College football season just a few weeks away, which means various analysts are already taking an early look at how this year’s top prospects could fit into next year’s draft class.
The latest 2022 NFL mock draft comes from Joe Marino at The Draft Network, and his projection is noticeably lean when it comes to putting this year’s top quarterback prospects in the first round.
While Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler takes the No. 1 overall spot (Houston Texans), the next quarterback doesn’t come off the board until No. 10 overall (North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Atlanta Falcons), followed by Matt Corral from Ole Miss (No. 12 overall, Washington Football Team).
That’s it for the quarterbacks, as Marino’s mock has the likes of Liberty’s Malik Willis, Nevada’s Carson Strong, USC’s Kedon Slovis, Georgia’s JT Daniels and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder all waiting until Day 2 to hear their names called.
Another surprise in this mock comes in the top five, where Oregon edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux is not the first defensive player off the board. That title goes to LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who goes No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, while Thibodeaux lands with the Detroit Lions at No. 3 overall.
To check out Marino’s full first-round projection at The Draft Network, click here.
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