Prospects who could prompt trade
The NFL'S “offseason” is starting to more closely resemble the NBA'S – not so much shaped purely by free agency or the draft as much as the mega trades that tend to encompass both player acquisition avenues.
While several players signed significant deals with new teams – notably OLB Von Miller (Bills), CB J.C. Jackson (Chargers), OLB Chandler Jones (Raiders) and LT Terron Armstead (Dolphins) – the headlines were dominated by those who were dealt, whether by salary cap constraints or other circumstances. No surprise that quarterbacks Russell Wilson (Broncos) or Deshaun Watson (Browns) switched teams, it was just a question of where and when.
But the reaction was seismic when stars like Davante Adams (Raiders) and Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) were unexpectedly moved.
All of the aforementioned commanded serious draft capital in exchange, begging further questions: How will it be spent, and which soon-to-be rookies might necessitate further wheeling and dealing at the nexus of next week's “Player Selection Meeting” and the trade market?
Here are nine who have the potential to shake things up in the early rounds:
● Liberty QB Malik Willis: His final destination will be one of the more closely monitored storylines of Round 1. Willis probably has a higher ceiling than any passer in this draft, however the potential depth of his floor – mechanics and accuracy? level of competition? – explains why he's not a surefire top-10 pick.
Still, the Auburn transfer's dual-threat ability by virtue of a howitzer arm and sturdy legs – he owns a Football Bowl Subdivision-high 74 combined TDS (pass/rush) since 2020 – plus widely
praised character are massive selling points to teams with a need under center.
It's certainly possible Willis hears his name called by a team already in the top 10 ... or by one motivated to leapfrog the Carolina Panthers (No. 6), Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) or Seattle Seahawks (No. 9).
He's been widely linked to the Steelers, but it's hard to believe Willis will fall to them at No. 20. Be interesting to see how aggressive coach Pittsburgh Mike Tomlin, who's expressed a preference for a mobile quarterback to succeed Ben Roethlisberger, and retiring GM Kevin Colbert might get – especially since bold draft moves cut against the organization's historical approach – if they have indeed identified Willis as their guy.
● The next quarterback off the board: Admittedly, no guarantee Willis will be the initial passer selected – though some projections do have him going as high as No. 2 to the Detroit Lions. But for the purposes of this exercise, let's assume he's first.
But which quarterback is most likely to be targeted after Willis?
If Willis might range from a home run selection to a strikeout, Pitt's Kenny Pickett is probably somewhere between a double and a walk.
Yet it's totally conceivable the second team to enlist a quarterback will prefer Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder, Ole Miss' Matt Corral or possibly even North Carolina's Sam Howell – all of them superior athletes to Pickett (and with larger hands), if not perceived as finished products. Given how polarizing the discussions around these players – Willis included – is, it seems very probable at least one general manager will get proactive in order to secure his preferred guy.
● Alabama WR Jameson Williams: Had he not torn an ACL in the national championship game against Georgia, Williams might be a lock as a top-five selection and almost surely the first receiver selected.
Yet despite his physical setback, buzz is again building around Williams, whose impact might approach Hill's once he's fully healed given his game-breaking speed and production (106 yards and a
TD per game for the Crimson Tide in 2021 to go along with 19.9 yards per catch).
● Ohio State WR Chris Olave: Though the 2022 draft seems replete with capable receivers, Olave might represent the bottom of the top tier.
Olave has 4.39 speed and averaged 80 receiving yards and a TD over the past three seasons in Columbus.
● Alabama OL Evan Neal: He didn't do much at the scouting combine or the Tide's pro day and is no longer mentioned with much frequency as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
Still, 6-8, 337-pound consensus Allamerican blockers don't grow on trees – particularly ones with extensive SEC experience at left tackle, right tackle and guard.
● Florida State OLB/DE Jermaine Johnson II: He could find himself in a similar situation as Olave – a blue-chipper at his position but one unlikely to be picked before Walker or fellow pass rushers Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan) or Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon).
After transferring from Georgia in 2021, Johnson was freed to showcase his abilities for the Seminoles, finishing last season with 111⁄2 sacks and 171⁄2 tackles for losses.
Running a 4.58-second 40 at 6-5, 262 pounds will also get you noticed.
● LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.: Had he been eligible for the draft following his 2019 freshman season, when the Tigers won the national championship and Stingley earned All-american recognition, then he might well have been a topfive pick. But foot and ankle issues, plus atypically bad LSU football the past two years, have hurt him literally and figuratively.
Yet Stingley may have re-established his stock earlier this month with a strong pro day in Baton Rouge that included a sub-4.4 40 time.