Every year, NFL Draft pundits fill out their first-round mock drafts and after the season is over, they label guys as a boom or bust. However, many of the best players in the league are the ones who go under-the-radar during the draft process and end up becoming massive steals for franchises down the line. Some of these players go by the name of Tom Brady, Tyrek Hill, and Russell Wilson just to name a few. While you can’t guarantee the career path for guys just entering the draft, this year’s selection pool certainly has a long list of names that could be stars in the league. Here are four under the radar prospects for the NFL Draft 2022.
Jalen Pitre- Baylor – Safety
There are certain players who make impressions on teams because of their leadership, football IQ, and work ethic. Jalen Pitre checks all the boxes as a player who, as a fifth-year senior at Baylor last season, helped the team finish 12-2, and led one of the top defenses in the country. Pitre is the only player on Baylor’s roster who stayed throughout the Art Briles catastrophe and went through four different head coaches in his time in Waco. Pitre is a stud and a ball hawk who totaled 75 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions during his final season in Waco. NFL Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
Jermaine Johnson II – Florida State – EDGE
I am a sucker for a guy with a great story and Jermaine Johnson II is certainly one of those players. After being a standout at the JUCO ranks, he transferred to Georgia to play as a role guy on a defensive line that just helped the Bulldogs win a National Championship. While he had just a year to shine at FSU, he made the most of it. He recorded nearly 50 pressures, 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss during his breakout season. It just makes us wonder how many of these Georgia backups could have big futures at starters at other schools around the country. Johnson II isn’t going to be a first-round guy, but he can certainly contribute to any defensive line in the league. NFL Fit: Seattle Seahawks
Charlie Kolar – Iowa State- Tight End
There are just two or three tight ends in this draft class that are being pegged as future starters, but many fans in the Big 12 know the name Charlie Kolar and that he can contribute at the next level. Kolar totaled 697 yards, 591 yards and 756 receiving yards in his last three years in Ames. He is extremely physical and has the prototypical body for a tight end at the next level. If there is a red flag for Kolar it is his drops, but that’s something that can be ironed out by NFL coaching. Kolar could go Day 3 of the Draft and if he does, a team is sure to be getting a steal. NFL Fit: Indianapolis Colts
Jashaun Corbin – Florida State – Running Back
Yes, I am going with two Florida State players on this list, and I apologize for being boring. Corbin, who transferred from Texas A&M after his sophomore season, is one of the most underrated backs in the class. Some scouts have compared him to Kareem Hunt thanks to his down-field running and great vision. He racked up 887 yards (6.2 average) and seven touchdowns in 12 games this past season. But his game is also sharp on the receiving side where he reeled in 60 passes in his college career for 360 yards and two scores. NFL teams are always looking for versatile backs and I love Corbin for that reason. NFL Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers