4 issues we discovered from Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s ultimate NFL Mock Drafts

Everyone seems to be releasing their ultimate 2022 NFL Mock Drafts, and that features Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. The duo have launched their very own particular person concepts of what the draft will seem like, one the place they mixed forces, and now they’re again to their ultimate appears to be like on the draft for the final time earlier than names are referred to as.

There are a number of similarities. Each factor Travon Walker goes No. 1 total, from there Aidan Hutchinson is a simple choose for the Lions — then we get some main divergence. Right here’s what stands out from these two mock drafts.

No. 1: The highest cornerback has everybody baffled

Kiper has Sauce Gardner at No. 4. McShay has Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3. What occurs is anybody’s guess. Stingley was the lock for a lot of the pre-draft course of, however was overtaken by Sauce following the mix has by no means actually gained it again.

Nonetheless, within the final 48-72 hours there have been whispers that the Texans want Stingley, and he’d be their selection between the 2. This has had a knock on impact and it appears everyone seems to be downgrading Sauce now. We’ll know tonight if this was smokescreen.

No. 2: Jermaine Johnson II has flown up boards

It wasn’t way back that you simply’d wrestle to search out Johnson II within the first spherical of anybody’s mock, now he’s being mentioned as a Prime 10 choose. Kiper has the Florida State go rusher at No. 7 to the Giants, McShay has him No. 9 to the Seahawks. It’s been a wild rise.

It’s attention-grabbing as a result of in relation to go rusher Johnson is the most secure mixture of manufacturing and upside outdoors of Aidan Hutchinson. That’s what I believe persons are catching to this point, and why he’s risen thus far up the boards.

No. 3: Charles Cross has jumped Evan Neal

There’s a consensus that Ikem Ekwonu is the perfect offensive sort out on this class, however after that it’s an actual tossup. Neal as soon as had No. 1 total choose potential, although that’s cooled. He’s massive, sturdy, just a little uncooked, and may do all the things. Cross is the perfect go blocking lineman on this draft, and that’s why he’s rising extra.

We’re seeing that precedence being positioned on his go blocking, and it’s precipitated the bounce.

No. 4: The QBs plummet

This shouldn’t actually shock anybody, nevertheless it’s nonetheless wild to see the draft play out like this. Kiper has Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett going 19 and 20 respectively, whereas McShay has Willis going 20, and Pickett sliding to 32.

There’s each likelihood this occurs, however I additionally assume slamming the 2022 QB class has gotten just a little dumb. No, it’s completely not nice and there’s no lock No. 1 total choose — however I’d be surprised if we don’t see somebody liking a QB sufficient to take them sooner than this.