman Trophy candidate many expected him to be in 2021, but it will still be a tall task replacing his 3,000 yards passing and 24 touchdowns. This is likely to be a two-man race in Chapel Hill, with sophomore Jacolby Criswell set to compete with redshirt freshman Drake Maye. Criswell has been in the program a year longer than Maye and started the Wofford game last season, but he's not super experienced. He offers more athleticism than Howell, but his downfield passing and grasp of the offense remains to be proven. On the other hand, Maye is a former big-name recruit who was originally committed to Alabama before flipping to UNC. He's the younger brother of former Tar Heel basketball star Luke, and has already commanded plenty of attention on campus. He appeared in four games in 2021 and didn't throw the ball much, but his long-term potential seems to give him the upper hand. With neither likely to separate themselves in the spring, I suspect this competition will last into fall camp, but Maye is the future at the position and should be the favorite.

Favorite: Maye

Oregon Ducks

Competing: Bo Nix (Jr.), Ty Thompson (RFr.), Jay Butterfield (RFr.)

Yet another head coach entering his first year at his new school, Dan Lanning will choose between Bo Nix, an experienced but underwhelming Auburn transfer, and a pair of redshirt freshmen in Ty Thompson and Jay Butterfield. Nix is an absolutely fascinating college football character; he's an Auburn legacy who made a splash by beating Oregon back in 2019, but he's had two up-and-down seasons since. He did show some real progress this past season before a rough ending to the season, but it's hard to get overly excited about a quarterback who's numbers have been nearly identical all three years he's been in school. Nix will be reunited with Kenny Dillingham, who was his former OC at Auburn, but Dillingham has never called plays at a Power Five level. The experience gives Nix an early edge, but nearly everybody around the program is hoping it's Ty Thompson time. Thompson is a decorated recruit who is the first five-star recruit to ever sign with Oregon, an impressive fact considering the amount of NFL quarterbacks who have come from Eugene in the past two decades. He was expected to push Anthony Brown last fall, but ended up with just 15 passing attempts to his credit. With a year now under his belt, he seems to have a much better chance now, but will have to still prove himself to the new staff. Then there's Jay Butterfield, often the forgotten name in this quarterback battle. Butterfield isn't the name that Nix or Thompson is, but he's a big-armed QB who had an illustrious high school career himself. My gut tells me Nix will probably start the season as the starter, considering he's more of a known commodity, but Thompson is one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in college football. We've heard rave reviews about his skill set but if he can't beat out a mediocre quarterback for the second offseason in a row, it's fair to begin wondering whether he really is the future at the position for the Ducks.

Favorite: Nix

Texas Longhorns

Competing: Hudson Card (So.), Quinn Ewers (RFr.)

Steve Sarkisian and his Texas staff have plenty of pressure on them as they embark on Year Two in Austin, but he got a huge offseason win when Quinn Ewers announced his decision to transfer from OSU to his native Texas. Ewers was previously the top player in the Class of 2022 before reclassifying late last summer. He never took a snap in Columbus, but that hasn't dampened expectations for the signal-caller. He's got a huge arm, he's slithery in the pocket, and he's quite the character, rocking a mullet that's straight out of the 1980s. Ewers seems like a perfect fit in Sarkisian's offense, but he certainly doesn't have the job locked down. Hudson Card earned the starting job out of fall camp over Casey Thompson a year ago and while he had his struggles, he still has a leg up in terms of experience and knowledge of the offense. Card might not have the dazzle of Ewers, but he's no slouch. He's got plenty of arm talent and has been generally viewed as very poised for his age. I suspect the two to battle throughout the spring and summer, but Ewers has to have the upper hand. Power brokers within the program are going to lobby Sark to make Ewers the guy, and he gives them the best chance to win from the get-go.

Favorite: Ewers

Texas A&M Aggies

Competing: Haynes King (So.), Max Johnson (Jr.), Conner Weigman (Fr.)

Zach Calzada's transfer made it clear that a new quarterback would be under center in College Station this fall, but which one? Haynes King won the starting job out of fall camp a year ago but fractured his leg in the Colorado game. He looked solid in the small amount of time we saw him before the injury, but certainly doesn't have a lock on the position as we hit spring. Former LSU starter Max Johnson hit the portal over the offseason and announced he was heading to A&M, teaming up with his younger brother Jake, a tight end on the team. Johnson immediately becomes the most experienced QB on the roster, appearing in 18 games over the last two seasons for the Tigers. He put up decent numbers across the board in an offense that was extremely one-dimensional, but will likely need time to acclimate to his new home and Jimbo Fisher's complex offense. In addition to him, A&M also brought in a big-name freshman in Conner Weigman, a five-star prospect who is one of the most hyped recruits in A&M history. Naturally, Jimbo is extremely high on the newcomer, labeling him the "best guy in the country" on National Signing Day in December. It's high praise, but I'd be shocked if a freshman were able to come in and beat out two more experienced, rock-solid quarterbacks, even one of Weigman's stature. My guess is that King will start out as the favorite because of his familiarity with the offense, but don't be surprised if Johnson or Weigman are able to close the gap quickly, especially if the offense starts the season slow.

NCAA Basketball National Championship Prediction 2022

 

Caleb Love, UNC

The 2022 NCAA Basketball Tournament concludes with a battle of blue bloods, both with unique journeys to the final game. Kansas took some lumps during the regular season but is playing their best basketball of the season, fresh off a tremendous showing against Villanova in the Final Four. They're looking to win Bill Self his second National Title in Lawrence, and first since 2008. On the other side, North Carolina had a rollercoaster of a season but has also put it together at the right time. First-year head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels spoiled Coach K's retirement and are looking to bring another Title to Chapel Hill. 

The Jayhawks have excellent roster balance, with playmakers and scorers at nearly every spot. Ochai Agbaji is the headliner as the Big 12 Player of the Year and has followed it up with a great March. Self is superb at getting Agbaji the ball in creative sets, but he's also grown as a shot creator himself. Alongside Agbaji in the backcourt is Remy Martin and Christian Braun. Martin has been playing the best basketball of his career, but needs to regain his rhythm after scoring just three points against Villanova. The Jayhawks don't need him to put up big numbers to win, but he can't turn the ball over the way he has at times in the past. Braun has found himself as a nice complementary scorer and his growth as a defender isn't talked about enough. He's going to play a particularly large role containing UNC's explosive guards. Up front, Kansas features Jalen Wilson and David McCormack, giving them enough size to contend with Armando Bacot. McCormack is a throwback big man who had 25 points against Villanova, but he has to stay out of foul trouble. Both Mark Williams and Theo John got in foul trouble quick against Bacot and the Tar Heels in the semifinal, so keeping McCormack on the floor will be of utmost importance for Self and the Jayhawks. It's an offense with plenty of weapons, but how they fare on the defensive end may determine whether they're able to come away as National Champs. Duke put up plenty of points, but they couldn't hang with UNC the other way; whether KU fares better defensively remains to be seen.

After a frustrating season, UNC is playing with a lot of confidence and poise. They've responded on the sport's largest stage for a number of reasons. For one, Davis seems to be coming into his own as a head coach after serving as a longtime assistant. Even more important has been the growth of the guards, Caleb Love, R.J. Davis, and Leaky Black. The trio had was inconsistent all season but have been the team's top playmakers in the Big Dance. Love in particular has been the real leader for the team and has proven he can hit the big shots. After going for 30 against UCLA in the Sweet 16, he went for 28 against Duke and sunk the program's primary foe. In addition to the guards, Bacot and former Oklahoma transfer Brady Manek have been excellent. Bacot is a double-double machine who outclassed both of Duke's bigs and has an NBA future. He's somewhat limited of what he can do offensively, but I don't have any doubt that he can match up well against McCormack. Manek is a tough cover who tortured Kansas for years while playing in the Big 12. Despite having the size to bang down low, Manek is a great shooter who moves very well without the ball. You would think Kansas will use Jalen Wilson to cover him most of the time, but it's going to be a tough 40 minutes. He's become one of the sport's biggest names with his play during March and is looking to end his impressive collegiate career with a National Title. What's even more amazing about this Tar Heel team is that they're playing so well without one of their top players, former Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia. Garcia has been away from the program for months now and with all due respect to him, that's allowed the other guards to really shine through. It's allowed guys like Puff Johnson to see minutes, a guy who could be a breakout candidate next winter.

I've said for years that Kansas is due another National Title, and they were my runner-up pick prior to the Tournament. Self is too good of a coach and the program has been too good for too long not to add another trophy to their collection. They run into an absolute buzz saw in UNC, but if they can play the way they did against Villanova, they still have a chance to win. With all that being said, this is starting to feel like North Carolina's year. They've handled every team they've seen this March Madness and have the type of roster that can overwhelm opponents. Kansas is a great basketball team but with the way the Heels are playing, I'm thinking they're the smarter selection.

North Carolina by five