2022 NFL Draft Stock Watch: Linebacker Position Getting Stronger?
The linebacker position isn’t one that has exceptional talent in the 2022 NFL Draft, but players are moving up the big board in this week’s stock watch.
The 2022 NFL Draft talk is in full swing as Autumn begins to really settle in. The college football season is about halfway done, and plenty of 2022 NFL Draft prospects have have made a statement to raise their stock for next year’s draft. A few others have seen theirs tumble (the quarterback class is still a work in progress).
One of the positions that may not have elite talent this coming draft is the linebacker position. There’s no Roquan Smith, Micah Parsons, or Devin White that’s a near-lock to go in the top 10, but there are a couple players making some serious moves. We’ll cover two of them and more in this edition of stock watch.
Stock Up: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
What a fantastic season so far for Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. He’s put the Pac-12 on notice during non-conference play, and has gotten better as the season has gone on. Lloyd is consistently a factor at and behind the line of scrimmage, as he’s generated 13 tackles for loss and four sacks this season. His instincts and closing speed have been on display and he’s a physical presence on that Utes defense.
He’s also had good awareness in coverage and reads the quarterback’s eyes well. The production is there as well, as he’s had two interceptions and three passes defenses in 2021. While Lloyd is a bit undersized, the traits are there to be a top 50 pick, which is where he stands on many 2022 NFL Draft boards right now.
Stock Up: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
He’s not at the level of prospects like Lloyd and Nakobe Dean right now, but Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal has quietly had a good junior season for the Badgers. He was listed on Bruce Feldman’s freaks list, and has incredible athleticism for a player listed at 6’2″ and 255 pounds. His explosion and strength are very impressive, and he could be a gem in the later rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.
So far this season, Chenal has 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks this season. He dominated against Army Saturday, with 17 total tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. His ability to attack gaps at the line of scrimmage is impressive, and he plays with a fantastic motor and looks to create turnovers when possible. Chenal is a name to monitor down the stretch here.
Stock Up: Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
Former Alabama running back Jerome Ford was the driving force behind Cincinnati’s blowout of UCF on Saturday, rushing for 189 yards and four touchdowns. Ford’s had a phenomenal season thus far, averaging nearly seven yards per tote and should cross the 1,000-yard mark pretty soon. He has the build to be a bell cow back at 5’11” and 215 pounds, and possesses impressive burst and straight line speed. The hope is that he will get more targets in the passing game to prove he is a three down back at the next level.
Stock Up: Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
While teammate Carson Strong is having a great season, tight end Cole Turner is playing well in his own right. One of Strong’s favorite targets, Turner has a body type similar to that of Jacob Harris, who the Rams drafted last spring. He’s listed at 6’6″ and 240 pounds, and while playing inline might not be in the cards, it doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact at the next level.
Turner dominated against Hawai’i Saturday night, catching 12 passes for 175 yards, his biggest game to date this season. Turner has the height and length to be a red zone threat, and his massive catch radius will give quarterbacks some room for error. His stock has been trending upward for the 2022 NFL Draft of late, as he possesses sufficient athleticism to thrive in a big slot role and the body control and ball skills to be a red zone staple for an NFL offense.
Stock Up: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
The corner class is already shaping up to be incredible in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Auburn’s Roger McCreary has been flying under the radar a bit because of the elite top talent.
McCreary played well against Jahan Dotson a few weeks ago, and has some impressive reps against Treylon Burks on Saturday as well. He sticks in receivers’ hip pockets well in man coverage, has good patience and technique, and can make plays at the catch point. More SEC matchups will highlight his ability down the stretch.