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Who are the top 10 Central Michigan players going into the 2022 college football season?
Central Michigan Chippewas Preview 2022: Who are the top 10 players going into the season?
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Central Michigan Chippewas Preview
Offense, Defense Breakdown | Keys To The Season
Season Prediction, What Will Happen | Schedule
MAC college football rankings and predictions with realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis – the 2022 spring version.
MAC college football rankings and predictions with the realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis – the 2022 spring version.
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It’s the MAC. It’s the conference where worst-to-first is the norm, with 2020 winless Northern Illinois winning the MAC championship in 2021, everyone can beat anyone else, and Toledo will end up somewhere in the middle of it all.
It’s about as settled as the league has been in a long time with the strength still in the West, Buffalo about to be better in the East, and with Akron and Bowling Green still questionable.
Again, though, it’s the MAC. The Zips or Falcons could end up in Detroit in January playing for the title.
The rankings are based on how good the teams should be and not the final projected records. Keeping in mind that this all could/might/will change when we make the final calls in August …
The Chippewas held a special session for two OL prospects and Lions OL coach Hank Fraley was there
The Detroit Lions were among 11 NFL teams that trekked to Mt. Pleasant for a special Central Michigan University pro day on Monday. The workout featured two offensive linemen, Bernhard Raimann and Luke Goedeke.
Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley was on hand for the extra workout. CMU already had its regular pro day in March, but this was a special workout featuring Raimann and Goedeke.
Both players were at the Senior Bowl, though they played for the National team coached by the New York Jets and not the American team run by the Lions.
Raimann is a potential first-rounder, a converted tight end with very impressive strength and movement skills. He’s a former exchange student from Austria. Fraley ran his workout at the initial pro day in March, and the Lions met with Raimann both in Mobile and Indianapolis at the scouting combine.
Goedeke is more pertinent from the Lions draft standpoint. A right tackle for the Chippewas, he projects as a middle-round prospect who can play guard or tackle. Before getting injured in Senior Bowl practices, Goedeke was working at center, too.
The Lions don’t have a need for an early offensive lineman with all five starters returning and valuable reserves Evan Brown and Ryan McCollum also re-signing for multiple years this offseason. But building the depth with a versatile player like Goedeke with starter-caliber upside at multiple positions is a good option for the Lions to consider with one of the team’s two third-round picks.
Philadelphia Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland got an up-close look at Bernhard Raimann, Luke Goedeke during Central Michigan pro day
The Philadelphia Eagles were one of 11 teams to send an offensive line coach to Central Michigan to see prospects Bernhard Raimann and Luke Goedeke work out at the school’s pro day on Monday, according to the Senior Bowl’s Jim Nagy.
Raimann and Goedeke could both be options for the Eagles who believe in building from the inside out, and value premium offensive line depth.
NFL teams have been sending fewer coaches to pro-days past two years but that was far from case today at Central Michigan. 11 clubs sent OL coaches to workout future NFL starters Bernhard Raimann & Luke Goedeke. Teams present: AZ, BAL, CAR, CIN, DET, GB, JAX, NYJ, NYG, PHI, TEN. pic.twitter.com/ySl09p8sSi
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 5, 2022
Raimann, 24 was a two-year starter at Central Michigan with 18 career starts at left tackle and should be a first-round pick, while Goedeke could be a day-two option for the Eagles at right tackle, and both players are intriguing, as offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland make the trip personally to see both players.
Pro Day Part 2️⃣@BernhardRaimann and @lukethelifter getting some WORK in today as they prepare for the NFL Draft. #FireUpChips🔥⬆️🏈 pic.twitter.com/GrjNZI6Oh2
— CMU Football (@CMU_Football) April 5, 2022
Philadelphia still has 10 picks in this year’s draft and secured an extra third-rounder as well after a Monday afternoon trade with the Saints that netted a 2023 first-round pick as well.
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Central Michigan OL Luke Goedeke is up next in Unpacking Future Packers, a countdown previewing the 2022 NFL draft for Packers Wire.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Since the Ted Thompson days, the Green Bay Packers have done a great job of finding offensive line talent on day three of the NFL Draft. Players like David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, Corey Linsley and JC Tretter were all drafted on the draft’s third day.
An offensive lineman that Brian Gutekunst could target on the third day of the 2022 NFL Draft is Luke Goedeke. The Central Michigan right tackle checks in at No. 32 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Goedeke started his collegiate career at Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he played tight end. After one season at Stevens Point, Goedeke transferred to Central Michigan. Goedeke missed the 2020 season with a leg injury and finished his career with 25 career starts at right tackle.
“After missing all of 2020 with a knee injury that required surgery, he bounced back to have a solid season as the Chippewas’ right tackle,” Christian Booher, the sports editor for CM Life, said. “With he and Bernhard Raimann, CMU had arguably the best bookend tackle duo in the Mid-American Conference. The whole offensive line was solid, but Goedeke stood out with his performance as a run blocker. With his help, running back Lew Nichols III was able to amass a nation-leading 1,848 yards on the ground. He was a very important piece in that puzzle.”
Goedeke is pro-ready as a run blocker. He has the movement skills that teams will love. He easily climbs to the second level and hits his targets. He has good lateral agility. Goedeke creates movement with his strong lower half.
“When it comes to his performance as a run blocker, it goes back to his athleticism,” Booher said. “He’s able to get ahead of the play and make downfield blocks after setting the tone at the line of scrimmage. Movement is never an issue with Goedeke. It was impressive to see how well he moved in 2021 after the knee surgery. He doesn’t mess around with players away from the play, instead getting up field and providing downfield blocking for running backs.”
This past season Goedeke was graded as one of the best run-blocking offensive lineman in college football by Pro Football Focus. A big reason for his success as a run blocker is due to his athleticism. He has fluid movement skills with his agile feet and lower body flexibility.
“A converted tight end, he is both agile and mobile,” Booher said. “After putting on the weight necessary to transition to the offensive line, Goedeke became very good at finishing blocks and pummeling opposing defenders. He blocks for the entirety of the play, putting defenders on their backs countless times. He uses his athletic ability to out-maneuver defenders and finish blocks emphatically. Watching him perform, especially in the run game, is impressive.”
In pass protection, Goedeke has quick hands, striking confidently with strong grip strength. He has quick, controlled steps in his lateral slide. Goedeke has a high football IQ and understands angles and pass sets. He has a strong core and good balance contact.
“Goedeke did not allow a sack in 2021, giving up a total of just four hurries,” Booher said. “He finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 77.8 this season in the pass blocking department, indicating that he is growing. He can hang with edge rushers thanks to his athleticism. There were some tough games, including a week three matchup with LSU, where he struggled with faster defensive ends, but even then he did not allow a sack. He’s very efficient at the line of scrimmage in pass sets and is working to continue improving.”
Goedeke has the versatility and athleticism to play tackle, guard or center. While he never played guard or center, he may be a better fit inside at the next level.
Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has selected at least one offensive lineman every year. His commitment to building a great offensive line is a big reason why the Packers have been able to withstand key injuries (David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, Josh Myers, etc.).
A player like Goedeke could fight for starting reps at right tackle or guard. If the Central Michigan product doesn’t earn a starting role he could provide five-position versatility as a key reserve.
“Some scouts believe he may wind up on the inside at the next level, though I believe he will do well wherever he is placed,” Booher said. “At 6-foot-5, he has great size and athleticism to go with it. He’s strong and has told reporters he loves finishing plays and putting defenders in the dirt. That’s the type of mentality I would like to have on my team. On a personal note, he was always polite with the media and gave us thoughtful answers. He was a great player to cover and I’m hoping he finds success wherever he lands.”
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The Detroit Lions hit up Auburn and Central Michigan pro days in search of 2022 NFL draft prospects
The pro day circuit spread out across the country on Tuesday. Even in the midst of the free agency legal tampering period, the Lions still had reps in attendance for at least two of the college workouts.
The first of the day was close to Detroit, a short jaunt to Mt. Pleasant for Central Michigan’s pro day. All 32 teams were in attendance, with OT Bernhard Raimann as the primary attraction.
Raimann is an Austrian native who is often projected as a top-40 pick. The Lions don’t need another offensive tackle, but he’s an intriguing prospect who also met with the team during the Senior Bowl week. Linemate Luke Goedeke, another Senior Bowler, does have some potential to head to Detroit as a versatile reserve lineman in the later rounds. He can play all the OL spots and has some impressive people-moving skills as a run blocker. Both Raimann and Goedeke began their college careers as tight ends.
There were several prospects from D-II programs Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State at the workout as well. Another Chippewa prospect to know: WR Kalil Pimpleton, a lightning-quick but undersized slot receiver who has a lot of juice as a return man too.
The bigger school on Tuesday’s schedule was Auburn, where all 32 teams were also in attendance. The Lions primary focus from the Tigers was likely in the secondary, where CB Roger McCreary and S Smoke Monday are both appealing prospects.
The Lions know McCreary quite well. They coached him on the American team in January’s Senior Bowl. McCreary measured smaller and with shorter arms than expected in Mobile, but he’s working hard to overcome his lack of desired length. His game film against Alabama is one of the best any cornerback in this draft can boast, however. McCreary did improve upon his NFL scouting combine workout numbers in the morning workout. CB in the 32-34 overall range isn’t generally regarded as a priority need for Detroit but McCreary fits the bill if they are looking in that range.
Monday is a hard-hitting safety with size and closing speed. In Detroit’s defense he would function more as an extra linebacker until he proves he can handle coverage assignments down the field, something he struggled with for Auburn. Monday is generally projected in the third or fourth round of most mock drafts.
Other Tigers who could interest the Lions include LB Zacoby McClain and LB Chandler Wooten.
The results of the testing, courtesy of Rivals’ Brian Stultz:
The measurements (unofficial times) from Auburn's Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/fWJjQZBrLp
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) March 15, 2022
Toledo vs Central Michigan prediction, college basketball game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win on Thursday.
Toledo vs Central Michigan prediction, college basketball game preview, how to watch: Thursday, March 10
Date: Thursday, March 10
Game Time: 11:00 ET
Venue: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Toledo (25-6), Central Michigan (7-22)
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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions
It’s been a rough run for the Chippewas with eight losses in the last ninth games in the midst of an ugly season, but they pushed a strong Toledo team in a 68-66 loss in mid-February.
The defense isn’t all that bad at forcing mistakes, and the offense works as long as the backcourt is doing a good job of spreading the ball around and doing things quickly. Toledo’s defense doesn’t force mistakes and come up with turnovers, but …
Central Michigan doesn’t do enough on defense to keep up.
The offense isn’t totally miserable. It’s not dangerous from the outside and it doesn’t do any one thing all that well, but the defenses allows teams to average 77 points per game and hit 41% of their shots – Toledo can shoot.
More than anything else, the Rockets should own the boards. Central Michigan can’t and doesn’t rebound, but it did in the second meeting and still lost. It was closer, but it still wasn’t enough.
– Top 25 Game Previews, Predictions
Toledo is on a five game winning streak because it’s making everything.
It’s hitting close to 55% from the field over the second half of the season and that’s not stopping against this Central Michigan defense.
Toledo 83, Central Michigan 66
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: COMING
– CFN Latest NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine
5: Calvin Ridley’s suspension
1: The NFL bombardment of gambling ads
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Central Michigan OT Bernhard Raimann is up next in Unpacking Future Packers, a countdown previewing the 2022 NFL draft for Packers Wire.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Brian Gutekunst has five first-round selections under his belt as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers. All five of them were under the age of 22 on draft day. Jaire Alexander (21), Rashan Gary (21), Darnell Savage (21), Jordan Love (21), and Eric Stokes (22).
A player that could raise the mean of that group is Bernhard Raimann. The Central Michigan offensive tackle is 24 years old and will turn 25 in September.
The Austrian native is a player that Gutekunst could target in the first round. The Central Michigan prospect checks in at No. 47 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Raimann served six months in the military before leaving his homeland of Austria and arriving at Central Michigan in 2018. Raimann started 11 games at tight end during his first two seasons on campus before making the switch to left tackle in 2020. Over the past two seasons, Raimann started 18 games at left tackle.
“Bernhard began his career at CMU as a backup tight end in 2018,” Christian Booher, the sports editor at CM Life, said. “He was a raw prospect with a lot of athletic ability but needed a bit of polish. There were flashes over his first two seasons as a Chippewa as to what he could be, but after starter Tony Poljan entered the transfer portal after the 2019 season, it looked as though he was set to step into a starting role. However, head coach Jim McElwain moved him to offensive tackle with the intention of starting him right away in the 2020 season. The move turned out to be a great one, as he overcame some growing pains at left tackle to become a very good prospect heading into the 2022 Draft.”
The 2022 NFL Draft class is loaded with athletic offensive linemen. Raimann, a former tight end may be the cream of the crop. He ran a 5.05 40-yard dash, including a 1.73 10-yard split. He put up 30 reps on the bench and had an impressive shuttle and 3-cone times. Raimann testing well athletically should come as no surprise, the Central Michigan product was No. 26 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list.
Athleticism scores for the 2022 offensive line class are now official.
Among offensive tackles, three prospects finished with an athleticism score of 90-plus:
🥇 Zach Tom, @WakeFB (99)
🥈 Bernhard Raimann, @CMU_Football (96)
🥉 Trevor Penning, @UNIFootball (90)#NextGenScores pic.twitter.com/USlfjcDibG— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 5, 2022
The Packers have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, they’ll likely be missing Elgton Jenkins when the 2022 season begins.
With Jenkins sidelined, there are questions on what the starting offensive line will look like for the Packers when the season kicks off in September.
It’s reasonable to project that the Packers will roll out a starting five of, David Bakhtiari (left tackle), Jon Runyan (left guard), Josh Myers (center), Royce Newman (right guard), and Billy Turner (right tackle).
However, what if the Packers opt to cut Turner? Even if Turner is still on the team, a team can never have enough quality offensive linemen, particularly at tackle.
Raimann checks a lot of boxes with his size and athleticism. With so much untapped potential surging through that 6-6 frame, Raimann could be the pick for the Packers in the first round.
“He’s already a solid player, but what’s exciting is what he can be with further coaching,” Booher said. “CMU’s now-former offensive line coach Mike Cummings is one of the best in the business and has had success moving players such as Joe Staley from tight end to tackle. Now an NFL team will get the chance to take this unique blend of skills and mold Raimann into a solid pro offensive lineman. The thought of what he can be is very exciting and the untapped potential looks very good. He’d make a good fit for any team that needs help upfront right away, but his down-the-line potential is what makes him worth taking early.”
True, Raimann doesn’t fit the “age profile” of past Gutekunst first-round pick. Raimann is a rarity. It’s not every draft cycle that there is a 24-year old (25 in September) with Raimann’s athletic profile and upside.
If Raimann is on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 28th overall pick, don’t be shocked if you hear his name called. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein recently mocked Raimann to the Packers in his latest mock draft.
The former tight end is a fluid athlete with above-average upside and the potential to play either guard or tackle, which is why he should be in consideration for the Packers.
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The Chargers get their right tackle of the future in Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft.
The Chargers invested in the offensive line last offseason. While that paid off, they have a question mark over the right tackle position, given the uncertainty of Bryan Bulaga’s future with the team.
That is why Los Angeles could look to address the position early on in the draft if none of the free agents on the market appeal to them.
In NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft, he sees the Bolts solidifying the spot with Central Michigan OT Bernhard Raimann.
I’m higher on Raimann than most evaluators, but I believe in his play strength (his hands and core strength jump off the screen) and instincts. He starts Day 1 at right tackle and would team with 2021 first-rounder Rashawn Slater to give the Chargers excellent bookends to protect Justin Herbert.
Raimann, the Austrian-born tackle, played wide receiver in high school and enrolled at Central Michigan as a tight end. He moved to left tackle before his junior season because Central Michigan didn’t have one. He flourished in that role, allowing ten pressures this past season.
While age might be a concern because he will be 25 years old in his rookie season, Raimann is an athletic and balanced big man with strong hands, and mental and physical toughness that has been profoundly tested to come in and contribute right away.
Pay attention to Bernhard Raimann! Very good OT prospect out of Central Michigan 🥞 pic.twitter.com/B389TzirRa
— Pancaked (@PancakedTweets) November 6, 2021
Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) puts the intriguing, still-new-to-football offensive lineman from Central Michigan under the microscope with a Cowboys lens.
The Dallas Cowboys once made it their mission to build one of, if not the best offensive lines in football. The Cowboys invested three first-round picks in four drafts on this group at the start of the last decade. One of them, center Travis Fredrick, has since retired and left tackle Tyron Smith is constantly dealing with injury, missing parts or most of each of the last five seasons. Is it time the Cowboys start looking at reinvesting to ensure Dak Prescott is protected?
Their performance in the wild-card round certainly leans in that direction. Central Michigan’s left tackle Bernhard Rainmann is an interesting prospect for Dallas as he’s still relatively knew to play the sport. He didn’t start until the age of 14 so he is still developing as a player.
It shows up in his power, footwork, and I’m sure there is room to grow IQ wise. He is a fantastic athlete, with good movement skills and good initial hand placement. If the Cowboys didn’t want to have to spend a 1st rounder on another lineman and still get a good developmental replacement for Tyron; this might be their best chance.
