With less than two months until the NFL Draft, the process heats up this week with the 2022 NFL Combine. Famously dubbed the “Underwear Olympics,” the weeklong event in Indianapolis gives prospects the opportunity to impress in a series of athletic and on-field tests. Which players have the most to gain when they take part in the NFL Combine?
5 Players with the most to gain at the 2022 NFL Combine
324 NFL Draft prospects are converging on Indianapolis for the 2022 NFL Combine this week. The event runs from March 1 through March 7, with on-field drills starting on March 3. In addition to being televised on NFL Network, Pro Football Network will have extensive coverage of the event. As part of that coverage, we’ve attempted to narrow down five prospects who have the most to gain at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Once considered a raw prospect in this 2022 NFL Draft class, Minnesota Golden Gopher Boye Mafe is an edge player rocketing up draft boards. During his final season in Minnesota, the explosive edge rusher tallied a career-high 34 tackles (10 for loss), 7 sacks, and a forced fumble.
However, his ascension has really accelerated within the NFL Draft process. During Senior Bowl practices, Mafe showcased technical ability with a range of pass-rush moves and the ability to mix up his pass-rush plan. In the game itself, Mafe was named the National Team Player of the Game. As a result, he’s entrenched himself as a potential first-round prospect.
Expect that to be further solidified at the 2022 NFL Combine. Mafe is a freak athlete who could blow the roof off of Lucas Oil Stadium. He reportedly boasts a 40.5″ vertical jump, 4.57-second 40-yard dash, and 4.3 short shuttle. If he replicates those performances in Indianapolis, he’ll feature at the very top of his DE positional group.
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
While Trevor Penning asserted himself as the top FCS prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft early on in the process, North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson is making a push for that honor late in the game. An incredibly versatile offensive weapon, Watson has been routinely embarrassing FCS defenders as a pass catcher and with the ball in his hand.
One of the biggest question marks on his scouting report was whether that would translate to the next level against improved competition. Well, I think it’s fair to say that he demonstrated that admirably at the Senior Bowl. Watson was arguably the star of the show in Mobile, demonstrating athletic and technical prowess.
The 2022 NFL Combine gives Watson the opportunity to put an official number on his on-tape speed. There have been some arguments on social media as to what the NDSU wide receiver will run in Indianapolis. With a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and 4.09 shuttle on record from high school, it would be a surprise to see him run slower than that. Repeating those times at 6’4″ and 211 pounds would be a huge boost to his ever-ascending stock.
Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
The legend of Tariq Woolen is already spreading ahead of the 2022 NFL Combine. The UTSA cornerback reportedly ran a 40-yard dash time within touching distance of John Ross’ record-setting 4.22 seconds in the 2018 process. He already has a laser-timed 4.34-second 40-yard dash on his résumé coupled with an 11’5″ broad jump.
Theoretically, Woolen could break two records at the 2022 NFL Combine if he maximizes his athletic potential. The word “freak” is easily bandied around as the athletic ability continuously evolves. But, this is exactly what Woolen is.
[the_ad_group id=”61551″]
The UTSA cornerback is an athletic menace with even more eye-watering measurables. He’s over 6’3″, his arms are over 33″, and his wingspan is approaching 80″.
The NFL Combine is critical to Woolen’s ascension in the 2022 NFL Draft class. He’s relatively inexperienced as a cornerback. While he’s already showcased some development in the technical side of the game, it is his athletic upside that will make him so alluring as a potential Day 2 prospect. If he emulates the testing numbers he’s already recorded, his stock is only going to be on an upward trajectory.
Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Washington Huskies have an impressive recent history producing defensive backs to the NFL. Last season, Elijah Molden and Keith Taylor heard their names called. In 2019, Byron Murphy and Taylor Rapp combined to give Washington two Day 2 selections. Just two years before them, Sidney Jones and Kevin King achieved the same feat.
We could go on and on, but I think you get the point. This year, it’s Kyler Gordon and Trent McDuffie who are both not only garnering early-round attention but first-round buzz. McDuffie has long been considered the front-runner to be the first Washington cornerback to be selected. Still, the 2022 NFL Combine gives Gordon the opportunity to assert himself as the better athlete.
I don’t say that easily given McDuffie’s own impressive athletic profile. However, consider these numbers for Gordon. 42.5″ vertical. 6.53-second 3-cone. 3.87-second short shuttle. Those are elite numbers. If he can repeat those in Indianapolis — combined with an expected low-4.4-second 40-yard dash that falls well below the four-year NFL average — Gordon can solidify himself as the No. 1 Washington cornerback prospect.
Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina
Last year, Tarron Jackson became the first Chanticleers defensive player to be drafted since 2012. A sixth-round selection of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jackson has paved the way for Coastal Carolina defensive prospects to hear their name called in subsequent classes. Despite this, Jeffrey Gunter remains a player who doesn’t receive much buzz in this class.
This remains something of a mystery to me. He’s showcased versatility during his Coastal career and has an alluring combination of size, strength, and length. His 80″ wingspan and 33 4/8″ arms allow him to be disruptive at the point of attack. Furthermore, he’s been impactful against the pass, run, and on special teams during his career.
I believe Gunter will be a guy that surprises at the 2022 NFL Combine. He’s previously recorded a 39″ vertical, a 10’2″ broad jump, and has showcased strength with 30 reps of 225 pounds. While he doesn’t possess elite speed, I’d expect him to put down impressive short-shuttle numbers. As a result, Gunter should be a player to watch out for this week.
