2022 NFL Draft Notebook: 2021 NFL MVP Rams QB Matthew Stafford?
By John Blair
- One position the Las Vegas Raiders may need to upgrade next offseason is wide receiver. The team lost Nelson Agholor via free agency this offseason and both rookie wide receivers Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards had disappointing seasons last year. While the Raiders do have a good slot receiver in Hunter Renfrow Las Vegas would benefit from a true number one receiver. Two players the team could look at in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft are Drake London of USC and Justyn Ross of Clemson.
- Look for the Los Angeles Rams to focus on the offensive tackle class in next year’s draft. While this is not a weakness currently, the team could lose several players at this position next year. Starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth will be 40 in December and is not expected to back next year. The team could also lose Joseph Noteboom in free agency next offseason. While the Los Angeles Rams traded their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft they are scheduled to have 11 picks in this year’s draft and it would be a shock if they didn’t take at least one offensive lineman with these selections.
- While the San Fransico 49ers have George Kittle who is one of the best tight ends in the NFL it would not be a surprise if San Francisco looked to add a young player at this position in the 2022 NFL Draft. The team would be wise to spend a mid-round pick on this position since George Kittle was limited to eight games last year, and there is little depth behind him. A tight end who might make sense in the fourth or fifth-round area is Jake Ferguson of Wisconsin. Ferguson is the physical type of tight end Kyle Shanahan prefers and is both a strong blocker and reliable receiver.
- The New York Jets are another team that will likely take a strong look at the tight end prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last season, the team got very little production out of this position and only made minor upgrades at this position this offseason. The team’s current starting tight end Chris Herndon has had back-to-back disappointing seasons and will be a free agent after the season. Some of the tight ends the Jets would be wise to consider in the second or third round include Cade Otton, Jahleel Billingsley, and Jeremy Ruckert.