British defensive veteran offers words of warning for 2022 NFL Draft prospects

The NFL Draft is the culmination of a lifetime’s work for 262 young talents lucky enough to get selected, but amidst the bright lights of Las Vegas and the celebrations is a stark reminder from pros: the work begins now.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who won Offensive Player of the Year honours in 2021 following a stellar season, took to social media to offer his two cents to the stars of tomorrow. The receiver - drafted in the third round by the Rams - wrote: “The draft is not the arrival, it’s the departure. Go to work!”

The sentiment is shared by British defensive end Jack Crawford, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2012. He has carved out a career spanning 10 years since the iconic franchise decided to spend the 158th pick on a Penn State prospect.

While he acknowledges recruits hope they will get drafted higher than they’re originally projected, it adds a lot of pressure than many cannot handle. Crawford’s advice is simple.

“The draft is going to be the least important day of their careers,” Crawford exclusively told The Mirror before offering a warning. “There’re just countless examples of players who have gone into the first round and become busts as they are unable to adapt to the speed of the NFL game.

“Some players can’t handle having soo much money put into their bank account immediately after college. The pressure can often cause a lot of people to crumble and you'll see a lot of fresh round picks become very self destructive or keep getting in trouble.

“Then there are kids who go undrafted as nobody has heard of them, and they become household names. Tom Brady is the perfect example: sixth round selection and now he’s the best player to ever play the game.

“Congratulations to each and