Is Linebacker the Deepest Position in the 2022 NFL Draft?

Every year the question is always asked; what is the deepest position group? In the 2022 class, it just may be the linebacker group. The edge rushers and corners may have a say when it is all said and done. But right now, on November 19^th, my money is on the LBs.

What makes a “deep” position group? For me, it is the ability to find starting-level players in every single round, and I think the 2022 Linebacker class fulfills that.

HEADLINING LINEBACKERS

While there may be no one getting anointed the second coming in this linebacker group, a couple of potential stars could find their way into round one. Starting with Georgia’s Nakobe Dean. The 6’0” 225-pound junior is a fantastic playmaker. Dean has shown an innate ability to affect the passing game. He has made highlight-reel plays in nearly every contest this season. Nakobe Dean plays on a defense that could have 7-8 players selected in the first two days of the 2022 NFL Draft. And yet, somehow, he manages to stand out.

Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd has been a tackling force for the Utes in 2021. He currently has 85 tackles (48 solos) with 20 tackles for loss. Lloyd has sacked the quarterback six times, intercepted three passes, and deflected another six. Lloyd has accepted a 2022 Senior Bowl invitation, where I expect he will shine, potentially getting into the late first round.

THE NEXT WAVE

The next wave of linebacker prospects should all find themselves squarely in the day two conversation. Channing Tindall (Georgia) is a fast attacking player who closes like a bullet fired from the barrel of John Wick’s gun.

Alabama has a pair of underclassmen that could fly off the board early. Christian Harris has seen his production dip in 2021, likely due to the emergence of Henry To’o To’o (Tennessee transfer).

Chad Muma has drawn comparisons to his former Wyoming teammate Logan Wilson. Muma may be a better athlete than Wilson but needs to show more in coverage. He will get that chance at the Senior Bowl.

Speaking of great athletes, look no further than Demarvion Overshown of Texas. I could also see Arizona State’s Merlin Robertson, Zakoby McClain of Auburn, and Quay Walker of Georgia also being selected in the first 100 picks.

DAY THREE DYNAMOS

Day three could be littered with linebackers that make an early impact. I wouldn’t be shocked if 20-25 LBs were taken on day three. Not all will start of course. However, most will make impacts on special teams right out of the chute.

Damone Clark, LSU

Owen Pappoe, Auburn

Micah McFadden, Indiana

Ventrell Miller, Florida

Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati

Brandon Smith, Penn State

Bumper Pool, Arkansas

Nate Landman, Colorado

Mike Rose, Iowa State

Payton Wilson, NC State

Ellis Brooks, Penn State

Jesse Luketa, Penn State