There’s no exact science to NFL Draft success.
That’s why highly-touted prospects can end up as busts, and sixth-round draftees can become Hall of Famers.
It’s the fear of the unknown that makes the draft exciting for fans and nerve-racking for front office personnel.
A general manager’s public perception can turn from hero to zero with one draft choice.
The pressure amplifies when the pick is in the first round.
The worst teams during the 2021 season will make the tough decision of choosing who they think is a game-changing player.
Future Rookies of the Year? 👀🏈#JAXvsDAL | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/lokXoSF4mo
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 29, 2021
Some people in the war room might raise concerns about a prospect’s strength, mental fortitude, injury history, or character.
But there are also can’t-miss college players every year who get to shake the commissioner’s hand early.
Here are the athletes that most teams will desire heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
Their unlimited upside may even persuade some general managers to trade up to land them.
3. Derek Stingley Jr. – Cornerback, LSU
The Baton Rouge native plays for his hometown school and was a significant factor in LSU’s 2020 National Championship victory.
No Clemson receiver reached 100 yards in that game, and Derek Stingley Jr. also had one tackle for loss.
His physical attributes make him a potent cover man that allows a 40.3 percent completion rate of his targets over two seasons.
Derek Stingley Jr.'s #24 jersey officially retired at The Dunham School @DunhamSchoolBR#LSU #LHSAA @JrStingley pic.twitter.com/VxmOilchKb
— Brian Holland (@BHollandSports) August 28, 2021
He has long strides that help him catch up with his ward and the leaping ability to make plays in the air.
Stingley became the SEC Newcomer of the Year in his rookie year and an All-American after tallying 38 tackles and six interceptions.
His 15 passes defended in the same season is second-most among all FBS players.
Aside from being an excellent press-man defender, Stingley also returned 23 punts for 260 yards.
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux – Edge Rusher, Oregon
It’s hard to disregard Kayvon Thibodeaux’s raw strength and speed even if he has limited pass-rushing maneuvers.
This defensive player from Los Angeles already had 68 pressures in two seasons with the Ducks, including 23 in the last three games.
His explosiveness off the snap will be a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen for years to come.
It didn’t take long for Thibodeaux to make an impact in college football.
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is partnering with eBay in an NIL deal. On Sep. 7, a 1/1 canvas inspired by the NFT he released and created by shoe designer/artist Tinker Hatfield will be auctioned off. pic.twitter.com/XMXoMUTUch
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) August 31, 2021
He is part of the All-America Freshman team of USA Today and The Athletic while being named to the Associated Press Pac-12 All-Conference first-team.
Thibodeaux also won the Morris Trophy in his sophomore year by being the best Pac-12 defensive lineman all season.
He also plays his best during the biggest games with 18 quarterback pressures, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in two Pac-12 Championship Games.
Thibodeaux has 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and six passes defended in two seasons at Oregon.
1. Evan Neal – Offensive Tackle, Alabama
NFL teams can never go wrong with building from the trenches, and Evan Neal is the best offensive line prospect next year.
He became a starter for the Crimson Tide in two positions, right tackle and left guard.
This 6-foot-7, 360-pound athlete has the size, strength, and speed to put a wall between the pass rusher and the quarterback.
6'7", 360 lbs, and the #1 OT in College Football
Evan Neal is a force 😤 pic.twitter.com/qFNnna0lJS
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 26, 2021
He was a Freshman All-American in 2019 and is an imposing force on the right side of Alabama’s line.
His blocking helped Mac Jones and Najee Harris thrive in an offense ranked first in scoring and passing efficiency.
In 2020, Neal surrendered just four quarterback hurries, three pressures, and 1.5 sacks in 810 snaps played.
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