2-round projections heading into preseason

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All 32 NFL teams have begun their preparations for the upcoming 2022 season in earnest, with training camps across the league in full swing this week, and the preseason on the horizon.

This year’s rookie class is full of potential, but it’s never too early to look ahead at next year’s crop of top prospects.

After a lackluster quarterback class in 2022, next year’s group of passers appears to have much more depth and potential star-power, which should make for a more compelling class across the board.

As the pro and college football seasons draw near, here’s an updated look at how the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL draft could shake out:

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If the Texans are picking this high, it’s likely the Davis Mills experiment didn’t go well. Stroud has all the tools to be a franchise passer at the next level, and has already put up huge numbers against top competition.

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The Falcons may have landed their quarterback of the future in Desmond Ridder, which should free them up to take the best overall prospect in this draft. Anderson is a dominant pass rusher who could challenge for the Heisman Trophy this year.

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The Seahawks don’t have a starting-caliber quarterback on their roster after trading away Russell Wilson, and finding one will be their top priority next offseason. Young might be undersized, but he’s still got all the mental and physical traits to be a franchise passer.

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Even with all the Georgia defenders who went in the first round of the 2022 draft, Carter might be the best prospect of them all. He’s the kind of dominant interior presence who could be worthy of a top-five pick.

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A young quarterback can never have too many weapons, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Jags pull the trigger on the best pass-catcher in next year’s class. Smith-Njigba would give Trevor Lawrence a dynamic receiver with limitless big-play ability.

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Ever since Luke Kuechly’s retirement, the Panthers have been missing a true impact player at the second level of their defense. Sewell is big, athletic, and has all the potential to be worthy of a top-10 pick.

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The Lions punted on the 2022 quarterback class, likely hoping to land a better prospect at the top of next year’s draft. Richardson flashed sky-high potential at times last season, and if he stays healthy, a breakout campaign this year could launch him into this range.

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Justin Fields has a solid No. 2 receiver in Darnell Mooney, but he still needs a true No. 1 target with size and physicality, as well as athleticism. Boutte checks all of those boxes, and would be just what Fields needs to reach his full potential as Chicago’s franchise quarterback.

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The Giants declined the fifth-year option on Daniel Jones’ contract, so barring massive improvement from the former top-10 pick this season, the Giants will be looking for his replacement here. Ward looked like he was playing NCAA Football 14 on rookie mode at Incarnate Word, and if he can do anything similar in the Pac-12, he could easily end up warranting a top-10 pick.

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It wouldn’t be surprising to see an edge rusher here, but no matter who is throwing passes for the Steelers next year, the protection will need to improve on the outside. Johnson has all the tools to quickly develop into the franchise left tackle Pittsburgh desperately needs.

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Depending on how the 2022 season plays out, the Commanders could end up needing an long-term upgrade at left tackle. Skoronski is a tough, athletic blocker who could shore up a premium position for Washington, after being tested by some of the nation’s top edge rushers.

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You can never have too many talented pass rushers, and the Pats would be wise to prioritize value over their most glaring needs. Murphy has the explosiveness and well-rounded skill set to be a top-10 pick, and would be a perfect fit in Bill Belichick’s defense.

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James Bradberry was a huge addition this offseason, but Darius Slay will turn 32 in January, which means the Eagles could still be targeting a young understudy who could become a No. 1 corner. A transfer from LSU, Ricks could be the latest Alabama defensive back to come off the board in the first round.

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Adam Thielen turns 32 in August, so the Vikings could be looking for a long-term running mate for Justin Jefferson. Addison has the explosiveness, route-running skills and big-play ability to be the perfect match.

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The Raiders have one of the best edge-rushing tandems in the NFL in Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, but they could use a similar disruptive force for the interior of the defensive line. Bresee missed most of last season due to injury, but at full strength, can be a dominant player.

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Jaelan Phillips has a promising future, but the Dolphins need another young, explosive edge rusher to pair him with. Ojulari racked up seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2021, and is primed for even more this year.

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This offense desperately needs a complete tight end who can help clear the road for Derrick Henry in the run game, but also challenge defenses as a receiving thread. Mayer checks all of those boxes, and is a red-zone machine.

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If there’s not an offensive lineman worthy of this spot still left on the board, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals spend this pick on the best running back in the class. Robinson is a dynamic, three-down weapon who would help Kyler Murray make the Arizona offense even more explosive.

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Houston reloaded their secondary with top talent in the 2022 draft, but Lovie Smith’s defense doesn’t work if the front four can’t get consistent pressure. Foskey has a well-rounded skill set that would allow him to flourish in this scheme, and he would make an immediate impact.

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After adding an athletic playmaker at corner earlier in the first round, the Eagles double-dip in the secondary here. Moore is a versatile ballhawk who would bring much-needed big-play ability to the back end of Philly’s defensive backfield.

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The Colts spent the 2022 draft building around Matt Ryan, but next year, they should think about drafting his eventual successor. Levis still needs to show improved development this season, but the flashes he’s displayed up to this point carry potential first-round promise.

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Lamar Jackson already needed more weapons for the passing game, and that was before the Ravens traded away Marquise Brown. Johnston is a big-play machine who brings the size and athleticism this offense needs.

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The Bengals did a solid job of reloading their biggest areas of need this offseason (offensive line, secondary), so next year’s top pick could be used on an athletic, versatile defender for the front seven. Simpson would be the perfect fit, thanks to his ability to make big plays in every phase of the game.

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The Cowboys have one dynamic defender in the secondary in Trevon Diggs, but they could use a similar ballhawk for the back end. A transfer from Northwestern, Joseph would make an immediate impact against both the run and pass.

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The Seahawks landed one stud pass rusher this year in second-round pick Boye Mafe, but they could use another one next year. Smith may have been overshadowed by other superstars on the Bulldogs’ dominant defense last year, but 2022 will give him a chance to shine.

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The Dolphins might be able to afford a luxury pick with their additional first-rounder, and this scenario gives them the chance to add a versatile weapon for the offense. A transfer from Georgia Tech, Gibbs can line up all over the offense, and be Mike McDaniel’s new version of Deebo Samuel.

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The Chargers have one shutdown artist on the outside now in J.C. Jackson, and the perfect fit with Asante Samuel Jr. in the slot. Ringo proved his big-play ability and ball skills last year, capping off a strong 2021 campaign with a pick-six that sealed the national title.

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Yes, the Packers traded up in the second round of this year’s draft for Christian Watson, but that shouldn’t stop them from giving Aaron Rodgers another explosive receiver early in next year’s draft. Downs is an explosive pass-catcher who can turn every catch into a touchdown.

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The Lions have some serviceable starters at corner, but they’re still looking for a true shutdown artist who can lead the whole group. The son of another dominant NFL defender, Porter has all the ingredients to make a similar impact at the next level.

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The Chiefs rebuilt most of their offensive line last year, but they still haven’t found a long-term solution at right tackle. Nelson could have been a fairly early pick this year, but another year of experience at the college level should make him a more refined blocker.

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The Bills have one of the NFL’s best safety tandems right now, but thank could change next offseason, if they’re not able to keep Jordan Poyer from hitting free agency. Battle is a complete player who will be well-prepared for the NFL game after playing under Nick Saban.

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The Bucs have two starting corners (Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting) and one starting safety (Mike Edwards) on the final year of their rookie contracts. Catalon is a versatile defender who can line up all over the secondary, with the athleticism to make big plays in coverage, and the physicality to mix it up in the box.