2022 NFL Draft trends to watch for on draft weekend

2022 NFL mock draft; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022 NFL mock draft; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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2022 NFL mock draft, 2022 NFL Draft
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish intercepts a pass against the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2022 NFL Draft Trend #2: Players could fall, but that’s a good thing

Even as dominant as Hamilton appears on tape and with his measurables, it may be tough for a strong safety to be a top-10 pick. If he can slide, any player can slide.

Whether it’s Georgia’s standout defenders not named Travon Walker, injured All-American wideout Jameson Williams, or high-end edge prospects in George Karlaftis and Jermaine Johnson, each could dip a bit for varying reasons.

I think some defensive backs are due to fall, especially with huge names like Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. nabbing the headlines. Don’t be surprised if Daxton Hill, Trent McDuffie, Andrew Booth Jr., or Lewis Cine, end up being impact players selected in the mid-to-late first round.

The same could be said for the projected mid-round picks too. Several of the tight end prospects may be starting for your favorite team next season, like Trey McBride or Jeremy Ruckert.

We all know running backs in the first round are not the wave anymore, but that doesn’t mean Kyren Williams, Isaiah Spiller, or James Cook, won’t be effective players in the NFL.

Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are even names who could go later than expected. But that’s because they play in arguably the deepest group of them all.