The 2022 NFL Draft is just a few days away, and the rumors are building up. Every year at least one projected first-round prospect slides into Day 2. Last year, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah fell to the mid-second round, going 52nd overall to the Cleveland Browns. Many thought Owusu-Koramoah was a mid-first-round prospect. In 2020, the Indianapolis Colts traded up to the 41st pick to select Jonathan Taylor. During the pre-draft process, many viewed Taylor as the top running back in the class. However, he was the third running back picked behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire (32nd overall) and D’Andre Swift (35th). Which first-round prospect could fall out of the first round this year?
Nakobe Dean (LB – Georgia)
The knock against Dean is his size, measuring at 5’11” and 229 pounds at the combine. He also had an under 32-inch arm length and a 76-inch wingspan. All of his measurements fell in the bottom third percentile of linebackers. He also was limited during the pre-draft process because of a pec strain. According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, some teams have Dean’s teammate, Quay Walker, ahead of him on their draft boards. Unfortunately, it appears the NFL hasn’t learned from their mistake last year with Owusu-Koramoah. Both linebackers had their grade impacted by their size. However, Dean should make an immediate impact as a rookie, just like Owusu-Koramoah. The floor for Dean is the Washington Commanders at pick 47.
Likelihood: 70%
Tyler Linderbaum (iOL – Iowa)
There are two reasons why Linderbaum could slide out of the first round. The first issue is his size. He measured in the bottom five percentile among offensive linemen in weight at 296 pounds and arm length at just over 31 inches. Some teams are worried he doesn’t have the size or length to hold up at center in the NFL. The second issue is the lack of center-needy teams. The Baltimore Ravens at pick 14 need a center, but they prefer bigger and heaver offensive linemen. After that, there isn’t a clear landing spot for Linderbaum in the first round. However, he shouldn’t make it past the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first pick on Day 2.
Likelihood: 50%
Matt Corral (QB – Ole Miss)
Unfortunately, Corral suffered an ankle injury early in the Sugar Bowl and couldn’t partake in the Senior Bowl or drills at the combine. While he is fully healthy and ready for rookie minicamp next month, Corral easily could slide out of the first round. Many believe Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and Desmond Ridder will be the first three quarterbacks drafted. With several teams no longer needing a quarterback, Corral could slide. However, his saving grace is potentially a team trading into the late first round for him. Teams will want the fifth-year option on his rookie deal as it can make a massive difference down the road. Corral won’t make it past the Seattle Seahawks with the 40th and 41st picks if he slides out of the first round.
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.
