DRAFT TRACKER 2022

Decorated four-year starting tackle with NFL-caliber size and traits. Zakelj plays with strain and aggression. However, his block sustain and finish are occasionally derailed by modest knee bend and core strength at the point of attack. Athletic feet and reactive athleticism allow him to stay connected to outside edge speed or inside counters in his pass sets. Despite his foot agility, he is just average in getting three-techniques reached on backside zone blocks, but there is a noticeable pop into initial contact when coming off the ball and getting downhill. Field toughness, an NFL frame and pass protection ability give Zakelj a shot as a swing tackle with the potential to develop into a bigger contributor.

Special-teams specialist with good size. Despite spending six seasons in college between his time at USC and Tennessee, Jones has very modest production as a wideout, but flashed potential in that area in 2021. He's fearless with the ball in his hands after the catch and as a kick returner. He's not a very fundamentally sound route-runner but might not need to be if teams view him as a catch-and-run specialist in the quick game underneath. Jones has a chance to ride his special teams versatility into a specialist spot on a roster.

Aggressive guard with broad, powerful frame but limited upside. Dunkle lacks the desired range as a run blocker and in his pass sets. He has decent knock-back pop in the early stages of the block but struggles to close the distance and consistently stay connected as a man blocker. Pass protection might be a bigger concern due to imbalance when asked to mirror counters and control the air space from gap to gap. Athletic opponents will cause him to struggle, but his size, strength and toughness give him a shot to find future starting reps even though his grade and tape is more in line with a backup role.

Prospect with average size, play speed and traits. While nothing stands out for Melton from a physical standpoint, he possesses good football intelligence and can be an efficient route-runner, using leverage and purposeful movement to create some separation. He doesn't appear to have the vertical burst of a downfield weapon and his hands fail to consistently stand out. His production was clearly hampered by quarterback play and he has value as a gunner on special teams, but WR5 might be his ceiling as a late-rounder.

Mitchell has the foot agility and athleticism to separate on a regular basis if he can tighten up his route running and play closer to his top speed. He's capable of attacking the seams and is talented with the ball in his hands when he has run-after-catch opportunities. As a run blocker, Mitchell puts in adequate effort but his man ends up near the action or making a play on too many snaps. He has the size to play in-line but might be best suited in a role as a pass-catching H-back.

Two-year starter with size, length and power at the point of attack to create some excitement from evaluators heavily into traits. Peevy flashed against both average and above-average competition while at Texas A&M, but looked heavier and a shade slower in 2021. When working with proper footwork and hand quickness, he offers glimpses of dominance in jolting blockers and muddying run lanes, but his technique and performance can be a little undisciplined at times. It's easy to project him as a backup nose for odd or even fronts but he has upside and could offer additional position versatility.

High-cut guard with a tackle's body type, Hayes could be a measurables winner with size, length and lean mass checkmarks populating his physical profile. He plays the game like a streetfighter, using length and strength to pummel overmatched opponents. However, he lacks the fundamentals to carry it over against pro competition. He's not much of a bender. Poor footwork and body control lead to inconsistencies in both run and pass blocking. He's a tough, physical finisher with coveted physical traits but needs to upgrade his hands, feet and contact posture to become more than a backup in the league.

Safety prospect with the size, bloodlines and intelligence to make an NFL roster. Lake isn't the fastest or the most athletic player and has coverage limitations that cap his ceiling, but he has a high football IQ and impressive ball skills. He sees the field well, which helps him get to where he needs to go. He's not an enforcer near the line of scrimmage but does tackle with good strength and technique to finish the job. He was a demon on special teams as a freshman and will likely reprise that role as a backup in the league.

Will check the boxes for height, weight and speed, but tightness in his lower half limits the upside. Doubs has been a productive, high-volume target with speed to separate deep but he's a linear route-runner who will struggle to elude NFL press and separate from tight man coverage over the first two levels. His toughness, ball skills and special teams potential increase his chances of earning a backup role.

Odd- or even-front edge defender with a hot motor but average athletic ability. VanValkenberg plays with rare pre- and post-snap recognition that allows him to sniff out play design and blocking scheme on a regular basis. He doesn't have the twitch or length to lean on, so he will need to outthink and outwork his opponents. He's a try-hard rusher with decent go-to moves but he must diversify his counters and his rush approach to beat an NFL tackle. Despite some of his limitations, VanValkenburg could fit into an early down backup role for odd or even fronts.

Backup-caliber prospect with good size and two-position roster flexibility. Brown plays with a firm anchor against face-up rushers and uses his length and strength effectively to redirect rushers who find his edge. However, he lacks the foot quickness to recover quickly against twists or sudden, backside blitzers. Brown can neutralize average players at the point of attack, but he doesn't improve his positioning often enough and lacks the skill to consistently hold his own against above-average defenders.

Three-technique with average size and athleticism who needs to play in a one-gapping front where his ability to find the gap can be made useful. Garrett has a good football IQ and is skilled, but he's not able to impose his will across all levels of competition. He can discard the average guard with efficient hand work but he's missing the length to play read-and-react, and the anchor to occupy space against most double teams. He's not explosive but does have the tools to help threaten a pocket as a rusher. Haskell is a scheme-dependent, middle-round prospect with rotational value.

The four-year starting safety is making the move to linebacker, where his size, speed and aggressive demeanor should help him fit more cleanly than at safety. Carpenter is a natural in run support with clear eyes and a physical approach in the box. Taking on blockers in a faster-paced game could cause bumps in the road early on. He has good pursuit range, average body control and the potential to guard tight ends. Carpenter was an excellent pro-day tester, so the traits and special teams talent could buy him an early opportunity on a roster as he learns the linebacker position.

Swiss Army Knife with size, speed and versatility to potentially help in three different phases for a team. Ebner is a former all-state prep receiver whose mismatch potential out of the backfield should rank as his most endearing play trait. He's been a productive kick returner with open-field vision and build-up speed to hit big plays. Despite his size, he's underwhelming as a runner and struggles to play with consistent decisiveness and aggression in that role. He fits as a future third-down back who can run an expanded route tree and attack vertically when the mismatch aligns for him.

Depending on how he tests, Evans should profile as a height, weight, speed prospect for teams employing multiple zone coverages. He lacks the footwork and short-area agility to maintain man coverage against NFL receivers. Evans has the strength for release redirection and can use his length to swarm the catch from a side shuffle or short zone setting. The measurables are appealing but his injury history must be part of his evaluation as well.

Drummond's play speed can be inconsistent, so his timed speed could be an indicator of which direction his draft stock might head. He's a smooth athlete with the ability to run a more robust route tree with additional schooling but the hands and ball skills are a little disappointing and might not improve much. Drummond's run-after-catch talent is where he shines and where he brings instant value for a team. He has an intriguing ceiling but a lower floor as a Day 3 target.

An athletic tight end with quality ball skills and receiving acumen, Calcaterra has a concussion history that will be flagged by some teams. He retired from football in 2019 and spent 2020 preparing to become a firefighter before transferring to SMU, where he showed he still had it as a two-level pass-catcher. He plays with good football IQ versus zone coverage but might benefit from more pattern breaks to help him uncover against tight man coverage. He won't make a difference as a blocker so he needs to shine as a pass-catching threat. The medical evaluations will be the biggest determining factor in where he might be drafted.

Productive three-year starter who failed to show much run-blocking and pass-catching development after his freshman season in 2019. Wydermyer has NFL size, but pro teams will have a hard time ignoring his poor pro-day testing. The route work isn't very crisp or explosive and he will likely wear NFL man coverage in short and intermediate routes. He's athletic in the air and has jump-ball talent but needs to prove his 2021 drops were an outlier if he's to be trusted by NFL quarterbacks. Wydermyer simply isn't going to profile as an explosive athlete, so he'll need to get much better as a run blocker.

Three-year starter at right tackle who could see snaps inside for zone scheme offenses. Delance possesses unique length for his size and flashes the ability to weaponize it even though his timing and placement are still a work in progress. He's a smooth athlete but plays with somewhat average instincts and will need technique work to reach his potential. Delance has Day 3 draft potential and could develop into a solid backup with upside.

Projects as an instinctive zone corner with good strength but a lack of desired top-end speed. Brown has a nose for short and intermediate pattern breaks and plays with outstanding body control. He also has soft hands to take the ball away when he's in position. He's going to struggle to handle vertical speed and shifty route runners, so a zone-based coverage scheme is more likely to suit him as a pro. He's a willing run supporter whose ball skills and instincts might get him a look at safety if he can carry enough weight.

Imposing space-eater with flashes of physical dominance against a level of competition that hasn't fully tested him. Elliss was a heralded prospect out of high school and began his career at Mississippi State before transferring to Idaho, where his dad (former Detroit Lion Luther Elliss) coached him up on the defensive line. He has the physical tools and power to make a living as a two-gapping, odd-front nose guard but will need to improve his technique and footwork to become a true tree stump in the middle against the run. Ellis has Day 3 potential with starting upside, but weight management will be very important for him.

Humphrey was a handful for opposing centers when lining up over the top of them. He's wide but taller with good length and a legitimate gap-eating base to withstand double teams and muddy the interior. He won't offer much help against outside-zone teams and will only be a run down option. Humphrey's stat lines might not excite, but he has value as a rotational nose tackle who can fit even or odd fronts.

Turner is a former high school hoops star whose basketball athleticism is manifested in his impressive ball skills. His long speed is very average, but his ability to body up, elevate and win at the high-point is a big concern for man-cover corners down the field. He has experience with a more developed route tree, but his poor testing at the NFL Scouting Combine raises questions about his ability to uncover as a pro. Turner has ball skills and put together some good tape, but he lacks the physical and athletic traits to help his draft slotting.

Undersized center prospect with strengths and weaknesses that could match him with an inside/outside zone offense. West could offer guard flexibility, but he's better suited for the pivot He takes smart angles to his block and makes an effort to improve positioning once he's connected. He will struggle to contain power in the A-gaps and his tendency to lean in as a pass protector is sure to be taken advantage of if he doesn't get his posture corrected.

Ross returned from spinal surgery that kept him out for the entire 2020 season, but it's not yet clear if he can return to the same form he showed in 2018 and 2019. While he has expanded his route tree, Ross is most effective in a passing attack that features vertical throws, where his stride length and build-up speed will work in his favor. He looked smooth catching on the move and still has an up-and-over advantage on jump balls, but his ability to elude press requires further examination. He's a likely backup who can provide value at all three receiver positions.

Fifth-year senior who played two different positions and saw just nine total team wins during his journey at Kansas. Johnson's tape as an edge defender in 2021 is better than anything he produced as an inside linebacker, but he likely lacks the traits and tools to stay on the edge in the NFL. He has shown noticeable improvement and consistency handling his business at the point of attack and he has excellent speed to range across the field. However, he lacks the instincts needed to process and play quickly between the tackles. His best shot to make a team is as a backup 4-3 Sam with above-average special teams potential.

Team leader with average size, good testing speed and a special teams background that improves his chances of finding work. Turner plays with above-average coverage recognition and instincts but will be more productive playing underneath or from a "robber" position than on the back-end, where he lacks ideal coverage fluidity. He's a willing run supporter with the ability to get to the action and make tackles for loss, but his angles and positioning lead to misses. Turner has limitations but offers the athletic profile and versatility to be a late-round pick.

Four-year kicker whose single season as a punter in 2021 was fairly impressive. Dicker has the leg for kickoffs and field goals of 50-plus yards, but he needs to kick with more consistent accuracy to stand out. He appears to have legitimate dual-role potential, which adds roster value. He has good size and athleticism and can tackle when needed. Versatility improves his chances of making a roster as a Day 3 pick.

Big runner who is much more workmanlike than dynamic with the ball in his hands. In his lone season as a lead back, Haskins' downhill, physical style was well-paired with the "cloud of dust" rushing philosophy for Michigan. He might be forced to run with less patience and more urgency to stay a step ahead of NFL pursuit. While he played the role he was cast into, there were signs (versus Penn State) that he might have some potential as an inside/outside back. Haskins won't make a living out of dodging tacklers, and big chain-movers who lack wiggle are not hard to find. He still has a chance to stick in the NFL if he lands in the right situation.

Hard-charging, high-energy runner with three-down size and potential to compete for a roster spot as a late-round selection. Pacheco plays the game like a race car with no brakes. His feet never stop moving and his furious tempo creates opportunities but also limits his ability to set up defenders and force missed tackles. He processes the front fairly quickly and has the agility to re-adjust his running lanes to create something out of nothing, but he also has a tendency to bounce runs wide too frequently. Pacheco plays the game with an NFL demeanor and could give himself an even better chance of becoming an RB2/3 if he can step up his pass protection and third down value.

Highly productive inside/outside linebacker with a nose for the football but a penchant for injury. The three-year team captain lacks desired size and explosiveness, but has succeeded with rapid diagnosis and scrap agility to find the football. His instincts help him play faster than his stopwatch speed, but he also gets himself in trouble by prematurely overflowing the action and losing his optimal positioning. Hansen has a talent for making impact plays and can be hard to knock off of his feet, but his tackle-finishing and coverage are very average by NFL standards. He has the talent to become a long-term backup, but his injury history will be an obvious concern.

Athletic edge defender who is much more talented as a rusher than run defender. Gunter lacks the functional anchor and scrappiness to battle through contact and come out on the other side. He has the athletic ability and motor to harass the pocket, but needs to get stronger to open more rush doors in the future. Gunter has Day 3 potential as a backup 3-4 rush linebacker in a blitzing and gaming-based front.

Face-up defender who fires off the ball with a rock 'em, sock 'em mentality that works for him and against him. Henningsen is a phone booth brawler lacking a dynamic playmaking skill set as a run defender or pass rusher. He offers a worthy challenge to the blocker in front of him, but he fails to play with much awareness for the play design at times. He's not girthy enough to fit as a three-technique but possesses the traits and toughness to compete for a roster spot as a rotational 3-4 end.

High-ceiling, low-floor rush end prospect with traits galore but a somewhat passive field demeanor. Barno's production fell off from his outstanding 2020 campaign. His 2021 tape showed little growth as a run defender or pass rusher and he seemed too willing to hold back rather than play with full-scale aggression when he had opportunities to make a hit. He's long and explosive but easy to find for blockers. He needs to learn the fundamentals of positioning and hand usage before he is ready for next-level pass rush development. Barno has the necessary athletic tools but is more of a project at this stage with wide-9 or 3-4 outside linebacker value in the middle rounds.

Smaller but talented running back with legitimate versatility to wear a variety of hats for a team. Some teams will be drawn to his diverse athletic background in addition to his competitive nature. He's not overly explosive but does a nice job of creating missed tackles while keeping his play speed up. Ealy is not much of a gear-shifter, so defenses will find him more quickly as a runner in the league. He's a talented target outside the pocket, doing damage against man coverage and after the catch. His ability to return kicks only bolsters his draft value and chances of finding playing time.

Durant might be undersized, but he plays with tremendous confidence and competitiveness. He will have issues against bigger slot targets from time to time but proved his ability against receivers of all sizes against Clemson. He plays with good foot quickness and above-average ball skills to attack the throw. He'll be targeted in run support so he will need to be used judiciously. Durant profiles as a late Day 3 selection due to his size, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him outperform his draft slotting.

Offensive lineman with excellent size and thickness to transition inside to a full-time guard spot. Volson has good core strength to compete against power players and possesses the athleticism to work up into positioning as a second-level blocker. He needs to cut down on the penalties and make hand placement a greater priority. There are some holes in his pass protection, but he should be average in that regard as a pro. He has Day 3 talent and could become an NFL backup.

Belton's interception total and overall ball production from Iowa's hybrid "Cash" spot certainly grab your attention, but they might not be indicative of his NFL projection. Belton has average size, can line up over tight ends and excels in short-zone coverages, where his ball skills and anticipation bring him to the action. He lacks the suddenness to stay with route breaks underneath and will be exploited if asked to cover on the back end. Belton has the physical ability for run support, but defensive coordinators are sure to be concerned about his trouble reading keys and locating the football on the collegiate level.

Defensive tackle with pretty good flashes but a lack of consistency that can be frustrating to watch. Booker has a thick frame and pretty good upper-body power but is unable to plant a post leg and hold his ground against edge pressure or double teams. He's strong enough to punch and separate but arm length might be the culprit in his inability to rid himself of blocks on a consistent basis. He's a decent athlete with some rush potential and could be a rotational player for a team employing multiple fronts.

Athletic, even-front end who has continued filling out his frame each year and is clearly playing his best football. Johnson started out smaller but has always played with the aggression and violence of a bigger man. He attacks opponents with gusto and has the athletic ability to get around the field and make plays. He's not overly instinctive or consistent as a rusher and might be utilized inside, where his quickness can be highlighted against bigger guards. Johnson is a potential priority free agent but has an above-average chance of eventually making a team.

One-speed route runner with the height, weight and speed to beat up on FCS opponents down the field. His primary function was to stretch and challenge defenses vertically, but he appears to have the physical tools to become a more nuanced route runner with more coaching. Weston will find that getting a clean release and outracing an NFL cornerback will be a much greater challenge. The downfield ball skills can be spectacular at times and his productivity would have skyrocketed with a more accurate quarterback. There is upside worthy of exploring but it might be as a late-round pick with an early home on the practice squad.

Projects to be a Will linebacker on the next level, with explosive lateral quickness and a nose for the football. Cochrane plays with adequate instincts and recognition. He has the juice to beat blockers to the spot, but needs to become a more proactive, downhill tackler in the run game. Cochrane has enough man- and zone-cover talent to offer three-down backup potential as a late Day 3 selection.

Highly decorated four-year punter with kickoff ability to boot. Camarda has NFL operation time and leg strength but was a little inconsistent hitting the football in 2021. He's an accurate directional punter with touch but hasn't learned to control nose-down punts, which has led to touchbacks after the bounce. He's no lock for a spot but should be in contention to earn a job within the first two years.

Muscular, short-armed tight end with explosive athletic traits who could make for a challenging projection. Okonkwo has the physical tools to become better as a route runner and blocker, but he's still very raw in both facets. He's talented after the catch but his hands are very average and he's still in the developmental phase, so finding a way to get the ball in his hands could be tough early on. He's not long enough to be a consistent in-line blocker so a move to H-back, or even fullback, would play to his strengths and give him the best chance to succeed, provided he can improve his move-blocking prowess.

Dixon's length, flexion and physique will instantly check boxes for teams searching for a Day 3 target with upside as a pass rusher. Dixon lacks take-on technique and his instincts are a little dull, but he has the potential to develop a more consistent anchor at the point of attack and has the athletic makeup and flashes to project continued improvement as a rusher. Dixon could be drafted as a developmental 3-4 or 4-3 edge, but he's better suited to rushing with a hand in the dirt.

Strong performances at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl practices have boosted Johnson's draft stock despite somewhat pedestrian tape. He has the build, strength and length to play as a defensive tackle or odd-front end. He flashes recovery strength to battle back against early disadvantages, but needs to get off the ball and into opponents more aggressively to create early advantages of his own. Johnson's week in Mobile gives him a chance to hear his name called during the draft.

Slot receiver with limited range but above-average potential as a punt-return option. Philips has the foot quickness to elude press and uncover underneath but his effectiveness wanes over the second and third levels. He needs to improve his route efficiency to prove he can separate from nickel corners in the pros and must improve as a hands-catcher. Philips' talent to create for himself and his team as a return man gives him a shot to make a club.

Vilain could catch a "project" label or a "diamond in the rough" tag, but he's worthy of more than just a cursory conversation for teams. He never lived up to his four-star billing at Michigan and saw little playing time, but his explosiveness and upside frequently flashed on his Wake Forest tape from the 2021 season. He's not a naturally instinctive player and lacks consistency as a run defender, but Vilain's measurables, athletic traits and upside as a pass rusher should make him worthy of a Day 3 pick.

Reliable worker-bee linebacker who plays with impressive instincts and fundamentals that keep him in position and near the action. Spector is an average athlete with average size, but he struggles to attack and unglue from blocks on a consistent enough basis. He's an excellent finisher when facing down runners in the hole, but average length and agility drop his finishing rate substantially when he's forced to tackle on the move. Spector is rock solid, but won't make plays beyond what is expected. He has backup value as an inside linebacker or 4-3 Will.

Height, weight, speed prospect with bell-cow size. However, Price lacks the consistency and skill level of an every-down runner. His upright, indecisive running style causes carries to end abruptly due to a lack of pad level and momentum. He runs with a narrow base and limited wiggle, which hinders his elusiveness. He does have impressive build-up speed to take runs to the house if linebackers miss their fun fit. He was hurt by inconsistent blocking and a scheme that might not be the best fit for him. Price needs it well-blocked and must play faster, but he has traits teams are willing to work with and develop.