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2022 NFL Draft: Week 0 prospects to watch around the country

By Andrew Fischer

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier #19 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass under pressure from defensive lineman Cade Hall #92 of the San Jose State Spartans in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David J. Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier #19 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass under pressure from defensive lineman Cade Hall #92 of the San Jose State Spartans in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David J. Becker/Getty Images) /
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Oct 29, 2020; Fresno, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs running back Ronnie Rivers (20) returns a punt during the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiel Maddox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2020; Fresno, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs running back Ronnie Rivers (20) returns a punt during the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiel Maddox-USA TODAY Sports /

Connecticut at Fresno State 2 PM ET CBSSN

This is a game for the truly football-starved among us, as Connecticut’s over/under for season wins according to Vsin.com is 2.5 and they are 27.5-point underdogs against Fresno State. The Bulldogs do have some tantalizing prospects though.

Fresno State RB Ronnie Rivers

Another running back on the preseason Doak Walker Award watch list, Ronnie Rivers was also named to the preseason All-Mountain West team. He has 44 career touchdowns (35 rushing and 9 receiving) which is already tied for the school record.

He ran for over 500 yards in only 6 games last year and has averaged over 5 yards per carry his last three years. Rivers’ solid frame (5’9″ 195), receiving ability, and familiarity with working in a running back rotation may entice a team to take a late-round flyer on him in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Fresno State DE David Perales

Fresh off a productive albeit short-lived season last year, David Perales was named to the All-Mountain West preseason second team for 2021. In 2020 in only 6 games, Perales had 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and forced 4 fumbles. His prototypical size (6’3” 246) and per-game production could make Perales an attractive target for teams in need of a pass-rushing boost, especially if he shows out in 2021.

Fresno State WR Jalen Cropper

Though not a big receiver (6’0” 173) Cropper can make big plays. He’s equally dynamic before and after the catch, as he utilizes receiver screens as well as downfield routes to pick up yardage.

What’s really alluring about Jalen Cropper is how he finished last year. In each of Fresno State’s last 3 games, he racked up at least 7 catches and 100 yards receiving. His play improved as the season went on and the hope is that he’ll pick up right where he left off and put himself into a position to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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