5 2022 NFL Draft prospects that may slide in the first round

With the NFL Draft almost upon us, here are five potential first-round picks that could see a draft day tumble.

With the NFL Draft being far from an exact science, it isn’t uncommon to see plays many project highly to slide.

Sometimes this is due to the draft community overvaluing them, other times it is because of underlying behavioral or health issues but slides from top prospects aren’t unique.

Here is a list of the five most likely NFL Draft sliders in the first round.

2022 NFL Draft prospect Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

No one can argue against the impact that Kenny Pickett had in his final season with the Panthers. He went from an average quarterback to a great one and help lead his team to one of their best seasons ever.

This has since launched his draft stock to the moon. That said, there is a real chance Pickett ends up sliding this year.

While Pickett’s college play was impressive, he is pretty much developed already as a passer. That means whoever selects him is getting a relatively pro-ready quarterback with a limited ceiling.

There are teams that can want that instant starting ability, but with his upside as low as it is other teams will likely pass.

The only way, in my opinion, that he doesn’t slide is if Carolina takes him at sixth overall, which is a distinct possibility. They need an impact starter now, as the coaching staff doesn’t have the luxury of developing a prospect.

If they go elsewhere though, there isn’t an obvious team that would select Pickett. A slide to the tail-end of the first round and potentially even out of it altogether is a possibility. Don’t be surprised to see him fall down the draft if the Panthers look elsewhere in the first.