By Ryan Bologna
The NFL draft is three weeks away and there are plenty of storylines to watch. Here are three storylines to watch leading up to the first round.
What will happen with the EDGE class?
This is one of the strongest classes for EDGE rushers. Aidan Hutchinson is regarded as the best of the group and many expect him to go first overall to the Jaguars. It gets interesting when looking at the next two players in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Travon Walker.
Thibodeaux was the number one recruit out of high school and, but his outspoken confidence seems to give some teams pause. Walker tested about as well as possible at the combine, which has teams dreaming of his potential. He is currently the odds-on favorite to be the second pick. It will be interesting to see if his combine leapfrogs him ahead of Thibodeaux on draft night.
Where will Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu go?
For much of the offseason there has been a thought that Neal and Ekwonu would be taken in the top four picks along with Hutchinson and Thibodeaux. With the emergence of Walker along with how much teams seem to like Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, it is not a clear cut picture anymore.
The Jets could have the biggest impact on this picture. They have a need at cornerback and could use one of the pass rushers, but there are questions as to whether they still believe in left tackle Mekhi Becton. Their stadium cotenants are hoping they still believe in Becton, as they have glaring needs at both right tackle and edge. One of the top two tackles or edge rushers falling to the Giants at the fifth pick would likely be one of those “run to the podium” scenarios.
Who will take the leap on a quarterback?
This is one of the biggest questions every year, but this is regarded as a weak class. Malik Willis has a high ceiling but is viewed as a big project. Kenny Pickett is regarded as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft, but not someone with superstar upside.
The Carolina Panthers are a possible destination for a quarterback and have been connected to Pickett. The Giants could play a role in this as well. They have the fifth pick and the seventh pick, and will likely give Daniel Jones one last chance to prove himself in 2022. They have been rumored to be looking to trade down to acquire picks in 2023, when they could be looking for a quarterback if Jones disappoints. Teams like the Steelers, Falcons, Seahawks and Saints could be looking to trade up for a quarterback.
It will be interesting to see if a team thinks Pickett will be a solid starter out of the box or falls in love with the upside of Willis.
Picture Credit: Maize & Blue Nation
