It may not be the quarterback you think, but the Ohio Bobcats are likely to put a former signal-caller in the NFL very soon. In fact, that could happen in the 2022 NFL Draft as high as early Day 3 as former quarterback Armani Rogers is a name to watch.
Rogers, who played a wildcat quarterback role in 2021 with the Bobcats, transferred to Athens from UNLV (where he was a longtime starting quarterback). However, as the 2022 NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear Rogers knows his path to the pros may be at a different position. As such, Rogers is listed as a tight end and worked exclusively there during the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl.
Ohio 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
It wasn’t without success either for Rogers. He had a great week of practices in a tight end group that stood out. Rogers wasn’t the best out there, but his upside is incredibly intriguing.
He’s a big man with a great catch radius. Rogers also worked his way open, and no one will ever question his ability to understand coverages.
Aside from Rogers, RB De’Montre Tuggle will also look to carry on Ohio’s NFL legacy. Tuggle, a longtime Bobcat, led the team with 804 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns this past season. Combined, Tuggle and Rogers had 14 of the team’s 20 rushing touchdowns this past season.
Like Rogers, Tuggle has also seen success in the receiving game, hauling in 16 catches for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns this past season. He doesn’t have quite the wear on his tires as some of the other experienced backs in this class do either. With just north of 280 career carries, Tuggle presents an excellent late-round flier for a team in need.
TE Armani Rogers
Positives: Athletic, strong-armed passer who projects to tight end in the NFL. Possesses a next-level build and mobility. Easily moves around the pocket and takes off upfield carrying the ball. Resilient, works hard, and gives effort.
Negatives: Never developed as a passer. Throws were all over the place. Went from a starter at UNLV to a rotational quarterback at Ohio.
Analysis: Rogers is a prospect I scouted since his sophomore season at UNLV. And although he’s not a signal-caller for the next level, he may have a home at tight end. He possesses the athleticism and physical skills necessary for the position, but he must go from throwing the ball to catching it.
RB De’Montre Tuggle
Positives: Patient downhill ball carrier who catches the ball well out of the backfield. Displays good short-area quickness and strength in his lower body and breaks tackles. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, runs with proper lean, and has a burst of speed. Nicely adjusts to errant throws and makes receptions in stride with his hands.
Negatives: Not a creative ball carrier. Possesses average size and speed.
Analysis: Tuggle was very productive for Ohio the past two seasons and offers possibilities as a situational ball carrier/third-down back. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield gives him a decided advantage.