#326: Dash To The Draft 2022 (NFC South Draft Preview with Ross Jackson)

1. All the latest speculation when it comes to the Panthers suggests they just might take a swing on a QB in the first round. That is not a surprise given that Matt Rhule’s job is on the line plus how aggressive they’ve been in looking for a long-term heir to Cam Newton for nearly two years. But as you know, this 2022 QB class is underwhelming to say the least…and the Panthers only have one pick in the first 135 selections at this time. If the apple of Matt Rhule’s eye is indeed Kenny Pickett (as many have been speculating for months given Rhule’s attempt to recruit Pickett to go to Temple), shouldn’t the Panthers do everything they possible can to trade back a handful of spots and get more picks, especially if the trade-up market for Pickett isn’t robust? 

2.By trading away Matt Ryan to the Colts, the Falcons have put themselves squarely in the conversation for having the worst roster in the entire NFL outside of Houston. But they now have five top-100 picks (a first, two seconds, and two thirds) in this deep draft and thus a golden opportunity to lay down a solid foundation for the future. Last year, when they had the fourth overall pick, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot went with the absolute best player on their board in Kyle Pitts, even though Pitts plays a position that is not regarded as one of high value. Should Fontenot follow the same approach in this draft, positional value be damned?

3. As of this morning, the Saints had one first-round pick at 18 overall. And just hours before we started recording, they agreed to a BLOCKBUSTER trade of draft picks with the Eagles. Philly dealt picks 16, 19, and 194 to the Saints for picks, 18, 101, and 236 plus a 2023 first-rounder AND a 2024 second-rounder. This gives the Saints three picks in the top 50, including two in the top-20. That means that should the Saints want to move up for a QB, they now have the ammo to do so. However, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller said last week that based on the Saints offseason moves so far, he believes they are prioritizing drafting a left tackle early to replace Terron Armstead rather than a QB. And based on the signings of Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, this belief makes sense to me. That said, based on what you’re hearing, do you think it’s more likely the Saints make a big move up the board for a QB or LT?

4. Since Tom Brady’s un-retirement, the Bucs have loaded the cannons right back up for another Super Bowl run as Ryan Jensen, Carlton Davis and Chris Godwin re-signed. Plus with the Packers losing Davante Adams and the Rams losing Von Miller, they will likely be the consensus favorite to win the NFC headed into the season. In your view, what area of this Bucs roster needs to be addressed the most in this draft in order for Tampa to maintain pole position in the conference?

5. Panthers 3-Round Mock

-(6): Charles Cross

6. Falcons 3-Round Mock

-(8): Kayvon Thibodeaux

-(43): Nakobe Dean

-(58): Breece Hall

-(74): Trey McBride

-(82): Jalen Tolbert

7. Saints 3-Round Mock

-(16): Kenny Pickett

-(19): Jameson Williams

-(49): Bernhard Reimann

-(98): Greg Dulcich

8. Bucs 3-Round Mock

-(27): George Karlaftis

-(60): Kenneth Walker III

-(91): Carson Strong