Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has been making headlines recently as his NFL draft stock has been a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. With the 2022 NFL Draft coming up, many are wondering where Stockton will end up and what his future in the league looks like.
Stockton, a junior at Rabun County High School in Georgia, has already caught the attention of top college football programs across the country with his impressive skills on the field. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, he has the size and strength to make an impact on any team.
But when it comes to the NFL draft, Stockton’s stock could use some work. At least, that’s what experts are saying. While he has all the potential to become a successful quarterback in the league, there are still some areas where he needs to improve in order to solidify his draft status.
So what exactly are the latest projections and rumors surrounding Stockton’s NFL draft journey? Let’s take a closer look.
According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, Stockton is predicted to be a mid-round pick, somewhere between the third and fifth rounds. While this is not a bad position to be in, it is not quite as high as many would expect for a player of Stockton’s caliber.
Some analysts have noted that Stockton’s arm strength and mechanics could use some refinement in order to compete at the NFL level. However, others argue that his athleticism, accuracy, and leadership skills make up for any areas of improvement.
One thing is for sure, Stockton has the potential to make an impact on whichever team takes a chance on him in the draft. And he has already shown this potential on the high school level.
In his junior year, Stockton led Rabun County to its first-ever state championship appearance, completing 62% of his passes for 3,128 yards and 45 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,581 yards and 26 touchdowns, proving that he is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs.
With such impressive numbers, it’s no surprise that Stockton has already earned comparisons to NFL stars like Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield. And with his commitment to the University of Georgia for the 2022 season, he will have the opportunity to continue developing his skills at the college level before making the jump to the pros.
But Stockton’s journey to the NFL won’t be an easy one. He will have to continue working hard and improving his game to stand out among other top quarterbacks in the draft. However, this young athlete has already proven that he is up for the challenge.
In fact, Stockton has already caught the eye of one NFL player who sees his potential and is willing to mentor him. Super Bowl champion and Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke has expressed his interest in working with Stockton and helping him reach his full potential.
Heinicke, who signed a two-year, $8.75 million contract with the Washington Football Team after a standout performance in the playoffs, sees Stockton as someone who could be the next big thing in the NFL.
In an interview with Heavy Sports, Heinicke stated, “I watched his film and was really impressed. I think he’s going to be a star in the future.” He also added, “If he wants to pick my brain and ask me questions, I’m more than willing to help him out.”
To have such a successful and experienced NFL player willing to mentor and support him, Stockton’s future in the league is looking bright.
In conclusion, while there may be some areas of improvement for Gunner Stockton, there is no denying his potential and talent as a quarterback. His impressive stats, leadership skills, and mentorship from NFL players like Taylor Heinicke all point to a successful future in the league.
As the 2022 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Stockton and where he will end up. But one thing is for sure, no matter which team takes a chance on him, they will be getting a determined and talented player who has the potential to become a star in the league. So, let’s keep our eyes on this rising star and see where his NFL journey takes him.
