2022 Draft

[snarkster]

On 4/9/2022 at 2:25 PM, Jungletiger said:

Linderbaum @ 31 been on a lot of people's mock's lately since the short arm thing came out.

 

 

Watched the replay of the Kentucky-Iowa Citrus Bowl last night and paid a lot of attention to Linderbaum.  He was definitely impressive, but the last play when he turned his ankle, hr got pushed back and man-handled by a UK Frosh DT who shed him easily and got the sack.

[membengal]

7 hours ago, spicoli said:

I certainly don’t disagree. 
I won’t be surprised if it’s Williams or Ojabo however.. 

if it’s ojabo I will be decidedly unhappy.

[snarkster]

16 minutes ago, membengal said:

if it’s ojabo I will be decidedly unhappy.

In various mock draft simulators I keep seeing Devonte Wyatt still on the board.  Other than possibly a top CB (Booth or Elam) or maybe an EDGE I think he would be my pick #31.  He's probably the top 3Tech in the draft and would likely be an eventual upgrade over Ogunjobi (and I really like him).  A rotation of Hill & Wyatt next to Reader would really solidify the defensive interior.

[I_C_Deadpeople]

 

2022 NFL Draft: Mid-round names to know from Group of 5 leagues (and beyond)

By Nick Baumgardner Apr 13, 2022 13 

Recruiting stars matter. And sometimes they don’t.

Earlier this month we took a spin through 25 of my favorite mid-round names to watch from every Power 5 league. Today, as promised, we’ll do the same thing with every Group of 5 conference (AAC, CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt and Mountain West). As is the case every year, a slew of NFL-ready players can be found outside of college football’s richest leagues.

Many of these players earned invites to the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. Some didn’t. All are candidates to hear their name called during draft weekend, albeit not likely on Thursday. And because it’s hard to stop watching football, I’ve added a bonus five at the bottom. Let’s get into it.

American Athletic Conference

Dylan Parham: C, Memphis (6-2, 311)

One of the best players at the Senior Bowl this winter, Parham’s biggest ding is the combination of two facts: His body is ideal for an NFL center, but he only played tackle/guard in college. So there is some projecting happening here. But Parham, a former tight end, is Mr. Leverage as a run blocker in this draft. Incredibly difficult to beat off the snap, even harder to establish good position against. He can get knocked around by bigger players, but if he gets underneath a bigger, stronger player’s shoulders, his leg drive is smooth enough to create rush lanes. Teammate Calvin Austin III, a receiver, is another Memphis star to monitor.

Marcus Jones: CB, Houston (5-8, 174) 

Houston teammate Logan Hall (DL/Edge) is a borderline first-rounder, so he’s not on this list. And we might be cheating a bit with Jones, who could be gone in the second. He’s the real deal as a returner with punts and kickoffs. His short-area quickness and burst with the ball could keep him around the league a long time. He’s small but never afraid to hit or be physical (42 PBUs, 10 picks in college). Scared of nothing as a corner despite lack of size.

Tyler Smith: OT, Tulsa (6-4, 324)

We could be pushing it here, too. If there’s a run on tackles, he might not last long. Smith has 34-inch arms and enough natural speed/burst/bend at 324 to be a dominant run blocker in the NFL at either tackle spot. He played left tackle in college and is still working to become less robotic in pass protection as he too often gets caught oversetting, showing his hand too early. But as a run blocker, he’s ready to give you something tomorrow. Chris Paul, a 6-3, 323 linemate of Smith’s at Tulsa, is also an intriguing day three guard prospect.

Danny Gray: WR, SMU (5-11, 186)

He’s on the thin side, and he really hasn’t played a ton of high-level football (just 18 games at the P5 level). But of all the offensive weapons at SMU — including tight end Grant Calcaterra and wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. — Gray might have the best ceiling. He’s a burner (4.33 40) with explosion and a lot of feel for route-running, how to set up defensive backs in space and, generally, how to get open. Gray’s best football should still be in front of him.

The Cincinnati Crew

Darrian Beavers, LB (6-3, 243); Coby Bryant, CB (6-1, 193); Myjai Sanders, Edge (6-5, 247); Bryan Cook, S (6-0, 206); Alec Pierce, WR (6-3, 211); Jerome Ford, RB (5-10, 210)

OK, so this is actual cheating, but I don’t care. It’ll shine light on something more college football observers need to see anyway, and that’s the fact Cincinnati’s football team was damn good last year and deserved all the stuff that came its way. Beavers, Sanders, Cook, Bryant and Pierce could all hear their names called by Friday. Ford could be in the mix for day three. The real magic here for coach Luke Fickell: Only one player on this list (Ford) was ranked inside the top 1,000 (yes, one thousand) via 247Sports’ composite recruiting rank. We also didn’t mention cornerback Ahmad Gardner or quarterback Desmond Ridder until just now. What a run for the Bearcats.

Conference USA

DeAngelo Malone: Edge, Western Kentucky (6-3, 243)

A package of length, bend and speed, Malone has elite start-stop acceleration and the ability to dip and lower himself around tackles in a way not often seen from players his size. That said, he’s far too reliant on his elite traits and still needs a lot of work with regard to an overall pass rush plan and pretty much everything with stopping the run. But he can run in space and can get after the passer (34 sacks, 60 TFL in five seasons).

Tariq Woolen: CB, UTSA (6-4, 205)

One of the draft’s true athletic freaks, Woolen’s testing numbers at 6-foot-4, 205 ranged from superhuman (42-inch vert, 2.49-second 20-yard split) to of another planet (4.26 40). His arm length (33 ⅝ inches) would make many offensive tackles jealous. But he’s only been a corner, truly, for two seasons and can still look like a receiver trying to play corner, especially as a tackler. When he fully absorbs a concept or coverage and locks in, as he sometimes did at the Senior Bowl, he shows scary potential.

Spencer Burford: OL, UTSA (6-4, 304)

When he engages with a defender in the run game, it can look really pretty. But finishing consistently enough to the point where we see it look the way it should every snap? Still a process. Burford can reach, lean and over-extend himself into problems … but he’s also generally athletic enough to recover and still have an impact on a play even when something goes wrong. Future right tackle once everything comes together technique-wise.

Bailey Zappe: QB, Western Kentucky (6-0, 215)

He sees everything, at every level of the field, on nearly every rep. Whether or not he has the arm zip to get the ball where it needs to against NFL defenses with any type of regularity is another matter. Without a ton of arm pop, Zappe will have to make his money threading every needle as close to perfect as possible if he’s going to stick in the league. I’d pay a fifth-round pick to see him try.

Gerrit Prince: TE, UAB (6-4, 241)

Crazy length for a 6-foot-4 tight end. Prince’s arms measured in at 34 inches with a 79 ⅜-inch wingspan — allowing him to go get the ball the way a wideout would. That’s also part of the issue, as Prince is a former prep wide receiver who has worked hard to gain strength but still needs more. Blew up with a sixth year last season (36 catches, 699 yards, 10 TDs) and will be 25 in August.

Mid-American Conference

Tycen Anderson: S, Toledo (6-1, 209)

A former corner, Anderson was a nickel/box hybrid in college who matched good feet with terrific length and speed (4.36 40, 1.5-second 10-yard split). He knows how to diagnose what’s in front of him in the run game, understands how to tackle and is tough to fool. Is he a deep safety or a nickel? We’ll see. But he was a two-time captain and a high school valedictorian at St. John’s Jesuit in Toledo. Finds ways to add value.

Luke Goedeke: OL, Central Michigan (6-5, 312)

We’re leaving CMU offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann and Western Michigan receiver Skyy Moore, who both have first-round potential, off our list today. But Goedeke certainly qualifies. Just like Raimann, Goedeke is a converted tight end. With a bunch of power and burst in his lower half, Goedeke’s length (32 ¼-inch arms) will likely make him a guard in the NFL — but possibly a good one. He plays through every whistle and gives relentless effort in everything, all of which shows up in the run game. Quality zone blocker who is athletic enough to hang in every fight and willing enough to do exactly that. His hands don’t often miss in the run game, but if someone is tough enough to disengage, Goedeke is always there with an effort to get back on track.

Dominique Robinson: Edge, Miami (Ohio) (6-4, 253)

What a journey. From quarterback prospect to wide receiver — for three years. Then, before the 2020 season, Robinson transitioned to an edge prospect. Really bendy and springy athlete with burst for days (41-inch vert and 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump). He will get better with more power and strength. If he can put everything together at once, things could get very interesting. A project, but one worth working on.

Sterling Weatherford: S/LB, Miami (Ohio) (6-4, 224)

His coverage ability working with linebackers stood out at the Senior Bowl, as Weatherford’s general ability to cover a lot of ground in short-area windows made it really difficult for backs and tight ends to find any room. However, he’s skinny at 224 and only so-so with his long speed/burst. Not fast enough to play safety, perhaps not bulked up enough to fit the run in the stack — but maybe a very interesting long-range hybrid/stack linebacker who can do a lot on special teams.

Armani Rogers: TE, Ohio (6-5, 233)

A college quarterback trying to make it work at tight end. We’ll see how it translates, but we do know this: The man is an athlete. Ran a 4.58 40 with a 1010 broad jump and a 34-inch vert. Ran for 1,549 yards and 18 TDs in 21 games as a dynamic and punishing dual-threat QB. With nearly 33-inch arms and terrific open-field run instincts, Rogers could be worth a developmental pick for a staff willing to teach a player a completely new position.

Mountain West Conference

Chad Muma: LB, Wyoming (6-2, 239)

Muma is incredibly smooth in space, to a point where he can almost make it look too easy in coverage and pursuit. Few understand angles to the ball better than Muma, who is extremely difficult to run around. He’s agile, he’s fast, he’s springy and he can chase for days. His coverage profile and natural ability to always find the ball could tempt a team to go after Muma early, possibly in round two. But for a 240-pounder, he gets knocked around in the box an awful lot, which could result in a slip. Still, a very intriguing athlete who checks several boxes as a stack linebacker in the modern NFL.

Cameron Thomas: Edge, San Diego State (6-4, 267)

A possible stand-up edge piece or a hand-in-dirt defensive end, Thomas found his way to a ton of tackles as a defensive lineman, including nose tackle, for two reasons: He’s really quick and never stops running. Thomas put up a 6.91-second 3-cone time at his pro day after missing the combine with a hamstring injury. Only Aidan Hutchinson and Travon Walker had better 3-cones in the edge department. The problem? Thomas needs to develop more play strength, as he got knocked around too much for his size at SDSU. But 21 sacks and 39 TFL since 2019 suggest he’ll find a way.

Trey McBride: TE, Colorado State (6-3, 246)

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has McBride No. 1 overall in a weak tight end class. The Colorado State weapon was remarkably productive with 164 catches for 2,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in five seasons, including a 90-catch year in 2021. He catches everything. He’s a fluid, natural route runner who can settle into open space or run away from a linebacker. He’s an F tight end, for sure. In the right system, he could be a Y. His blocking will always be a battle, but he can definitely make plays with the ball at the next level.

Khalil Shakir: WR, Boise State (5-11, 196)

A deceptively quick route runner who is as good as anyone his size at going up in the air and making difficult catches in traffic. Great finisher who can sometimes look like he’s jogging before he explodes into another gear. Ran a 4.43 at the combine (1.49 10-yard split) and can return kicks. He should be a better blocker than he is, and he needs to work on general strength and consistency. He can make the spectacular play, but can he consistently make the average one?

Daniel Bellinger: TE, San Diego State (6-4, 253)

It generally always looks really good with Bellinger, a long-strider who shows good bend and flexibility as a blocker. He can get underneath defensive ends and outwork them as a blocker and, with his size and speed (4.63 40), he could be usable as a Y or a U tight end depending on the situation. He’s not a dominant blocker, but adding more play strength could be his ticket to hanging around a while. He’s had injuries, and he wasn’t very productive as a receiver (68 catches in four years).

Sun Belt Conference

Jalen Tolbert: WR, South Alabama (6-1, 194)

Super sturdy X-receiver prospect who made 178 catches at South Alabama, including an 82-catch, 1,474-yard senior year in Major Applewhite’s offense. Wins at the line of scrimmage consistently and often had lower-level DBs in major trouble at the top of any route. He’s not running away from people (4.49 40 at the combine) and his blocking needs to improve. But Tolbert is a very sound high-floor outside target.

Max Mitchell: OT, Louisiana (6-6, 307)

Mitchell played 51 games in college at right tackle, left tackle and left guard. He never missed a game because of injury. Mitchell was an all-out effort tackle and a good one in ULL’s zone-run operation, but he is hardly an overwhelming athlete. He has enough length to be a swing tackle in the NFL, but if he can add more power to his body, there could be greater value here.

Isaiah Likely: TE, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245)

A blast to watch, and not just because he played in Jamey Chadwell’s offense. Likely feels like a pretty unique package as an F tight end/H-back prospect. He caught 27 TDs at Coastal and posted 2,050 receiving yards. He’s not a burner and won’t run away from people, but in tight spaces, he’s a problem. Great athletic burst (36-inch vert and 1003 broad jump) give Likely the tools to make a ton of big plays in the right offense.

D’Marco Jackson: LB, Appalachian State (6-0, 233)

The lack of size stands out right off the top, but this guy also tackled everything in the Sun Belt last season. He’s a team captain who will cut it loose and let it rip in the open field as a pursuit linebacker. Plays without fear and finds the football, can cover plenty of ground with 4.55 speed and broke up six passes as a senior, too. He had 120 tackles (19 TFL) in 2021 and 296 tackles (34 TFL) for his career. Will likely do anything you ask on special teams.

Percy Butler: S, Louisiana (6-0, 194)

With a nearly ideal physical frame for an NFL free safety, Butler is a former prep track star who turned in a 4.36 40-yard dash (1.46 10-yard split) at the combine. Could add terrific value in a number of areas via special teams while he develops and continues to add strength. A willing, in-control tackler who pursues the ball with good angles. Played 50 games in college and can still get a lot better.

Bonus: Football Championship Subdivision

Christian Watson: WR, North Dakota State (6-4, 208)

Like Jelani Woods and Tariq Woolen, Watson lands in the athletic freak pile after a terrific winter. The 6-foot-4 athlete had some dominant stretches against high-level competition at the Senior Bowl. Then he went to the combine and ran a 4.36 40 with a 6.96-second 3-cone. His burst (1104 broad, 38 ½ vert) is elite, and his future is tantalizing. But he needs polish and a chance to prove he can do all this against professionals.

Troy Andersen: LB, Montana State (6-3, 243)

A QB/RB who used to play wide receiver but is now a linebacker. Got all that? Andersen’s athletic traits at his size (4.42 40, 6.77 3-cone, 4.07 short shuttle) are crazy for a player his size. When he ID’d a run or anything inside the box last season, it was over. He finished the season with 147 tackles. He still needs to work on all the finer points of tackling and block shedding, but his developmental upside is exciting.

Cole Strange: OL, Chattanooga (6-4, 307)

Super bendy and athletic interior offensive line prospect who will have to keep working to add strength and power, but he can really move inside as either a center or a guard. He was mainly a left guard in college, but did play one game at center and another at tackle. Has to prove it still, but he’s athletic enough to compete in the NFL.

 

Zyon McCollum: CB, Sam Houston State (6-2, 199)

Last official “freak” on our list today. McCollum’s combine was outstanding: 4.33 40-time (1.46 10-yard split), 11-foot broad jump, 39½-inch vertical jump, 6.48-second 3-cone and a 3.94-second short shuttle. His 3-cone and short shuttle times make for as strong an agility grade on a long corner as you’ll see anywhere. McCollum broke up 54 passes in his college career, but the NFL is a long way from the Southland.

Markquese Bell: S, Florida A&M (6-2, 212)

Bell started his career at Maryland as a four-star recruit in 2017 and made his way to FAMU by way of Coffeyville Community College. It was worth the wait for the Rattlers. Bell broke up 14 passes and picked off five balls in 2019 before losing the 2020 season due to the pandemic. Last season, he put up 95 tackles and forced five fumbles. Bell’s speed (4.41 40), frame and range as a safety will give him a chance to make a team this fall.

[|kennethmw|]

Question for you draft gurus.  31 is an interesting spot to draft in.  A lot of teams could want to trade for that, especially possibly a team looking for a QB.  If Seattle came calling, Would you take 40 and and 72 to move up, or do you think we could hit them for 40 and 41?  or should we stay pat at 31?  Just wondering what you guys think.

[esjbh2]

19 minutes ago, kennethmw said:

Question for you draft gurus.  31 is an interesting spot to draft in.  A lot of teams could want to trade for that, especially possibly a team looking for a QB.  If Seattle came calling, Would you take 40 and and 72 to move up, or do you think we could hit them for 40 and 41?  or should we stay pat at 31?  Just wondering what you guys think.

I'd take the 40 & 41 for our 31 in a heartbeat since that's a crazy steal of deal based on draft position value, but I doubt Seattle would ever be that desperate. 

 

Even 40 & 72 for a 31 is a very good deal, at least on paper.  If Seattle really wants somebody at 31, I think you take that deal unless somebody the Bengals covet falls to 31.

[MichaelWeston]

My first draft crush. I am going position by position and am halfway through the WRs. 

 

QBs were fine and I ended up with these guys as possible UDFAs 

QB

EJ Perry-Brown (U)

Dustin Crum-Kent St (U)

Cole Kelley-SE Lou (U)

Brock Purdy-Iowa St (U)

Zerrick Cooper-Jack St (U)

 

At RB I would take BPA in the 7th or UDFA route

RB

Abram Smith-Baylor (6)

Rachaad White-Az St (6)

Pierre Strong-ND St (6)

Tyler Badie-Missou (6)

Jerome Ford-Cincy (6)

Trestan Ebner-Baylor (7)

Jerrion Ealy-Ole Miss (7)

Zonovan Knight-NC St (7)

Isaih Pacheco-Rutgers (U)

Jashuan Cobin-FSU (U)

Master Teague-OSU (U)

 

My favorites are both from Baylor. 

I love that Smith played LB and will probably be a great special teamer

My crush is Trestan Ebner. He didn't do all that much from the backfield but is a rare kick returner. He is a big play waiting to happen but wsan't disciplined enough to get the small stuff. Always wanted to break big plays. Lots of stuff that might be fixable in order to get a good back for the rotation

 

Here is every TD over his career 

 

 

[Le Tigre]

What is it about UT-San Antonio? They always seem to produce at least a few really good prospects every year. 

[MichaelWeston]

Trying to determine a mid round WR who could start in a pinch in 2022 and play both inside and outside. Lots of slot guys but not a lot of versatility there. Anybody high on your lists?

 

[|BlackJesus|]

3 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

Trying to determine a mid round WR who could start in a pinch in 2022 and play both inside and outside. Lots of slot guys but not a lot of versatility there. Anybody high on your lists?

 

After the first tier of Rd 1-2 guys (I love Burks and Pierce in that group), I think the WR class drops off and becomes very weak.

 

The only mid round guys I am intrigued by are ...

 

Justyn Ross, 6’4, 205, Clemson

(Tee's old teammate, would have been a first rd pick in 2019, then found to have a spinal condition) 

 

Isaiah Weston, 6’4, 210, N. Iowa 

(40 inch vert, 4.42 40 yd dash, 20 reps, has all the measurables you need. Good at contested catches, nice radius)

[|BlackJesus|]

10 hours ago, kennethmw said:

do you think we could hit them for 40 and 41? 

 

I would take that deal in a heart beat, but they would never offer 40 & 41 for 31.

 

I don't think 40 and 72 is sweet enough to lose out on the 5th year option though.

[membengal]

Brugler's latest mock at the Athletic is a 7-round guess. 

 

His 7 for Cincy and the write-up on his pick in 1st round:

 

Cincinnati Bengals
1 (31) Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
2 (63) Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
3 (95) Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
4 (136) James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
5 (174) Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
6 (209) David Anenih, Edge, Houston
7 (226) Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC
7 (252) Cal Adomitis, LS, Pittsburgh

 

LONG SNAPPER IN SEVEN? C'MON DANE. 

Quote

 

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa

I know, I know. The Bengals added three key pieces already this offseason on the offensive line. The idea of using a premium resource for a fourth seems unlikely. But Linderbaum might be too good to pass up. Load up on blocking talent and sort it out in training camp.

 

 

[claptonrocks]

4 hours ago, membengal said:

Brugler's latest mock at the Athletic is a 7-round guess. 

 

His 7 for Cincy and the write-up on his pick in 1st round:

 

Cincinnati Bengals
1 (31) Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
2 (63) Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
3 (95) Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
4 (136) James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
5 (174) Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
6 (209) David Anenih, Edge, Houston
7 (226) Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC
7 (252) Cal Adomitis, LS, Pittsburgh

 

LONG SNAPPER IN SEVEN? C'MON DANE. 

 

I know Kiper threw that trade out there 

Their pick 35 and 10th pick in rd4.

for. our 31...

Enticing if it were to happen

but if Linderbaum is there Bengals should jump on him.

 

 

 

 

[Jamie_B]

 

[Jungletiger]

The part about Lbomb dropping to 2nd reound is innnnnntresting.  Means he would be there at 31 hehe

 

[claptonrocks]

20 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

 

Booth is to good and highly rated to last to 31.

Just don't see it.

Makes good storyline though.

 

I d be surprised if Linderbaum Booth Watson Green or Johnson were still on board honestly..

 

So Elam or Travis Jones..trade?

 

 

[Jamie_B]

8 minutes ago, claptonrocks said:

Booth is to good and highly rated to last to 31.

Just don't see it.

Makes good storyline though.

 

I d be surprised if Linderbaum Booth Watson Green or Johnson were still on board honestly..

 

So Elam or Travis Jones..trade?

 

 

 

 

More and more I am worried about nobody we like being there.

[claptonrocks]

3 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

 

 

More and more I am worried about nobody we like being there.

Agree..

Tobin has that bpa attitude so 

it could be a safety LB or anywhere to improve a unit..

There are some very good LBs in the mix..😎

[Jamie_B]

2 minutes ago, claptonrocks said:

Agree..

Tobin has that bpa attitude so 

it could be a safety LB or anywhere to improve a unit..

There are some very good LBs in the mix..😎

 

 

Yeah I could see that.

[membengal]

 

[Griever]

16 minutes ago, membengal said:

 

Goodberry knows his shit, thanks Mem. He had a good 2-part segment on Lap's In the Trenches podcast too.

[membengal]

He's more comfortable with Gordon at 31 than I am but I am generally in agreement with his list. 

[membengal]

Interesting read from Prisco - 20 prospects he is higher on than consensus - some good names to know through the piece:

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-better-than-team-here-are-20-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-the-scouts-do/

[Cricket]

4 minutes ago, membengal said:

Interesting read from Prisco - 20 prospects he is higher on than consensus - some good names to know through the piece:

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cardinals-kyler-murray-halt-contract-talks-qb-not-expected-to-play-for-arizona-without-new-deal-per-report/

Wrong link?  
 

 

[membengal]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-better-than-team-here-are-20-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-the-scouts-do/