Could it be the Lions? Here is the 2022 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Linebackers. The 2022 season has been no exception, as he leads the NFL with 83 tackles and ranks tied for second among off-ball linebackers with eight run stuffs (trailing Matt Milanos nine). Void in ONT. If he doesn't go in the first round, Lloyd should at least be a high second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. I guess you could say that, at best, the Lions linebacker room is as good as it was last year, maybe even worse. If the Lions dont manage to pick up Lloyd or Dean at the top of the draft, then thats perfectly fine, because this linebacker class is littered with prospects worthy of a Day 2/Early Day 3 selection. Don't overthink it with Dean. This draft class is loaded with linebacker talent from the conversation between Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd at the top to several players worth a selection on Day 2. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. He also improved on his coverage skills last year and ended the year with three interceptions thanks to his stellar instincts and understanding of routes developing in front of him. He has a strong build and is a good tackler. 2022 NFL Draft Linebackers Follow the Colts at Colts Wire, and for the best local Indianapolis news, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Indianapolis Star. linebackers Leo Chenal, Wisconsin. Chad Muma is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. Sanders was a unanimous All-American in 2022. Emmanuel Beal, Tampa Bay Bandits 6. A look at where the Seahawks stand at linebacker heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as Rob Rangs top-ranked prospects at that position. Best season was 2020, when he was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and grabbed five interceptions. John Reed-USA TODAY Sports. Forty Time Secs 4.52. This has become a tricky position to project considering the differences of how theyre used in a 4-3 scheme vs. a 3-4. He scored an unofficial 9.33 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. Youre also going to want Dean rushing the passer from time to time, because hes as explosive and smart as they come and did a fantastic job when given the green light in college. Day 3 sleeper: Marte Mapu, Sacramento State. Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon. Linebacker He's listed as the third best outside linebacker on ESPN's Best Available. Spector had 65 stops with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass broken up on the year. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said he expects VanSumeran to get drafted as a non-combine invite after a strong showing at the Michigan State pro day. Lets take a look at this years linebacker class and how the top prospects are shaping up: Lloyd is the epitome of what you want in a modern day middle linebacker. 4/27/22: Sanborn was decent for the Badgers in 2021, recording 74 tackles and 3.5 sacks. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. Harris is fast, athletic and strong. Published: Mar 22, 2022 at 03:45 PM. Drew Sanders, Arkansas. Playground chase-the-ball style is fun to watch, but he needs discipline and refinement. Los Angeles on Saturday selected Appalachian State outside linebacker Nick Hampton with the 161st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He filled up the stat sheet in 2021, rocketing him to NFL.com's No. ESPN has him listed as the 6th best outside linebacker prospect. Finding players like Dont'a Hightower (265 pounds when drafted), Jamie Collins (250) and Ja'Whaun Bentley (255) are harder to come by. WebThe top 2022 Inside Linebacker prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. He scored an unofficial 9.33 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. The Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft haul has opened the Super Bowl window, The Lions crossed the threshold of good team to great team during the NFL Draft, Alabama Q&A: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs will make you forget about positional value. But using a Day 2 pick on a linebacker would seem a bit luxurious unless the prospect is far and away the highest-rated player on their board. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 4/27/22: Asamoah totaled 80 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles in 2021 after recording 66 stops with two sacks, an interception and four passes broken up in 2020. Christian Harris, Alabama (JR, 6'1", 226 pounds) Harris was a three-year starter at Alabama Combined with him being undersized, Dean could slip to early in the second round during the 2022 NFL Drafgt. While that's a snapshot of his defensive chops, but there's more to his evaluation than that. Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (third round) 4. As we break down the prospects by round, think of the rounds as tiers and when I believe the team should begin to consider drafting them. The Posts Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 linebackers in this years NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league: Lanky playmaker is one of safest picks in first round. He's a solid, sure open-field tackler who plays aggressive in the run game. The Lions did welcome back former Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis, after failing to re-sign him last year, and signed LB Chris Board to a one-year deal as well. Clark really broke out in 2021 as one of the most productive linebackers in college football. Landman needs to show pass-coverage skills with NFL speed and athleticism. With that said, he has a stat sheet full of production in every major category, including 43 tackles for loss over the last three seasonsLloyd will make plenty of plays and should become a good starter as an inside or strong-side linebacker, but inconsistent process could limit his consistency. To view the players scouting report, click on the name of the player you want to learn more about. Outside of his inconsistent tackling efficiency (12.5% missed tackle rate over his career), he doesnt have many holes in his game. Linebacker 4/27/22: Harris has a first-round skill set, but he did not consistently play up to it in 2021. Rodriguez recorded three passes broken up and an interception in both 2019 and 2020. 2022 NFL Draft Damone Clark played alongside Devin White and Patrick Queen, which has helped him build both his character and his game. College Junior Georgia. He has a quality skill set and looks like a safe pick to be a quality starter. 2023 NFL Draft: The top eight linebackers Boye Mafe is a linebacker/edge rusher that is projected to be an early round draft pick. 8 overall and Georgia players in the NFL Draft, We evaluate how Terry Fontenot, Arthur Smith used all of the 2023 draft assets available to them, trades and selections alike, We discuss Bijan Robinson, the overall draft class and their favorite pick from Days 2 and 3. NFL.com Overview: "A high-cut linebacker, Muma has a nose for the football but his methodology for getting there will need an upgrade to earn NFL playing time. Mr. Damone Clark*, LSU (Clark is expected to miss the entire 2022 season after undergoing He is yet another linebacker on this list that has plus sideline-to-sideline speed/range and thrives in pursuit. NFL 2022 Draft Positional Rankings: Linebackers - Sports Articles Christian Harris is agile, athletic, and has the pursuit speed to keep up with some runners. 7/17/21: Henry has been a tough run defender in the SEC over the past two seasons. Trenton Simpson, Clemson; 2. He uses quick feet, a flexible frame and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run gameHis slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy. Played two years behind Logan Wilson, a key cog in Bengals Super Bowl run. Thompson had 20 sacks in three seasons with the Lumberjacks. Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. TRENDING:Lions' Jameson Williams gambling: Minor NFL transgression may be bigger cause for concern. He projects as an NFL strong safety and low-hole defender who should be a regular on special teams.". Led SEC with 135 tackles in bounce-back season after losing starting job in 2020. On the year, Dean recorded 72 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended, two forced fumbles and six sacks. His instincts can be lacking at times and he is prone to taking on poor angles. Check back for more photos and highlights of the latest Falcons draft pick. All rights reserved. DraftBlaster Size-and-speed package wont scare you. Web2011 NFL Draft: Linebackers 2011 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks 2011 NFL Draft: Safety 2010. Houston is a favorite to start this fall, ahead of Julian Okwara, though he should play as a more traditional edge rusher on pass downs. NFL Draft Pittsburgh Steelers NFL draft picks 2023 selection analysis - ESPN He could be a special teamer while providing some depth at the back end of the roster. If I had to guess, Andersen should hear his name called in the second-third round range and has the capability of playing a two-way role at the next level. NFL Draft If a linebacker in college is a tackling machine, is big and strong, a violent tackler that wraps up well, and they seem to be much better moving forward than back, they are probably going to be an ILB in a 3-4 at the next level. All rights reserved. Its the perfect year to want a speedy linebacker. All rights reserved. Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (third round) 4. 2022 NFL draft: 20 best linebacker prospects - Bears Wire Deans dominance was evident on film, but with his size in question, many scouts are looking at another linebacker from Georgia, Quay Walker. It would be best to avoid adding to the room on Day 2 if they can, and there are some promising Day 3 prospects to consider. Started 40 games over last three seasons (including 12 as a true freshman) and played his best in bowl games. Reacts quickly to offset less-than-ideal burst. 7/17/21: Bernard has been a tough linebacker for the Bears over the past three seasons. Instant analysis: The Falcons have added a defensive back primarily known as a free safety, who also has experience playing in the slot or playing down in the box. ESPN/Mel Kiper -- A. Mel Kiper gave Philadelphia the top grade out of all 32 teams. He has the tools physically, but he did not always play up to them during his collegiate career. 4/27/22: Skalski got in better shape in 2021 and played well for Clemson. Chad Muma is one of those guys. He is physical and has good length to play off blocks. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The star Inside Linebackers are most often playing OLB in college, and need certain skills: Able to call defenses, so smarts and experience. Its not just testing and numbers with Muma, though. Sanders, an Alabama transfer who made a top-30 visit to Detroit, adds versatility as a nickel pass rusher. Forty Time Secs 4.52. WebThe 2022 NFL Draft was the 87th edition of the National Football League's annual draft and was held from April 2830, 2022, at the Caesars Forum on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. Indianapolis Colts 2023 NFL draft big board: Linebackers Jack Campbell: +250. Closes gaps in a flash. McFadden is a sleeper who could be a backup and special teams contributor. Here are our eight best in Christian Harris leads the 2022 NFL Draft Devin Lloyd from Utah, and Nakobe Dean from Georgia. Let's learn more about the first of two Falcons seventh-round selections: 2022 stats: 108 tackles | 7.5 TFLs |2.5 sacks | 1 forced fumble | 8 passes defensed | 1 INT. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. WebThe 2022 NFL Draft was the 87th edition of the National Football League's annual draft and was held from April 2830, 2022, at the Caesars Forum on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. His production was down in 2019, but it can be hard for linebackers to duplicate huge stat lines. Ability to drop into coverage (including covering matchup nightmares like speedy tight ends and running backs that move into the slot to receive). Like all of the other Georgia defenders in this class, Walker put on a show at the combine and made it look even more impressive while doing it with his beefed-up frame. 4/27/22: Moon could compete in the NFL to be a backup linebacker and special teams contributor. Day 1. Hes still developing but will be 21 years old on draft day. Nik Bonitto has great speed and burst, allowing him to achieve great success in the run game. * - denotes 2023 prospect. Lloyds instincts and production when dropping back into coverage are tremendous, but its his impressive ability to sift through blockers and close on his targets for a TFL or a sack that sets him apart from the rest of his peers. Owen Pappoe, Auburn. The Indianapolis Colts will enter the 2023 NFL draft looking to address several positions, and it wouldnt be a surprise if The 2023 NFL Draft is over but the Detroit Lions still have room on their 90-man roster to add a handful of undrafted players to the mix. Falcons select DeMarcco Hellams with the No. 224 overall NFL His most productive season came as a sophomore in 2019 when he had 84 stops, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes broken up. Linebackers Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers (fifth round) 8. Pappoe is a well-rounded linebacker whose speed stands out as a major strength of his on tape. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. With his size and speed, Clark could continue the LSU tradition of strong linebacker play. Top NFL linebackers in 2022 1) Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers It says a lot about Fred Warner that he had a relatively subdued campaign in 2021 at least by his standards but still heads into the 2022 season as the top linebacker in the NFL. THE QBs:Time for Lions to make backup QB decision beyond Jared Goff, THE RBs:Lions have enticing RB options to complement David Montgomery, KICKING GAME:Michigan's Jake Moody could solve Lions' kicking woes. Wisconsins Nate Herbig, Washington States Daiyan Henley and Oregons Noah Sewell, the younger brother of Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, are potential Day 2 picks, while Graham is the most highly regarded local prospect at the position. Doesnt match up physically compared to others on this list, so he could get swallowed up unless his quick instincts help him beat blockers to the spot.