The "Way-too-early" 2022 Drafts from 2021 (It's not what you think/QBs)

[davos]

Okay this was a cool surprise, bear with me.  I thought this was going to be fun in respect to QBs, but it actually became even more fun regarding a certain 6th rounder of ours...

 

Overall Notes

Demarvin Leal was a top-10 pick in nearly every draft I've come across.  Went Round 3 to Pittsburgh

The 3 most consistent projected top-10 that landed were Neal, Stingley, and Thibodeaux

 

The way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft | Yardbarker

1. Rattler QB | 7. Howell QB | 8. Willis QB | 12. Corral QB | 13. Strong QB

 

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Way Too Early Edition | RSN (nbcsports.com)

Here's where it got fun...the #7 overall pick? Cade Mays OG/T Tennessee

Quote

Mays is another versatile SEC, offensive lineman who could be a top ten selection in next year's draft. A five-star recruit from Knoxville, Tennessee, Mays transferred from Georgia "back home" to play for the Volunteers. Experienced, talented and well-traveled, Mays may be ready for New York's bright lights and big expectations.

 

2022 NFL mock draft: Way-too-early 2-round projections (usatoday.com)

Nothing too ridiculous outside of QBs and the consensus top dudes that fell due to injury. 

 

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Way-too-early projections - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com)

Wait, Cade Mays again?? #17 overall

 

Trevor Sikkema's Way-To-Early 2022 Mock Draft - The Draft Network

Cade mays aggaiiiin??? #10 overall

 

So yeah, Mays.

Edited May 2, 2022 by davos

[Daddy_Uncle]

Mays will be a steal. I have no doubt

[rmoneyg35]

Sounds good but then again why did he fall? Maybe he just isn’t as good as he was projected to be? Or maybe he just had injuries or problems on his new team?

[davos]

I really think he could be.  I took a look and he was a top recruit in the country, UGA brought him in, transferred, played great at UT but opted for the NFL early in hopes of being a higher pick instead of getting one of those NIL contracts.  Looks like he had an injury and is young.  Seems like outside forces (looking to support his loved ones) may have had him opt in earlier than expected.  The gamble didn't pay off financially, but he's going to be HUNGRY to compete and be a good OL in the league. 

This is an article that gives the background:

Former Tennessee Vols standout appears to have made wrong decision (atozsports.com)

[davos]

He's young, versatile, mean and hungry to play, not just sit on a bench.

I feel a bit better about him than compared to when we took Deonte at this point last year.  Had a Trey Smith type fall.  Very interesting to say the least, and from the same school.  

[davos]

One more rather interesting note:

2022 NFL Draft: SEC-readied Cade Mays to give ‘everything I’ve got’ to Panthers (247sports.com)

Quote

Mays is unique in that he spent multiple seasons playing at two different programs in the SEC, which again produced by far the most picks in the draft. He had six former teammates drafted in the first round, including five from Georgia’s national championship team and three defensive linemen, one of them Travon Walker, the No. 1 pick in the draft. Mays feel prepared to make an impact in the NFL from battling the highest caliber of player every day in practice at Georgia and every Saturday in the fall for the Bulldogs and Vols.

“When I was at Georgia, I was playing every day against the No. 1 pick in the draft this year,” Mays said. “And there was three dudes on that D-line that were drafted first round, so every day at practice you’re playing against the best competition. It’s the same way in the games. You’re going to get a dude who’s going to get drafted first round, top two rounds, All-Americans. There’s not really a down week in the SEC. Every week, you’re getting a guy that's a really good player, so it’s definitely elite. I would say it’s the best conference in the United States.”

 

[BrianS]

My hope is that he comes in as the anti-Dennis Daley.

[Aussie Tank]

This behemoth could make a nice LG beside Ikey keep BC as our swing tackle 

[Captain Morgan]

iirc, we took Trai Turner in the 3rd rounds when the experts said if he had gone back to school, he would have been a first round grade the following year.  But he came out early.

And that worked out well for us.  Fingers crossed.

[joemac]

What the hell caused him to fall all the way to the 6th round then?  Doesn't seem like he had a bad year last year or anything...

[davos]

12 minutes ago, joemac said:

What the hell caused him to fall all the way to the 6th round then?  Doesn't seem like he had a bad year last year or anything...

Best thing I could find:

NFL Draft stock report: Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (knoxnews.com)

Quote

Cons: Technique and injuries

There are big questions about Mays’ technique and balance. They seem nitpicky on the surface, especially for a dominant SEC lineman, but everything matters in judging potential early-round picks.

The scouting report by ProFootballNetwork.com, for example, lists Mays’ inconsistencies in maintaining balance, timing and placement of his initial punch and contacting his man when blocking in the open field.

Mays also was hampered by injuries during his career. In 2021, he missed all or most of five game due to injuries. He wore a walking boot on his left foot late in the season.

Draft stock entering combine

Before the 2021 season, Mays was projected as high as a first-round pick by numerous mock drafts. Injuries dropped his stock. And playing out of position at tackle probably didn’t help either.

Mays may be a victim of over-analysis or scouts may see his flaws more clearly. Either way, many mock drafts now see him as a mid-round or even late-round pick.

Granted, that’s a wide range. But Mays’ makeup leads to disagreement.

For teams that value versatility — especially in a 17-game NFL schedule when injuries pile up — Mays may be a hot commodity. But others may see too many deficiencies to use a third-round pick on him.

In combine drills, Mays needs to show good mobility, knee-bend and balance. But his medical exam may have just as much importance as his on-field workout.

 

[joemac]

5 minutes ago, davos said:

Best thing I could find:

NFL Draft stock report: Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (knoxnews.com)

 

Nice.  Looks like we may have gotten a steal.  Hes naturally a Guard it seems like, and was playing T due to need at Tennessee.  People get injured in football, doesn't mean they are injury prone.  This information is very promising to me.  We can peg him in at RG and get moving. 

[rebelrouser]

Sounds exactly what everyone was saying last year about Deonte Brown from Alabama. What is going on with him? He obviously is not going to be a starter this year.  

[rayzor]

definitely looks like he could be a steal. not necessarily a starter, but as a guy who can be put in to give guys a breather or fill in due to injuries he could be a key cog. we've been needing a Geoff Hangartner guy who can do it all. hopefully Mays is that.