2022 NFL Draft: Verone McKinley III dominant in win over Ohio State

Verone McKinley III dominated in Oregon’s win over Ohio State, and he proves yet again how deep the 2022 NFL Draft class could be in the secondary.

The Oregon Ducks put together an incredible effort on Saturday, especially on defense, to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes 35-28 in the Horseshoe. The defense found a way without Kayvon Thibodeaux and Justin Flowe, and part of the reason why was the performance of safety Verone McKinley III, who now is firmly joined in the conversation with the top defensive backs 2022 NFL Draft.

McKinley had an incredible game against the Buckeyes. His football IQ showed up with his ability to key in on run plays and passing concepts, as he had 6 tackles and two passes defensed. He was strong at the catch point and had great coordination and timing to dislodge the football. His interception was more the result of a bad throw, but securing it is still a major win because we all know how some defensive backs struggle to hang on to the football.

McKinley was a field general out there today who really stepped up as a leader for the defense. He ran the show on the back end when Oregon sat in quarters or cover two, and showed off his versatility in coverage and near the line of scrimmage. McKinley is one of the more versatile defensive backs in the nation and proved that defensive coordinators will love having him on their roster.

In a loaded 2022 NFL Draft of DBs, it’s hard to have a gauge on where Verone McKinley III will end up at this point. There are a bunch of safeties and corners worthy of top 50 selections, but there’s no reason McKinley isn’t included in that bunch. His smarts, versatility, ball skills, and leadership are a combination that will draw teams to him. In an ever-developing passing league, finding versatile playmakers with great smarts is important, and teams will get that with McKinley. His draft stock should continue to rise as the season goes on.