The 2021 college football season is underway, so here's a look at the way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft.
Rattler had big shoes to fill as Oklahoma's starter last season and struggled at times. Still, he had over 3,000 yards passing in 11 games, showing off his multi-dimensional ability. He has first-round talent if he could put it all together this year, and the Texans will more than likely be in the market for the position with Deshaun Watson's off-field issues and previous desire to move on from Houston.
Thibodeaux had 12 sacks over the last two seasons for the Ducks, showing constant flashes of dominance. Detroit spent big money on Trey Flowers in 2019, but he won't keep them out of the market for another elite pass rusher.
Stingley had an incredible freshman season with six picks before regressing last year, but he remains the top corner prospect in the 2022 class. The Jets desperately need to fix their secondary, and Stingley would be a great start.
A huge safety at 6-foot-4, Hamilton has had two very productive seasons at Notre Dame. He's been a huge playmaker with five picks in 24 games. He would fill a need in the secondary for the Jags.
Florida has done well producing cornerback prospects in recent seasons, with Elam potentially next in line. A big cover corner at 6-foot-2, he has four picks over his first two seasons. Philly has Darius Slay long term, but need help elsewhere in the secondary.
Neal is a massive prospect who has started at both guard and tackle. He should be considered one of the top offensive line prospects in next year's draft, and fill a major need for Cincy after they bypassed Penei Sewell in this year's draft.
Howell is slightly undersized but has been an impressive playmaker in two seasons at UNC with a strong arm and great mobility. His game resembles that of Baker Mayfield, and Atlanta could look to move on from Matt Ryan soon as they rebuild their roster.
Willis transferred from Auburn to Liberty last year to find playing time, and he made good on the hype as a dynamic star with over 2,000 yards passing and 944 yards rushing in 10 games. With better passing accuracy, he could shoot up even higher on draft boards next year. Daniel Jones enters a make-or-break third season with the Giants, and a poor showing could put them in the market for another quarterback.
The Giants have a young, unsettled offensive line, especially on the interior. If they continue to struggle this season, Green is a potential plug-and-play as a 6-foot-4 guard.
The Raiders seemingly try to address the defensive line year after year, but have yet to find answers. They hope Yannick Ngakoue helps this season, but next year's draft offers more. Leal has been highly productive on the interior in his first two seasons for the Aggies.
The Panthers have potential defensive line building blocks with former first rounders Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, but next year's draft is deep in defensive line talent. Karlaftis had his season cut short in 2020 due to COVID-19, but recorded 7.5 sacks in his freshman year in 2019.
The Broncos apparently struck out when they drafted Drew Lock in 2019, and Teddy Bridgewater has limited upside. Corral completed nearly 71% of his passes for the Rebels last season and also flashes very good mobility, potentially giving the Broncos a quarterback to build around.
Strong was one of the most accurate passers in the country last season, completing over 70% of his passes in his sophomore season. A strong pocket passer, he could see his draft stock skyrocket this year. Ryan Fitzpatrick is an improvement for Washington this season, but he's also nearing age 40.
Banks is a top recruit who is set to become a starter for the Buckeyes in 2021. He follows in the footsteps of several impressive draftees and could put his name in first-round consideration with a big year. Arizona brought in Malcolm Butler in the offseason, but cornerback remains an issue.
Harris has been highly productive in two seasons for the Crimson Tide, totaling 140 tackles. An excellent athlete, he looks like a strong first-round prospect. Minnesota drafted Chazz Surratt in the third round this year, but Harris has a chance to be a game changer and long-term replacement for Anthony Barr.
Cross started 10 games for the Bulldogs in his redshirt freshman season. If he repeats last season's strong results, Cross has a chance to crack the first round. Pittsburgh enters the 2021 season with an offensive line in shambles after several losses in the offseason.
Olave surprised some when he opted to return to school in 2021. He's produced big numbers over the last two years, including 19 touchdowns, and has the speed to shoot up draft boards after this season. New Orleans has a major need at wideout, especially with Michael Thomas' injury issues and run-ins with the coaching staff.
New England was able to bring back star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but that marriage could be on its last legs. McDuffie has been a standout for the Huskies and could garner first round consideration next season.
Philadelphia's front office has long emphasized the defensive line, and could be looking for a long-term Fletcher Cox replacement. Jackson has strong interior rush skills with 7.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
Mike Williams enters a contract year, and the Chargers might opt to replace him in the draft next year. Wilson had a breakout 2020 season with 723 yards and six scores and has also contributed as a returner.
Robert Saleh could be enticed enough by the cornerback depth in next year's draft to address the position twice. Green has a chance to help his draft stock with more snaps this year for the Longhorns.
The Titans don't have a great replacement for Jonnu Smith, but that could come next year. Wydermyer has been highly productive as a receiver in two seasons for the Aggies, totals 78 catches for 953 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jerry Jones has long been obsessed with high upside pass rushers, and Anderson has that potential. He recorded 5.5 sacks in nine games for the Bulldogs in 2020.
Hutchinson missed much of last season due to a leg injury but has a chance to help his draft stock in 2021. The Browns revamped their defensive line this offseason, but Myles Garrett is their only clear long-term player on the line.
Nelson has started his first two seasons at left tackle and shows dominant potential. Former first-round pick Andre Dillard has yet to prove himself as a starter, and could ride the bench this season.
Harrison is rapidly gaining playing time in Columbus and has recorded 5.5 sacks in his last two seasons. With a breakout 2021 season, he could be an early first-rounder. A big-time pass rusher is always a need.
Interceptions have been an issue for Slovis in two years as a starter for the Trojans, but the former top recruit has top pocket passer talent. Jared Goff enters what could be a make-or-break season considering his recent struggles with the Rams.
Mitch Morse has been a quality center for Buffalo, but he's also struggled with injury issues. The Bills could save money by moving on after this season, and Linderbaum is a solid potential replacement.
Green Bay is holding its offensive line together with duct tape after significant losses in the last two offseasons. A mauling lineman for the Wolfpack, Ekonu has experience at guard and tackle.
The Ravens traded Orlando Brown Jr. in the offseason and have Alejandro Villanueva as a stopgap. Walker would be a better fit for the team's offense in the running game, and has been a standout at Penn State.
Tampa Bay can't keep the band together forever. Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown are potential free agents after this season, and Burks is a potential replacement. He had a strong 2020 season with 820 yards and seven touchdowns, and has ample size at 6-foot-3.
Frank Clark's off-field issues could be a potential issue, and his play was already falling off last year. Enagbare has big potential, and recorded six sacks in eight games for the Gamecocks last season.
Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications
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