DRAFT TRACKER 2022

A gentleman in class and killer on the grass, Ekwonu goes from amiable to angry once he steps foot on the field. He's a long-limbed athlete and scheme-diverse run blocker with the potential to win with positioning or force. He has a highlight reel full of violent strikes and finishes but needs to cut his aggression with a little more control. The pass protection has seen rough patches over the last two years and that might continue until his hands and feet start working in unison. Punch timing and independent hands should bring immediate improvement, but getting him to play with better focus and control in his pass sets will take time. The football character and urgent field demeanor make it easier to grade the traits and anticipate him landing closer to his ceiling than his floor as either a guard or tackle.

Small quarterback with a big heart who has learned to play with better maturity and control without losing his edge. Corral played in a quarterback-friendly scheme with well-defined reads, so he needs to prove he can work through full-field progressions and make good decisions with the ball. He's decisive, operating with a quick-trigger release to challenge tight windows and possesses the touch to make challenging bucket throws. He's a fiercely competitive runner but needs to get his slide game up as he's not built to take the pounding from called runs or scrambles. Corral is mobile, but his poise and accuracy wane when forced to move. Discipline has benefitted Corral and he's clearly at his best when operating on-schedule and in rhythm. A spread-based scheme and a player-friendly head coach gives Corral the best opportunity to live up to his potential and challenge to become the best QB from this draft class.

Linebacker who is likely to test better than he plays at the next level. Smith possesses five-star traits and is extremely athletic, but those traits tend to go to waste on tape. There is a consistent lack of fundamentals that leave him out of position or blocked on too many plays. He lacks decisiveness and an aggressive demeanor that are fundamental in becoming an NFL linebacker.

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.

Offensive line prospect with five-position experience, a broad frame and good overall strength. He has good length and can play square against bigger, odd-front defenders, which is extremely valuable at center. He needs to stay under his pads and play with a wider base on a more consistent basis. However, he has drive-blocking talent and should benefit from his pass protection experience. Mays has the potential to become a starting center in time.

Cornerback with the traits worthy of consideration for a late-round pick. Barnes has legitimate track speed but his play can be too reliant upon that aspect of his game. He's a better athlete than cover man, often losing track of his coverage duties. He's athletic and has no excuses for not playing with better technique. Barnes' length and ball skills could have a team willing to plug him into a practice squad slot to see if there is more consistent football ahead for him.