2022 NFL Draft “My Guys” Defense
There’s an incredible amount of defensive talent in the 2022 NFL Draft. So much so that the first five picks could ultimately be on that side of the ball. Amongst my team of “My Guys” are some players that you might be already familiar with. But there’s also a handful of players that I believe aren’t receiving the attention they deserve.
EDGE: Jeffrey Gunter, Coastal Carolina
Jeffrey Gunter is the epitome of a “My Guy” in this 2022 NFL Draft class. The versatile defensive line prospect has done it all for Coastal Carolina. From your traditional defensive end, to 3-4 OLB, and even from the defensive interior, Gunter uses his power, athleticism, and length to be a dangerous defensive disruptor. Throw in Gunter’s special-teams experience — not to mention excellence — and you get a player who should prove a bargain on draft night in a deep EDGE class.
Defensive Tackle: Travis Jones, UConn
UConn defensive tackle Travis Jones has established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft. He arguably offers greater upside and potential than the highly-rated Georgia nose tackle Jordan Davis.
Jones has the handwork, power, and lower body strength to collapse the pocket with impunity while maintaining an impressive anchor against the run. At 6’4 3/8″ and 325 pounds with arms exceeding 34″, Jones has the size, length, and athletic profile to be an extremely dangerous NFL DT.
Defensive Tackle: Eric Johnson, Missouri State
Entering Missouri State as a 230-pound defensive end in 2016, Eric Johnson has undergone a transformation these past six years. While it took some time to develop the 300-pound mass he heads to the NFL with, his NFL Draft stock has erupted in a short time.
Having aced the pre-draft process, the imposing defensive tackle prospect is in a position to put Missouri State on the map. While some technical improvements are to be made, Johnson’s a Swiss Army knife of a prospect with great athleticism and innate understanding of using body control and leverage to win the battle in the trenches.
EDGE: Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
You can watch tape for a while with some prospects before finding a “wow” play. Not San Diego State EDGE Cameron Thomas. This kid’s tape is highlight reel stuff, down after down.
If it hadn’t been for injury impacting his ability to ascend into national attention at the Senior Bowl, I think we’d be hearing more about him. Thomas is powerful, versatile, and disruptive. He possesses plenty of pass-rush tools, including a bull rush that can easily embarrass smaller offensive tackles.
Linebacker: Chad Muma, Wyoming
I was a huge fan of Wyoming Cowboy Logan Wilson as he headed to the NFL. Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise to find me swooning over another linebacker from Laramie. Except this one is even better.
Chad Muma has impressive size that is weaponized by an excellent athletic profile. He flies downhill with dangerous intentions but has also showcased the ability to move laterally as a sideline-to-sideline threat. Throw in coverage ability and football intelligence, and Muma is a highly alluring prospect who is exciting to watch.
Linebacker: Grant Morgan, Arkansas
There are few easier players to root for in the 2022 NFL Draft than Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan. Overlooked and underrated his entire career, there’s no certainty that Morgan will hear his name called next weekend in Las Vegas.
Nevertheless, he’ll make his way to training camp. Moreover, Morgan has the mindset and skill set to make sure he sticks there. A physical linebacker who plays bigger than his size, Morgan is also blessed with football intelligence. That blessing also includes knowing that he’s overcome the odds to succeed at every step.
Linebacker: Devin Lloyd, Utah
Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd is the sort of player that makes you sit up and take notice. He’s also the sort of player that when he makes a hit, you feel it sitting in the comfort of your own living room.
Lloyd is a defensive coordinator’s dream of size, length, physicality, and athleticism weaponized by incredible football instincts. He has the sort of numbers that captures the casual fan’s attention but matches it with the skills to translate college production into dangerous NFL prowess.
Cornerback: Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State
Another 2022 NFL Draft prospect who has impressive college production and the skill set to back it up at the NFL level is Sam Houston State CB Zyon McCollum. Boasting 13 interceptions and over 50+ pass breakups, McCollum’s movement skills and positioning ability are at a high level.
I also love the physicality that he brings in run support. Players that thrive in both areas aren’t as common as you’d think. That said, there’s nothing common about McCollum as a cornerback prospect in this class.
Safety: Lewis Cine, Georgia
There are 100s of talented players in this NFL Draft class. A “My Guy” has to transcend the ordinary. He has to make you feel something more than your average prospect does. Lewis Cine makes you feel something when you watch him play football.
Now, for his opponents, that feeling is — I imagine — pain. Cine hits with devastating ferocity, but he’s more than that. He’s smart, with the ability to diagnose and destroy. A vocal leader, Cine covers and plays the run well. He’s an exceptional football talent.
Safety: Markquese Bell, Florida A&M
There’d be no shortage of physicality with Cine and Florida A&M’s Markquese Bell at the heart of the “My Guys” secondary. Trying to win with the ground game would be a painful lesson in futility.
Like Cine, Bell hits with ferocity coming downhill. Yet, he has the size, length, and wide receiver experience to also be impactful in coverage. At present, it feels like this isn’t substantial buzz about the former four-star recruit. However, I’d expect Bell to outplay his NFL Draft value when he gets to the league.
Cornerback: Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
Fast, fluid, and full of energy, Andrew Booth Jr. flies around the field making plays. I’ve heard people question his physicality in run support, and I frankly don’t understand what tape they’ve watched.
What is undeniable is Booth’s ability to impact the passing game at the catch point. If you’re thinking about an acrobatic, gravity-defying interception or pass breakup from the past three years of college football, it’s likely the Clemson CB was the one who made it. Booth is my CB1 of the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Kickers and Punters
If you thought I’d let a “My Guys” team of the 2022 NFL Draft class go by without a nod to kickers and punters, you clearly don’t know me at all.
LSU’s Cade York has been a long-time favorite of mine. He’s as clutch as they come and the undisputed best kicker in this class. Separating Matt Araiza (San Diego State) and Jordan Stout (Penn State) for the punter role is simply a job I cannot — and will not — do. This team carries two punters, as all good teams should. We’ll even carry a fullback in the form of Clint Ratkovich (NIU).