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
C.J. Verdell, RB, Oregon In Oregon’s shocking road upset over Ohio State, Verdell came through with a phenomenal performance that showed he is a future NFL back. Verdell ran for two touchdowns and caught another touchdown to produce 21 critical points for the Ducks. He also converted a fourth down in the fourth quarter that led to the game-winning touchdown. Verdell ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State. He also made three receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown.
For the NFL, Verdell is a downhill runner with a burst to hit the hole and an ability to accelerate to the second level. He has nice cutting ability and knee bend to run behind his pads. As a pro, Verdell could play in a power-man or zone scheme, but the latter might be a great fit for the one-cut downhill runner. His performance against the Buckeyes could help him to receive second-day consideration in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh NFL advance scouts gave Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett a draft-able grade entering the season, and he supported that projection by leading Pittsburgh to an impressive road victory at Tennessee. Pickett used his arm, legs, vision and intelligence to pick apart the Volunteers’ defense. It was an excellent performance that will really help his draft grade.
Versus Tennessee, Pickett completed 24-of-36 passes for 285 yards with two touchdowns. He also ran for 19 yards and another score. Pickett was accurate as a passer, showing a quality arm and the ability to throw a very catchable ball. His field vision to work through progressions, his usage of his feet to buy time, and his ability to make plays off schedule were also very impressive. Pickett used his feet when he had to and didn’t panic in the face the rush. While Pickett may not have an elite arm, size, or running ability, he looked like a potential second-day or mid-round candidate against the Volunteers.
Grant Morgan, LB, Arkansas While Morgan is not the biggest or fastest linebacker, he has excellent instincts and is a superb tackler. Morgan led the SEC in tackles in 2020 with 123 stops. On top of being a tough run defender, Morgan is a team captain and inspirational leader. If he produces in 2021 like he did last year, Morgan could be a riser throughout the draft process.
Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M Multiple team sources believe that Wydermyer could be at least a second-round pick, as it stands right now at the beginning of his junior season.
“He has some similarities to O.J. Howard,” said a NFC director of player personnel. “O.J. was more athletic and the 40 time from Jalen might not be as good, but there are some similarities between the two as receivers.”
“O.J. Howard is a good comp on Wydermyer,” said an AFC director of college scouting. “They’re different types of athletes. Wydermyer is probably not as explosive or smooth as O.J., but [Wydermyer] still has mismatch ability at the position. The second round is a good starting point for him, but it depends on the overall depth at the position shapes out.”
It’s the very beginning of the draft process, so Wydermyer could rise or slide in the months to come, but he has made a favorable early impression on NFL teams.
Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M Team sources said the slot receiver Smith impressed them in Week 1 of the college football season. In that game, he notched eight receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder is a shifty route-runner with speed. Smith could form a dangerous tandem with tight end Jalen Wydermyer and be a riser as a junior.
Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia Georgia has a defensive front seven loaded with former five-star recruits and future NFL talent. Smith was impressive in Week 1, showing dangerous pass-rush ability as he logged a sack and three tackles taking on Clemson. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is fast with some functional strength. He could be a riser over the course of his junior season.
Travon Walker, DE, Georgia Like Nolan Smith, Adam Anderson and Jordan Davis, Walker was impressive against Clemson, playing really well at the point of attack. Walker notched four tackles and a sack on the Tigers, plus put more heat on the quarterback. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Walker is big, long, and fast on the edge. He looks like a future early-round pick and NFL starter.
Jacob Copeland, WR, Florida With Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney in the NFL, Copeland has taken over as the Gators’ No. 1 receiver, and he had a breakout game against South Florida. In the first quarter, Copeland burned the Bulls’ coverage with a deep post and hauled in the pass before racing down the field for a 75-yard touchdown. Shortly later, Copeland got wide open running down the field thanks to South Florida biting on a fake quarterback draw, and freshman quarterback Anthony Richardson lofted in a 41-yard touchdown pass to Copeland. Taking on South Florida, Copeland finished with five receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Copeland helped his draft grade with his performance against the Bulls. He showed the speed to past defenders, the ability to create separation deep down the field, and the concentration to make over-the-shoulder receptions while running at full speed. While Copeland may not be a first-rounder like Pitts or Toney were, this tape could help Copeland to get mid-round consideration next April in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down
Drake London, WR, USC London is a dangerous college wide receiver who provides a size mismatch, an ability to win 50-50 passes, and is a physical, tough runner after the catch. The real concerns with all big wide-outs, of course, are speed and if they can separate from NFL cornerbacks. Team sources that have watched London play say his speed looks average at best. If London doesn’t show playing speed to separate this season and then runs slow in pre-draft workouts, he could be more of a second-day or mid-round prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. Stay tuned.
J.T. Daniels, QB, Georgia There was some preseason hype about Daniels being an early-round prospect, but in speaking with some NFL sources, they were not particularly high on Daniels. Some advance scouts acutally graded him as a late-rounder. A number of team sources said they were disappointed with how Daniels played in Week 1, and that is understandable as he only generated three points against Clemson. Daniels missed a chance to rebound in Week 2 because he was out with an oblique injury, and backup Stetson Bennett took advantage of the opportunity to lead a blow out against UAB. Daniels needs to get on the field and play much better to live up to the early-round media hype.
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