The Houston Cougars put together an impressive 2021 college football season, finishing 12-2 and competing for the American Athletic Conference crown. Unfortunately, they ran into a hot Cincinnati Bearcats team and needed to settle for a Birmingham Bowl win over Auburn. Nonetheless, Houston’s roster contained a number of 2022 NFL Draft prospects. Here are the scouting reports for the Cougars we will possibly see drafted this year.
Houston 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Some defensive stars like David Anenih and Logan Hall highlight Houston‘s scouting reports in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Damarion Williams, CB
Positives: Well-built cornerback who flashed ability the past two seasons. Aggressive, plays heads-up football, and works well with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field. Explodes to the ball out of his plant, fires up the field, and gives effort defending running plays and screen passes. Mixes it up with receivers throughout the route and physically beats them down to come away with the pass defense.
Negatives: Shows stiffness in his game. Must improve his backpedal and footwork in reverse. Downfield speed is a concern and does a lot of trailing in deep coverage.
Analysis: Williams has been highly thought of in the scouting community the past two seasons and flashed ability, but he comes with limitations. Best facing the action, he must play in a zone system and produce on coverage units to ultimately make an NFL roster.
David Anenih, EDGE
Positives: Underrated pass rusher with an explosive game. Plays with tremendous pad level, displays outstanding movement skills, and covers a lot of area on the field. Rarely off his feet, quickly gets out to the sidelines in pursuit, and can drop off the line of scrimmage and play in space.
Easily changes direction and immediately alters his angle of attack. Strong for his size and plays faster than his 40 time. Relentless, plays with terrific pad level, and fires off the snap with an explosive first step. Fast upfield, bends off the edge, and possesses a closing burst. Stays with assignments and does more than mindlessly rush up the field and attack the quarterback.
Negatives: Lacks bulk and is easily outpositioned from the action by a single opponent. Primarily came out of a three-point stance for Houston and does not have great growth potential.
Analysis: Anenih was an impact defender for Houston even though he was out of position at defensive end. He offers possibilities as a situational pass rusher on Sundays and has the athleticism and wherewithal to be used up the field and in space.
Want more information on Anenih? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: David Anenih, Houston EDGE | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Deontay Anderson, LB
Positives: Former safety turned linebacker with decent size and speed. Hard-hitting, forceful up the field against the run, and works to get off blocks. Takes proper angles to the action, displays a burst of speed, and is effective against the run.
Negatives: Bites on receivers’ moves and gets caught out of position. Comes with marginal instincts.
Analysis: Anderson looked like he had legitimate next-level potential at safety early in his Houston career, but his game has since leveled off and even regressed in certain areas.
Logan Hall, DL
Positives: Athletic defensive line prospect with size as well as growth potential. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, plays with outstanding pad level, and nicely redirects to ball handlers. Immediately alters his angle of attack to make plays against the run, works his hands throughout the action, and stays with assignments. Very explosive, keeps his feet moving, and draws the focus of opponents.
Negatives: Possesses a thin build and must get the first step on opponents. Does not get down the line to make plays outside the box despite his athletic numbers.
Analysis: Hall is a prospect who is just hitting his stride and is coming off a tremendous senior campaign. He’s athletic, offers tremendous upside potential, and has a lot of scheme versatility. Hall is the type of draft pick who may take time to develop, but he’ll only improve as he physically matures, adds bulk and strength, and gets more playing experience.
Want more information on Hall? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Logan Hall, Houston DE | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Marcus Jones, CB
Positives: Athletic defensive back who was a game-impacting return specialist for Houston. Instinctive, shows great awareness, and works hard to make plays. Quick flipping his hips in transition, easily runs downfield with opponents, and mixes it up throughout the route.
Explodes to the ball out of his plant, quickly closes to the action, and plays with a nasty attitude. Plays faster than his 40 time and works hard against the run. Occasionally used at receiver last season and ran sharp routes to separate from defenders. Game-changing kick and punt returner.
Negatives: Small and gets overmatched. Had shoulder surgery after the season and was unable to perform for scouts.
Analysis: Jones was a tremendous college player for both Troy as well as Houston, and he offers possibilities as a dime back in a variety of coverages on Sundays. His biggest contribution will ultimately be on special teams as a return specialist.
Want more information on Jones? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Marcus Jones, Houston CB | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Mulbah Car, RB
Positives: Compactly built ball carrier with good vision and instincts. Quickly finds running lanes, squeezes through the small openings of the offensive line, and consistently runs north/south. Sifts his way through traffic, follows blocks everywhere on the field, and falls forward when tackled. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield who adjusts to errant throws and keeps plays in bounds after the catch. Gives effort blocking.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and cannot beat defenders into the open field. Not a creative back and struggles trying to turn the corner. Was not much of a factor for Houston the past two seasons.
Analysis: When given the opportunity to play, Car produced for the Cougars as a ball carrier and pass catcher. He possesses the size and athletic skills to play on Sundays as a rotational back. At the very least, Car should be given practice-squad consideration this summer.