2022 NFL Draft Stock Watch: EDGE Class Keeps Getting Deeper
In this edition of stock watch, the edge class keeps getting deeper for the 2022 NFL Draft, and and a quarterback keeps moving up.
Week eight of the college football season had plenty of intrigue, from a fantastic prospect matchup in Oregon-UCLA to a quarterback facing his biggest test. A late night Mountain West game absolutely delivered, and there were some fantastic performances from top prospects.
The 2022 NFL Draft class is starting to take more shape, as position groups are revealing how deep or shallow they are as more prospects emerge and others show that another season might be best. As the page turns to November, who has made the most of their performances to rise in the 2022 NFL Draft? Let’s look at a few names from week eight in college football.
Stock Up: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson has been the hot name in scouting circles this season, but his running mate on the edge has been very good as well. David Ojabo is starting to get more recognition, and his emergence brings more depth to the edge class in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ojabo is very twitchy and sudden with his movements, and his athleticism stands out with his impressive get-off and what he does before contact. He can win in a variety of ways, from converting speed to power, to winning with a wicked spin move. Ojabo is starting to unlock his skills as a pass rusher, and the sky is the limit.
Stock Up: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington
Zion Tupuola-Fetui was highlighted here last week as a player who was going to rise quickly in the 2022 NFL Draft. After tearing his achilles in April, it seemed unlikely that he would play in 2021 and he would wait for another full season to then declare.
Instead, Tupuoloa-Fetui has burst onto the scene. He’s dropped weight to the 260s in order to be a full time edge rusher rather than a tweener, and it’s paid off. He’s looked dynamic with a quick first step and the athleticism to challenge outside and win with an inside move. Tupuola-Fetui’s hand usage is still impressive and he’s been productive in the few games he’s been active. Get ready for his big rise.
Stock Up: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross was a big name at tackle in the summer, as his athleticism was the main calling card in pass protection. His main questions entering the 2021 season were being able to anchor against power rushers and maintain leverage against top rushers in a strong conference.
Cross has answered the bell very well, as his lower body strength looks improved, while his footwork and agility look as good as they’ve ever been. He’s holding his own against some of the top rushers in the conference, from Ali Gaye and B.J. Ojulari of LSU, Will Anderson at Alabama, and even DeMarvin Leal. He’s not a consensus first rounder at this point, but that could change as the tackle class has questions after Evan Neal.
Stock Up: Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DL, Notre Dame
The interior defensive line class hasn’t been great when including last year’s class and this year’s, but there will always be diamonds in the rough. One of those players could be Notre Dame’s Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa.
The fifth-year senior plays with his hair on fire, showing off wicked twitch and a limitless motor when getting after the quarterback. His agility and closing speed is impressive, and he made some great plays against USC, most notably showing off his recognition skills on a draw play to make a great play at the line of scrimmage. Teams will love the athleticism and motor to at least find a rotational role for him in the NFL.
Stock Down: Tight End Class
The tight end class in the 2022 NFL Draft was set to be a much better one than the past couple, outside of Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth of course. So far, though, we’ve seen more questions than answers. Jahleel Billingsley was a popular TE1 from summer scouting, but the issue with Nick Saban questioning the work ethic at the beginning of the season and his lack of production have brought up questions if he’ll even declare.
Trey McBride is still a hot name with great production, but some have concerns with his functional athleticism. Cade Otton hasn’t made much of an impact, although a poor Washington offense will do that. Right now, there’s still depth, but the top of the class still has some questions as the college season has surpassed the halfway point.