Blue Jays: An overview of the early 2022 first-round mock drafts

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 25: Ross Atkins General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks on the phone ahead of playing the Boston Red Sox in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on April 25, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 25: Ross Atkins General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks on the phone ahead of playing the Boston Red Sox in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on April 25, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Baseballs and a baseball glove are seen before the Toronto Blue Jays take on the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Justin Crawford – OF

Predicted via Jim Callis via MLB.com

Outfielder Justin Crawford is currently ranked at #37 on the top prospects draft board and many think he could find himself off the board before the Blue Jays step up to the podium. Jim Callis at MLB.com does currently predict that he will be available when the Jays are on the clock at #23 and they will take the opportunity to add the Bishop Gorman product (the same school as Joey Gallo).

Son of former big-leaguer Carl Crawford, Justin is quick on his feet as well, sporting a 6.11 time through the 60-yard dash. The lefty-batter hits the ball across the diamond and does have some pop in the bat, evident by his five home runs as a senior.

Through 42 games, he finished with a .503 batting average and added 17 doubles and eight triples while also stealing 20 bases. He led numerous offensive categories on the Gaels squad, such as slugging (.816) and RBI (52), and impressed many scouts on the summer circuit that saw him shoot up the draft board this season.

Crawford currently plays centre field and many believe his size and speed will allow him to keep the position moving forward without moving to one of the corners. He currently has a commitment to Louisiana State University, so any interested team will have to pry him away from heading to post-secondary.