Whose 2022 NFL Draft stock report changed the most in Week 10? Another weekend on the college football schedule saw another previously unbeaten team go down in defeat, which will cause another shift in the College Football Playoff rankings. Michigan State was completely manhandled by Purdue, the team that knocked Iowa from the ranks of the undefeated last month. On the NFL prospect front, we saw several terrific performances from players on the defensive side of the ball.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Report: Risers from Week 10
Whose draft stock rose the most in Week 10 of the college football season? It’s a list full of defenders.
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Entering the season, Devin Lloyd was given first-round grades by a number of scouts. Through 10 weeks, he hasn’t disappointed. Lloyd has been impactful and consistently productive in 2021. In Utah’s blowout victory over Stanford, the senior finished with 9 tackles and 5 tackles for loss while posting a sack, an interception, and a PBU. Lloyd is incredibly athletic and versatile. He’s a three-down defender with starting potential in a multitude of schemes at the next level.
Tre Williams, EDGE, Arkansas
Tre Williams had a solid career at Missouri before transferring to Arkansas, a move that will be career-defining. He’s shown terrific improvement in his game this season and had his best performance of the year against Mississippi State on Saturday.
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Facing off against Bulldogs left tackle Charles Cross — projected by some as a first-round pick — Williams registered 2 sacks, 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hit while acting as a constant nuisance in the Bulldogs’ backfield. Athletic testing will do Williams no favors, given he has linebacker size and defensive tackle speed. However, he looks like a potential situational pass rusher in the NFL.
JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska
JoJo Domann has been a terrific three-down defender for Nebraska, and it’s surprising scouts gave him a free agent grade entering the season. The senior had a strong game during the loss to Ohio State, posting 9 tackles, 1 interception, and a pair of PBUs. Domann was constantly around the ball at the second level and came up big for the Cornhuskers. He’s a safety-sized linebacker who does a great job making plays in space or pursuit. Domann comes with scheme versatility and outstanding instincts.
Tarique Barnes, LB, Illinois
The Fighting Illini beat another ranked team, and once again, the defense led the way. Tarique Barnes had an impact during Saturday’s victory over Minnesota, totaling 8 tackles and 1 interception. The junior has really improved this season and is displaying skills in zone coverage when the ball is in the air. Barnes is a forceful defender who can line up at middle or inside linebacker.
Quindell Johnson, S, Memphis
Entering the season, Quindell Johnson was my top-rated prospect on the Memphis roster — and the junior safety is exceeding expectations. During the team’s surprising victory over SMU, Johnson led the club with 7 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Johnson has 80 tackles and 5 PBUs in nine games this season. He’s a tall, fluid safety who forces the action upfield and possesses solid ball skills. Johnson projects as a traditional strong safety but can also line up in a zone system.
Sleeper Prospect | Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
By my count, Bryan Cook is the third Bearcat to make the Risers list this season and the second from UC’s defensive backfield. In what was a tougher-than-expected contest, Cincinnati remained undefeated after beating Tulsa 28-20 — and Cook did his part.
He finished the game with 14 tackles and 2 PBUs, giving him 61 tackles this season. Cook has nice size (6’1″, 205 pounds) but average speed (4.6 40-yard dash). The senior is equipped with instincts and a terrific head for the game. While most scouts grade Cook as a priority free agent, I stamped him as a sixth-round prospect. That’s where he’s likely to end up in April if he posts decent testing times.
Small School Prospect | Kemari Averett, TE, Bethune-Cookman
Kemari Averett first caught my eye when he played for Louisville. A host of off-field issues — some of which proved to be untrue — forced the big tight end out of the program. After not playing football the past two years, he’s been a dominant force for Bethune this season.
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Through nine games, he’s leading the team in all pass-catching categories with 37 receptions, 686 yards, and 6 TDs. Averett is averaging 18.5 yards per catch — not bad for a tight end who tips the scales at 260+ pounds. He’s a terrific pass catcher with the size and strength to be a good blocker on Sundays. Teams will have to comb through Averett’s past and decide whether to give him a chance in camp this summer — something he deserves in my opinion.
Week 10 Sliders
As much as we like to focus on the positive side of things, not every prospect rises through the ranks. Who slid down in Week 10 and possibly affected their draft stock?
Akial Byers, DT, Missouri
Entering his first senior season in 2020, Akial Byers was handed sixth-round grades by scouts. Since then, he’s played uninspired football and presently grades as a UDFA. He’s posted 17 tackles, 1 QB hit, and a half-sack this season.
In Missouri’s loss to Georgia, he posted just a single tackle. While stats don’t always tell the story for a defensive tackle, Byers has failed to meet expectations the past two years and at times seems as though he’s only going through the motions.