As the 2022-23 NFL season approaches, the young prospects from the NCAA look to get called up to the next level and be part of one of the 32 NFL teams. The NFL draft begins on April 28, and many teams are looking to rebuild right now and a lot of young players are seeking a great opportunity. Teams are in desperate need of certain positions which will give the rookies an opportunity to start year one.

Many NFL insiders have been doing Mock Drafts, where they project what teams players are going to go to. In this year’s class there is no set number one like last year when it was quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This year is different. There are about 3-4 guys who could go first pick to the Jaguars, OL Ikem Ekwonu, DL Trevon Walker, or OL Evan Neal. 

The Jaguars are in need of a big linemen on either side of the ball and that is why these linemen are projected to go first. “If the Jaguars can get the linemen they need to get it’ll make a huge difference. It will give Trevor Lawrence more time which will make them better,” junior Anthony Sardina said.

A lot of these college players have a scattered projected pick, but Heisman trophy finalist Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive end from Michigan is projected to go to the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick. The Lions are struggling on the defensive side of the ball and need the dominant, 6’6 270 lbs defensive end to contribute to their young defense. “The lines need a guy like Hutchinson on their defensive line. He is fast and he makes a ton of plays,” sophomore Jonah Plitt said.

The Green Bay Packers are in desperate need of a wide receiver in this year’s draft class after losing all pro receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the Raiders for the 22nd and the 53rd pick. With the 22nd pick many Packers fans are hoping they grab a wide receiver off the board. 

Even with the new signing of veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins the Packers could still use another weapon that Aaron Rodgers can look for. “I really hope the Packers can get Chris Olave or Treylon Burks. Those two guys look the most NFL ready to me,” junior Ben Perleberg said. Olave and Burks were two very dominant receivers in the NCAA this past year and had a great NFL combine. 

The Packers have reportedly been in talks with the Las Vegas Raiders in trade talks for the Raiders all-pro Tight End, Darren Waller. Waller has record over 3,000 receiving yards in his 6 year career. This would be a huge pick up for Rodgers and his offense with Tonyan out for half of the season and could make a huge impact in the Packers talented offense. “He would be a huge addition to the offense. He is super talented and he can for sure help us because we hardly have any receivers,” senior Danny Hanlon said.

In less than a week these talented young players will either be sitting on their couch at home with family or sitting in Las Vegas waiting for their names to be called to become the greatest they can be for their new team.