The full pro day circuit has wound down and NFL teams, along with Draft Countdown, are finalizing boards for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Shane P Hallam looked at the first few weeks of pro days, and I will hit on the high points of the rest.
I will hit on a few big names that tested well (or poorly) and give you several names you need to keep an eye out for.
PRO DAY RECAP
IOWA PRO DAY…OKAY JUST TYLER LINDERBAUM
Everyone, including myself, had given up hope that Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum would actually test. On tape, the former Hawkeye is one of the best center prospects I have scouted in years. Probably since his fellow Iowa alumni, James Daniels. Linderbaum does not have the preferred arm length (sub 32″) and weighs just over 300-pounds. However, you could see the athleticism in his film.
Linderbaum ran a 4.98 forty at his own pro day and had the best three-cone of any center that has ever run the drill. He should be drafted in the teens or early 20s of round one. Although, because of the arm length and positional value, Linderbaum could fall a bit.
BEARCAT-A-PALOOZA
A couple of huge questions were answered at Cincinnati’s pro day. Edge rusher Myjai Sanders was back at his normal playing weight after he lost nearly 20-pounds thanks to the flu before the combine. Sanders tested well enough to be selected on day two.
His teammate, LB Darrian Beavers showed excellent agility for a thumping linebacker prospect. He is a tremendous tackler who now boasts an elite athletic profile.
STINGING REHABILITATION
The draft world had essentially written off LSU CB Derek Stingley, Jr. after his subpar tape the last season and the injury. However, after his elite forty (4.44) and 38.5″ vertical, the world remembered how great he was as a true freshman. If Stingley isn’t selected in the first round, it won’t be long after.
THIBODEAUX, ALSO AN ELITE ATHLETE
I know…shocking, right? Kayvon Thibodeaux finished his pro day with a 9.6 RAS which puts him near the top of this year’s edge rusher class. I have never wavered from him at the top of my board, despite the ridiculousness that people have gone to in an attempt to say he isn’t a top-level player.
TE1?
I have been internally questioning who is the top tight end in this class for a while. We have discussed it multiple times on our podcast. After the Colorado State pro day, I believe Trey McBride has locked that spot up. McBride ran a sub 4.6 forty and tested well in other areas. His tape was already good. It would not shock me at all if McBride was selected late in round one.
TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, THE PARTY IS OVER
Already having a neck injury on his resume was detrimental enough. Now, you can pile on an abysmal testing profile to Clemson WR Justyn Ross. Ross ran a 4.64 forty with a paltry 31.5″ vertical. Does he potentially have the talent to overcome all of this? Maybe. However, I suspect that Ross will have to do it as a day three pick.
To a far lesser extent, we can also close the book on NC State WR Emeka Emezie being drafted at all. You can’t be drafting a wide receiver after he runs a 4.82 forty.
SOME NAMES TO KNOW
Every year at this time, you discover some potential hidden gems. Most of these guys will probably be priority free agents. However, there is a handful I could see getting selected.
Tanner Conner, WR, Idaho State
Tyshaun James, WR, Central Connecticut
Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio
Jason Poe, G, Mercer
Joshua Onuijogu, EDGE, Framingham State
ONE LAST CHECK-IN
Southern Cal WR Drake London allegedly will have a personal pro day on Friday. It was supposed to be last week but was re-scheduled. London is the last of the potential first-round players that plan to work out (that hasn’t already). If London can show athleticism to pair with his skill set, he could move up draft boards on night one.