Leading OFF
Eight players for whom teams could trade up with early picks
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, 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 draft 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 Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who has expressed a preference for a mobile quarterback to succeed Ben Roethlisberger, and retiring GM Kevin Colbert might get if they have indeed identified Willis as their guy.
The next quarterback off the board
For the purposes of this exercise, let’s assume Willis is the first QB selected. If he might range from a home-run selection to a strikeout, Pitt’s Kenny Pickett is probably somewhere between a double and a walk. Probably the most pro-ready of any of this year’s incoming quarterbacks, last year’s thirdplace finisher for the Heisman Trophy could provide something akin to what Mac Jones did for the Patriots in 2021 – helping to keep the bus on course if not necessarily driving it. 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, if not perceived as finished products.
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 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). The Falcons and New York Jets (Nos. 4, 10) could be possible landing spots in the top 10. However it’s worth wondering if the Kansas City Chiefs, who traded Hill, or the Green Bay Packers, who traded Adams, might make a play for Williams given each team has a pair of picks in both Rounds 1 and 2.
Ohio State WR Chris Olave
Though Williams is a bit of a wild card, he seems at least destined for the top half of Round 1, likely along with the Buckeyes’ Garrett Wilson and Southern Cal’s Drake London. But if climbing into the top 10 or 12 spots proves too pricey for teams like the Chiefs, Packers or Saints, targeting Olave – he has 4.39 speed and averaged 80 receiving yards and a TD over the past three seasons – in the middle of Round 1 might be more palatable given he seems like a relatively finished product with few of the questions posed by other wideouts likely to be available later in the round.
Alabama OL Evan Neal
Given the momentum pushing players like Willis, Williams and Georgia DL Travon Walker up the board – and likelihood North Carolina State LT Ickey Ekwonu will be the first O-lineman chosen – Neal might find himself slide as a result. 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
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 – and likely appreciated given most of the edge types down the board don’t feature this combination of size, athleticism and production against top-shelf competition. The pro day Achilles injury suffered by Michigan’s David Ojabo further depletes the supply side and could work in Johnson’s favor.
LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.
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 potential top-five stock earlier this month with a strong pro day in Baton Rouge that included a sub-4.4 40 time. Given his tantalizing talent and NFL pedigree – his grandfather, Darryl Stingley, was a firstround wideout for the Patriots in 1973 – Stingley Jr. will almost surely tempt teams in a league where you can never have enough corners ... especially if he slips outside the top 10.
Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
His unicorn-level abilities – a bruising hitter who can shut down running backs but with the range to patrol the deep half and coverage ability to mirror tight ends and bigger receivers – distinguish him even at a position that rarely commands a high level of draft investment. If Hamilton gets past, say, the Jets at No. 10, it could be open season for teams looking for such a versatile defender – especially when it seems positional distinctions are becoming less important in the NFL.
From retired at 20 to chasing NFL: a draft prospect’s unique journey, Pages 16-17.