The 2022 NFL Draft is just a few days away, and the rumors are building up. Every year there is at least one surprise pick in the first round. Last year the New Orleans Saints used the 28th overall pick on Payton Turner. Many thought Turner was a mid-to-late second-round prospect. In 2020, the Seattle Seahawks used the 27th overall pick on Jordyn Brooks, while the Kansas City Chiefs used the 32nd pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire with Jonathan Taylor still available. So who could be the unexpected first-round pick this year?
This year’s draft class has four sure-fire first-round offensive tackles: Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Charles Cross, and Trevor Penning. After that, Smith could be the fifth offensive tackle drafted. Smith is one of the youngest players in the draft class, turning 21-years-old this month. While he struggled with penalties last year at Tulsa, many believe Smith can start as a rookie. Smith will immediately impact the running game as multiple scouts have labeled him a “mauler.” He could start his career at guard before kicking back out to left tackle in a year or two. Three potential landing spots for Smith are the Dallas Cowboys (24th), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th), and Cincinnati Bengals (31st).
Likelihood: 65%
Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE – Penn State)
Everyone knows quarterbacks get pushed up draft boards the closer we get to the draft. However, the same rule applies to edge rushers. To win in today’s NFL, you must get pressure on the opposing quarterback. Ebiketie has risen up draft boards the past few weeks. Teams looking for an edge rusher in the late first round will have their eyes on Ebiketie. He has impressive speed, burst, and twitch off the edge. Furthermore, Ebiketie has explosive testing numbers with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 128-inch broad jump, both ranking in the 91st percentile or higher. Three potential landing spots for Ebiketie are the Arizona Cardinals (23rd), Green Bay Packers (28th), and Kansas City Chiefs (29th/30th).
Likelihood: 60%
While running backs have become easier to replace, it hasn’t stopped NFL teams from spending first-round picks on them. Last year there were two first-round running backs in Najee Harris (24th overall) and Travis Etienne (25th). Furthermore, at least one running back has gotten picked in the first round in the past seven drafts. The last time there wasn’t a first-round running back was nearly a decade ago, in 2014. Hall has three-down ability and is the top running back this year for most teams. He has excellent burst and speed, while his home run ability is the best in the draft class. Three potential landing spots for Hall are the Cardinals (23rd), Buffalo Bills (25th), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th).
Likelihood: 55%
Georgia’s Jordan Davis is the top defensive lineman in the draft and a possible top 10 pick. However, he has overshadowed the rest of the defensive line class. Jones has worked his way up draft boards over the past month and could become the first UConn player selected in the first round since Byron Jones in 2015. After dealing with weight issues early in his college career, Jones weighed in at 325 pounds at the combine. While his best fit is as a 1-technique or a nose tackle playing against the run, Jones is capable of getting upfield and putting pressure on the quarterback. Three potential landing spots for Jones are the Tennessee Titans (26th), Packers (28th), and Kansas City Chiefs (29th/30th).
Likelihood: 50%
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
