2022 NFL DRAFT: Notable skill position players still available on Day 2
QUARTERBACKS
SAM HOWELL, North Carolina (JR), QB
By Brandon Lane
Perhaps not mentioned as frequently as Pickett and Willis, but I think there is a chance Howell could be the best option in the class. He is a dual threat Quarterback who has the mobility to extend plays. Howell has a BIG ARM and it’s possible he throws the best deep ball in the class. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the Top 10 picks of the NFL Draft.
PLUSES:
• MOBILITY! Not only did he run for 828 yards and 11 TDs he also forced 65 missed tackles (4.8 yards after contact) in his 2021 season.
• Arm strength
• Attacks man coverage
CONCERNS:
• Pocket presence is an issue as he took a 12% sack rate
• Boom/Bust potential
MALIK WILLIS, Liberty (rSR), QB
By Brandon Lane
Favorite to be the first Quarterback off the board but lacks the experience to be a starter day one in the NFL. Coming out of Liberty there is a concern with the level of competition he faced but his BIG arm coupled with his rushing game has teams looking past some of this to his eventual upside.
PLUSES:
• Great against man coverage
• Outstanding runner with elite speed
• Back-to-back seasons with close to1000 rushing yards and at least 13 rushing TDs
CONCERNS:
• Pocket pressence is an issue as he took a 13% sack rate
• One of the older QBs in the class but doesn’t have the experience to back it up
DESMOND RIDDER, Cincinnati (rSR), QB
By Brandon Lane
A four-year starter for the Bearcats but it wasn’t until his Junior year that he really began to shine. Ridder passed for 3,334 yards, 30 touchdowns (64.9% completion rate) with only eight interceptions. Although he wasn’t schemed to run a lot he did rush for 355 yards and six TDs. He was named the 2020 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Conference Passer. In his senior year he led his team to the 2021 College Football Playoffs and was named the conference Offensive Player of the Year.
PLUSES:
• Checks all the boxes (athleticism, size, speed, arm strength, experience)
• Excellent speed (4.52 40-yard dash)
• Leadership
CONCERNS:
• Issues with accuracy ball placement
• Slow decision making
CARSON STRONG, Nevada (JR), QB
By John Mesenbrink
Is the risk worth the reward? Projected as a 3rd-round pick and the 5th-8th QB taken off the board, Carson Strong’s senior campaign at Nevada was quietly mind blowing. Throwing for 4,100 YDS/36 TDs at a 70% completion rate, Strong could be the NFL Draft’s biggest wild card for QBs. He has all of the tools and above average arm talent, but the injury bug has bitten. Coming off two major knee surgeries, Strong says he is healthy going into his rookie year. So who takes the chance?
PLUSES:
• Arm Strength (most completions of 50 yards plus)
• Leadership qualities
• Great touch
CONCERNS:
• Injury history
• NOT mobile
• Needs to read entire field
Matt Corral, Ole Miss (JR), QB
By John Mesenbrink
Meet me at the Ok Corral. Actually, he was better than just ok, racking up more than 3,000 passing yards 20 TDs through the air and 500 rushing yards and 11 TDs on the ground. This highly versatile QB is a projected to be a late-round 1st rounder to early second. The former Ole Miss Rebel has had some ankle issues, one taking out him out of the Sugar Bowl loss to Baylor this past January. Pittsburgh, Philly, Carolina and New Orleans have expressed interest.
Pluses:
• Dual threat
• Quick release with tight spiral
• Above average arm strength
Concerns:
• Durability issues
• Pocket lingerer
RUNNING BACKS
BREECE HALL
By John Mesenbrink
IOWA STATE (JR), RB
Arguably the most explosive back in this year’s NFL Draft, wherever Breece Hall went, so went the Iowa State Cyclones offense. He has the great blend of size and power (6'1”/220) to be an every down back at the next level. Last year’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Hall rushed for 1,472 yards on 255 totes with 20 TDs (behind a mediocre O-line). He padded his rushing stats with 36 catches for 302 yards and 3 TDs over 12 starts. Hall’s Cyclone career saw him rush for nearly 4,000 yards and 50 TDs which set an FBS scoring record with a rushing touchdown in 24 concecutive games. Hall projects to be selected in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft but we wouldn’t be shocked to see him sneak into the backend of the first.
Pluses:
• Excellent yards after contact
• Size and strength
• Projected every down back
• Patient runner
Concerns:
• College workload (800 touches over three seasons)
• Runs high due to his frame
• Pass protection improvement
KENNETH WALKER III
By Brandon Lane
Michigan State (JR), RB
Walker presents as a workhorse back who can carry the load. After having a solid two seasons with Wake Forest from 2019 to 2020 he chose to transfer to Michigan State his Junior year. The move proved to be exactly what this star needed to shine. He rushed 263 times for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 13/89/1 through the air. Walker’s success was awarded by winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Doak Walker award. And, as if that wasn’t enough, he received first-team Associated Press All-American and Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors. We have this exciting young prospect as the second running back off the board in this years draft.
Pluses:
• SPEED, 4.38 40-yard dash
• Tackle breaking powerhouse
• A patient runner who finds the hole and hits it
• Great ball-handling skills (only one fumble in 2021)
Concerns:
• Questionable receiving skills (only 19 receptions in three years)
• Pass protection issues
ISAIAH SPILLER
By Brandon Lane
Texas A&M (JR), RB
Spiller saw his stock dip after not running at the combine, and what he did show in his jumps had him ranked last at the position. There were reports prior to the combine he was dealing with a strained abductor muscle which lead to his limited participation. Spiller was a top recruit out of high school but made the decision to stay local and sign with the Aggies. He was successful in all three of his college seasons averaging a consistent workload (approximately 180 carries) and productivity (5.5 YPC) in each of those seasons with approximately 1000 yards rushing and 20+ catches. Based on those numbers he should have more tread left on his tires than some of his fellow draftmates and he won’t turn 21 until August, making him one of the youngest players in this draft class. We believe Spiller will be the 3rd-to-5th back off the board in this years NFL draft.
Pluses:
• Good size and adequate speed
• Elusive runner with excellent shiftiness
• Balanced runner that utilizes good pad-level to break tackles
• Built to carry a solid workload
Concerns:
• Needs to learn patience and how to read the field better
• Not known as a pass catcher
RACHAAD WHITE
By John Mesenbrink
ARIZONA STATE (SR), RB
Rachaad White’s 2021 campaign saw this Sun Devil rush for 1,006 yards on 182 carries with an impressive 15 trips to the end zone on the ground. A dual-threat back, he also had 43 receptions for 456 yards and an additional score. White also impressed at the Senior Bowl as he was lead all Running Backs with 52 yards. A projected 4th round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, White looks to find his place as a solid backup and special teams player.
Pluses:
• Versatile dual threat
• Nose for the end zone
• Physical, yet smooth runner
Concerns:
• Explosiveness from line of scrimmage
• Needs more experience
• Blocking basics
JAMES COOK
By John Mesenbrink
GEORGIA (SR), RB
Younger brother of Vikings’ Dalvin Cook, James Cook rushed for 728 yards on 113 carries with seven TDs for the Bulldogs last year and what was even more impressive was his 6.4 YPC. A dual-threat back, Cook went for 27/274 and four TDs in the reception department. His cutting and athletic ability mimic his brother’s but is that where the similarities end? He lacks the size and tough-running ability his big bro has demonstrated at the next level. Cook looks to make an immediate impact as a third-down back or in passing situations, but not an every down back, just yet. Look for Cook to go off the board in the 3rd or 4th round.
Pluses:
• Agile and elusive
• Good vision
• Dual threat (smooth runner and catches the ball well)
• Change of direction
• Running in space
Concerns:
• Maturity issues
• Needs to be more physical/Could struggle in pass protection
• Never exceeded 15 carries in a college game (Only five games with double digit carries)
JEROME FORD
By Brandon Lane
CINCINNATI (rJR), RB
Ford entered his collegiate career at Alabama but found himself cast behind Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris (thus appearing in just eight games over two years). As a redshirt sophomore he transfered to Cincinnati for the next two seasons. In his final season he finally got his shot at being a workhorse where he rushed 215 times for 1319 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also proved he was a capable pass catcher with 21/220/1 through the air. While many consider him a tier below the top rookie backs he’s one of my favorite sleepers coming into the NFL draft.
Pluses:
• Good size and explosiviness
• Great speed (4.46 40-yard dash)
• LOTS of tread left on his tires
• Soft hands
Concerns:
• Ball security issues
• Lacks vision at times
KYREN WILLIAMS
By Brandon Lane
NOTRE DAME (rSO), RB
Williams became a starter for the Fighting Irish as a redshirt freshman who compiled back-to-back 1000 yard rushing seasons. Not the biggest nor the fastest back (4.65 40-yard dash) in the class but a very efficient runner who carried the rock 204 times for 1002 yards and 14 TDs in 2021. But it is his pass-catching skillset that bolsters his NFL stock. In his final season at Notre Dame he was dynamic as a pass catcher hauling in 42 catches for 359 yards and 3 TDs. Thought to be one of the most complete prospects coming into the draft his stock fell after a disappointing NFL Combine. I project he finds success as a complimentary back in the NFL in the mold of a James White style player.
Pluses:
• Excellent pass catcher/could man the slot
• While lacking top speed he does show good short burst
• Willing blocker
• Good juke and shiftiness
Concerns:
• Doesn’t have long speed
• Lack of size
• Needs to master blocking technique
Running Back Watch List:
Pierre Strong Jr., Zamir White, Brian Robinson, Kevin Harris, Damon Pierce
WIDE RECEIVERS
CHRISTIAN WATSON
By Brandon Lane
North Dakota State (rSR), WR
Watson is a player who showcased his measurables using his blazing fast speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and 6'4" frame at NDSU. Once he gets the ball in his hands he can be breathtakingly electric. In his Junior year (2020), he made eight of ten starts and recieved first-team All-MVFC selection at receiver and second-team return specialist. While his senior year numbers don’t pop off the page (43 rec/801 yards/7 TDs) he was utilized all over the field as a return man and a runner at times. Watson received second-team Associated Press FCS All-American and first-team all-conference honors. I expect a slow start in the NFL but the upside is there for NFL teams who are willing to take a shot early on this upside player.
Pluses:
• Electric with the ball in his hands both through the air and on the ground
• Size and speed (4.36 40-yard dash)
• High upside
• Patient
Concerns:
• Still developing skills
• Questionable hands
Wide Receiver Watch List:
Justyn Ross, George Pickens, Skyy Moore, Khalil Shakir, Alec Pierce, Wan’dale Robinson, Jalen Tolbert
TIGHT ENDS
TREY MCBRIDE
By John Mesenbrink
Colorado State (SR), TE
Arguably the best Tight End in this year’s draft class, Trey McBride led the nation with 91/1,125 but only one TD in 2021. Known as a two-way tight end because of his size — 6’ 4” 260 lbs — McBride does need to work on his blocking at the point of attack. His 4.56 40-time at his Pro Day didn’t hurt his chances of being the first TE off the board later this month. Later first round, early second round, the Cincinnati Bengals would be a premier landing spot.
Pluses:
• Size
• Willing blocker
• Good footwork
• Big hands and solid pass catcher
• Smart route runner
Concerns:
• Does need improvement with blocking
• Lack of TD production
• Separation ability
• Catch radius
GREG DULCICH
By John Mesenbrink
UCLA (rJR), TE
One of the fastest and most athletic TEs entering this year’s draft, Dulcich caught 42 passes on 65 targets for 725 yards and five TDs for the Bruins in 2021. A potential top 5 TE taken off the board and a probable middle round (3–4) selection in this year’s NFL Draft, Dulcich led the Bruins with 17.3 YPC in 2021 and earned first the All-Pac12 honors. In addition, his Senior Bowl performance opened some eyes where his entire skill set was on display. Has potential to be an impact player in a couple of years.
Pluses:
• Big play ability
• Large hands
• Faster than appears
• Good against press coverage
Concerns:
• Willing blocker but needs improvement
• Needs better focus throughout entire route and catch
• Body control
JELANI WOODS
By John Mesenbrink
VIRGINIA (JR), TE
Used primarily as a blocker in his first three years for Oklahoma St., Woods’ body of work — as a pass catcher — was limited with 31 receptions on 45 targets for 361 yards and four TDs. Then, in his last year with Virginia, he blossomed with 44 receptions on 71 targets for nearly 600 yards and eight TDs. Which Woods you gonna get? Relatively new as a pass catcher, Woods is a 3rd round projection and a very good backup TE with potential starter status.
Pluses:
• Great size 6’7” 265 lbs
• Catch radius
• High potential
Concerns:
• Functional blocker but needs improvement
• Acceleration from line of scrimmage
• Questionable YAC
Tight End Watch List:
Jeremy Ruckert, Isaish Likely, Charlie Kolar, Cade Otton
