The 2022 NFL Draft scouting reports keep pouring in and up next are the North Texas Mean Green. With a recent string of success in terms of putting players in the NFL, North Texas is primed to do the same in 2022. This group is headlined by defensive tackle Dion Novil and running back DeAndre Torrey.
Here are the full scouting reports from the Mean Green ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
North Texas 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
North Texas’ current NFL players are headlined by a pair of wide receivers in Jaelon Darden and Jalen Guyton, but the program is far more than just a skill-player producer. The Mean Green sported 10 players in the NFL this past season, including two players each at offensive tackle, cornerback, and linebacker. Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, that motif might actually carry over as we take a look at their prospects most likely to enter the NFL this offseason.
Torrey is a burner with a great top speed as well as a shiftiness to his game. Though short in stature, he ripped off 1,215 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021. Torrey ran for a combined 36 career rushing touchdowns and chipped in with another 4 receiving scores.
As for Novil, he headlines the North Texas defensive group after starting for the past four seasons. He recorded 11.5 career sacks but was a constant force against opposing quarterbacks with a bevy of hurries and hits. Novil was excellent against the run, as he stands 6’4″, 330 pounds.
Let’s get to the full reports, including Novil, Torrey, and the rest of the North Texas Mean Green entering the NFL in 2022.
Dion Novil, DT
Positives: Quick, explosive three-technique tackle who flashed dominance in the past. Fires off the snap, possesses a terrific first step, and plays with outstanding pad level. Works his hands throughout the action and moves well in a small area. Quick when asked to twist or stunt. Wedges his way between blockers, has a closing burst, and goes hard.
Negatives: Easily disrupted by the first block and gets knocked back off the line. Occasionally gets tall and does not play with proper pad level, making himself an easy target for opponents.
Analysis: I believed Novil was an up-and-coming interior defensive line prospect based on his 2019 film, yet his game leveled off. He possesses the size and substance to be used as a three-technique tackle or in a one-gap system, but he must improve his strength at the point and learn to play with proper fundamentals consistently.
Makyle Sanders, S
Positives: Tough safety who remains disciplined with assignments, fires up the field, and aggressively defends the run. Quickly picks up coverage assignments and has a nice move to the throw and a solid closing burst. Strong and possesses a good build.
Negatives: Limited athlete. Deep speed is a major issue. Lacks great range.
Analysis: Sanders is a strong safety prospect who is best in a system that does not ask him to cover much area laterally.
DeAndre Torrey, RB
Positives: Undersized ball carrier who gets the most from his ability. Tough, plays while injured, and shows outstanding running vision. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, quickly cuts back against the grain without losing momentum, and makes defenders miss. Immediately finds the running lanes and quickly turns upfield.
Negatives: Not effective turning the perimeter. Doesn’t break many tackles. Cannot beat defenders into the open field or run to daylight.
Analysis: Torrey was a tough, hard-nosed ball carrier for North Texas and comes with outstanding football instincts, yet he lacks any great physical characteristics to his game.