Seven names who could crash first round of 2022 NFL Draft

In a year where the first-overall pick is still very much in question, the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft will undoubtedly provide some more surprises. Although there’s a consensus on a group of about 20 players that will go on night one, the other top spots are up in the air.

NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero has seven candidates in mind as prospects who could surprise and get drafted in the first 32 picks.

“Many teams have fewer than 20 players on their boards with first-round grades, which is in line with other recent draft classes; some have fewer than 15,” Pelissero wrote. “General managers and other high-ranking executives foresee an unpredictable Round 1 – and that’s especially true in the back half, once the most celebrated prospects are gone.”

Here are the seven NFL Draft prospects who could crash the party in the first round on Thursday night, including three Georgia stars.

Potential first-round surprises

Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Bulldogs safety Lewis Cine currently has a second-round draft projection, however, his blazing fast 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine certainly earned him some first-round consideration.

David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

David Ojabo suffered a torn Achilles at Michigan’s Pro Day but there could still be a team out there willing to take a chance on him in the first 32.

George Pickens, WR, Georgia

George Pickens was an unquestioned first-rounder after his 2020 season. Unfortunately, he posted just five catches in four games last season after returning from a torn right ACL.

Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

Nicholas Petit-Frere allowed just two sacks on 435 pass pro snaps last season and earned second-team All-American honors for his performance.

Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

Tom Pelissero dropped some scoop on Quay Walker this week: “Multiple GMs say they won’t be shocked if he’s the first linebacker off the board ahead of Utah’s Devin Lloyd, perhaps even in the top 20.”

Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

UConn’s one-technique defensive tackle, Travis Jones, could definitely go in the first 32 picks in this year’s draft as teams are hungry for talent in the trenches.

Logan Hall, DT, Houston

Houston defensive tackle Logan Halls reminds NFL GMs of his former teammate, Payton Turner, who surprised last year, going No. 28 overall to New Orleans.

Vegas releases updated 2022 NFL Draft odds with new No. 1 overall pick

With the draft just three days away, Las Vegas has updated the odds for the No. 1 overall selection, choosing a new favorite to walk across the stage first.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the No. 1 pick for the second straight season, hoping to build a foundation that’ll lead them to success in the coming seasons. With the Urban Meyer era in the rearview, Jacksonville needs to hit big on its selection.

After taking quarterback Trevor Lawrence a year ago, some predict the Jags to go with Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker.

Favorites for No. 1 overall pick:

• Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (-155)
• Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (+150)
• Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State (+600)
• Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (+1800)
• Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (+1800)
• Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (+6600)
• Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (+10000)
• Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (+10000)
• Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (+10000)