Texas Tech was a shell of its former self in 2022, finishing with a disappointing 7-6 overall record and an even worse 3-6 mark in the Big 12. Nevertheless, the Red Raiders have still produced a number of prospects that will likely hear their name called during the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are the scouting reports for some of Texas Tech’s standout players from last season, including one wide receiver that could hear his name called on Day 2.
Texas Tech 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Texas Tech‘s offense was less than spectacular in 2021. However, a number of defensive players stood out.
Colin Schooler, LB
Positives: Tough, hard-charging linebacker who is intense, plays with a nasty attitude, and flies around the field. Drives his shoulders through ball handlers — wraps up and makes the tackle in space. Takes good angles, is quick flowing laterally, and easily changes direction.
Negatives: Displays limited speed and does not show a closing burst. Struggles redirecting. Gets caught up in the trash. Poor measurables.
Analysis: Schooler grades out highly in the areas of intensity and wherewithal. Nonetheless, he has size and speed limitations.
DaMarcus Fields, CB
Positives: Feisty cornerback with solid ball skills. Fluid pedaling in reverse, quick flipping his hips, and mixes it up with opponents throughout the route. Engages receivers at the line, stays with assignments, and effectively diagnoses plays. Works well with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field, rarely gets challenged by opponents, and shows a closing burst. Tracks the pass in the air and competes to come away with the pass defense.
Negatives: Late reacting to opponents’ moves off the line, which puts him a half-step behind. Lacks balance. Haphazard and all over the place. Gets a bit grabby at times.
Analysis: Fields is an athletic corner with a large upside who was rarely challenged on the college level. He needs work on his game. However, he has an upside and offers possibilities as a nickel back for a variety of defensive schemes.
Dawson Deaton, C
Positives: Underrated center who blocks with proper fundamentals. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents, and keeps his feet moving. Keeps his head on a swivel, works well with linemates, and plays smart football. Quickly sets up off the snap and anchors in pass protection. Explosive at the point. Fires into run blocks, moves defenders from the point, and plays through the whistle. Stays square, easily handles one-on-one assignments, and opens up the middle of the field. Always working to get a shoulder pad on opponents and knock them from their angles of attack.
Negatives: Lacks footwork in space. Doesn’t finish run blocks.
Analysis: Deaton is an underrated center with the ability to be used in a variety of systems. He moves well enough on his feet to get consideration for a zone-blocking scheme. In time, he could develop into a power-gap lineman. Deaton will be a late-round choice but comes with tremendous upside and could be starting by his second year in the league.
Erik Ezukanma, WR
Positives: Large possession receiver with reliable hands. Plays big football, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. Gets vertical, extends his hands, and snatches the ball out of the air. Adjusts to errant throws and comes away with difficult receptions. Displays solid short-area quickness and works routes.
Negatives: Possesses a limited route tree and really isn’t quick in or out of breaks. Gets upright entering routes. Takes his eyes off the ball, which leads to drops. Lacks deep speed.
Analysis: Ezukanma was a consistent three-year starter for Texas Tech and was the go-to receiver in the offense. He possesses nice size and reliable hands, but he has average speed. Ezukanma has enough ability to line up as a fourth receiver in a timing offense.
Want more information on Ezukanma? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech WR | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Riko Jeffers, LB
Positives: Hard-charging linebacker who plays tough, instinctive football. Shows great awareness, stays with assignments, and remains disciplined. Hard hitter who quickly gets out laterally in pursuit of the action and makes the tackle in space. Breaks down well, displays good range, and covers a lot of area on the field. Plays faster than his 40 time. Can bend off the edge on the blitz.
Negatives: Gets too amped up on occasion and takes himself from plays. Not forceful on the blitz. Poor athletic testing numbers.
Analysis: Jeffers is a hard-charging linebacker who gets the most from his ability, but he comes with limited upside. He could make a roster as an eighth linebacker if he plays well on special teams.
T.J. Storment, OL
Positives: Tough, durable college left tackle who is best in a small area. Stays square, keeps his feet moving, and gives effort. Quickly sets up in pass protection, correctly places his hands into opponents, and anchors at the point. Solid run blocker who is explosive and moves well off the edge for a bigger tackle.
Negatives: Not light on his feet — stiff and lumbers out to the second level. Struggles adjusting to oncoming defenders.
Analysis: Storment is a nice-sized tackle who plays intelligent football and comes with long arms. He’s an average athlete with limited range. Still, he offers possibilities as a backup right tackle.