LA Chargers select Ole Miss defensive back Deane Leonard in 2022 NFL Draft

The LA Chargers selected defensive back Deane Leonard out of Ole Miss with the No. 236 overall selection in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday night. In the 2021 season, Leonard racked up 50 tackles and seven pass breakups. In the 2020 season, he tallied four pass breakups against the Florida Gators on Sept. 26. Leonard was also named to the SEC first-year academic honor roll during the 2020-2021 season.

He’s a native of Canada and began his college football career there, at the University of Calgary. Leonard appeared in 23 games for them–racking up 47 tackles, 13 passes defended, and six interceptions. During his two years there, the 6-foot, 195-pounder was named two-time All-Canadian. He guided Calgary to its fifth Vanier Cup over Montreal in 2019.

During his two seasons with the Ole Miss Rebels, he appeared in 18 games — racking up 63 tackles, 14 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. The Canadian native was also drafted in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tigercats.

In high school football, Leonard helped lead Notre Dame High School (Canada) to a Provincial title in 2014. A gifted athlete, he also lettered in basketball and track in high school.

NFL Draft analyst Lance Zirlein’s thoughts on Deane Leonard

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zirlein recently gave his thoughts and scouting report on Deane Leonard: “Leonard’s best football might be ahead of him if a team is willing to show patience. He has good size and strength to press and carries the recovery speed to get back in the play when beaten. He tends to lose out on playmaking opportunities that present themselves in coverage, though. He could be pushed toward zone-heavy concepts but Leonard has a shot to develop on a practice squad if given the chance.”