2022 NFL Draft notebook: Ohio State’s dynamic duo and more
By John Blair
2022 NFL Draft Sleeper of the Week
Being overlooked is nothing new for South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who was rated as a two-star prospect coming out of high school. However, not having high expectations has not prevented Jalen Tolbert from becoming one of the best receivers in the Sun Belt and what will likely become the highest-drafted Group of Five wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tolbert’s first big season at South Alabama was in 2019 when he became a full-time starter for the first time and ended up leading the Jaguars in touchdowns with six while averaging an impressive 19.3 yards per catch on 27 receptions. His best game of the year was the team’s season finale when he caught 5 passes for 144 yards and four touchdowns against Arkansas State.
Tolbert was able to ride the momentum of his impressive season finale in 2019 to a spectacular 2020 year. This past season he led the team in receptions with 64, receiving yards with 1,085, and tied for the team lead with eight touchdown receptions. This was quite an accomplishment considering the receiver he was playing next to was Kawaan Baker who was drafted in the 7th round by the New Orleans Saints.
When evaluating Tolbert as a prospect the first thing that stands out is how athletic he is for someone 6-foot-3. He is able to consistently bring in the tough reception by adjusting his body to the ball. One example of this is when he made a spectacular reception vs. Tulane where he had to stop on his route, turn around and stretch out for the reception. He has also made numerous plays during his career where he goes into a jump ball situation and is able to outmaneuver the defender for the ball.
To go along with Tolbert’s size and athletic ability he also displays terrific hands. He had very few drops this season and also was able to consistently snag the ball in contested situations. Two things led to him having such consistent hands with one of them being how he attacks the ball and doesn’t allow the ball to get to his body. The other thing working in his favor is how big his hands are, and it would not be a surprise if he ended up having some of the larger hands among this year’s wide receiver groups.
One area Tobert has mentioned he wants to improve in this season is his football IQ. This would definitely help him as it would allow him to be able to adjust his releases vs different coverages and also know where to settle in vs. zone coverage. One other area he could improve on is his physicality. Despite being a bigger wide receiver he tends to win more on his athletic ability than his physical style of play.
The 2021 season will have a big impact on where we see Jalen Tolbert go in the 2022 NFL Draft, and fortunately, Tolbert has several things working for him this coming season. One of these is his new quarterback Jake Bently who should be South Alabama’s best quarterback in years. The other thing that should help Tolbert is his new offensive coordinator Major Applewhite who comes over from Alabama. One thing Applewhite learned in Tuscaloosa is how to get good matchups for his receivers which should only help Tolbert have a bigger season this year.
While Tobert carries a late second-round grade going into the 2021 season it would not be a shock if he heard his name called higher than that next April if he has another big season this year, earns an invite to the Senior Bowl, and puts up strong testing numbers.