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
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina In speaking to team sources, opinions are all over the place on the 2022 quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett is emerging as the consensus No. 1 quarterback, but after Pickett, there is a wide variety of opinions. Some team sources feel Howell is very overrated, while others think he could bubble up into the first round and be drafted over Ole Miss’ Matt Corral and Liberty’s Malik Willis. Howell’s junior year was down compared to the previous two, when he had a better supporting cast, but he is a natural passer and some evaluators think he could be a quality starter in the NFL. Across the pre-draft process, Howell could rise.
Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati Pierce is enjoying his best season this year, entering the playoff with 50 catches for 867 yards and eight touchdowns. Wide receivers with Pierce’s skill set of being big, fast, and productive don’t last long in NFL drafts, and the senior has special ability for the NFL. After a fast first-step, Pierce has a second gear to accelerate down the field and stretch defenses over the top. He shows good technique as a receiver as well and uses his size to win. With his size and speed-mismatch ability, Pierce could be a late first-round or second-round steal in the 2022 NFL Draft. Some team sources compare him to Jordy Nelson coming out of Kansas State.
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College Flowers has 44 catches for 746 yards and five touchdowns so far in 2021 after playing most of the year without his starting quarterback. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder was impressive in 2020, breaking out for the Eagles. He flashed somewhat in 2019, but was significantly improved as a sophomore. Flowers does not have much size, but he possesses game-breaking speed and is threat to produce a big play on any reception. Some team sources feel that Flowers style of play is similar to Jaylen Waddle, and Flowers could be a second-day steal in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Darrian Beavers, OLB, Cincinnati Beavers has been a solid defender for the Bearcats in 2021. Entering the playoff, he has 89 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and two passes broken up. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound has improved significantly over his junior and sophomore seasons. Beavers has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl.
Spencer Burford, OT/G, UTSA Burford (6-5, 294) has been a standout for UTSA the past three seasons, playing well enough to earn a Senior Bowl invitation. Over the past three seasons, Burford has shown his versatility, starting at left tackle, right tackle, and guard. His best fit in the NFL might come inside at guard. He could possibly be a valuable game-day backup because of his ability to provide depth at tackle and guard.
Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa Smith has created a buzz in the scouting community, and there are rumors that the redshirt sophomore could enter the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 332-pounder is a massive edge blocker who has surprising quickness and athleticism. If Smith enters the 2022 NFL Draft, he could be a first- or second-round pick, according to some team evaluators.
Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma Asamoah recorded 80 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles in 2021 after recording 66 stops, two sacks, an interception, and four passes broken up in 2020. Asamoah might fit best as a 4-3 Will – weak side – linebacker in the NFL. The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Asamoah has accepted a Senior Bowl invitation and could rise if he can show pass-coverage skills in Mobile.
Jeremiah Gemmel, ILB, North Carolina Gemmel (6-1, 225) has been a solid linebacker but unspectacular linebacker for North Carolina over the past three seasons. His most productive season came as a sophomore in 2019, when he had 84 stops, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes broken up. Gemmel has accepted a Senior Bowl invitation.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down
Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss Corral did not finish the season in dominant fashion and generated a lot of his production against weaker opponents in 2021. Some team sources question Corral’s arm strength and see some limitations for him in the NFL. In fact, some said they see Corral as a Case Keenum- or Taylor Heinicke-caliber quarterback. Corral is not a lock to be a first-round pick, and he could easily slide well into Day 2 during the 2022 NFL Draft.
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty Similar to Corral, some team sources were disappointed in Corral’s 2021 tape. They see field vision issues and Willis getting blinded in the pocket. Fortunately for Willis, his running ability and powerful arm should look impressive in the pre-draft workouts. Some NFL teams, however, are not grading him in the first round and see him more as a second-day-caliber player.
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