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The NFL playoffs are almost here with two weeks left in the regular season. While some teams are looking forward to playing in the tournament toward Super Bowl 56, more teams' next big event is the 2022 draft. At the same time, major college football is near the end of bowl season and set to play its much-anticipated latestfour-team playoff.Withthe some prominent prospects rising to the occasion and in flux, that fine intersection of pro future and college presentmakes it a great time for a new Sporting News first-round mock. There's no doubt the big shakeup in how teams are picking in the top 18 have ripple effects for every pick through 32:BIG BOARD: 1. Jacksonville JaguarsAidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (6-6, 265 pounds)The Jaguars will think about offensive line especially if left tackle Cam Robinson doesn't return as a free agent, but now that wholesale changes are on the way, it's hard to pa s on a cornerstone defensive disruptor. Hutchinson plays with great energy and power and is still developing his strong pa James Harden Jersey s-rush moves. He's ideal for a 4-3 end, so his availability might push Jacksonville toward that kind of scheme minus Urban Meyer.2. Detroit LionsKayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon(6-5, 258 pounds)The Lions might be tempted should Hutchinson be available given the local angle, but they should be thrilled to get Thibodeaux at No, 2, too.Thibodeaux, on top of the being the more athletic anddisruptive pa s rusher overall, is more versatile to thrive in Aaron Glenn's front seven.3. Houston Texans Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (6-7, 350 pounds)The Texans should be thinking more about rookie third-rounder Davis Mills as a potential franchise QB to replace Deshaun Watson given his steady development in showing a strong arm and accuracy down the stretch. That should prompt them to try to move fading and now injured left tackleLaremy Tunsil to create some major space for their rebuild. Neal would be a young upgrade to dominate as a pa s protector and run blocker for a decade.MORE:4. New York Jets Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame(6-4, 220 pounds)The Jets have needed to replace Jamal Adams and they canlanda more dynamic playmaker who does a lot more than rush the pa ser. Hamilton makes a lot of sense as an intelligent all-around force to clean up for defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh, replacing a big me s at the position.5. New York GiantsGeorge Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue (6-4, 275 pounds)The Giants always get on the right track franchise-wise when they can get to the quarterback well from the perimeter, which is a current big need in their defense.Karlaftis po se ses elite athleticism for his size and is still tapping into his immense pa s-rush potential.6. New York Jets(from Seahawks) Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU (6-1, 195 pounds)The Jets have gotten some goodcornerback play in the first year Saleh's defense, but in a zone scheme that connectsto Seattle's "Legion of Boom,"they need more effective playmaking. Stingley is a do-everything impact defensive back who can cover a lot of ground and different types of receivers. Hamilton and Stingley would be a strong 1-2 punchto upgrade the pa s defense. 7. Carolina PanthersMatt Corral, QB, Ole Mi s (6-0, 200 pounds)The Panthers will be under pre sure to think about upgrading their awful offensive tackle situation, but they also cannot ignore QB early again with that Sam Darnold-Cam Newton me s replacing the Teddy Bridgewater burned bridge. Corralis a dynamic athlete and confident runner who also shows aggre sivene s with a big arm. He has quickly refined his raw skills under Lane Kiffin.8. New York Giants (from Bears)Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (6-3, 290 pounds)The Giants would be smart to also target acan't-mi s offensive lineman in the first round. Linderbaum, an intelligent rock of an interior blocker and a perfect long-term line leader,would be a great fit, too, as a major upgrade from Billy Price.9. Washington Football TeamMalik Willis, QB, Liberty (6-1, 215 pounds)Washington alsoneeds to stop me sing around with going down the bridge route and should know by now Taylor Heinicke isn't a long-term answer. Willis has a cannon for an arm and great speed. He should have the potential to make scouting jaws drop at the position and make them le s concerned about his small-school status given his awesome play so far.MORE:10. Atlanta FalconsDeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M (6-4, 290 pounds)Leal isa versatile disruptor who can thrive lining up outsidein Dean Pees' three-man front flanking Grady Jarrett. He's shown off his interior pa s-rushing skills with 8.5 sacks but he also is a stout run stopper.11. Denver BroncosKenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (6-3, 220 pounds)The Broncos need to target another franchise QB with shrewd GM George Paton to clean up the Bridgewater-Drew Lock me s. Pickett has surged into first-round consideration with other big-name QBs fading thanks to outstanding play, whichmadethe Panthers a formidable ranked offensive-minded powerin the ACC. He has natural deep-ball accuracy and football intelligence. He also has that underratedJoe Burrow-likeswagger.12. Minnesota VikingsDevin Lloyd, LB, Utah (6-3, 235 pounds)The Vikings will need to addre s the second level for Mike Zimmer with oft-injured aging Anthony Barr heading into free agency along with Nick Vigil.Lloyd is a strong rangy athlete who stands out making plays, with smarts and good instincts made for their zone scheme. 13. New Orleans SaintsChris Olave, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 189 pounds)The Saints need to addre s wideout with Michael Thomas' future clouded by injury and discontent, so it's nice they can go back to Ohio State, this time in the first round instead. Olave has great speed, quickne s and burst to emerge as their new No. 1 for whoever's the quarterback.14. Cleveland BrownsDavid Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan (6-5, 250 pounds)Myles Garrett rocks, but the Browns only signed oft-injured and faded Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal and he's set to become a 29-year-old free agent. Ojabo would give them aflashy freakish player to pair nicely with Garrettafter his speed, explosivene s and energy added up to his big rise behind his end-mate Hutchinson.15.Pittsburgh Steelers Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (6-4, 215 pounds)The Steelers may make a move up to ensure getting Pickett, who's the ideal succe sor for Ben Roethlisberger in terms of fitting Matt Canada's offense. But this is a fine fallback plan for GM Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin. Ridder hasbeen a great, tough leader for the Bearcats, also showing he's a natural dual threat for the NFL with his strong arm and running skills.MORE:16. Los Angeles ChargersIkem Ekwonu, G, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds)The Chargers need to keep working on upgrading their line, this time focusing on right guard next to center Corey Linsley and left guard Matt Feiler. Ekwonu is a strong, powerful run blocker with the nasty streak needed to dominate at times.17. Las Vegas RaidersGarrett Wilson,WR, Ohio State (6-0, 188 pounds)The Raiders need a reliable all-around receiver for Derek Carr instead of more limited deep threats. Wilson is a natural technicianwith his smarts, quickne s, route-running and hands. He also is dangerous in making big plays after the catch.18.Baltimore RavensKaiirElam, CB, Florida (6-2, 196 pounds)The Ravens are ending the season as an injury-riddled me s at cornerback and need a jolt of rejuvenation in coverage to boost their blitzing scheme. Elam's physical strength and length stand out.He is also very efficient in coverage because of his a Spencer Dinwiddie Jersey |
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发表于 2026-3-27 10:44:38
