5 players to watch out for in NFL Combine 2022
The NFL Combine is the second-biggest event leading up to the NFL Draft, following the Senior Bowl, and it takes place before the players' Pro Days. The NFL Combine is a chance for college prospects to showcase their talents through workouts and drills in front of every NFL team. Players are judged on their speed, strength, overall athleticism, and individual skillsets.
The combine can help someone salvage their draft stock or even help someone get from the second round to the first round. Some of the top talents don't compete to avoid injury or wear and tear, but players on the verge of going undrafted use it to their advantage. A strong showing at the 2022 NFL Combine can help these players' draft values in a major way.
#1 - Kayvon Thibodeaux could go from a top-five pick to the #1 pick with the NFL Combine
Oregon edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is projected to be a top-five draft pick in the NFL Draft, but there is no clear answer as to who will end up going at #1. Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson and Alabama's Evan Neal tend to go first in many major mock drafts, but Thibodeaux is just as deserving and could solidify his spot at #1 with a strong combine.
This year Kayvon Thibodeaux really levelled up with his pass rush creativity. Sells that he’s coming with power via a long arm to get the OT to shoot his hands and overextend while timing his dip perfectly and lets his athleticism do the rest. https://t.co/h3rGp1yYWf
A common flaw that scouts have found with Thibodeaux is his maturity and true focus on his football career. Watch to see if the young pass-rusher is locked in 100% on nailing every drill and workout at the combine. Hopefully, his sole focus is on showing the NFL how much of a force he can be coming off the edge.
Current projection - #4 overall pick
#2 - Penn State S Jaquan Brisker can make the jump from 2nd round to 1st round
The Penn State Nittany Lions have had recent success with players being the stars of the NFL Combine. Some names include tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver KJ Hamler in recent years. Safety Jaquan Brisker could be yet another Penn State product to take full advantage of the combine and greatly improve his draft stock.
Jaquan Brisker is one of the best defenders in the country. Period.
https://t.co/KwSJNMYSfW
As of right now, Brisker is listed as an early second-round selection. He's already quite talented as a multi-purpose safety who can play in the box or roam in zone coverage. He's arguably the second-best safety in the draft behind Kyle Hamilton and will look to establish himself worthy of being drafted on Day 1. If he can loosen his hips in the combine's drills, it should do the trick for him.
Current projection - Top 35-40