You’ve heard all about the top names in the offensive line group, but who are some sleepers in this 2022 NFL Draft class? Who are the guys that are going to “stump the truck” by hearing their names called earlier than expected? NFL Draft sleepers aren’t defined to their selection position either. So, who are the players that might have long NFL careers and aren’t getting attention right now?
2022 NFL Draft sleepers at OL
There’s a sizable possibility that we see three offensive tackles (Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, and Charles Cross) taken within the first 10 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft. With Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green, there could be two guards to add to the first-round offensive line tally. Meanwhile, Tyler Linderbaum is reportedly slipping out of the first round, but he could still be off the board on Day 1.
Beyond that, there’s a raft of sleepers who can make an impact on this 2022 NFL Draft class.
Ryan Van Demark, UConn
If you think of an NFL offensive tackle checklist, marking the requisites for the high-level play at the position, UConn’s Ryan Van Demark ticks many boxes. Size? At just shy of 6’7″, he hits the mark. Length? 35.5″ arms gets a tick, too. Explosion and agility? Tick and tick. Van Demark is an intelligent, athletic offensive tackle with a decent anchor, quick footwork, and strong, independent hand usage. With little national attention for a potential NFL contributor, he’s one of the biggest sleepers in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Chris Paul, Tulsa
While scouts and analysts are fawning over Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith, his teammate Chris Paul remains one of the sleepers of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Despite 18 starts at right tackle across his career, his sub-6’4″ height and extensive experience on the interior should see Paul transition inside at the NFL level. Boasting a stout frame and good length, he has the strength and technique to make an impact at the NFL level. A source close to PFN told us that the Tulsa prospect shouldn’t make it out of Round 4 this weekend.
Joshua Ezeudu, North Carolina
As Sam Howell sympathizers point to a Swiss cheese offensive line to defend his struggles, Joshua Ezeudu figures to be one of the sleepers in the 2022 NFL Draft. The UNC prospect has the size to hold down the offensive tackle position in the NFL. He also possesses excellent length, which he uses well as a technician. Ezeudu’s explosion and lateral agility make for an excellent athlete at the position. Meanwhile, he plays with the raw aggression that could see him become an excellent contributor on the interior offensive line in the NFL.
Devin Cochran, Georgia Tech
After playing for four years at Vanderbilt before spending his final season at Georgia Tech, Devin Cochran is a highly experienced offensive tackle prospect with some alluring traits. The allure begins with his impressive size and length. At 6’7″ with over 35″ arms, Cochran looks every bit an NFL tackle. He’s also a strong, dominant player. He’s explosive in the run game and has the football intelligence and footwork to be impactful as a pass protector. One of the Day 3 sleepers in the NFL Draft, Cochran has potential at swing tackle.
Xavier Newman-Johnson, Baylor
While Baylor had one of the top offensive lines in the nation last season, Xavier Newman-Johnson remains one of the positional sleepers in the 2022 NFL Draft. His cause isn’t helped by a relatively diminutive frame, measuring in at shy of 6’2″. However, in the trenches where the low man wins, Newman-Johnson is a stout presence with a wide base and excellent relative length. A superb athlete with explosive speed, the Baylor product brings a versatile skill set to an NFL locker room where he could play at guard or center.
Honorable mentions
- Blaise Andries, Minnesota
- Bamidele Olaseni, Utah
- Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech
- Spencer Burford, UTSA