The last few NFL draft classes have spoiled us at wide receiver, both in terms of blue-chip talent at the top of the group, as well as overall depth into the middle and later rounds.
Will that be the case next year?
The latest 2022 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network gives us a glimpse into the potential of next year’s crop of top pass-catchers, projecting five wide receivers among the top-32 picks, including a pair of top-10 selections.
Both of the top-10 picks in this projection hail from Ohio State, with Garrett Wilson going No. 7 overall to the New York Giants, and Chris Olave landing with the Carolina Panthers at No. 9 overall.
The next receiver doesn’t come off the board until No. 20 overall, where the New Orleans Saints opt for Arkansas’ Treylon Burks. Alabama’s John Metchie III heads to the Cleveland Browns at No. 26 overall, while USC’s Drake London closes out the first round at No. 32 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Even with five receivers projected in the first round in this mock, there are plenty of talented pass-catchers left on the board for Day 2, including a pair of top prospects hoping to bounce back from serious injuries (Georgia’s George Pickens, Clemson’s Justyn Ross). Purdue’s David Bell, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, Boston College’s Zay Flowers and SMU’s Reggie Roberson Jr. could all make a push for the first round with strong performances this fall.
To check out the full first-round projection for next year’s draft at Pro Football Network, click here.
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