2022 NFL Draft: Top 20 Prospects Available
20. WR Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
This is a test. Obviously every NFL team and scout know everything about every prospect, but Tolbert might just fall through the cracks because he’s not quite the elite measurables guy to match the tape. Even so, he’s a big-time downfield threat who might be a gift to someone in the third round.
19. EDGE Logan Hall, Houston
The only problem is his position – he doesn’t quite have one. The 6-6, 275-pounder can get behind the line and he’s going to be too quick for most interior linemen, but he’s a true tweener who might be seen as only a rotational player. That’s fine – he’ll produce.
18. WR Christian Watson, North Dakota State
You need to have two other volume-catchers in your offense, but if you can turn him loose and let him be a matchup nightmare with his 4.3 speed, he’ll be a devastating weapon who can change a game with one play.
17. EDGE Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
I honestly can’t quite figure out why he’s slipping through the edge rusher cracks because he checks just about every box as a player. The freakish tools might not be there, but someone’s about to draft a whole lot of tackles for loss at a bargain basement price.
16. OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
This is a Day Two theme – the talent on the O line dries up fast. He’s not all that bulky, but he’s a phenomenal athlete who might just grow into one of the best all-around pass protectors in this draft if he’s given a little time to grow. Surround him with bulk and let him handle the speed guys.
[listicle id=545703]
15. S Jalen Pitre, Baylor
It only takes one to make a pick, but several teams are sure to ding him because he’s a tough guy with a physical game packed in the body of a kicker. He’s not really a free safety even with his 4.4 speed, and he’s just not big enough to make 100 tackles a season without breaking down. But go ahead and put him in your secondary and figure it out.
14. LB Damone Clark, LSU
Welcome to the Take A Chance On Greatness ranking. Had he been 100% healthy he’d have been a top 40 overall pick, and now he might not be drafted after having to undergo spinal fusion surgery. It’s not a stretch to call him the best inside linebacker in the draft, but unfortunately he’s a big risk selection. A team with a lot of picks should absolutely take the shot.
13. QB Sam Howell, North Carolina
You want to know just how full of hoo-ha the world of NFL scouting is? Hand raised high on this – a year ago, Howell appeared to be a lock as the top quarterback in this class of meh prospects. He’s not huge, his game isn’t exactly pretty, and he’s coming off a strange year, but there’s a reason why we were all in deep like with him before this season. The potential is there to be fantastic.
12. S Nick Cross, Maryland
Every once in a while there’s a prospect that – from the college perspective – seems to be missing something for the NFL scouting types. I’m stunned Cross isn’t considered to be higher than a fringe second rounder, but that appears to be the consensus on a 6-1, 215-pound huge hitter with 4.34 speed. Consistency is going to be his key.
11. S Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
There isn’t enough splash to make him stand out too much among this year’s loaded crop of defensive backs, but he’s going to be one of those guys who finds a role in a secondary and ends up with a strong all-around ten year career. He looks and plays the part of an NFL safety – he’s got a clean game. He’s just nota an intimidating force.
2022 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Available Top 10 | 21-32