Though the 2021 season didn’t go as planned, the Indiana Hoosiers are likely to put multiple players in the NFL. Here are the top prospects from Indiana and their scouting reports angled towards the 2022 NFL Draft.
Indiana 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The Hoosiers limped to the finish line in 2021 but some of their star-studded athletes certainly have a shot in the NFL. Indiana is set to be a dramatically different team in 2022 when they substitute Tommy DeVito for Michael Penix at quarterback, but there are plenty of other talented players that they’ll have to rebound from losing this offseason.
Included in that group is star linebacker Micah McFadden. An integral player on their defense for the last few years, McFadden joins WR Ty Fryfogle as the Hoosiers with the potential to hear their names called the earliest. Both enjoyed impressive workouts this offseason, cementing their places on draft boards.
Here are the full scouting reports from Indiana with eyes on the 2022 NFL Draft.
Caleb Jones, OT
Positives: Massive, heavy-footed tackle who is best in a small area. Strong, jolts defenders with an explosive hand punch, and controls them once engaged at the point. Has long arms and steers defenders from their angles of attack. Explosive. Keeps his feet moving and stays patient in pass protection.
Negatives: Cannot adjust and gets exploited by quick or nimble pass rushers. Not a natural knee bender. Lacks footwork and balance in pass protection.
Analysis: Jones is a size prospect with a massive frame as well as long arms. He possesses a lot of limitations, but he could develop into a backup at right tackle if he learns to block with proper fundamentals.
Peyton Hendershot, TE
Positives: Solid pass-catching tight end with average size and speed. Smooth and easily moves about the field. Tracks the pass in the air, adjusts to errant throws, and makes receptions in stride. Displays good route discipline, comes across the middle of the field, and consistently extends to make the reception away from his frame. Sells routes and fights to come free from defenders. Blocks with proper pad level and gives effort. Stays square and shows ability as a position blocker.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and isn’t a true downfield pass-catching threat. Struggles as an in-line blocker.
Analysis: Hendershot turned in a terrific sophomore campaign in 2019, but his game has leveled off since. An average athlete with average size, Hendershot projects as a move tight end who could be the third man on the depth chart.
Micah McFadden, LB
Positives: Tough run-defending linebacker with great instincts. Efficient, displays a terrific head for the game, and takes proper angles to the action. A devastating hitter who fires upfield to fill gaps and lays it on the line. Diagnoses plays before they occur, squares into tackles, and brings opponents down at the point of attack. Does an outstanding job quarterbacking the defense.
Negatives: Stiff and struggles redirecting to ball handlers. Plays to one speed and isn’t quick out to the flanks.
Analysis: McFadden was a productive run-defending linebacker who possesses a great feel for the game. More of a two-down defender, he’s best-suited to play on the inside of a 3-4 alignment at the next level.
Raheem Layne, S
Positives: Tough, physical player who works hard to get involved in the action. Quickly picks up coverage assignments, works to get his head back around to locate the pass in the air, and has an explosive burst to the ball out of his plant. Flies around the field, works to make positive plays, and sells out. Tough run defender.
Negatives: Does more hitting than wrap-up tackling at times. Lacks deep speed. Average production throughout college.
Analysis: Layne is an underrated safety prospect who I like a lot. He shows flashes of ability and comes with an upside. If he elevates his game, Layne could be a surprise in camp this summer.
Ryder Anderson, DT
Positives: Hard-working college defensive end with nice size and growth potential. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets his hands up, and gives great effort. Works his hands throughout the action, holds his ground against blocks, and consistently gets leverage on opponents. Quickly locates the ball handler and shows good instincts.
Negatives: Lacks great first-step quickness. Can’t get out into space to make plays and shows minimal lateral speed.
Analysis: Anderson was a hard-working defender who got the most from his ability, but he must fill out his frame and improve his playing strength.
Stephen Carr, RB
Positives: Strong downhill ball carrier who displays a burst through the hole, picks up yardage off initial contact, and falls forward when tackled. Flashes strong hands as a pass catcher, immediately turns it upfield, and works to pick up yardage after the catch. Does a terrific job helping the quarterback sell ball fakes.
Negatives: Cannot turn the corner, doesn’t beat defenders into the open field, and plays to one speed. Average overall quickness. At times does too much dancing around rather than taking it upfield.
Analysis: Carr had a solid college career at both USC and Indiana yet never displayed himself as a true No. 1 back. He possesses the size and speed to play on Sundays, but Carr must elevate every aspect of his game to make a roster.
Ty Fryfogle, WR
Positives: Consistent pass catcher who makes some highlight-reel receptions. Smart and settles into the open spot of the defense. Extends his hands and snatches the ball away from his frame. Nicely adjusts to errant throws and makes difficult catches in contorted positions.
Possesses tremendous focus as well as concentration, uses his frame to shield away opponents, and holds on to the ball after big hits. Sturdy receiver. Battles defenders to come away with the difficult grab. Keeps the play in bounds and works to pick up yardage after the catch.
Negatives: Lacks a quick release off the line of scrimmage. Plays to one speed and lacks any sort of quickness or burst. Shows no ability as a vertical receiver.
Analysis: Many were surprised when Fryfogle bypassed last year’s draft and chose to return for another season at Indiana. He’s a possession wideout with reliable hands who will struggle separating in the NFL.
Want more information on Fryfogle? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Ty Fryfogle, Indiana WR | NFL Draft Scouting Report
