2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Five small school prospects to watch

With the college football season winding down it is time for NFL Draft fans to become aware of some of the top small school players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Some of these prospects will likely turn out to be high draft picks if they can perform well in the predraft process including having a strong all-star game, NFL Combine, and pro day. In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook we take a look at five FCS players you will likely hear about in the coming months, and have a strong chance of being drafted come April.

Along with taking a looking at some small school players to watch this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also takes a look at the following

• A Group of Five quarterback whose stock continues to rise
• The top cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
• A look at who each NFC North team could take with their top pick in the draft
• And much more

Five Small School Players to Watch

Cole Kelley, QB, Southeastern Louisiana 

Not very often do you find a four-star prospect playing at the FCS level, but that is exactly what you find in Cole Kelley. Kelley started his career off at Arkansas where he started six games for the Razorbacks. However, after getting into some trouble he transferred to Southeastern Louisiana where he has been dominant the last two seasons. Last year, he was named the Walter Payton Award winner, and this season he has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football having already thrown for 3,997 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Pierre Strong Jr, RB, South Dakota State

The last highly thought of running back that came out of the Missouri Valley was Illinois State’s James Robinson, who has quickly established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. The next great running back who might come out of the MVFC is Pierre Strong of South Dakota State. Strong is a highly productive runner who shows outstanding balance and patience as a runner.

Trevor Penning, OT, UNI

The first player to officially receive a Senior Bowl this year was UNI offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning earned this invite for both his elite play on the football field and high upside. As a prospect, he shows outstanding toughness and consistently blocks to the whistle. He shows good mobility for someone 6-foot-7 and 321 pounds as well and displays the potential to play either left or right tackle in the NFL.

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DE Isaiah Chambers, McNeese State

Another highly recruited prospect who started off at the FBS level to make this list is McNeese State defensive end, Isaiah Chambers. Chambers was rated as a four star prospect coming out of high school and started his career off at TCU before transferring to Houston and finally McNeese State before the 2020 season. No matter where he has been he has shown he has a knack for getting after the passer leading Houston in sacks in 2019 and finishing second in the FCS in sacks last year.

Ryan Greenhagen, MLB, Fordham

A player who opened eyes in the opening game of the season was Fordham linebacker Ryan Greenhagen., who had 31 tackles against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He followed that up by registering 28 tackles vs. Monmouth and making 93 total tackles in the first four games of the season.  Unfortunately, in the fifth game of the season, he suffered a season-ending injury, which will likely cause him to go undrafted if he enters the 2022 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Stock Up

Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati 

After not having more than two receptions in a game the first five games of the season, Whyle has increased his production significantly. In his last four games, he has had over 60 yards in three games and also has accounted for five touchdowns. If Whyle decides to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, after the season he could be an early day three pick.

Nakobe Dean, MLB, Georgia

A prospect who has gone from a mid-round pick at the start of the season to a possible top 15 selection is Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean. Dean has been the leader of one of the top defenses in college football this season, and in his latest game against Tennessee came away with 11 tackles and one sack.

Bailey Zappe, QB, Western, Kentucky

Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe has been putting up video game numbers all year. Some of his impressive statistics this year include having five or more touchdown passes in four games, throwing only seven interceptions compared to 42 touchdowns, and throwing for over 4,000 yards. When looking at how his game transitions to the NFL scouts will obviously be impressed with his production and also his accuracy. However, his lack of arm strength and overall physical talent will likely cause him to fall to the late parts of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson had the best game of his career this past weekend, which is quite a statement for the potential top ten pick. Against the Nittany Lions Hutchinson had 7 tackles and a career-high three sacks.

NFL Draft Stock Down

Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma 

After two outstanding rushing performances against Texas where he rushed for 217 yards and TCU where he was able to account for 153 yards, Brooks has seen his production diminish significantly. In two of his three games since the TCU game he has averaged under four yards a carry and in the third game only accounted for 35 yards on eight carries. He has not been much help in the passing game either, only catching one pass in those three games.

Jojo Domann, OLB, Nebraska

In last week’s NFL Draft Notebook we touched on how Jojo Domann was one of the most well-rounded linebackers in college football. Unfortunately, though that college career came to an end last week when It was announced that Domann suffered a hand injury in the Purdue game and has decided to have surgery to repair the hand. Despite this injury, Domann has the cover skills and overall athletic ability to be a high day three pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Bo Nix, QB, Auburn

Another prospect who saw his season come to an end last weekend is Auburn quarterback Bo Nix. Nix suffered an ankle injury vs. Mississippi State which caused him to have season-ending surgery on Monday. On the positive side, he did show outstanding toughness in this game playing part of it on the injured ankle. When it comes to looking at Nix as a pro prospect he is an interesting developmental quarterback prospect who needs to improve his consistency.

Ty Fryfogle, WR, Indiana

Going into the season Indiana’s Ty Fryfogle was billed as one of the top receivers in the Big Ten after an outstanding 2020 season. That season Fryfogle was able to put up two 200 yard receiving days and in half of his games had over 100 yards receiving. This season has been a different story for him though as he has battled drops and poor quarterback play. So far this season he has yet to have a single 100-yard receiving day, only has one touchdown on the year, and has seen his yards per catch drop from 19.5 yards in 2020 to 11.5 this season.

2022 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings

Top corner: Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

While it is a foregone conclusion that Derek Stingley Jr is the number one corner in the 2022 NFL Draft, I am not sure how big his lead is over Kaiir Elam of Florida. The biggest concern I have with Stingley is he has not had a season the past two years even close to the level of play we saw from his as a freshman. This raises the question about him being the type of player who wins off of pure raw ability which will be matched in the NFL, or is he player who wins off of ability, hard work, and tenacity.

Most underrated: DaMarcus Fields, Texas Tech

What stands out with Fields is his size and ability to make a play on the ball. Coming in at 6-foot and 200 pounds he is one of the bigger corners in the 2022 NFL Draft. His style of play matches his size as well showing the aggressiveness you want to see out of a player who could be a good cover two press corner. He has a history of making plays on the ball as well leading the Big 12 in pass deflections last year, and placing second in the conference this year.

Most overrated: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU

While there is no doubt Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson has had an outstanding college career, there are some questions about how well he will transition to the NFL. The biggest obstacle he faces is his lack of size. Coming in at only 5-foot-9, he lacks the size to matchup against bigger receivers in the NFL. Another concern is his deep speed. While he shows good overall quickness he can be beaten down the field by speedy receivers. These concerns are why he carries a sixth-round grade on my board compared to his consensus fourth round grade by other NFL Draft pundits.

Sleeper: Kyler Gordon, Washington 

A corner that is being slept on is Washington’s Kyler Gordon. He has all the tools NFL scouts want in a corner prospect including solid size, fluid hips and the quickness to close on the ball. His 6-foot 200-pound size might make him an ideal fit for a team that likes to press their corners.

Biggest risk: Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

Despite being the top cornerback in the 2022 NFL LSU’s Derek Stingly is also one of the riskiest prospects in the draft. Along with the concern of him not improving much from his freshman season, Stingly also has some injury questions. This includes missing most of this season with a foot injury and two games last year due to injury.

Player who is seeing his stock rise: Derion Kendrick, Georgia

Derion Kendrick had a disastrous end to the 2020 season where he was burned countless times against Ohio State. If that were not bad enough he was dismissed from the Clemson program last offseason and found himself in trouble with the law. However, this season he resurfaced at Georgia and has established himself as one of the better corners in college football.

Top small school cornerback: Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State

McCollum has three main things working in his favor that make him the top small-school corner in the 2022 NFL Draft. The first thing working in his favor is his ball skills. McCollum has come away 12 picks during his college career. The second thing working in his favor is his 6-foot-4, 195-pound size, and the third thing he has going for him is his 4.40 speed.

Special teams standout: Mykael Wright, Oregon

One of the better kick returners over the past three seasons in the Pac 12 has been Oregon corner Mykael Wright. In 2019 he became just the third player in program history to return two kickoffs for a TD in a single season, and over the past three years has averaged over 20 yards per kick return each season. To go along with his ability on special teams Wright is also a good cover man who shows good ball skills, fluid hips, and the ability to play both man and zone coverage.

2022 NFL Draft Cornerback Overall Rankings

1. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU (first round)

2. Kaiir Elam, Florida (first round)

3. Andrew Booth, Clemson (first round)

4. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati (first round)

5. Trent McDuffie, Washington (second round)

6. Derion Kendrick, Georgia (second round)

7. Josh Jobe, Alabama (second round)

8. Kyler Gordon, Washington (second round)

9. Mykael Wright, Oregon (second round)

10. Martin Emerson, Mississippi State (third round)

11. Roger McCreary, Auburn (third round)

12. Sevyn Banks, Ohio State (fourth round)

13. Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska (fifth round)

14. Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville (fifth round)

15. Tariq Castro-Fields, Penn State (fifth round)

16. Noah Daniels, TCU (fifth round)

17. Chris Steele, USC (fifth round)

18. Tiawan Mullen, Indiana (fifth round)

19. Shaun Jolly, Appalachian State (fifth round)

20. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU (sixth round)

21. Akayleb Evans, Missouri (sixth round)

22. DaMarcus Fields, Texas Tech (sixth round)

23. Josh Thompson, Texas (sixth round)

24. Riley Moss, Iowa (sixth round)

25. Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State (sixth round)

26. Coby Bryant, Cincinnati (seventh round)

27. Tariq Woolen, UTSA (seventh round)

28. Matt Hankins, Iowa (seventh round)

29. Alontae Taylor, Tennessee (seventh round)

30. Damarion Williams, Houston (seventh round)

31. Chase Lucas, Arizona State (seventh round)

32. Decobie Durant, South Carolina State (seventh round)

33. Josh Williams, Fayetteville State (seventh round)

34. Samuel Womack, Toledo (free agent)

35. Myles Jones, Texas A&M (free agent)

36. Sheridan Jones, Clemson (free agent)

37. Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (free agent)

38. Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh (free agent)

39. D’Jordan Strong, Coastal Carolina (free agent)

40. Jaylin Williams, Indiana (free agent)

41. Zyon Gilbert, FAU (free agent)

42. Gemon Green, Michigan (free agent)

43. Steven Gilmore, Marshall (free agent)

44. Cortez Davis, Hawaii (free agent)

45. Vincent Gray, Michigan (free agent)

46. Junior Faulk, Delta State (free agent)

47. Tre Swilling, Georgia Tech (free agent)

NFC North Top Prospect

A look at a prospect each NFC North team could take with their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears will likely need to upgrade the wide receiver position this offseason since they might lose Allen Robinson  in free agency. This will leave the team with only one receiver they can count on in Darnell Mooney. A player the team could get in the second round which is where their first pick is in the 2022 NFL Draft is Jahan Dotson of Penn State. In Dotson, the team gets a sure handed receiver who excels at making yards after the catch.

Detroit Lions

Currently, the Detroit Lions are projected to have the number one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and with no quarterback worth this pick the team could go with Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon. Thibodeaux would be a smart choice since he is the top player in the draft, and plays one of the most important possessions in football. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has also made it a priority to address the offensive and defensive line when rebuilding the Lions which he would be doing with this selection.

Green Bay Packers

While the wide receiver position will be a need for the Green Bay Packers this offseason, the team has proven time and time again they don’t like taking wide receivers in the first round. Due to this trend, it seems likely Green Bay will address another position with this pick, and that position might be defensive end. The Packers could lose Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith this offseason, and will need someone to team with Rashan Gary. A player who possibly fill this need is Zach Harrison of Ohio State.

Minnesota Vikings

In last week’s NFL Notebook I talked about how Viking fans should keep an eye on Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, and that is the prospect I have them going with here. This pick would make sense since he is by far the number one interior offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft. He would also fill a hole for the team as Minnesota could look to move on from Garrett Bradbury after the season and could lose Mason Cole as a free agent. It also would not be a shock if the Vikings took a defensive back or even a quarterback with this selection.

Scouting Notes

There is no doubt that Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum is the best center in the 2022 NFL Draft, however, there is some debate about who the second-best center is in this year’s class. One player who might have a chance to be the second center off the board is Boston College’s Zion Johnson. Despite playing guard at Boston College some teams are looking at Johnson as a center due to his high football IQ, strength and overall tenacity. It would not be a shock if some team took Johnson late in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

A Division II prospect who could be a late-round pick is Josh Williams of Fayetteville State. What stands out about this cornerback is his size and speed combination. Williams comes in at 6-foot-3 and has the long arms (32 ⅝-inch arms) to go with this size. He also has posted some impressive speed numbers including a 10.68 100-meter dash in high school. This combination makes him an intriguing prospect for teams who want a developmental press corner late in the 2022 NFL Draft.

One of the more underrated players in the 2022 NFL Draft is Shaun Jolly of Appalachian State.  The biggest reason people are overlooking him is his lack of size coming in at only 5-foot-9. Despite this though he shows the ability to be a starting nickel CB in the NFL. Some of the traits that stand out with him include his ability to take away the ball, and his overall physical play in both coverage and against the run.

A player who could see his stock rise significantly in the next couple of weeks is North Carolina’s cornerback Storm Duck. The main reason he will likely improve his stock is that he is finally healthy after missing most of the past two seasons with injuries. Last year, he was only able to play in two games and this season has been limited to three games due to a foot injury. However, when he has been on the field he has been one of the best cornerbacks in the ACC. Last season, teams threw him a total of 13 times and he forced five incompletions on these passes and only allowed two catches for a total of 31 yards. This season he had a strong game against Wake Forest and has already established himself as one of the best corners in the ACC. If he can stay healthy the rest of this season and checks out ok medically it would not be a shock if he heard his name called on the second day of the 2022 NFL Draft.