2022 NFL Draft: The top prospect from every top 10 ranked team
The beginning of the College Football season is only a few weeks away. So this means that it is almost time for the junior or senior seasons of the prospects that will enter the 2022 NFL Draft. USA Today Sports released the preseason’s coaches poll for the top-10 teams this upcoming season.
It is extremely likely that the players entering the 2022 NFL Draft from these teams will get the most attention throughout the year. These prospects hope to use that attention to their advantage and build their draft stocks before they have to declare a few months from now.
Here is are the top-10 teams from the coaches’ poll and who their best prospect is going into the 2022 college football season.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Best 2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle
It shouldn’t be shocking to see Alabama as the number one ranked team in the coaches’ poll. It also shouldn’t be shocking to see an Alabama offensive lineman like Evan Neal high on people’s 2022 NFL Draft boards.
Evan Neal is a junior at the University of Alabama. This will be his third straight season as a starter for the Crimson Tide. He had multiple accolades by the end of his freshman year even though he started all 13 games out of position at left guard. Neal was named to ESPN.com’s Freshman All-America team, earned Freshman All-America accolades from USA Today, and was named to the Freshman All-SEC squad.
He moved to right tackle during his sophomore season after Jedrick Wills was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Neal was a vital piece of Alabama’s National Championship winning offense holding down the right side of the offensive line. PFF gave him an 83.7 Grade. Neal only committed three penalties gave up 1.5 sacks in 810 snaps last season.
This upcoming season Neal will be replacing 2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood as the Crimson Tide’s left tackle. Going into the 2022 College Football season, Neal is widely regarded as the best offensive line prospect that will likely declare for the draft.
Many believe he will be selected in the top-10 selections next season some believe he can even crack the top-5. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants could watch Neal all season to see if he could possibly fill a void across their offensive lines.
Honorable Mentions:
Christian Harris, Linebacker
John Metchie III, Wide Receiver
Jahleel Billingsley, Tight End
Josh Jobe, Cornerback
Jordan Battle, Safety