The 7 Best Non-FBS Players in the 2022 NFL Draft

3. Zyon McCollum, DB, Sam Houston State

Draft Grade: Late Second Round

Zyon McCollum is an athletic marvel. Need evidence? He posted an RAS that ranked third all time from 1987 to 2022. McCollum uses this athleticism to hound receivers in pass coverage, serving as a top man-to-man cornerback at the FCS-level. Due to limited exposure against elite talent at wide receiver, it was no surprise that McCollum took a minute to find his bearings at the Senior Bowl. However, he showed steady improvement as the week went on and by the time he departed Mobile, there was little question that McCollum is an NFL player. It may take a bit for McCollum to clean up his form at cornerback, but his collection of traits makes him an option as a free roaming safety as well. It all comes down to where he lands when the 2022 NFL Draft arrives.

4. Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

Draft Grade: Third Round

Troy Andersen started for Montana State at both quarterback and linebacker during his collegiate career, and he was phenomenal at each. After a reign at quarterback that saw Andersen regularly rush for 100+ yards on the ground while also pushing the ball downfield, he decided to take on a new challenge and became a linebacker for the team. In 2019 he was more of a pass rusher, and then after sitting out the COVID-shortened season, Andersen returned in 2021 playing off the ball at linebacker. This last position change proved to be the one that stuck. Andersen showed up to the Senior Bowl and the dude epitomizes exactly what a professional football player is. He plays with energy and is not even close to a finished product. Andersen will land with a team on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft, and that team is getting a guy that never stops working.

5. Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State

Draft Grade: Third Round

Pierre Strong Jr. is built like an NFL bellcow running back, standing at 5’11 and tipping the scales at 205 pounds. Strong put up some gaudy numbers at South Dakota State, ending his career with 630 carries for 4,495 yards, good for a yards per carry mark above seven! He showed in 2021 that he can shoulder a full load, with 240 of those career carries coming in his final season on campus. Strong also chipped in 20+ catches in each of his final two seasons, showing scouts a glimpse of what he can do as a pass catcher out of the backfield. The former Jackrabbit showed up to the NFL Scouting Combine and coasted to a 4.37 official 40-yard dash time. That’ll play. The major question is the same that everyone in this article faces, level of competition. Strong went a long way in showing that his talent will translate this offseason, he is a sleeper in your dynasty mock drafts. Remember I told you!