Potential 2022 NFL Draft Prospects
October 8, 2021 · Luke Windsor
Potential 2022 NFL Draft Prospects
The NFL Draft is a huge day in the football calendar; franchises have the chance to scoop up the brightest young talent in the country, and these selections can make or break teams for years to come.
Trevor Lawrence was the overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 but, so far, has not set the world alight with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That being said, he has shown glimpses of the once-in-a-generation brilliance that made him such a star at the collegiate level, particularly in their recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
That is to say; draft picks can have a huge impact on teams. So much so that those who bet on the NFL also sometimes bet on new draft picks with major betting suppliers.
So, which names are likely to be in the mix at the top of the 2022 Draft? While there’s still a ways to go before those picks are officially made, there is plenty of evidence to already look at, with some players making strong claims to be the top pick.
LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is one such name. A born playmaker, he seems to have the perfect blend of size and speed to win skirmishes up and down the gridiron. His position isn’t one of the more popular ones for the draft but Stingley has displayed the sort of explosive talent that will make him a key target for many teams.
One player who is in an attractive position is Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. The 215-pounder has risen to prominence relatively quickly with an impactful style and bags of athletic ability.
He’s got a cannon in either hand, and this season has frequently been able to launch the ball with frightening velocity. Opposing teams have also visibly struggled to contain him once he’s started running as he evades defenders with apparent ease but also drops his shoulder and fends them off when required.
He’s made a couple of fumbles this season but his performances have been a far cry from the inconsistencies that plagued him last season. If he maintains this level of quality, he will likely be at or near the top of the 2022 draft.
Wide receiver Chris Olave made the surprise move to return to Ohio State for his senior college year but, so far, it seems to have been a smart one. He had an excellent first game, scoring two touchdowns and totalling 117 receiving yards, proving why he is considered one of the best deep threats in the country.
He is rapid with the ball in his hand and, with an abundance of experience and skill, could well be the top draft pick for his position in 2022. He’s struggled somewhat with service from his teammates in a few games but he’s also proven how much of an impact he can have on a game.
Michigan edge Aidan Hutchinson is another draft prospect to look out for. At 6’6’’ and 265lbs, Hutchinson uses his enormous frame to sack players at will, but he is also surprisingly quick on his feet.
This season he’s already displayed an ability to produce sacks and disrupt opponent’s plays from a variety of scenarios, whether he has to explode off the snap or chop down runners to create one-on-one situations, which he rarely loses.
One of the most impressive changes in fortune from a draft prospect has come from Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. Last season, he couldn’t produce the sort of consistency that would mark him out from the rest of the pack in his position, with the likes of Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell entering this season with more hype.
However, in just a few games he has made almost no mistakes and turned in star-making performances for his team. In their opener against Louisville, Corral completed 22 of 32 passes and scored both rushing and passing touchdowns.
Kayvon Thibodeaux – edge for Oregon – has been another standout prospect that looks set to be picked up early in the 2022 draft, though a recent ankle injury has sidelined him for a few games.
He’s an elite-level tackler and has changed numerous games he’s played in with quick decision-making and breathless athleticism. Teams like the New York Jets who desperately need to bolster their defense will be keeping a close eye on Thibodeaux when the draft rolls around in the first half of next year.
Ultimately, it is still very early days when it comes to predicting the top draft picks next year, but there are a few clear standouts who have shown obvious talent and skill that transcends any run of form.
That being said, the field is constantly shifting as games are played week-in-week-out, with some players suffering bouts of subpar performances while others surpass expectations and shake up the potential pick order.
The likes of Stingley, Hutchinson and Olave have all had an excellent start to the season and, as things stand, remain some of the most exciting prospects in the country. However, that could all change by draft day next year – that’s what makes it so exciting.
