Thought we were done with mock drafts, huh?
Draft analysts never sleep, and neither does the hype for next year’s draft class. In ESPN analyst Todd McShay’s case, he may have given Auburn fans something to look forward to in his latest 2023 prediction mock (subscription required). McShay has Auburn defensive end [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] going in the first round to the Indianapolis Colts, who he predicts will hold the 18th pick.
Here is what McShay had to say about the Auburn prospect:
“Hall broke out in 2021, recording nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his first season as a full-time starter. Will he take another step in 2022? The Colts are coming off a 33-sack season, and while they traded for Yannick Ngakoue and should see more from Kwity Paye in his second year, you can never have enough productive pass rushers.”
If Hall steps up in 2022 like McShay would like him to, he would certainly give a lot of help to Auburn’s defense. The unit remains unproven after the departures of Roger McCreary, Smoke Monday and Zakoby McClain, and a dominant edge rusher would do a lot to alleviate the pressure off of a young and developing secondary. Nonetheless, Auburn may not be a great team next year with questions on both offense and defense, and so Hall may have to make a particular impression on the defensive side of the ball to boost his stock.
The Tigers will begin their season on Sept. 3 when they play the Mercer Bears at home.
[listicle id=46880]