Touted QB, WR lead top undrafted players
Not being selected in the NFL draft can be a crushing disappointment for players, but it’s hardly the death knell for one’s career.
The 2022 draft wrapped up Thursday after 262 selections. Yet even after Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy was given the title of Mr. Irrelevant, there were still several notable players who had not heard their names called through seven rounds. And for some, not getting chosen might actually be a positive development when compared to being a late seventh-round choice, as they now have more agency in determining their best landing spot.
Here’s our look at the best undrafted players in the 2022 NFL draft:
● Carson Strong, QB, Nevada: The 6-foot-3, 226-pound gunslinger has the live arm and impressive touch of an early draft pick. But Strong had mobility issues at Nevada, and a knee issue involving problems with cartilage could have scared some teams off. As a developmental option, however, there’s plenty to work with.
● JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska: He’s a tweener at 6-1 and 228 pounds, but he finds the ball consistently. At the very least, he has a solid chance of ending up a special teams ace.
● Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama: Zone coverage teams need not apply, as Jobe lacks the off-ball skills to do much outside of man coverage. But he can be a pest at the line of scrimmage and is a solid tackler.
● Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson: Maybe the 6-3, 205-pounder is a far cry from the player he once appeared to be when he formed an electric connection with Trevor Lawrence as a freshman. If teams are comfortable with his medical outlook after he missed all of 2020 following a spinal surgery, however, Ross offers unparalleled upside among the undrafted wide receivers.
● Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State: At 6-7 and 303 pounds, he has the frame and footwork of a starting left tackle, even if his strength is sorely lacking. Working for a year under the right coaching staff, however, might get him to the point that he can be a valuable contributor.
● Dohnovan West, C, Arizona State: Much like his aforementioned former Sun Devils teammate, West lacks the anchor to make an easy transition to the NFL. With some more bulk, however, he could be a versatile backup on the interior.
● Obinna Eze, OT, TCU: The 6-6, 321pounder has promising traits and shows flashes of NFL-caliber work to hold up against speed rushers in the NFL. He’s not ready right now, though, as he still has ample work to do to learn the finer points of the position.
● Verone McKinley, S, Oregon: A consensus All-American for the Ducks, McKinley hauled in six interceptions in 2021. His subpar size (5-10, 198 pounds) and speed likely torpedoed his draft stock.
● Abram Smith, RB, Baylor: After a spell at linebacker, Smith switched back to running back and showed off in 2021, rushing for 1,601 yards.
● Kevin Austin Jr., WR, Notre Dame: One of the biggest surprises of the NFL scouting combine, Austin measured in at 6-2 and 200 pounds with a 4.43-second mark in the 40-yard dash. There’s untapped potential here.