By: Ryan Moreland (@ryanmoreland)
The Big XII was the most competitive conference in the league last season. This season, it could be even more competitive. Let’s dive into what each team needs in this conference.
For those new to the draft, each team can draft until they hit the 26-man roster limit. Once they hit that, they are out of the draft. So, a few teams will only draft in the first round and some will have many picks to use.
Colorado
Number of Picks in the Draft: 6
Biggest Need: LB
Where They Draft: 14th
Colorado has gotten better each season they have been in the league and they are looking to continue that in Season 22. To do that, they need to add depth at linebacker. Right now, they have two linebackers on the roster. Depending on what defense they are going to run, they need to add at least one more.
Other positions they will likely target are corner, wide receiver, and halfback. Getting a good backup behind all-world HB Taylor James could help push their offense over the top. However, there are not many in the draft, so they might not get the chance.
LSU
Number of Picks in the Draft: 11
Biggest Need: LB
Where They Draft: 8th
Both linebackers and safeties are huge needs for the Tigers in the draft. They have only one of each on the roster. However, they have more talent at safety right now, so linebacker is the most pressing need. The nice thing is they will draft early, so there is a good chance they can land a starter-quality linebacker with their first pick.
There are other needs for LSU other than LB and S. They include defensive line, halfback, and tight end. LSU enters its first season with Josh Claydon in a conference that keeps improving. They will need a good draft to keep up with the teams at the top.
Oklahoma
Number of Picks in the Draft: 4
Biggest Need: DT
Where They Draft: 9th
Last season Oklahoma’s powerful offense led them to a great season. However, their defense couldn’t keep up with the top teams. This season they have committed to the defensive side of the ball. This team is headed in the right direction for sure, but there is still work to do. There is one defensive tackle on the roster, so they either need another starter or depth depending on what defense they plan to run.
Safety is going to be another big need. They do have two on the roster (1 FS and 1 SS), but they will need depth at both spots. Tight end and linebacker could also be on the table for the Sooners.
Texas
Number of Picks in the Draft: 3
Biggest Need: Defensive Line
Where They Draft: 12th
Texas drafts right in the middle of the draft and they don’t need much. However, their defensive line could use depth. They will graduate all four of the defensive linemen they have after this coming season. So, whoever comes in will be the piece they build around in the future.
The Longhorns should also target a wide receiver and strong safety in this draft to add depth. Texas won’t be drafting for long, but these will be important picks.
Texas A&M
Number of Picks in the Draft: 8
Biggest Need: Safety
Where They Draft: 23rd
The Aggies made their second-ever trip to the National Championship last season and are looking to get back this season. To do that, they need to solve an issue at safety. Texas A&M landed Noah Radloff, who was the top-rated safety in the Season 22 recruiting class. However, he is the only safety on the squad. Expect them to use a few picks to solve this issue.
Other needs for the Aggies include wide receiver, tight end, and cornerback. Luckily for the Aggies, these are all deep positions in the draft this season.
West Virginia
Number of Picks in the Draft: 10
Biggest Need: LB
Where They Draft: 2nd
The Mountaineers have a great spread of talent on their roster, so there aren’t too many glaring needs. However, linebacker is one. Junior MLB Jason Banks is the only linebacker on the roster, currently. They will need to add a few with their ten picks.
West Virginia will also target tight end, corner, safety, and halfback. The second overall pick means that WVU will get a great chance to add a big playmaker early in the draft. You have to imagine they go best available with that selection.
