The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are up next in our 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports. Headlined by a big-play receiver in Jason Brownlee, Southern Miss could very well be represented heavily in this year’s annual selection event. With 11 alumni who spent time on NFL rosters this past season in check, the Golden Eagles could add a couple more players to that number in 2022.
Southern Miss 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Southern Miss is headlined by Brownlee but the talent is across the board. Brownlee finished his Southern Miss career with 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns in just two seasons. At 6’3″, 190 pounds, his speed and size combination are a rare blend for a receiver of his size. He’s not the only offensive player on this list, however.
From the trenches, Bryce Foxworth and Khalique Washington also stand out. Foxworth started on and off for the past four seasons playing mainly at right guard. He was formidable in the run game, moving off the ball well.
Washington was Foxworth’s right-hand man, literally. He played right tackle this past season and put forth some flashes of brilliance.
On the other side of the ball, Natrone Books presents a unique prospect with a big frame and upside with his athleticism. Here are all the scouting reports for Southern Miss ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Natrone Brooks, CB
Positives: Physical corner who is best facing the action. Quick flipping his hips in transition, possesses outstanding length, and battles opponents to break up throws. Effectively recognizes routes when facing the action and has a good burst to the ball.
Negatives: Possesses a thin build and gets easily taken from the action by blocks. Must really work on his backpedal. Does a lot of face guarding and rarely gets his head back around.
Analysis: Brooks has nice length and decent athleticism, but he must learn to make plays with his back to the ball.
Jason Brownlee, WR
Positives: Tall, physical receiver who consistently wins out for contested throws. Offers the quarterback an imposing target, uses his frame to shield away opponents, and works hard to come away with difficult receptions. Runs disciplined routes, tracks the pass in the air, gets vertical, and contorts to grab errant throws. Extends his hands and snatches the ball away from his frame. Keeps the play in bounds after the catch. Knows where he is on the field, displays a terrific sense of timing, and wins out for jump balls.
Negatives: Neither quick nor fast. Plays to one speed. Cannot run to deep throws.
Analysis: Brownlee was relatively productive for Southern Miss yet has speed and quickness limitations.
Bryce Foxworth, OL
Positives: Once-highly rated interior offensive lineman who fires off the snap, squares into blocks, and seals opponents from the action. Explosive, plays with a nasty attitude, and works to finish plays. Starts with good knee bend, keeps his head on a swivel, and works well with teammates. Anchors at the point, fires out to the second level, and quickly engages opponents.
Negatives: Lacks balance. Marginally effective pulling across the line of scrimmage. Overextends into blocks. Was not a consistent starter in 2021.
Analysis: Foxworth was highly rated by area scouts each of the last two seasons and showed ability as a small-area blocker. After a disappointing 2021 campaign, he must get his game back to where it was during his junior season.
Khalique Washington, OT
Positives: Massive, heavy-footed blocker who is best in a small area. Quickly sets up off the snap, gets his hands into defenders, and turns them from the action. Sets with a wide base and works to bend his knees. Patient in pass protection, explosive at the point, and keeps his feet moving.
Negatives: Lacks footwork off the edge. Cannot adjust and gets easily exploited by speed rushers. Tends to fall off blocks rather than finishing them.
Analysis: Washington is a size prospect who flashed ability yet never put together a complete game. If he improves his blocking balance, he may have an opportunity to make a roster at guard or as a right tackle.