2022 NFL Draft: The top prospect from every top 10 ranked team

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Best 2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Derion Kendrick, Cornerback

The best player on the Georgia Bulldogs has not played a snap for them yet. Cornerback Derion Kendrick transfered from Clemson to Georgia earlier this year after being dismissed for disciplinary issues. He is joining a loaded team that expects to make it to the College Football Playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Derion Kendrick entering his senior season in his first season at Georgia. During his first season at Clemson, Kendrick actually played wide receiver. In the 15 games he had 15 catches for 210 receiving yards. He also returned the ball on special teams for the Tigers.

The following season Kendrick started the year as an emergency cornerback in spring practice and played so well that he was named one of the team’s starting cornerbacks before the season started. He finished the season with 51 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions. That made Kendrick a selection for the Second Team All-ACC team.

This past year Kendrick was widely viewed as one of the best cornerbacks in all of College Football. In the nine games (eight starts) Kendrick played in he had 20 tackles, six pass breakups, a sack, interception, and fumble recovery. He was an official First Team All-ACC selection but he was on AP‘s and PFF‘s First Team All-ACC teams as well.

Kendrick had the opportunity to be a part of the 2020 NFL Draft and was viewed as a top-40 prospect. But the extremely raw cornerback decided to return to school for another year to continue to prove that he is the talented player he has been up to this point of his career. However after a rough offseason that included dismisal from the Clemson Tigers may hurt his draft stock when he declares this upcoming spring.

He may still be able to be selected in the first round if he plays well this year and shows that his issues are in the past. Multiple teams throughout the league need cornerback depth. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles may take a chance on Kendrick’s upside in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Honorable Mentions:

J.T. Daniels, Quarterback

George Pickens, Wide Receiver 

Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle

Adam Anderson, Edge Rusher