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
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama No opponent has been able to contain Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams this season. Even the much-hyped Georgia defense fell victim to Williams in the SEC Championship. Williams excellent night against the Bulldogs started with a great tackle on punt coverage, and before long, he had his way with their secondary. Early in the second quarter, Williams got open in busted coverage the middle of the field. He then exploded down the field and out-raced the Georgia defense for a 67-yard touchdown. Shortly later, Williams showed his acceleration on a short screen when he exploded downfield for a gain of 23 yards.
At the start of the third quarter, Williams ran a stutter-and-go to burn a corner and safety for a 55-yard touchdown. He finished the evening with seven receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
The 6-foot-2, 189-pound Williams has quality height, but his explosive speed, suddenness and vertical burst catch defensive backs by surprise and are what make him truly special. The lightning bolt-fast wideout Williams could be one of the most dangerous deep-threat receivers early in his NFL career. Williams has put himself in contention to be a top-20 pick with his dominant 2022 season.
Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson It took some time for Goodrich to break onto the field in Clemson’s loaded secondary, but he has played well as a senior, recording 41 tackles, one interception and eight passes defended. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has quality size to go with some quickness and athleticism. He could continue to rise with a good week at the Senior Bowl.
Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati In his fifth season at Cincinnati, things finally came together for Cook, who has been a tough safety for the Bearcats. Cook (6-1, 210) has been a solid run defender, showing the ability to tackle and be the eighth man in the box. His ball production has been decent in the passing game, but it would help him to show diverse coverage skills at the Senior Bowl.
Zach Tom, OT/C, Wake Forest Tom has played tackle and center for Wake Forest over the past three seasons, gradually evolving into a tough blocker at the point of attack. The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder has quality height, but at his weight, moving inside to center could be his best fit for the NFL. Team sources say they’ve been impressed by Tom this year andbelieve he should man the middle of the line as a pro. They feel Tom could end up being a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Marcus Jones, CB, Houston Jones has been one of the most dangerous ball hawks in college football this season, putting up some fabulous ball production. He has totaled five interceptions, 12 passes broken up and 46 tackles so far in 2021. Entering Houston’s bowl game, Jones has 30 career passes broken up and 10 interceptions. While Jones (5-8, 185) plays the ball well, his size limitations make him a slot-only candidate in the NFL.
Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Mathis has been a solid cover corner for Pittsburgh this year. He has been a gritty defender who shows a willingness to tackle and has provided some big plays to the Panthers this season. Mathis’ solid season helped earn him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which could help him after he missed the 2020 season with an injury.
Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo Even though Anderson (6-2, 210) did not have a very productive season, he earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. During the 2021 season, Anderson totaled 42 tackles with one forced fumble, one pass broken up. In 2019 he had 84 tackles for Toledo and Anderson has good size for the NFL. He might be a late-round backup and special teams candidate.
Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State Ther 6-foot-3, 204-pounds Watson has excellent size and length to be an outside corner in the NFL. He has 31 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended in 2021 entering the bowl game. While Watson is a 1-year wonder, he could rise with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan Raimann is a developmental prospect after switching from tight end to offensive tackle. At 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, he is a big edge protector who might be more of a right tackle candidate for the NFL. If he blocks well in pass-rushing one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, he could be a riser.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jordan Davis, DT; Travon Walker, DE; Nolan Smith, DE; Georgia The Georgia defense has been the toast of college football this season, dominating the SEC, and carrying the team to an undefeated regular season. After the game against Florida in late October, however, the Bulldogs lost their best pass rusher and the best player on the team in outside linebacker Adam Anderson. He was arrested for a rape allegation that he claims to be innocent of. The Bulldogs were not tested by a tough opponent without Anderson, and they really missed him against Alabama in the SEC Championship. Georgia’s other front-seven NFL prospects were clearly not effective without Anderson to get pressure off the edge on Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young threw for over 400 yards and saw clean pockets all night.
Bulldogs defensive tackle Jordan Davis could go in the top half of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was worn out by Alabama and did not make an impact outside of a few tackles in the ground game. Defensive ends Travon Walker and Nolan Smith were non-factors, with Alabama left tackle Evan Neal and the rest of the Crimson Tide line cruising over them. Davis, Walker and Smith did nothing in the pass rush. The SEC Championship will definitely hurt the draft stock of all three.
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