2022 NFL Draft: 5 players most likely to be a bust
The 2022 NFL Draft is getting closer and closer, and there is so much talent on offer this year.
It's not a hallmark year for quarterbacks. But there are some seriously game-changing edge rushers who could immediately come in and make an impact in the NFL.
However, that being said, there are always going to be busts in every draft. Scouts make mistakes, coaches don’t gel with new players, and in some cases, talented players stop trying after getting their rookie contract.
This year will be no different. While it’s not yet clear who the busts from the 2022 NFL Draft will be, it’s something which a shot can be taken at predicting.
5. David Ojabo, DE (Michigan)
This is an unfortunate placement as Ojabo will be behind the eight-ball irrespective of where he is drafted.
Tipped to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, Ojabo was left heartbroken by a torn achilles suffered during his pro-day. This will keep him out for the entirety of the 2022 season.
Initially tipped to be selected inside the top-10 of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ojabo is now facing a reality where he could slip into the second round.
Teams aren’t always against drafting a player who won’t be of immediate use to them. However, there are concerns over his recovery and long-term damage that could see Ojabo be a bust from the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tests confirmed that LB David Ojabo tore his Achilles, per a Michigan source. Doctors expect a full and complete recovery.
Rams’ RB Cam Akers tore his Achilles last summer and was back in about six months, and doctors expect Ojabo to be on the same timeline.
Ojabo lacked a motor to begin with, and a torn achilles will inevitably slow him down for a long period. Scouts were concerned about a lack of real elite speed coming off the edge, and he’s going to be even slower after his injury.
Teams could see Ojabo as a steal in the second-round, given his collegiate stats. However, the inconsistent motor is a huge problem, and a year without playing isn’t going to improve that. Teams may have to wait a while for Ojabo to get up to NFL speed.
4. Sam Howell, QB (North Carolina)
As previously stated, the quarterback market in the 2022 NFL Draft is a thin one, with Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett beginning to distance themselves from their counterparts.
Sam Howell, though, is a player who is garnering attention ahead of night one of the 2022 NFL Draft. Teams are seeing him as a reach prospect who could surprise everyone.
The problem for Howell is that he doesn’t really excel at anything. He isn’t anywhere near Willis in terms of athletic ability, yet he comes from an RPO-offense with North Carolina.
Howell ran a 5.07 40-yard dash time which isn’t impressive at all. On top of that, he is wholly inconsistent with his deeper throws.
Turnovers can kill a quarterback, and Howell simply gave the ball away too many times at North Carolina. It is gradually getting worse after a promising freshman year for him.
The biggest concern for the 21-year-old is his reaction to pressure. It’s not unusual for a quarterback to panic in such situations. But Howell looks to rush almost as soon as he senses a defender rushing. Also, he doesn’t have the speed to make this work.
Who takes Howell in the 2022 NFL Draft is important, especially if he can find himself behind a strong offensive line. But we’re going to see a lot of plays broken down because of his panic when pressured, with the number of sacks likely to be alarmingly high.