Month: April 2022

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: A pair of quarterbacks help round out the Top 50

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 8 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We have reached the single digits in the countdown to draft day. I posted my top 25 players on Monday. I am continuing those rankings here.

A few things to note about how I do my big boards. I rank the best players in the class based on talent and ability to translate to the NFL, not necessarily where they will be drafted. Let’s use Malik Willis as an example. I expect him to be drafted well above where I have him ranked, but that is because the league puts a premium on the position he plays. Same thing goes for Kyle Hamilton, but in reverse. He is a top-five player in this draft class, but he will probably drop out of the top 10 on draft day because the NFL does not value safeties as highly.

26. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
One of the best interior linemen in this class, Linderbaum was a lot higher on my board prior to the pre draft process. He fell well short of the measurables you want from an NFL offensive linemen, ranking in the first percentile for wingspan and arm length, the fifth percentile for weight and the sixth percentile for height. That does not mean he cannot translate to the next level, but it does point to him being a bit more limited with what we can expect, especially as a run blocker. He still has incredible athleticism for the position and the drive to finish blocks. Since 2010, there have been no centers drafted in the first round that weighed under 300 pounds. Linderbaum weighs 296 pounds.

27. Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
One of my favorite prospects in this class, appearing on my draft crushes list for 2022 as well, Walker is a rangy linebacker with great size and instincts. He ran well at the combine, which backed up the speed you see watching him on film. He has true sideline-to-sideline capability. He is a plus in coverage as well. While he did not produce much as a pass rusher, he is still an effective blitzer when his number is called. All-around solid linebacker with great traits. I think he will fit into just about any defense at the NFL level.

28. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
One of the most exciting edge rushers in this draft class, Karlaftis flashes all kinds of a pass rush ability on film. The biggest challenge for NFL teams will be getting him to produce consistently. His technique as a rusher is all over the place and his run defense leaves a lot to be desired. So far, he has not been able to match his freshman season where he posted 7.5 sacks, totaling just five in his final 15 collegiate games. He measured in with shorter than ideal arms as well, but that is something he can overcome with his speed and quickness off the line. There is a lot of room for growth, which should see him go in the first round.

29. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
This is one of the trickiest evaluations of this draft process. On film, Burks showcased impressive playmaking skills with an exciting blend of size and speed. He posted impressive numbers for the Razorbacks, eclipsing 1,100 yards receiving to go with 11 touchdowns. He torched Alabama for 179 yards and two scores. That being said, he also had four games this season where he was held under 50 yards receiving, including a 16-yard outing against LSU and a 10-yard day when facing Georgia. That paired with a lackluster 40-time and a disappointing three-cone time and you get to where we are now. He could end up being a really solid playmaker, but there are a couple of red flags.

30. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Another Georgia defender makes the top 50. Dean is an explosive playmaker who excels playing downhill as a blitzing linebacker. He is decent in coverage and shows good range in run defense. He is a bit undersized at 5’11”, which is one of the only real knocks on Dean. If he can continue to play with good technique and capitalize on his speed, I think he will still be successful. There will be some teams who will not have him high on their boards because of his size. I think he can still be a solid starter with the capability to contribute right away.

31. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Another edge rusher still learning to play the sport, Ebiketie’s draft stock skyrocketed in his one season at Penn State after transferring from Temple. He only started playing football during his sophomore year of high school. He didn’t start at Temple until 2020, but did enough to impress James Franklin and his staff. It paid off with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss during his redshirt senior season. He is a bit small by NFL defensive end standards at about 6’3″, 250 pounds, but he has ideal length and impressive athleticism. However, he is one of the older prospects in the draft, having turned 23 in January. He is going to be a very scheme specific fit early on unless he can learn to play in more of an outside linebacker role.

32. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Another player that I have struggled in evaluating, Elam checks a lot of boxes for what I look for in a corner. He is tall at 6’1″ and ran sub 4.4 for his 40 time. He excels in press man with solid length and good fluidity in his movement. I can see him being a really good fit for any team that runs a lot of Cover 1 or Cover 0 sets. So that’s the good news. The bad news is he struggles in zone coverage and has some work to do as an open-field tackler. He won’t be a fit for everyone, but if lands in the right spot, he could be a starter on the outside right away.

33. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
The first tight end to appear on my big board, McBride is a bit of a mix between new age and old school when it comes to the position. He is capable of lining up split out on the boundary, in the slot or inline next to the tackle as a receiver. He posted ridiculous numbers this past season with 90 receptions for over 1,100 yards, practically unheard of for a college tight end. What’s more, he is an above average blocker with solid speed. He was clocked running somewhere in the mid 4.5s at his pro day. He might not be on the same level as Kyle Pitts, but he is scheme versatile. I think he has Pro Bowl potential.

34. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Kyle Hamilton gets all the publicity, but this is a deep class of safeties. Brisker is one of a few I expect to see drafted in the second round come draft day. He is big at 6’1″ and he tested well at the combine. He flies around the field on his tape, making plays from a variety of positions in Penn State’s defense. I think he has the physicality and instincts to play strong safety and the range to play free safety. That versatility will be coveted at the next level.

35. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
NDSU is becoming quite the breeding ground for NFL talent. Watson should be the latest player to earn his way to the next level. He is a rare combination of size and speed, measuring in at 6’4″ and running a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine. He is a bit limited as a route runner, but he showcased his ability to win in one-on-one coverage at the Senior Bowl. There will be some growing pains as he continues to improve his hands and quickness, but the potential for him to become a matchup nightmare is enticing.

36. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The next quarterback to come up on my board, Pickett is the most pro ready passer of this group. He has a good arm, a consistent throwing motion and the mobility needed to succeed in today’s NFL. He took a massive leap in his development during his redshirt senior season at Pittsburgh. His completion percentage jumped six points and he threw for more touchdowns (42) than he did in his first four seasons (39). Was he a one-season wonder? Only time will tell. There are a few other concerns with Pickett as well. He has the smallest hands in the league, which could prove to be an issue when the weather gets cold late in the season. He will also turn 24 this June. It is hard to tell exactly how much more room for growth there is.

37. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
One of the most tantalizing prospects in this draft class, Pickens is a bit of an unknown. He had a fantastic freshman season in a limited role before turning in a much more muted sophomore campaign. Expecting a big junior season, he tore his ACL in spring practice, but worked his way back to appear in the final few games of the season. He only recorded five catches in those four games. He posted solid, but not spectacular numbers at the combine, but the fact that he participated gave a good indication that he is back to full strength. Pickens has the body type and skill set to be a No. 1 receiver. It will be on whatever team drafts him though to help him take that next step in his development.

38. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Ridder is not just a fairy tale story anymore. Cincinnati showed it truly belonged in 2021, even if they did come up short against Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Ridder showcased in that game both what makes him an enticing prospect and why he is a bit of a project. He stood in against a heavy rush all night and delivered some solid passes outside the numbers. Unfortunately, we also saw him struggle to adjust when his passes were getting batted down at the line and his inaccuracy over the middle became a problem. There is a lot to like about his leadership, mobility and arm strength, but it will take time for him to put them all together.

39. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Yet another Georgia player. Kirby Smart sure knows how to recruit and develop NFL talent. Cine was already on the NFL’s radar, but he really caught the nation’s attention with the performance he put on in the National Championship Game against Alabama. He racked up seven tackles, including one for loss against the Tide, making plays in space the whole game long. It capped off a season where he recorded 73 tackles and showcased his speed. He has great size for the position and checks just about every box from a physical standpoint.

40. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
An up-and-coming pass rusher in this draft class, Mafe turned in a seven-sack performance in his senior season. He is a speed rusher who flashes moments of power on film. His quick first step makes him tough to combat for slower tackles. He also showed that he can drop into coverage in both man and zone on film, so I think he could comfortably play outside linebacker at the next level. Mafe is also very comfortable playing with his hand in the ground as a defensive end. He has some room to improve as a run defender, but I think he will find his way onto the field early in his career.

41. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Raimann feels like an athlete who just so happens to play offensive tackle. He put together a very impressive workout at the combine, dominating the three-cone, broad jump and bench press. My biggest knock on him would be his arm length, which was a bit below average. Still, I think he has the athleticism to make up for that. There will be a bit of a learning curve jumping from Central Michigan to facing NFL talent every week, but he has the look of a future starter in the league, especially if he can fill out his frame a bit more.

42. Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
Another college tackle whose future likely lies at interior lineman, Rhyan is close to NFL ready. He has good play strength and is a clear asset as a run blocker. He does sometimes lack a clear plan in the ground game, which leads him to miss a few blocks. Additionally, he does a solid job of keeping pass rushers in front of him. Unfortunately, he lacks the length to likely survive at tackle, but he could be a potential backup at the position given his history there in college.

43. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
NFL teams should probably just set up scouting posts in Seattle, because Washington continues to produce NFL caliber defensive backs. Elijah Molden, Byron Murphy, Taylor Rapp, Marcus Peters, Budda Baker and Kevin King are some of the more famous Huskies in the NFL right now. But I digress. Gordon seems poised to join that group, with recent buzz suggesting he might not get out of the first round. He is a bit bigger than his teammate Trent McDuffie at 5’11” and a half. However, he lacks the same kind of explosiveness that makes McDuffie such a coveted prospect. He shows a willingness as a run blocker. The more I watch him, the more I think I might be a little too low on him.

44. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
At long last, we have a running back in the rankings. Hall is a well-rounded back with potential home run speed. He broke 4.4 on his 40-time and had a really impressive workout all the way around. On top of that, his production at Iowa State was impressive. He scored 50 touchdowns on the ground and hauled in 83 catches over three years. He will certainly be a factor in the passing game even if he isn’t quite on the same level as Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara. To me, he is the clear top back in this class and could even sneak into the end of Round 1 if a team like Buffalo decides it needs an upgrade in the backfield.

45. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
This is a really tough one for me. From a production standpoint, I think Dotson is closer to a first-round pick. He has a great set of hands and posted over 1,100 yards on 90 catches with 12 touchdowns. The measurables are where I start to have an issue. He is only 5’10” and weighed in under 180 pounds at the combine. He also posted a dismal three-cone time. I think he can still be a very productive player at the next level, but I don’t know that he will ever be a true No. 1 option, which pushes him into the second round for me.

46. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
At this point, it is tough to project exactly where Kinnard will best fit in the NFL. He started three years at right tackle for Kentucky. However, he tested really poorly at the combine, showing he might lack to requisite athleticism to play tackle at the next level. That being said, he has long 35-inch arms and massive 11-inch hands. Those are incredible numbers. His play style probably points to a future on the interior, but only time will tell. Either way, I think he has a future as an NFL lineman with his raw power and size.

47. Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Thomas broke out in his junior season, recording 20.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He has really solid play strength, which allows him to sort through traffic well against the run. San Diego State asked him to play inside a lot more than I think he will at the NFL level. He will likely be a 4-3 defensive end. He still has a lot of work to do as a pass rusher as he mostly wins reps based on effort at this point. The one thing he does really well as a pass rusher is use his hands to create leverage. If he starts adding a few moves, he will be a very effective player.

48. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Definitely a bit of a project, Woolen has exciting intangibles. He showed out at the combine, measuring in at just over 6’4″ before running a 4.26 40 and a 42-inch vertical. Mix in roughly 33 and a half-inch long arms and you have the makings of a potential superstar at the position. It is all going to depend on his development. He had a good year at UTSA and has a good understanding of how to break up passes without getting called for interference. I think I would like to see him get a bit more physical and improve when it comes to mirroring receivers. He is a really exciting prospect though.

49. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
One of the largest human beings to ever be at the combine, Faalele became the heaviest player to weigh in over 20 years. He tipped the scales at 384 pounds. At 6’8″, he carries that weight pretty well, but those numbers are just mind boggling. That size alone makes him an asset, but it comes with its drawbacks. He lacks elite quickness and struggles with his pad level given his immense size. There is a lot to work with, but those limitations likely will keep him on the right side of the line for his career. Still, I think he can be a quality starter if he keeps his weight under control and works on his pass protection.

50. Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Opinions seem to be split on Pierce. On one hand, he has an enticing blend of size and long speed. He posted elite numbers in the vertical and broad jump. He was a big-play threat all year long at Cincinnati. On the other, can he really be more than just a big-play option? His film shows the ability to get open if he does not have elite quickness. Some of it can be blamed on a quarterback who seemingly struggled on intermediate routes over the middle. There is enough there that I think you can take a second-round flier on him and see if he can develop into a mid-tier No. 1 option.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Loaded draft of defensive players, one quarterback cracks Top 25

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 10 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We are slowly creeping closer to draft week and I am working on finalizing grades and rankings for players. The more time I spend looking at this class, the more I realize how deep it is on defense. It is a really good year to need edge rushing or cornerback help. There are also a couple of great linebackers in this class as well.

A few things to note about how I do my big boards. I rank the best players in the class based on talent and ability to translate to the NFL, not necessarily where they will be drafted. Let’s use Malik Willis as an example. I expect him to be drafted well above where I have him ranked, but that is because the league puts a premium on the position he plays. Same thing goes for Kyle Hamilton, but in reverse. He is a top-five player in this draft class, but he will probably drop out of the top 10 on draft day because the NFL does not value safeties as highly.

Here are my top 25 players. I will have my next 25 players out tomorrow.

1. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
An absolute mountain of a man, I love Neal’s physical traits, experience and versatility. He has above average arm length as well. He started 40 games over three years at Alabama, featuring at left guard, right tackle and left tackle in that span. On top of that, he went up against some of the best competition the country has to offer in the SEC. He is nimble on his feet and brings good play strength for the position. He has Pro Bowl potential at any offensive line position other than center.

2. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
I love long, tall corners. Gardner is a long, tall corner who can run and play shutdown coverage. The popular stat you will see regarding his play was that he did not allow a receiving touchdown during his time in college. He didn’t always face the best competition playing in the AAC, but he stepped up in big games for the Bearcats throughout his career. He mirrors well in coverage and has the length to break up passes. I think he has the potential to be a top-5 corner in the league.

3. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
In a draft full of talented edge rushers, Hutchinson is the most pro ready of the group. He has a full array of pass rush moves, dominates at the point of attack and showcases good play strength on film. His short area quickness for the position is elite and he has the versatility to play with his hand in the ground or stand up as an outside linebacker. If you are looking for a knock on him, it is that he lacks the length teams typically look for in edge rushers, measuring in the eighth percentile among edge rushers, according to Mockdraftable. He might not have the highest upside of any edge rusher in this class, but he seems to have the highest floor.

4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Much has been made about the former Oregon superstar in this draft cycle. We’ve heard that he didn’t interview well, and teams were disappointed by his lack of fire. I know he didn’t live up to the lofty expectations we all set for him heading into this season, but he still has all the physical ability in the world. Also of note, he had 19 career sacks at Oregon, including seven this past season. He has a tendency of stepping up in big games as well, posting 4.5 sacks in three Pac-12 title games. There are definitely elements of his game you would like to see him improve (consistency at the point of attack, reading his keys in run defense), but I like the upside and talent to win out at the next level.

5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
If you like nasty, physical offensive linemen, Ekwonu is just the man for you. Known as the “Most feared player in the ACC,” he routinely pancakes defenders with his impressive play strength and great pad level. However, for all the highlight plays he puts on film, there is still some work to be done. His footwork and technique are a bit inconsistent and he will need to be more disciplined about not leaking downfield on passing plays too early at the next level. That being said, few players offer the type of raw power with upside that Ekwonu does.

6. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Hamilton might have ranked even a bit higher had he turned in a better pre draft performance. His lackluster 40-yard dash time has been picked apart, but he played faster on film, so I’m not too concerned with a lack of speed. He takes good angles in coverage and against the run, which pairs well with elite size at the position. I believe he can still play single high along with dropping into the box and even playing nickel linebacker. The versatility along with the production and “wow” plays on his film make him an elite prospect.

7. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Reportedly, the NFL is all over this guy. He was a workout warrior at the combine, sending scouts back to the tape. I like what I saw from him a lot, but I’m not putting him in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. Walker has tons of talent and versatility, but there is still a bit of refining that needs to come in his game. What is great is that he can conceivably line up at defensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on what scheme he lands in. I like the upside a lot. He might not have the biggest impact as a rookie, but two years from now, he could be a top-25 defensive player in the league, regardless of position.

8. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
One of my favorite players in this draft class, Lloyd is a dynamic playmaker with great physical tools. He could play inside backer or outside backer, potentially even lining up on the edge for some pass rushing snaps. Utah put him in that spot on occasion early on in his college career. When watching his tape, I think he played better as a sophomore than he did as a junior, but his combined tape impressed me overall. I think he will probably slide a bit on draft day because the league does not value off-ball linebackers as highly, but he will be an instant impact player.

9. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
One of the most polarizing prospects in this draft class, Stingley is a really tough evaluation. He dominated his freshman season at LSU, shutting down pretty much everyone he faced, including teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in practice. Unfortunately, his career got derailed from there. He only played 10 games over his final two college seasons, missing time with injuries. He also never returned to that 2019 form that made him look like the best corner prospect since Jalen Ramsey. A solid pro day rebuilt his draft stock a bit. If he can stay healthy, he has immense potential given his size, speed and coverage skills.

10. Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
A late riser in the draft process, Johnson’s season went under the radar as Florida State struggled again in big moments. A closer look at Johnson’s tape shows an elite run defender with room to grow as a pass rusher. He sorts through traffic so well and shows great play strength against the run. He tested very well at the combine and has ideal length for the position. I don’t know if he is quite ready to post double-digit sacks in the NFL like he did this year in college, but I think the physical tools make it easy to project. With some coaching, he might turn out to be the most well-rounded edge rusher in this class.

11. Drake London, WR, USC
The first receiver on my board is a big body playmaker with good hands and impressive yards after the catch ability. At just a shade under 6’4″ with 33-inch arms, London has the makings of a great jump ball receiver. His size and ability to make contested catches makes it easy to project a role for him in the NFL. I think he can be more than just a red zone target. He showed at USC his ability to be a high-level possession receiver as well, catching 88 passes in just eight games before suffering an ankle injury. The concern with him is whether he can generate separation at the next level. He is a solid route runner though, so I think he will be at least average in that department. Give him some bonus points for being a solid run blocker.

12. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Trying to rank the top receivers in this class is like splitting hairs. It really comes down to what teams value in a player’s skill set and scheme fit to determine where teams will rank them. Wilson is a proven receiver with tons of production and good physical traits. He is just a shade under six feet tall and ran an impressive 4.38 40 at the combine. That speed shows up on tape as well. The biggest red flag I have in evaluating Wilson was his shuttle time at the combine, which was in the 20th percentile per Mockdraftable. He also gets redirected on some of his routes. In the right system, Wilson could be a superstar. Put the ball in his hands and let him go to work.

13. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Another wide receiver, Williams would probably have been the top receiver in this class if he had not suffered a torn ACL in the national championship game. One of the best ways to quantify his skill set is that Alabama’s offense fell off significantly after his departure. He is a speedster with good size. He has some room to fill out his frame a little bit, which I think he will need to do in order to survive in the NFL. His big-play ability is through the roof and just about unparalleled in this class, especially among the other top receivers. There are some drops on his film, which is a problem he will need to address at the next level.

14. Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean got the early season hype, but Wyatt has steadily risen up draft boards as more people dove into his film. He is rock solid against the run and an asset on pass rushing downs as well. He didn’t get home too often, posting just 2.5 sacks this season, but he is more than capable of collapsing the pocket. He is also scheme versatile, with the size, strength and speed to line up as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle. He feels like a very safe pick that can contribute right away.

15. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Another Georgia defender here, Davis turned heads all season long with an impressive season for the Bulldogs. He is an elite run defender with some occasional pop as a pass rusher. He only posted seven sacks in four seasons. While it is clear that Davis is an incredible athlete, I do have concerns with his weight. He tipped the scales at 341 pounds at the combine. He will need to be disciplined at keeping that number in check throughout his career. That much weight usually takes a toll on a player’s joints before too long. If he can, he might end up being great value for whoever drafts him.

16. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
One of the most tested pass blockers in draft history, Cross played in a Mississippi State offense that threw the ball an absurd 704 times this past season. On the flip side, Cross is very untested as a run blocker, with the Bulldogs rushing just 270 times. There is a lot to like about Cross’ game. He displays good balance and anchors well in pass protection. However, there are some concerns for me when watching his tape. He lets his hands get outside a little too often and has a tendency to get beat across his face in pass protection. In my mind, he is a bit of a project, but he should be impactful in any pass-heavy offense from Day 1.

17. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
My top interior lineman in this class, Green has experience playing at every position other than center along the offensive line. He actually started at least one game at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle this past season. I like what I’ve seen from Green in pass protection. He has good pad level and good footwork, especially as an interior lineman. He is a little limited as a run blocker with some struggles to reach the second level. On top of that, he tested in the fourth percentile for the 20-yard shuttle, per Mockdraftable. Not super important, but I think he could struggle to fit in outside zone or screen-heavy offensive systems.

18. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Robin to Wilson’s Batman, Olave plays a similar style, dominating in open spaces with his speed. He put up impressive numbers this past season, scoring 13 touchdowns in 11 games for the Buckeyes. He has good hands, but he did measure in a little shorter than ideal when it comes to arm length and he posted a well below average 32-inch vertical for receivers. (Take a second and think about the fact that 32 inches is in 12th percentile for receivers. I would be thrilled to have a 32-inch vertical!) I think he could be a solid No. 1 receiver or elite No. 2 receiver in an NFL offense.

19. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The latest Northern Iowa star set to make the leap to the NFL, Penning will be the highest drafted player in program history, barring something unforeseen on draft day. He checks every box from a size perspective, measuring in at 6’7″ and 325 pounds at the combine. He also has 34.25-inch arms and tested in the 97th percentile for the 40-yard dash and the 98th percentile in the 3-cone, according to Mockdraftable. In short, a great athlete with impressive measurables. He is a bit raw as a run blocker in space and he needs some refining as a pass blocker, but he finishes plays well and shows really good play strength. He is a bit of a project with tons of upside.

20. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
At long last, our first quarterback. Willis is my favorite passer of this group because of his physical tools and the upside he brings. He is not going to be like Lamar Jackson at the next level, but he has good mobility and a penchant for making plays on the run. He needs to improve his pocket awareness and learn to throw the ball away. In 2021, he took an outrageous 51 sacks. Some of that can be attributed to a less than stellar offensive line, but Willis desperately needs to improve his internal clock as well. He has a strong arm with solid accuracy and showed on film that he can hit every throw required at the pro level. He won’t be a Day 1 starter, at least he shouldn’t be, but his ceiling is a borderline top-10 NFL quarterback.

21. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
A player that I think could have pushed his way up draft boards if he had been healthy enough to test, Booth brings all the requisite length to be a starting outside corner in the NFL. Unfortunately, he underwent sports hernia surgery in March, which kept him from participating in drills at the combine or his pro day. He showed at Clemson that he has the athleticism to compete at the position as well. He adjusts well to the ball in the air and uses his hands well to break up passes.

22. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
I’m breaking one of my own rules by giving McDuffie a first-round grade. Pretty much every elite NFL corner that lines up on the boundary is at least 5’11”. Jalen Ramsey and Trevon Diggs are 6’1″. Marlon Humphrey, Marshon Lattimore, Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore are 6’0″. Tre’Davious White is 5’11”. There are two notable exceptions to that rule. Jaire Alexander and J.C. Jackson are roughly 5’10”. That’s where McDuffie falls as well. I think his talent and play style supersedes my concerns over his height. In truth, he is only a quarter inch under 5’11”, so I’m probably splitting hairs. Still, he plays bigger and is very physical. I think he has what it takes to survive on the outside at the next level.

23. Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
NFL teams love versatility from an offensive lineman. Johnson brings plenty of it with the ability to play either guard spot and potentially center at the next level. He took some snaps there during Senior Bowl week. Throw on the tape and you will see a very fundamentally sound blocker who can hold his own in pass protection or the running game. He is a seasoned option having spent two years at Davidson before transferring to Boston College. Expect him to be a Day 1 starter wherever he lands.

24. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Ojabo was knocking on the door of the top 10 before he suffered an Achilles injury at his pro day. The injury will cause him to miss most if not all of his rookie season in the NFL. Truth be told, Ojabo might have benefitted from something akin to a redshirt season anyway. While the athleticism is unquestionable, Ojabo is a bit raw as an overall prospect. He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school, previously running track and playing soccer and basketball. There are moments of brilliance on film, but they are not consistent enough to think Ojabo would have been much more than a situational pass rusher in his first season. If he can recover and develop as a pass rusher, some team at the end of the first round is going to get a steal in this draft.

25. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
A fun prospect to watch, Hill is the latest safety/slot corner hybrid to make his way into the NFL draft. Think of players like Jevon Holland from last year’s draft as an example. Hill moved around in Michigan’s defense quite a bit under Jim Harbaugh and could bring that same type of chess piece flexibility to an NFL defense. He is best as a strong safety allowed to attack downhill and make plays in the backfield and in the flat, but he has the range to drop into coverage more. I wouldn’t be shocked if a team tested him out at outside corner either given his size, speed and length.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Draft Season Never Ends: 2022 NFL Draft Crushes

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL, Podcast , , , , , , , , ,

New episodes dropping every Friday! Every year, there are a few prospects you fall in love with during the predraft process. Chris breaks down his biggest 2022 NFL draft crushes and teases The Aftermath’s upcoming draft contest.

You can find every episode on Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. As always, I appreciate reviews, feedback and when you hit that subscribe button.

NFL Draft Daily: Is there still hope for JT Daniels to reach the NFL?

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAAF , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 14 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We are onto school number three for JT Daniels. The former five-star quarterback told ESPN on Wednesday that he will be transferring to West Virginia after losing his starting job to Stetson Bennett at Georgia. This is already the second time that Daniels has transferred, arriving in Athens after two years at USC. His college career has been nothing shy of a rollercoaster ride.

Unfortunately for Daniels, injuries have plagued his career. He suffered a torn ACL in his sophomore year at USC, which led to Kedon Slovis taking over the starting job. Slovis had a phenomenal freshman season, prompting Daniels to head to Georgia. The NCAA granted him permission to play immediately following his transfer in the summer of 2020, paving the way for him to compete with Jamie Newman, Bennett and D’Wan Mathis for the starting job. Newman ultimately ended up opting out of the 2020 season.

Daniels started just three games for the Bulldogs in 2021. (Photo credit: TigerNet.com)

Perhaps we should have known right away that Daniels was not going to be the guy in Athens. He finished third in that quarterback competition. Mathis was the Week 1 starter, but quickly lost his job to Bennett. Daniels became the backup to Bennett. He only took over when Bennett suffered an injury in November. He looked sharp in the team’s final four games, winning the starting job for the remainder of the season. He completed just over 66 percent of his passes and averaged over 300 yards passing per game.

That set the stage for a big 2021 season. Daniels entered the year as a Heisman front runner and the presumed starter. Once again injuries got in the way as he missed extended time and ultimately lost his starting job even when he was healthy enough to return. Bennett went on to lead Georgia to a national championship, with Daniels playing sparingly in relief throughout the final stretch of the season.

At this point, it is hard to know what to make of Daniels. He clearly still has some talent. Over his two seasons at Georgia he put up solid numbers. He completed 69 percent of his passes to go with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions across nine appearances. Daniels has prototypical NFL size, standing 6’3″, 210 pounds. He has an above average arm with decent velocity on his throws. I was particularly impressed with his quick release. There are some nice anticipation throws on his tape as well. While he is not a great athlete for the position, he can move around in the pocket and make throws on the run. His deep ball isn’t always perfect, but when it is on, it looks great.

However, Daniels will need to show a number of things this year in order to prove to NFL teams that he deserves a shot at the next level. His ball placement is a bit inconsistent, especially when throwing to the boundary. His footwork also needs to be cleaned up. There are several throws where his feet are a mess and it impacts the trajectory of the throw, frequently leaving the ball short of where he should be leading the receiver. His throwing motion also gets a bit funky at times. Above all else, he will need to show that he can stay healthy. Perhaps adding a few pounds to his frame will help prepare for the physical nature of the NFL.

Some people may be questioning why West Virginia of all schools. Well for one, his former offensive coordinator at USC, Graham Harrell, is the offensive coordinator for the Mountaineers now. Having some familiarity with the offensive scheme was likely appealing to Daniels. They also have a veteran group returning for 2022 on offense. Beyond that, he simply did not have many other suitors. The other schools he visited were Missouri and Oregon State.

Without a doubt, there is a lot of work to be done in order for Daniels to rehab his draft stock. For a frame of reference, I think Daniels would probably be a late-round pick or priority undrafted free-agent in this quarterback class at best. This is one of the weakest quarterback classes in recent memory, but he would likely be the eight or ninth quarterback selected. There are just too many unknowns about him right now.

Heading into 2023, he will certainly not be in contention to be the first quarterback taken. With Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and possibly Tyler Van Dyke all in the mix to be top-10 selections, it is hard to see Daniels coming anywhere close to that group. That being said, if Daniels can simply stay on the field and post similar numbers to his time in Georgia, he will be drafted. Probably not in the first round given his injury history. It is obviously way too early to say, but I think Daniels will still have a really good shot of making the jump to the NFL.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

NFL Draft Daily: My 2022 NFL draft crushes

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 15 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We all have crushes. For most people, they are probably famous celebrities they fantasize about. For me, it’s NFL draft prospects that I would love to end up on my favorite team. Yes, I am aware that I’m weird.

Call them whatever you want. “My guys,” “draft crushes” or something of that nature. These are players that I might be a bit higher on than most or you were one of the first members on the hype train for. In recent years, I’ve had a few. In 2020, it was guys like Bryce Hall, Bradlee Anae and Tyler Biadasz. In 2021, Creed Humphrey, Liam Eichenberg and Paulson Adebo were high up on the list. Sometimes, you hit on guys that should have been taken earlier (Humphrey and Hall) and sometimes you whiff badly (Anae and possibly Eichenberg).

Overall, this is mostly a fun exercise where I can give some love to some of my favorite prospects in the draft. Feel free to let me know who your favorite draft crushes for this year are on Twitter @cmcglynn84.

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
I didn’t say I was the only one who was going to be high on some of these players. Like most, I am a huge fan of Sauce. I love big, long corners capable of playing press man. Gardner is that and then some with impressive speed for his size and great ball skills. His 33.5-inch arms only make me love him more. He was dominant in his time at Cincinnati and seems poised to be a true lockdown corner in the NFL. I have him as the No. 2 player on my board. I really hope the Jets select him at No. 4.

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
I mentioned Bradlee Anae before. It was actually watching Anae’s tape in preparation for the 2020 draft that I first noticed Lloyd. He played in kind of a rover or star linebacker role for Utah that season, rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. He was overshadowed by players like Anae, Leki Fotu and Francis Bernard on that defense, but I liked what I saw. He was a redshirt sophomore then. Last season, I had him ranked as a top 75 player before he announced he was returning to school. He debuted at No. 29 in my Way-Too-Early 2022 mock draft back in May. Now I have him as a top 10 player on my big board. I love his versatility and physical traits. I could see him sliding on draft day because I don’t think the league prioritizes off-ball linebackers as much, but man he is a fun player to watch.

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
You can take your pick of Georgia defenders this year. There are a lot of them that are going to get drafted. It is hard to put on film from 2021 and not get distracted from the player you are watching. That is what kept happening for me when I would try to watch Jordan Davis or Nakobe Dean. Instead, I would end up focusing on Wyatt. He is so physical at the point of attack and aggressive in attacking pass rushing lanes. I think he will be a good 5-tech end at the next level. I know everyone has caught up on him, but I think he should be the first Georgia player selected this year.

Cade Otton, TE, Washington
While the trend for tight ends in the NFL has been for them to be big receivers rarely lined up inline, I still think there is some value in finding a more traditional tight end. He has the versatility to line up at the end of the line and serve as an extra blocker or flex out in the slot. What impresses me most is how willing Otton is to take on contact. This is easily the best example I can find of just that.

Otton blasts Hutchinson off the line and knocks him off his feet. Hutchinson absolutely dominated that game, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying on Otton’s part. His balance after first contact is a huge plus. He does a great job creating leverage as a run blocker as well. He never put up gaudy stats, but I think he is going to be a very productive tight end at the next level.

Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
How about another tight end? McBride caught my attention at the end of the 2020 season with 330 yards and four touchdowns in just four games. He took it to another level in 2021. In stark contrast to Otton, McBride posted monster numbers this past season. He reeled in 90 receptions for 1121 yards and a touchdown during his senior season. He is an above average blocker with fantastic hands. He reportedly ran in the mid 4.5s at his pro day as well, so he certainly has the requisite speed needed to excel at the next level. With the ability to line up inline, flexed out or on the boundary, McBride is going to be a really fun chess piece for offensive coordinators to have at their disposal.

Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA
I love this Roadrunner. I shouted out one of his teammates in Tariq Woolen yesterday in my favorite small school prospects in this draft. He is a compact tackle breaker with some pass catching ability. He had close to 4,000 yards rushing and 68 receptions in his three years at UTSA. His 40-time was a bit of a red flag, but he plays much faster on film and had several long touchdown runs this season. His contact balance is particularly impressive, allowing him to run through arm tackles. He could be very effective as a one-cut back that can contribute on passing downs. I like him going early in the third round.

Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Another linebacker and another Georgia defender. I love Walker’s coverage ability and versatility. He is big at just under 6’4″, weighing in at 241 pounds, but he can fly around the field. He posted a 4.51 40-time to back up the speed we saw on tape. He dominated Alabama as well, racking up eight tackles and six pressures in the National Championship Game. Finding a linebacker that can drop into coverage, generate pressure on the blitz and showcase sideline-to-sideline range is hard. He has scheme versatility and can line up at middle linebacker or as an off-ball outside backer. Sign me up for that. I think Walker is a legitimate first-round talent.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.