Scouting reports for the 2022 NFL Draft don’t come easier than they do at Florida International this season. Headlined by a Senior Bowl standout, the FIU Panthers are set to be well-represented at this April’s draft. D’Vonte Price showcased an incredibly well-rounded ability in Mobile, but will he be the only FIU player drafted?
According to these scouting reports, that seems unlikely. Two defensive backs from the South Florida area are likely to enter the NFL in one way or another. Josh Valentine-Turner, an Iowa transfer, and Richard Dames could also very likely be on an NFL team sooner than later.
Florida International 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The scouting reports at FIU, of course, start with Price. A dominant runner with shifty speed, Price stood out at the Senior Bowl. He paved the way with his ability between the tackles but really shined during pass-protection drills. Price wasn’t afraid to get his body in the way of blocks and impressively stuck with pass rushers all the same.
Valentine-Turner had an up-and-down career at FIU after transferring from Iowa. Still, he has a ton of upside — he was hardly used correctly under a failed regime at FIU. Dames, a longtime standout himself, had his fair share of success. He was a common find on the Conference USA Team of the Week from us at Pro Football Network.
Richard Dames, S
Positives: Hard-working, physical safety who crashes upfield defending the run and gives exceptional effort. Hard-hitting, drives his shoulders through ball handlers, and works to defend screen plays. Effectively reads and diagnoses the action and keeps plays in front of him.
Negatives: Average size. Plays to one speed, cannot recover, and lacks a closing burst. Misses tackles or has tackles broken. Takes incorrect angles and overpursues plays. Slow getting off blocks.
Analysis: Dames is a hard-working, high-effort player with limited upside whose only avenue onto a Sunday roster is special teams.
D’Vonte Price, RB
Positives: Once-highly rated running back who patiently waits for blocks to develop, displays terrific vision, and does not go down without a fight. Tough, doles out punishment, and picks up big chunks of yardage after initial contact. Patient, displays tremendous power in his ball carrying, and follows blocks everywhere on the field.
Finds the hole and gets through the running lanes with authority, using an effective straight arm to keep defenders away. Keeps his feet moving and shows fluidity for a bigger back. Remains disciplined with blocking assignments. Shows ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield, adjusting to errant throws to make receptions in stride. Timed incredibly well during Combine workouts.
Negatives: One-dimensional downhill ball carrier who doesn’t play to his 40 time and cannot turn the corner. Rarely used as a receiver out of the backfield. Gets in trouble when he tries to run laterally.
Analysis: Entering the season, grades on Price ranged from Day 2 to undrafted free agent. He’s very good at what he does: running downhill and breaking tackles. Yet, Price has a limited game and cannot be used around the corner or on the perimeter. He does the little things well and stands a chance to make a roster as a fourth back used in short-yardage situations.
Want more information on Price? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: D’Vonte Price, FIU RB | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Josh Valentine-Turner, CB
Positives: Intelligent, compactly built cornerback who plays physical football. Quick flipping his hips in transition, stays with receivers out of breaks, and battles to defend throws. Effectively reads and diagnoses plays, fires up the field, and gives effort defending screen passes. Wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Struggles bringing opponents down at the point of attack. Deep speed is an issue. Marginally productive as a senior.
Analysis: Valentine-Turner possesses the size and intelligence to compete as a dime back in the NFL, though he comes with physical limitations.