The 2022 NFL Draft is around the corner, and the news and rumors are continuing to increase. The wide receiver class is strong, though not quite as strong as the last two cycles. Yet, there is a bevy of names to watch as the pre-draft process continues to unfold. Here are the latest news and rumors as the team visits are heating up for a trio of receivers ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft News and Rumors: Upcoming visits for WR trio
The wide receiver class has a handful of players considered locks for the first round. It also has a few players vying for first-round and/or Day 2 consideration. A first-round lock, Garrett Wilson is of the former and could be the first receiver taken. Christian Watson from North Dakota State and Charleston Rambo from Miami are vying for earlier picks than previously pegged this cycle. Here is the latest on those three ahead of the draft.
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Based on conversations I’ve had with teams since draft meetings have ended, Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson is the consensus top receiver in this year’s draft. He’s also the top wideout on my board. The junior put together a terrific 2021 season, improving his pass-catching numbers to 70 receptions with 1,058 yards, despite the Buckeyes breaking in a new quarterback.
Wilson went on to have a terrific Combine workout, timing 4.38 seconds in the 40 at 192 pounds. He then wowed NFL decision-makers during the Ohio State Pro Day. Wilson’s increase in production is in line with the progress he showed in all areas of the receiver position between 2020 to 2021.
He’s already been on official 30 visits to see the New York Jets as well as the Carolina Panthers. The Washington Commanders also remain on his travel schedule.
Where does Wilson end up in the draft?
People inside the Jets’ facility in Florham Park do not believe Wilson makes it to them with their second pick in Round 1, the 10th selection. This means it’s a distinct possibility the Falcons will take him at No. 8. The overall feeling is should the Falcons pass on Wilson at eight and the Jets at 10, the Commanders will swipe him off the board with the 11th pick.
Christian Watson, North Dakota State
Christian Watson is one of the fastest-rising receivers in the draft, thanks in large part to his Senior Bowl and Combine performances. Watson was the most consistent pass catcher during three days of practice in Mobile. In Indianapolis, he ran the 40 in 4.34 seconds while hitting 38.5″ in the vertical jump and 11’4″ in the broad jump, all at 6’4″.
As it stands now, no team I’ve spoken with has a first-round grade on the North Dakota State product. Rather it seems everyone has Watson as a mid-second-round choice.
His visit list has been extensive and includes the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Charleston Rambo, Miami (FL)
Charleston Rambo is one of the more interesting prospects at the receiver position. After a huge season with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2019, his production dropped through the floor a year later. Rambo then transferred to Miami and had a terrific campaign in 2021 before going on to dominate Shrine Bowl practices.
Since the Combine, Rambo is all over draft boards, with some teams stamping him with fourth- or fifth-round grades. Others believe he’s a priority free agent.
Moving towards the draft, the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys have come to Miami to work out Rambo. The Raiders have also been doing a ton of work on him.