2022 NFL Draft: Jordan Strachan and other underrated outside linebackers
By John Blair
While the 2022 NFL Draft outside linebacker class is led by players like Nik Bonitto and Adam Anderson here are five players you should keep an eye on.
While players like Nik Bonitto, Adam Anderson, and DeMarvion Overshow led this year’s outside linebacker group there are several intriguing day three prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. These players could be rated a little lower as they lack outstanding testing numbers yet can still produce on the field or come from a program that has not experienced much success on the field.
The following five players are all prospects who carry day three grades going currently but should be players making an impact in the NFL next season.
Terrel Bernard, Baylor
It is easy to overlook any Baylor prospect as the team struggled on the field last year going just 2-7. However, it would be a mistake to not take a hard look at linebacker Terrel Bernard. Last season, Bernard led the Big 12 in tackles per game, and in 2019 he finished the season with 112 tackles. He is a proven playmaker as well, recording 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks over the previous two seasons.
Bumper Pool, Arkansas
Another prospect to watch who comes from a team that didn’t have much success on the field last year is Arkansas’s Bumper Pool. Pool is a complete linebacker who shows the awareness to hold up well in coverage and also plays the run well with his attacking style of play. While he is graded as an undrafted free agent by most draftniks he carries a fifth-round grade on my board.
Mike Rose, Iowa State
The highest-rated linebacker of this group for the 2022 NFL Draft is Iowa State’s Mike Rose, who currently carries a fourth-round draft grade. What stands out about Rose is his ability to hold up in coverage having picked off five passes last year which was the most from any linebacker last year. He holds up against the run as well having led the Big 12 in tackles last year. What might hurt Rose in the draft process is that he will only post average testing numbers.
JoJo Domann, Nebraska
Nebraska’s JoJo Domann is another midwestern linebacker who won’t post outstanding testing numbers but when you turn on his film it is evident he can play football. Last season, he led the Huskers in tackles, tackles for loss, pass breakups, and forced fumbles and was named honorable-mention All-Big Ten.
Jordan Strachan, South Carolina
Last season while playing at Georgia State Jordan Strachan led the nation in sacks with 10.5. After his strong season, Strachan made the jump from the Sun Belt to the SEC where he hopes to continue to prove he is a true pass-rushing threat.
The big question for Strachan will be is the 6-foot-5 250-pound prospect a better fit at defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL.