The Fresno State Bulldogs competed for the Mountain West crown throughout the year, falling just short of San Diego State. However, their year was capped off with an impressive victory over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. After a good season, Fresno State sees a number of prospects heading towards the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are the scouting reports for the handful of players leaving Fresno State this year for the NFL.
Fresno State 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The Fresno State scouting reports include prospects who could hear their names called on Day 2 or 3 of the NFL Draft.
Arron Mosby, OLB
Positives: Athletic linebacker effective in space. Moves well about the field, rarely off his feet, and is fast in pursuit. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands, and remains disciplined with assignments. Gets depth on pass drops, smooth opening his hips, and shows a good change of direction. Quickly collapses laterally to make plays against the run.
Negatives: Primarily used up the field last season and was out of position. Easily blocked from plays by a single opponent. Slow locating the ball.
Analysis: Early in his Fresno State career, Mosby looked like a terrific off-the-ball linebacker displaying a variety of skill. Used primarily over tackle in Fresno’s 3-4 scheme last season, he looked out of sorts and was not as productive as expected. Mosby is a natural 4-3 defender who could add depth to a team’s linebacker unit if he gets his game back on track.
DaRon Bland, DB
Positives: Nice-sized defensive back best facing the action. Displays excellent recognition of coverage responsibilities, battles opponents throughout the route, and correctly times pass defenses. Fires up the field and gives a lot of effort defending the run.
Negatives: Slow getting his head back around and loses a sense of where he is on the field. Displays an average burst to the ball out of his plant. Inefficient and takes poor angles.
Analysis: Bland possesses next-level size as well as speed but has an unpolished game and must play in a system facing the action.
Keric Wheatfall, WR
Positives: Sure-handed receiver coming off a terrific senior season. Uses the sidelines well, settles into the open spot of the defense, and displays strong hands. Tracks the pass in the air, makes the difficult over-the-shoulder reception, and shows excellent focus. Uses his frame to shield away opponents or his hands to separate from defenders.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and lacks the second gear. Has a limited route tree. Marginally productive at Fresno State.
Analysis: Though never super productive, Wheatfall displayed consistent progress in his game and comes with an upside. He’s worth keeping on a practice squad this fall with the possibility of future development.
Kevin Atkins, DL
Positives: Explosive interior defensive lineman who can be used as a traditional tackle or a 3-technique lineman. Displays an explosive first step off the snap, easily moves about the field, and uses his hands to protect himself. Bends his knees, plays with terrific pad level, and easily alters his angle of attack or changes direction.
Negatives: Does not play to his size and gets stood up at the point by blockers. Easily moved from his angle of attack. Inconsistent.
Analysis: Atkins is a prospect who was highly thought of by scouts, yet he never really met expectations. He possesses the size and style to play in a variety of schemes but must really start to play to his level of ability.
Ronnie Rivers, RB
Positives: Creative ball carrier that’s also effective catching the ball. Patient, displays outstanding vision, and quick-footed. Sets up defenders, makes them miss, and will pick or choose his spots on the inside. Keeps his feet moving, runs hard, and possesses outstanding vision. Terrific pass catcher that quickly gets into breaks and catches the ball with his hands. Gives effort blocking.
Negatives: Small and easily brought down at the point by a single opponent. Plays to one speed and cannot beat defenders into the open field.
Analysis: Rivers is a talented and versatile running back with size and speed limitations. He’s a good fit as a third-down back for an offensive system that gets him the ball in space or uses him as a receiver out of the backfield.