San Jose State 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports include Nick Starkel and Cade Hall

The San Jose State Spartans finished the season 5-7 overall with a losing record in the conference. The highlight of their season came back in Week 7 when they nearly defeated a 25th-ranked San Diego State squad, ultimately losing in overtime. Now with a number of prospects heading towards the 2022 NFL Draft, we take a look at the scouting reports for each San Jose State player.

San Jose State 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

The San Jose State scouting reports highlight some late-round prospects, including a quarterback and tight end who could hear their names called on draft weekend.

Cade Hall, DE

Positives: Hard-working yet undersized defensive end with limited athleticism. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, easily changes direction, and slides laterally to make plays down the line of scrimmage. Shows great awareness, works his hands exceptionally well, and is rarely off his feet. Plays with balance, can bend off the edge, and plays all out on every down.

Negatives: Lacks strength and easily controlled by a single opponent. Gets upright in his stance and easily out-positioned from plays. Possesses average playing speed.

Analysis: Hall is a hard-charging defender who gets the most from his ability, but he lacks size and athleticism for the next level. He’s a hard-working defender who could be an asset on special teams.

Derrick Deese Jr., TE

Positives: Terrific pass-catching tight end who gets the most from his ability. Finds the clearing in the defense, extends his hands, and snatches the ball from the air. Sturdy, takes a pounding, yet holds onto the reception. Sells routes, tracks the pass in the air, and displays a terrific sense of timing on receptions.

Consistently finds the open spot in the defense or finds ways to come free. Adjusts backwards to grab the ball, gets down to scoop up low passes, and looks the pass into his hands. Uses his frame to shield away defenders and makes the difficult catch in a crowd. Gives effort blocking.

Negatives: Plays to one speed and lacks a true downfield burst. Possesses average in-line blocking strength.

Analysis: Deese turned in two terrific campaigns at San Jose State and was one of the more consistent pass-catching tight ends in the nation. He’s not a great athlete but a good football player who could be a third move tight end on a depth chart.

Jack Snyder, G

Positives: Average-sized college tackle who projects to guard or center on Sundays. Keeps his head on a swivel, quick out to the second level, and seals linebackers from the action. Tenacious, displays a great head for the position, and gives tremendous effort. Shows outstanding awareness and picks up stunts or blitzes. Sets with a wide base, keeps the defender in front of him, and works to finish off opponents. Makes excellent use of angles in pass protection.

Negatives: Gets minimal movement run blocking and does not display a strong base. Lacks quick or smooth footwork off the edge.

Analysis: Snyder is a smart and tough small-area blocker with the size and growth potential to develop into an inexpensive backup at any of the three interior blocking positions.

Nick Starkel, QB

Positives: Intelligent, game-managing quarterback who displays an outstanding sense for what’s happening on the field. Remains poised under the rush, senses pressure, and to his credit, does not force the ball into covered targets. Keeps his feet active, possesses a solid arm, and loses little throwing on the move.

Resilient, throws with an over-the-top delivery, and puts touch on passes. Throws the ball away rather than taking the bad sack. Knows where his receivers are on the field and delivers a catchable throw.

Negatives: Struggled with injuries last season. Downfield and lateral pass accuracy need a lot of work. Has a decent arm, though nothing outstanding.

Analysis: Starkel did an outstanding job commanding the San Jose State offense the past two seasons and is a tall quarterback with growth potential. His understanding of what’s happening on the field is an asset. If Starkel does not make a roster as a third signal-caller, he should be stashed on the practice squad.