2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Cincinnati vs. Alabama

Alabama OT Evan Neal vs. Cincinnati EDGE Myjai Sanders

This is another premium matchup between future 2022 NFL Draft prospects. Evan Neal is a first rounder due in large part to his size (6’7” 350) and athleticism. He excels in the running game where he can use his gigantic frame to mow down defenders. He’s adept at pass blocking too, as he often uses his body to his advantage, anchoring and forcing defenders to try to run around him to the quarterback. Despite his run and pass blocking prowess, there are some concerns with Neal regarding his balance and lateral agility, which is what makes this matchup with Myjai Sanders so interesting.

Both Sanders and Neal have long arms for their positions, which should make for some fascinating battles on the edge. Myjai Sanders is considerably smaller than Neal (6’5” 258), but he’s quicker and more explosive as well. Production-wise Sanders has taken a step back in 2021 (his sacks, tackles for loss, and solo tackles are all down from his 2020 totals), but this could be because teams are focusing on him more. Two of Sanders’ teammates (Curtis Brooks and Joel Dublanko) both finished in the top eight in sacks for the American Athletic Conference, which suggests that teams were concentrating on stopping Sanders and forcing other players to beat them.

So, while Myjai Sanders’ 2022 NFL Draft stock might have taken a hit this season, he still made first team all-conference in the American, and if he makes a noticeable impact in this game against a surefire first round pick like Evan Neal, he could find his name rocketing up draft boards in the coming months.