This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2022 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2022 NFL Draft Stock Up
David Ojabo, DE, Michigan In terms of skill set, Ojabo is very close to the consensus top defensive ends, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan teammate Aidan Hutchinson. Those two had more than one season of being standouts for their programs, while Ojabo was a one-year wonder, but he has an excellent skill set of size, speed, and athleticism. Ojabo has a real shot to get selected in the top half of the first round during the 2022 NFL Draft.
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan The 6-foot-7, 305-pound Raimann has turned into an intriguing left tackle after starting out his career at tight end. He has good size, athleticism, and comes from a pro-style scheme. If Raimann has a big performance at the Senior Bowl, he could rise into first-round consideration for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois Joseph did not produce a lot prior to his final season with Illinois, but Joseph broke out in 2021. He put up excellent production, including five interceptions, two passes broken up and 57 tackles. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder could continue to rise with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl.
Lucas Krull, TE, Pittsburgh Krull did not do much before his senior year, but he played well in 2021, helping quarterback Kenny Pickett dominate the ACC. On the year, Krull caught 38 passes for 451 yards and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder is a big tight end who could be a third-day pick who serves as a nice rotational backup in the NFL.
Devin Darrington, RB, Virginia Darrington was a star at Harvard before taking the graduate-transfer route to Virginia for the 2021 season. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry for the Cavaliers, taking 32 carries for 237 yards and two touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 215-pounder has quality speed and athleticism. He could be a third-day sleeper from the 2022 NFL Draft who turns out to be a nice backup running back and special teams contributor at the next level.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama Unfortunately, the worst fears were realized in the days after the National Championship when it was announced that Williams had sustained a torn ACL. The injury is a devastating blow for Williams, who miss the combine and Alabama’s pro day, and it could impact his availability to open his rookie season. Williams had displayed world-class speed, so he could have become a hot prospect with fast 40s in pre-draft workouts. The ACL injury could push Williams down to being a late first-round or second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
David Bell, WR, Purdue As we reported in the Hot Press, NFL sources from five different teams told WalterFootball.com they were grading him later than the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the consensus having him on Day 2. “He has size and is productive, but lacks speed,” said a director of player personnel. “I don’t see a first, but a good player.” Speed concerns were mentioned by a number of other evaluators. Thus it will be critical for Bell to produce some better-than-expected 40 times in the leadup to the 2022 NFL Draft. If he does that, he could improve his standing. At this time, the consensus has Bell as a second- or third-round pick.
Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma Winfrey flashed speed and athleticism during the 2021 season, but he was not consistent and productive enough to rise. Winfrey picked up 5.5 sacks, but he made very little impact as a run defender, with only 23 tackles on the season. Winfrey does not have good instincts, and he could struggle with offensive play recognition in the NFL. In January of 2022, multiple area scouts said they were projecting Winfrey to the third round or early rounds of Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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