With the first round of this year’s NFL draft in the books, there’s still some significant talent remaining on the board.
After the conclusion of Thursday night’s first 32 picks, veteran ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. shared the top-five remaining options on his Big Board.
- Malik Willis — QB
- Arnold Ebiketie — DE
- Nakobe Dean — ILB
- David Ojabo — OLB
- Christian Watson — WR
Best available prospects on my Big Board:
17. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
20. Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State
25. Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia
26. David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
28. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 29, 2022
Kiper originally projected each of these players to come off the board in the first round.
Perhaps the most surprising first-round omission from last night’s selection process was Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. Heading into the first round, Willis was widely considered one of (if not the) best QB option in this year’s class. Many believed he had the potential to go early in the first. Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett was the only QB to come of the board at No. 20 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This year’s draft is stacked with defensive talent, as evidenced by the first-round omissions of Arnold Ebiketie, Nakobe Dean and David Obajo. With a whopping six wide receivers going in the first round as well, North Dakota State’s Christian Watson also finds himself in search of a second-round selection.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the first pick in tonight’s second round.
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