Best Available 2022 NFL Draft Prospects | 26-50
The next group of 25 players contains some impressive talents and even a few underrated prospects.
26) Josh Johnson, WR, Tulsa
Before the 2021 season, Tulsa’s passing attack struggled mightily for a few years. With Davis Brin at the helm, the Golden Hurricane offense was able to feature the talent they had at receiver. Josh Johnson was always a potential NFL player; he just didn’t have the quarterback to get him the ball consistently. He has the speed to threaten any defender vertically, and the suddenness in his game is what stresses the corners he faces.
27) Lucas Krull, TE, Pittsburgh
Due to a lack of production, Lucas Krull is a relatively unknown prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s not his fault, though. Florida had talented players like Kyle Pitts ahead of him, and Pittsburgh had so many talented pass catchers. A big-bodied tight end, Krull has the potential to make his impact at the highest level. If he can get in the right system and get opportunities, he could become one of the biggest steals in this draft.
28) Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Jalen Wydermyer gave Texas A&M plenty of stability and production during his time in College Station. Now, he must prove he can do the same at the NFL level. His testing numbers hurt his stock, but his film and production could show a future team why those numbers only carry so much weight.
29) Zonovan Knight, RB, North Carolina State
Though the running back class might not feature a first-round pick, it’s a group that has solid depth. Zonovan Knight displays great instincts running the football. He’s a natural. He also works hard to keep plays alive and utilizes a blend of quick feet and power to pick up extra yards. Knight also brings good value as a pass catcher.
30) Isaiah Weston, WR, Northern Iowa
How legit is Isiah Weston’s draft stock? The Cincinnati Bengals interviewed him. While that might not mean anything, the fact that a team with JaMarr Chase and an already established group of receivers would contact him speaks to his talent. Weston thrived at the FCS level, including a 5-catch, 181-yard performance against NDSU.
31) Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State
It’s a good thing Kellen Diesch isn’t going back to college because Arizona State has a lot on their plate going forward. Much of the Sun Devils’ success offensively stems from an offensive line that dominated the competition. Diesch stood out amongst that group. At 6’7”, it’s easy to see why. His footwork stands out for a guy his size, and that quickness allows him to get in good position as a blocker.
32) Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma
If you’re looking for a running back that takes ball security seriously, Kennedy Brooks is a great option. He blows everyone else out of the water in that category. He’s also a relatively strong runner who keeps his legs moving to break tackles and pick up extra yards. His contact balance allows him to bounce off incoming tacklers at the first and second levels, making secondary players tremble when left 1-on-1 with him.
33) Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
At 6’8”, 334 pounds, Obinna Eze has an impressive build. In fact, it’s a surprise that Memphis was able to sign him out of high school over other Power Five schools. He did end up at the Power Five level, and he showed that he can compete with anyone. He stands out with his quickness for a guy his size. Most of his strength comes from his lower body, but he knows how to use that lower body to get in position quickly.
34) Bamidele Olaseni, OT, Utah
Utah’s offensive line recruiting focus is simple: find dudes that are big and strong and develop them. Bamidele Olaseni fits that mold, and he learned a lot from his time with the Utes. He worked off that foundation of size and strength to add quickness and power to succeed. He still needs to improve his footwork, but that will happen over time.
35) Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
When you watch Josh Jobe play, it quickly becomes evident why Alabama recruited him out of high school. He has the athleticism, length, and competitive toughness to thrive in Tuscaloosa, and those same traits will help him at the next level. There are concerns about his hand usage in coverage along with his footwork, but he has the raw tools to build upon at the next level.
36) Reggie Roberson Jr., WR, SMU
If he can stay healthy, Reggie Roberson Jr. will be a nightmare to cover at the next level. The technical side of his game is excellent. His quickness allows him to get off the line of scrimmage quickly, helps avoid jams with a good release, and his long speed helps him run past defenders. He may not have the size to consistently win in contested-catch situations, but his focus continues to be getting so open that no one can contest the catch except him.
37) Xavier Newman-Johnson, C, Baylor
A smaller frame hurts his cause, but Xavier Newman-Johnson utilizes that to his benefit. As we all know, the low man wins, and Newman-Johnson already sits lower than most of the players he faces. It’s tough to knock him back or run him over because his center of gravity is lower, so this weakness can be a strength if used correctly.
38) Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
It seems like ages ago that Jermaine Waller and Caleb Farley played together. Farley turned pro two years ago, and now Waller has a chance to join him in the NFL. Waller has excellent ball skills, often winning at the catch point. His length helps him jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and knock down passes — even if he’s out of position.
39) Abram Smith, RB, Baylor
Abram Smith was the perfect runner for Dave Aranda. A big, tough runner who flipped from running back to linebacker back to running back during his collegiate career. He’s a patient RB who lets things develop in front of him before making a decision. His burst could improve as linebackers typically can get to him before he breaks through the line, but his strength through contact makes him tough to tackle.
40) Jashaun Corbin, RB, Florida State
Jashaun Corbin knows how to stand out. His ability to bet on himself and turn it into success is what will make him a successful pro. Even on a struggling Florida State squad, he produced 1,288 yards on the ground. He built upon that success by having a good showing at the Shrine Bowl. His versatility out of the backfield will get him on the field, and then it’s up to him how high he rises.
41) Jaivon Heiligh, WR, Coastal Carolina
Just like his time at Coastal Carolina, Jaivon Heiligh needs to prove that he belongs in the NFL. He’ll quickly do that if he continues to win consistently at the line of scrimmage. Jamming Heiligh is easier said than done. Quick footwork along with a diverse release package prevents him from getting stuck on the line. From there, he’s shown a good ability to switch up his speeds and make quick cuts to create separation. His long speed is a concern, but he makes up for that with his quickness.
42) Braylon Sanders, WR, Ole Miss
One of the most important elements in Lane Kiffin’s offense is the ability to stretch a defense vertically. Braylon Sanders took that role seriously, and his speed allowed him to do exactly that. His route running is still developing, but he’s improving every day. He also shows a good ability to track deep throws and make difficult catches look easy.
43) Jerrion Ealy, RB, Ole Miss
There are multiple running backs that have great value as pass catchers, and Jerrion Ealy fits that description. Patience, power, and quickness highlight Ealy’s game. He doesn’t shy away from any defender and tends to make them look bad with his quick feet in the trenches. His ability to create space for himself is great, but get him the ball in space, and he is even more dangerous.
44) Ali Fayad, EDGE, Western Michigan
While Ali Fayad may not have the ideal size for an EDGE player, he rarely looks bad. Not to say he wins a lot, but he’s a fierce competitor who refuses to lose. He can line up standing over a tackle or in a three-point stance, giving him scheme versatility, and the fluidity in his movement shows that he wastes little motion.
45) Josh Thompson, CB, Texas
It’s been fairly bleak when it comes to Texas Longhorns draftees, but that appears to be changing in the future. Josh Thompson was a solid player in the secondary for the Longhorns but will need some time to develop at the next level. A decent athlete, there’s upside to like in his game, but he’ll need the right coaching.
46) Shaun Jolly, CB, Appalachian State
Shaun Jolly knows how to make plays. In fact, he’s been on the NFL radar for a while now. He has the ball skills to make an impact on the opposing passing attack and has been a steady force in the Mountaineers’ secondary for a while. He’ll be a sleeper on any team he joins, but Jolly has the tools to take a starting job if he gets on the right team.
47) Josh Ross, LB, Michigan
Michigan linebackers often get compared to Devin Bush Jr. when they turn pro. While that’s a tough mountain to climb, Josh Ross didn’t try it. In fact, he’s more of a downhill guy. Ross does his best work when he can get downhill and use momentum to generate power. Ross lives to compete in the trenches, and it shows in the way he brings down ball carriers.
48) Tre Williams, EDGE, Arkansas
On paper, Tre Williams is a phenomenal prospect. At 6’4” with a long wingspan, it’s easy to see why he thrived at Arkansas. An explosive first step with good athleticism, teams are getting a talented player. It just comes down to consistency and drive. It’s all there, but the NFL is a different level, and Williams needs to prove that he’s ready for that kind of responsibility.
49) Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
It’s no surprise that Derrick Deese Jr. is a potential NFL talent. His dad, Derrick Deese Sr., was an NFL All-Pro offensive lineman who won Super Bowl XXIX with the San Francisco 49ers. The frame and athleticism stand out thanks largely to genetics. He has an above-average wingspan that allows him to make catches that others cannot.
50) Tay Martin, WR, Oklahoma State
Tay Martin has plenty of experience catching footballs. At Washington State, he played in an offense who’s first, second, and third priorities were throwing the football. Then, he took his talents to Oklahoma State, where quality was more important than quantity. He’s got decent speed, but adding some size to his frame would be beneficial for him to be able to handle the battles at the line of scrimmage better.