2022 NFL Draft Notebook: 2021 NFL MVP Rams QB Matthew Stafford?
By John Blair
Top offensive tackle: Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
A player who could be a franchise left tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft is Jaxson Kirkland of Washington. He has all the tools to be a great NFL player including size, quick feet, and overall strength. It would not be a shock if Kirkland went in the top ten of next year’s NFL Draft.
Most underrated: Jack Snyder, San Jose State
One of the highest-graded players in college football last season was Jack Snyder of San Jose State. Pro Football Focus graded Snyder as the second-best pass blocker and the third-best run blocker in college football last year. When looking at how Snyder transitions to the NFL he has the skills to be a developmental left tackle. He has the quick feet needed to play this position in the NFL and also possess the athletic ability to get to the second level.
Most overrated: Tyler Vrabel, Boston College
To say Tyler Vrable’s film against Pittsburgh is not very impressive is an understatement. In his game against Pittsburgh, he was beaten several times off the edge and was off-balance countless times. He also showed only average power and had trouble with defenders bull-rushing him at times. Despite these struggles, he is still ranked as one of the top ten offensive tackles by NFL Draft Scout, which is much different than the grade he receives here which is not even a priority free agent
Offensive tackle that should significantly improve his stock: Zion Nelson, Miami
Miami offensive tackle Zion Nelson had a disastrous freshman season where he allowed 38 pressures and 12 sacks during the 2019 year. His struggles caused him to lose his starting job going into the 2020 season, which he did not regain until the last six games of the year. In these six games, he looked like a completely different player allowing only two sacks in these games. This season Nelson should see his stock continue to improve as he will be a full-time starter again.
Biggest risk: Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
The biggest concern with Minnesota offensive tackle Daniel Faalele is his enormous size. Faalele is listed at 6-foot-9 and 400 pounds, which makes him one of the biggest NFL Draft prospects in recent memory. Even though he moves well for someone his size, weight will likely always be an issue with him.
Top small school offensive tackle: Trevor Penning, UNI
Last year, UNI saw offensive tackle Spencer Brown go to the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the NFL Draft and they could see Trevor Penning go even higher this year. Penning was recently rated as the sixth-best senior prospect by National Football Scouting which is one of the scouting services the NFL uses. When watching his film it is hard to not come away impressed by his combination of quickness and strength which is why he enters the 2021 season with a second-round grade.
Overall Rankings
1. Jaxson Kirkland, Washington (first round)
2. Evan Neal, Alabama (first round)
3. Charles Cross, Mississippi State (first round)
4. Zion Nelson, Miami (first round)
5. Trevor Penning, UNI (second round)
6. Thayer Munford, Ohio State (third round)
7. Rasheed Walker, Penn State (third round)
8. Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State (third round)
9. Obinna Eze, TCU (fourth round)
10. Abreham Lucas, Washington State (fifth round)
11. Jack Snyder, San Jose State (fifth round)
12. Blake Freeland, BYU (fifth round)
13. Daniel Faalele, Minnesota (fifth round)
14. Joey Claybrook, Tulane (sixth round)
15. Max Mitchell, Louisiana (sixth round)
16. Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky (sixth round)
17. Wanya Morris, Oklahoma (sixth round)
18. David Kroll, Delaware (seventh round)
19. Aron Johnson, South Dakota State (seventh round)
20. Jordan Tucker, North Carolina (seventh round)
21. Braxton Jones, Southern Utah (seventh round)
22. Darnell Wright, Tennessee (seventh round)
23. T.J. Storment, Texas Tech (free agent)
24. Austin Deculus, LSU (free agent)
25. Kellen Diesch, Arizona State (free agent)
26. Jake Fuzak, Buffalo (free agent)
27. Raymond Gillespie, James Madison (free agent)
28. Dylan Wonnum, South Carolina (free agent)
29.Matt Waletzko, North Dakota (free agent)
30. Dylan Cook, Montana (free agent)
31. John Ojukwu, Boise State (free agent)