With no clear No. 1 quarterback in the 2022 class, anything could happen in this year's NFL draft. And while Kayvon Thibodeaux, Aidan Hutchinson and Evan Neal figure to be the top choices, there are several underrated players that could turn into studs at the NFL level.
In particular, the 2022 class has many talented wide receivers available, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams. However, after the news that Williams suffered a torn ACL, there should be more movement in the stock of several receivers.
One of those receivers is Penn State's Jahan Dotson, who is often overlooked. Drake London and Treylon Burks should also receive more attention in the coming weeks.
With that being said, lets take a look at where Dotson might land with a first-round mock draft.
2022 1st-Round Mock Draft
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
- Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
- Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
- New York Jets: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
- New York Giants: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
- Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
- New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
- Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
- Denver Broncos: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
- New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
- Washington Football Team: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
- Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
- Cleveland Browns: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
- Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, DE, Michigan
- Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
- Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
- Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
- New Orleans Saints: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
- Philadelphia Eagles: DeMarvin Leal, DE, Texas A&M
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
- New England Patriots: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
- Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan
- Las Vegas Raiders: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
- Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
- Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
- Buffalo Bills: Drake London, WR, USC
- Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
- Dallas Cowboys: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
- Kansas City Chiefs: Drake Jackson, DE, USC
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
- Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
- Green Bay Packers: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
With receivers like Wilson, Olave and Williams, Dotson is easy to overlook. However, he's been a consistent playmaker for the Nittany Lions over the last two seasons and deserves to be mentioned among the best.
In 2020, Dotson caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. He took a significant step forward in 2021, catching 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 scores.
Dotson was also able to separate himself from the pack despite inconsistent quarterback play from Sean Clifford. He was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, won by Pittsburgh's Jordan Addison, and also earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.
B/R's NFL Scouting Department mentions that the 5'11", 184-pound receiver is a great route-runner, good against the press, has great hands and catching range and is dangerous at all three levels.
"Overall, Dotson has the athleticism and skill set to make him a Day 1 starter for any NFL offense. While his lack of size and build will make some teams hesitant to take him early and may limit his overall upside, he is a true football player with a competitive streak and dynamic play ability that makes him an exciting prospect whom every team would love to have."
Dotson is comparable to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who was selected in the third round of the 2015 draft. Lockett has three straight seasons of more than 1,000 receiving yards.
Dotson will be intriguing to many teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Chris Godwin set to become a free agent, the Buccaneers will need to address the wide receiver position, especially after also parting ways with Antonio Brown.
Dotson could be the perfect fit alongside Mike Evans, and what better way to kick off your NFL career than learning from him and catching passes from Tom Brady?
Prediction: Dotson to the Buccaneers at No. 30
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Davis was a key cog in Georgia's defense in 2021, but he's often overlooked in the 2022 class because of other talented defenders.
The 22-year-old had the best season of his collegiate career in 2021, registering two sacks, five tackles for a loss, 32 tackles, and one pass defended in 14 games, including one tackle for a loss in the national championship game against Alabama.
B/R's NFL Scouting Department mentions that the 6'6", 340-pound big man has a "body type and length," meaning he will be bigger than nearly every offensive lineman he faces. He also has incredible strength, controls blocks well and has good flexibility.
"He's an exceptional run defender, but his pass-rushing reps leave something to be desired, especially since it's clear that he has the athletic traits to do it effectively.
"Davis' middling pass-rushing traits and the general value of defensive tackles may scare some teams off in the top 10, but he will be a force multiplier in the run game right away."
Davis is another player that will be intriguing to many teams, but he could slip to later in the first round, and the Cardinals will be waiting. Adding Davis would allow J.J. Watt and Zach Allen more freedom for one-on-one matchups.
In addition, he would help improve the team's run defense, which allowed 114.8 yards per game in 2021. Davis would easily be able to push running backs to the outside, where Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons would allow them little movement.
Prediction: Davis to the Cardinals at No. 24
Read 0 Comments
Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation