2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State

An in-state rivalry featuring several 2022 NFL Draft prospects could prove to be an entertaining game and an enlightening evaluation exercise. 

To call Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State a rivalry might be a stretch, but the two teams are separated by just over 60 miles of highway and have been playing against each other since 1914. They’ve squared up 74 times overall, and Oklahoma State has won the last eight contests. While the Cowboys are 12.5-point favorites over the Golden Hurricane, who dropped their opener to FCS UC-Davis last week, this game could be more intriguing than it appears. OSU’s starting quarterback Spencer Sanders will be out with an illness and there’s a distinct possibility that Tulsa could catch Oklahoma State napping. But regardless of the competitiveness of the game, there are multiple prospects from each squad worth taking a look at.

Oklahoma State S Kolby Harvell-Peel

Believe it or not, Oklahoma State’s defense led the FBS in third-down conversion rate in 2020. Kolby Harvell-Peel was a main reason why. He intercepted a pair of passes, recorded a sack, two tackles for loss, and made 31 solo tackles in 10 games in 2020. Harvell-Peel was even better in 2019 as he had five picks, 13 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Named to the Big 12’s official preseason all-conference team, Harvell-Peel’s 2022 NFL Draft future depends largely on how he plays this season. Though he had a bit of a down year in 2020, the cover skills he displayed in 2019 continue to intrigue NFL talent evaluators.

He’s built rock solid at 6’0” 207 pounds and has sprinter’s speed; he ran the 100 meter and 4 X 100-meter dash in high school. Harvell-Peel has also shown the ability to stick with receivers and play the ball while it’s in the air. As a safety, he does a nice job of playing centerfield, keeping the action in front of him and ranging over to break up passes or run down errant throws to make interceptions.

Although he projects more as a strong safety due to his build and knack for tackling, Kolby Harvell-Peel could get some snaps as a two-deep safety playing half the field or manning up on tight ends. He has the instincts and strength profile to deliver some big hits, but could improve his slot coverage skills, as his lack of fluidity sometimes leaves him prone to getting beat by smaller, quicker receivers. Harvell-Peel has shown a lot thus far, but he still has some work to do this season to improve his stock going into the 2022 NFL Draft.