NFL draft 2022 buzz notebook, rumors and big questions - Updates on Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Travon Walker, Derek Stingley Jr.

The 2022 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, at which point we'll be evaluating the prospects each team selected in the first 32 picks of the class. Until then, our NFL draft analysts are hunkered down — connecting dots, talking to sources, grinding tape and putting together final evaluations.

In this week's NFL draft notebook, analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid answer your questions. Is Georgia's Travon Walker really in the mix at No. 2 overall? And what do the draft capital-strapped Panthers do in Round 1? The guys tackle three reader queries apiece.

They also break down the much-anticipated LSU pro day, during which cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. hoped to answer questions about his draft stock, and look at the hottest rumors and news around the league. If you're seeking information on the rise of Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder — or how many safeties and wide receivers are expected to go early in this draft — this notebook is for you.

Let's start with questions from readers, which have been edited for clarity:

Jump to a big topic:What will Carolina do at No. 6?Whom could the Eagles target in Round 1?Inside Derek Stingley Jr.'s pro dayHow many QBs will go in Round 1?Why scouts like this safety classCould the WR market change the draft?

Reid: NFL coaches, scouts and front-office executives often become enamored with the traits of prospects in Round 1. They don't completely ignore the production numbers, but they fall in love with the potential. And the 6-foot-5, 272-pound Walker oozes potential. Even though Walker had just 9.5 career sacks, teams think he has a unique combination of size and talent that will lead to future production as an NFL pro — even if the draft capital spent will be rich.

Though he