NFL Draft 2022: Top-25 Senior Prospects

As the college football season kicks into gear, seniors throughout the nation have one final chance to prove their worth. With the 2022 NFL Draft on their minds, it’s paramount they leave a lasting impression.

With the draft a mere eight months away, NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter took to NFL.com to rank the top-25 senior prospects. In his rankings, players from the biggest programs mix with stars from the FCS to create a formidable list.

Here are the top-25 senior prospects, per Chad Reuter of NFL.com:

25) Christian Beal-Smith, RB, Wake Forest. “Beal-Smith might be viewed as the best senior back in the class by the time the pre-draft evaluation process is complete,” writes Reuter. While he may fall to day three, some team could get a nice addition to their running back room without using a premium selection.

24) Smoke Monday, S, Auburn. Aside from having one of the best nicknames in all of college football, Monday can get the job done. “He’s an effective blitzer and brings physicality to linemen and tight ends against the run,” writes Reuter.

23) Nick Ford, OL, Utah. Luckily for Ford, a versatile offensive lineman is always a need for NFL teams. Moreover, Reuter gives Ford a lofty comparison — Green Bay Packers starter Elgton Jenkins.

22) Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State. Bringing the FCS into play, Reuter mentions Watson could be a track-star with his speed. Additionally, his blocking ability makes him valuable.

21) Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada. With the aid of quarterback Carson Strong, Doubs can put himself on the map. “Doubs’ agility in his routes and elusiveness after the catch for his size will catch the eyes of scouts,” writes Reuter.

20) Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati. First, Reuter mentions Sanders rose up scout’s rankings with Cincinnati’s success in 2020. However, his performance against Georgia last season left much to be desired.

19) DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas. Overshown got off to a good start in Texas’ first game of 2021, and he’ll look to keep the ball rolling. “Overshown has an angular frame but has added bulk,” writes Reuter. “He explodes into blockers and lays the wood in the box.”

18) Cordell Volson, OL, North Dakota State. Reuter starts by comparing Volson to his former teammate, 2021 second-round pick Dillon Radunz. However, he believes Volson has what it takes to be better.

17) Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State. After scoring a touchdown in Ohio State’s game against Minnesota, Garrett returned to the spotlight. Moreover, Reuter believes the defensive tackle’s motor will help propel him. “His energy will help him as a three-technique or one-gap nose tackle at the next level,” writes Reuter.

16) Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah. Last season, Llyod was a Butkus Award finalist. As 2021 goes on, Reuter mentions that the linebacker will be attractive to NFL teams based on his athleticism and tackling ability.

15) Cade Otton, TE, Washington. “In a league searching high and low for athletic tight ends, Otton will be highly coveted,” writes Reuter. Moreover, Reuter believes Otton has a chance to become an immediate three-down player in the league.

14) Amaré Barno, Edge, Virginia Tech. After transferring from community college, Barno bursted out in 2020. As he builds on his performance, Reuter mentions his speed in unique.

13) Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn. First, Reuter believes in McCreary’s play-making ability, writing “When there is a play that needs to be made on defense or special teams, Auburn counts on McCreary to make it.” This season, McCreary will get plenty of chances to prove it against SEC offenses.

12) Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama. While Jobe may be the forgotten man in Alabama, he’s out to remind everyone about his ability in 2021. Moreover, he doesn’t just prove his worth on defense, but special teams as well.

11) Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky. “Kinnard is a mauler who brutalized defenders in the run game the past two seasons at right tackle,” writes Reuter. However, Reuter mentions that Kinnard may limit himself if he doesn’t fix his hands and footwork.

10) Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State. One of the nation’s most exciting players, Dotson is on the radar of every team looking for a play-maker. Additionally, Reuter mentions that Dotson’s ability on special teams makes him extra valuable.

9) Thayer Munford, OT, Ohio State. Back for his fifth year, Munford can help his draft stock with a solid season. Additionally, Reuter likes his versatility along the offensive line.

8) Adam Anderson, Edge, Georgia. Last week, Anderson and his Georgia teammates put on a clinic against Clemson. Moreover, Reuter mentions that he could fly up draft boards. “His stock will skyrocket if he consistently plays with physicality despite his lean frame,” writes Reuter.

7) Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina. As Enagbare terrorizes SEC quarterbacks, he’ll continue to put himself on the radar of NFL teams. Additionally, Reuter mentions his speed and power as impressive.

6) Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia. A relentless player, Davis never turns his motor off — he’s a nightmare for opposing offenses. “Davis is willing to move down the line to chase, as well, which is a frightening sight for most ball-carriers,” writes Reuter.

5) Christopher Allen, Edge, Alabama. While Allen broke his foot and will miss the season for Alabama, he’s still an impressive prospect. Moreover, Reuter mentions his strength and flexibility make him an effective pass rusher.

4) Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington. As Washington looks to rebound from their Week One loss, Kirkland will continue to up his draft stock. “He’ll be a solid pro for years to come,” writes Reuter.

3) Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan. For the second consecutive year, Michigan has a potential first-round edge rusher on defense. Following in Kwity Paye’s footsteps, Hutchinson’s combination of impressive traits make him an impressive prospect in Reuter’s eyes.

2) Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State. “It is fitting that Olave rhymes with the Spanish word “suave,” for which one definition is smooth,” writes Reuter. Moreover, Olave is a joy to watch, and will only go higher in the NFL Draft after returning for his senior season.

1) Malik Willis, QB, Liberty. After proving he’s worthy of being a starter, Willis is battling to be the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. “He’s a true playmaker with the potential to be a star at the next level as his consistency from the pocket improves,” writes Reuter. As you can see, the Liberty quarterback is one of the most underrated prospects in the nation.