2022 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

Cinci’s Desmond Ridder Declares For Draft

January 8th, 2022 at 8:11pm CST by Ely Allen

Quarterback Desmond Ridder said goodbye to his home of the past 5 years with a video posted to his Twitter account last night. While it seems obvious that a red-shirt senior is headed to the 2022 NFL Draft, because of the COVID-shortened season, Ridder had the option to return for a sixth year.

In an early mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay had Ridder as the fourth quarterback off the board and the 19th overall pick in the first round. The Kentucky native isn’t considered a consensus first-round pick, but he is consistently ranked as one of the 6 quarterbacks in the top-tier with Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh), Matt Corral (Mississippi), Sam Howell (North Carolina), Malik Willis (Liberty), and Carson Strong (Nevada).

As a three-star recruit out of St. Xavier in Louisville, Ridder chose Cincinnati over Eastern Kentucky and went on to amass a starting record for the Bearcats of 44-6. Ridder and his teammates did what most assumed was impossible when they became the first Group of 5 program to qualify for the 2022 College Football Playoff.

Ridder and cornerback Ahmad Gardner are striving to become the first Bearcats taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since defensive lineman Bob Bell was taken 21st overall in 1971. Regardless, Ridder has certainly made a name for himself as the University of Cincinnati’s winningest quarterback of all time, ranking 3rd overall in the statistic for all college football with his 44 wins trailing only Boise State’s Kellen Moore (50) and Texas’s Colt McCoy (45).

Michigan’s Daxton Hill Declares For NFL Draft

January 7th, 2022 at 7:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

The number of Wolverines headed to the NFL continues to grow. Michigan safety Daxton Hill has entered the 2022 NFL draft, reports Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Hill, a true junior, had a productive three seasons in Ann Arbor. 2021 was his best season, as he recorded 69 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss, two interceptions and eight pass breakups. He added a fumble recovery to bring his career takeaway total to seven. Hill was a huge piece to Michigan’s Big Ten championship, which earned the Wolves a place in the CFP semi-final.

Other Wolverines who have already declared include star pass rushers Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo – the former being a serious candidate to be selected first overall – as well as defensive linemen Chris Hinton and wide receiver Daylen Baldwin.

Hill likely won’t have to wait long to hear his name called in April. He was voted First Team All-Big Ten this season, and is best known for his versatility. Lining up deep, in the box and in the slot at various points throughout the year, the 6-0, 192 pounder is the ‘Swiss Army knife’ type of player the NFL is trending towards. Look for Hill to be one of the first safeties off the board.

LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr. Declares For Draft

January 6th, 2022 at 6:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s top cornerback prospect will be part of the 2022 draft. As expected, LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. will forgo his senior season and enter his name in the draft, he announced via The Players’ Tribune.

Stingley has long been viewed as one of the top talents eligible for this year’s draft. ESPN.com’s Todd McShay lists the 6-foot-1 defender as his No. 4 overall prospect, well clear of the other draft-eligible corners.

A Baton Rouge, La., native, Stingley broke through as a freshman for LSU’s unbeaten national champion squad in 2019. Stingley intercepted six passes in his first college season. While he did not notch any picks over his final two years at the SEC school, injuries limited the elite prospect to just 10 games since that freshman slate.

Stingley underwent season-ending foot surgery in October, limiting him to three games as a junior. He came to LSU as a five-star recruit, having run a 4.30-second 40-yard dash prior to debuting with the Tigers.

LSU has seen defenders Devin White, Patrick Queen and K’Lavon Chaisson be drafted in Round 1 in recent years. Tre’Davious White was the Tigers’ most recent first-round cornerback pick, being chosen 27th overall in 2017. Derek Stingley is the grandson of former Patriots wide receiver starter Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed by a hit during a preseason game in 1978.

Washington CB Kyler Gordon Enters Draft

January 6th, 2022 at 1:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

Another notable prospect has declared for the 2022 NFL draft in April. Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon will be forgoing the remainder of his college career to turn pro, per On3 Sports’ Matt Zenitz (via Twitter).

Gordon, a redshirt sophomore, has already signed with an agent, according to Zenitz. The 6-0, 195-pounder had his best season in 2021 for the Huskies. In 12 games, he registered 45 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. The fact he played a full season is notable, as he only played in three games in 2020, following a productive 2019 campaign. He earned All-Pac 12 honors, putting him in close company with teammate and fellow standout corner Trent McDuffie.

While McDuffie is the more coveted prize in the draft, Gordon’s stock has been rising throughout the season. Scouts Inc. has most recently listed Gordon as a second-round prospect, adding him to the list of what should be a deep draft for cornerbacks in 2022.

NFL Teams Could Lose Draft Picks For Interview Violations

January 6th, 2022 at 9:44am CST by Zachary Links

Teams could be docked draft picks for poor conduct during the NFL Draft interview process, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. If club officials are found to be “disrespectful, inappropriate, or unprofessional,” their team will lose a draft pick between Rounds 1-4 and be fined no less than $150K.

“We aim for dignity, respect and professionalism,” league exec Troy Vincent said. “It’s that simple.”

According to the memo, individual club employees could also be subject to fines and suspensions. Meanwhile, the league also announced plans to change the evaluation process. The Wonderlic test, for example, is now off the table.

The interview process has led to controversy in the past. In 2010, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland asked a young wide receiver by the name of Dez Bryant if his mother a prostitute. And, in 2016, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn inquired on cornerback Eli Apple‘s sexual preference. Both Ireland and Quinn apologized for their behavior — under the new guidelines, such conduct would cost their teams significant draft capital.

The new rules will be in full effect at the 2022 Combine, which begins on March 1st in Indianapolis.

Aidan Hutchinson Enters NFL Draft

January 6th, 2022 at 9:27am CST by Zachary Links

It’s official. This week, Michigan defensive end and potential No. 1 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson announced that he’ll forgo his remaining eligibility to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

“My Michigan legacy is complete, and it was truly the best time of my life,” Hutchinson said (Twitter link). “Onward and upward to the 2022 NFL draft. Thank you for everything, Wolverine nation and beyond.”

Hutchinson tallied 62 tackles, 14 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, three pass deflections, and one fumble recovery in his final year on campus. His performance earned him consensus All-American honors and the Lombardi Award, positioning him as the best lineman in college football. He also placed as the runner-up in Heisman voting, a rare feat for defenders.

The 6’6″, 265-pound edge rusher is firmly in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick, along with the likes of Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alabama tackle Evan Neal. The selection, of course, will be owned by either the Jaguars or Lions, depending on how Week 18 shakes out.

In addition to Hutchinson, Michigan defensive tackle Christopher Hinton and wide receiver Daylen Baldwin also declared for the April draft.

Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner To Enter Draft

January 5th, 2022 at 4:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

One of the top draft-eligible cornerbacks will indeed make himself available for teams in April. Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner intends to forgo his senior season and enter the draft (Instagram link).

Essential to the Bearcats’ trailblazing a Group of Five path into the College Football Playoff, Gardner sits as a top-15 draft prospect in the view of ESPN.com’s Todd McShay. The 6-foot-2 cover man exited his junior season as this draft’s No. 2 corner prospect, behind only LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr.

Gardner claimed the American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award, en route to All-American acclaim. He recorded three interceptions and three sacks in his third season with the Bearcats. Gardner, who intercepted three passes in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, did not allow more than 60 receiving yards in while in coverage in any game during his final two Cincy slates. He did not allow a touchdown as a junior.

Although Cincinnati could not keep pace with Alabama in the CFP semifinals, the program became the first Group of Five team to advance to college football’s final four. Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder could join Gardner in the first round. McShay has Ridder going in the top 20 in his initial 2022 mock draft. Either player landing in Round 1 would be significant for Cincinnati. While the school has sent the likes of Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce and Derek Wolfe to the pros, it has not seen one of its cogs chosen in the first round since defensive lineman Bob Bell in 1971.

Updated 2022 NFL Draft Order

January 4th, 2022 at 9:08am CST by Zachary Links

Eleven teams have punched their ticket to the playoffs with one week to go in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Colts, 49ers, Chargers, Saints, Raiders, Steelers, and (technically) Ravens all still have a shot. If you’re a fan of one of the other 14 teams, this list may be of equal interest to you. That is, if your team still owns their original first-round pick.

For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2021 standings, plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. For playoff teams, the order is determined by their postseason outcome and regular season record.

As we look ahead to Week 18, here’s a look at the currently projected 2022 NFL Draft Order:

Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-14
Detroit Lions: 2-13-1
Houston Texans: 4-12
New York Jets: 4-12
New York Giants: 4-12
Carolina Panthers: 5-11
New York Jets (via Seahawks)
New York Giants (via Bears)
Washington Football Team: 6-10
Atlanta Falcons: 7-9
Denver Broncos: 7-9
Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
Cleveland Browns: 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins)
New Orleans Saints: 8-8
Baltimore Ravens: 8-8
Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-7-1
Las Vegas Raiders: 9-7
Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7*
Los Angeles Chargers: 9-7*
Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts)*
Miami Dolphins (via 49ers)*
New England Patriots*
Arizona Cardinals: 10-5*
Buffalo Bills: 10-6*
Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6*
Dallas Cowboys: 11-5*
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12-4*
Kansas City Chiefs: 11-5*
Detroit Lions (via Rams): 12-4*
Tennessee Titans: 11-5*
Green Bay Packers: 13-3*

* = Playoffs

NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu Declares For Draft

January 2nd, 2022 at 10:12pm CST by Ely Allen

Potentially the best offensive lineman in college football, Ikem Ekwonu had ACC pass rushers and defensive linemen breathing a sigh of relief as he announced his intentions to forgo his senior year and take the next step towards an NFL career (Twitter). Ikem is short for Ikemefuna, an Igbo name that translates loosely to “my strength is not in vain,” and never has that been more true than with Ekwonu.

Ekwonu arrived in Raleigh as a 3-star recruit out of Providence Day School in Charlotte. Ekwonu’s strength was not his only asset, as he chose the Wolfpack over offers from FCS Ivy’s Harvard and Yale. It took NC State 5 games before they realized Ekwonu needed to be on the field for every play. He started at left tackle for the final 7 games of the season and led the team in pancake blocks with 37. Ekwonu’s dominance was immediately noticed as he was named to the FWAA Freshman All-America team. He was moved to left guard to start the 2020 season before being kicked back out to tackle and once again leading the team with 50 pancakes and 22 knockdowns. In his final year of collegiate play, Ikem led the team once more with 63 pancakes and 18 knockdowns en route to a unanimous First-Team All-American selection.

Ekwonu is set for a large payday as he readies for the 2022 NFL Draft, but, according to an interview with USA Today Network, money was not a motivation to leave. He was quoted saying, “The reason I would leave would be because I’ve dominated at this level for as long as I have and I feel like it’s time for that next step.” Humble to the core; not wrong, though.

Ekwonu’s size will have teams viewing him as an interior line prospect, but Ekwonu has shown continuous success as a blindside tackle, as well. Most mock drafts have him as a Top 10 pick, while Dane Brugler, of The Athletic, has him listed as the 5th-best overall player and the 2nd-best offensive tackle, behind only Alabama’s Evan Neal. Ekwonu will aim to be only the third Wolfpack offensive linemen in history to be picked in the first round (Jim Ritcher, Bills 1980 & Garrett Bradbury, Vikings 2019). Needless to say, it won’t take long into that Thursday night in April, before we see “Ickey” shuffle across that stage to shake Goodell’s hand.

QB Sam Howell Declares For Draft

January 1st, 2022 at 7:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 2022 quarterback class has long been viewed as a downgrade from recent years, but positional need will see teams jockey over certain prospects. Sam Howell may be one of those, and the North Carolina QB confirmed he will be part of the April prospect pool.

Howell said Saturday he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2022 draft (Twitter link). Unlike several top prospects who declared for the draft early, Howell did play in his team’s bowl game. The Tar Heels lost the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to South Carolina on Thursday.

While Howell will be one of the top passers available in April, his stock has dipped a bit after the Tar Heels’ 6-7 season. Going into his junior season, Howell checked in as a top-10 prospect and the No. 1 quarterback available in the upcoming class, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. In December, Brugler dropped Howell to this draft’s third-best QB. Howell sits fifth among QBs on Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest rankings — behind Kenny Pickett (Pitt), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), Matt Corral (Ole Miss) and Malik Willis (Liberty). ESPN’s Todd McShay has Howell going late in the first round. Pre-draft visits and workouts figure to be critical for the 6-foot-1 prospect.

Howell jumped onto draft radars after throwing 38 touchdown passes as a freshman in 2019. He averaged 10.3 yards per attempt as a sophomore but threw a career-low 24 TD passes this season and averaged 8.8 yards per attempt. The Tar Heels did lose some NFL talent this year, seeing its 1,000-1,000 backfield (Javonte Williams, Michael Carter) and receiver draftees Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome depart.

2022 NFL Draft News & Rumors