Tulsa 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports include Josh Johnson and Tyler Smith

It was a rocky season for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, but it was capped off by a four-game win streak, giving them a 7-6 overall record. There were some standout prospects on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball for Tulsa this year — here are the scouting reports for some of their possible 2022 NFL Draft selections.

Tulsa 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

Tulsa‘s scouting reports include a high-upside wide receiver in Josh Johnson and a possible longtime offensive line starter in Tyler Smith.

Chris Paul, G

Positives: Terrific college tackle who projects to guard or center on Sundays. Strong at the point, possesses a thick build, and gets movement run blocking. Quickly sets up in pass protection, stays square, and fires his hands into defenders. Keeps his feet moving, makes outstanding use of angles, and blocks with proper lean. Displays the ability to slide in space and anchors at the point.

Negatives: Really doesn’t sink his butt at the line of scrimmage. Not an agile or nimble lineman.

Analysis: Paul was a durable four-year starter who lined up at both tackle and guard for Tulsa. He performed well during Senior Bowl practices and went on to have a terrific workout at the Combine. Better in a smaller area, Paul offers scheme versatility at the next level and could be a surprise starter as a rookie in the NFL.

Cristian Williams, S

Positives: Undersized safety who gets the most from his ability. Effectively diagnoses plays, takes proper angles to the action, and wraps up ball handlers. Moves well laterally, displays a closing burst, and works hard to get involved in the action. Picks up coverage assignments, stays with receivers, and battles opponents to break up throws.

Negatives: Does a lot of face guarding and is slow getting his head back around to locate the ball in the air. Lacks a closing burst. Deep speed is a concern.

Analysis: Williams was a solid college safety, but he comes with minimal upside for the next level. He must perform well on special teams this summer to have any chance to make it out of camp.

Josh Johnson, WR

Positives: Sure-handed underneath receiver who flashes the ability to get downfield. Comes back to the ball to make himself an available target, adjusts to errant throws, and gets down to scoop up low passes. Settles into the open spot of the field and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Effective when he catches the ball with his hands. Tracks the pass in the air and makes the difficult catch at full speed. Works to pick up yardage after the catch.

Negatives: Lacks a second gear. Struggles in battles and does not come away with the difficult reception.

Analysis: Johnson is a well-built receiver with an upside who could make a roster as a fifth wideout.

Want more information on Johnson? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Josh Johnson, Tulsa WR | NFL Draft Scouting Report

Shamari Brooks, RB

Positives: Quick-footed, creative ball carrier who did a terrific job returning from injury. Patient, displays outstanding vision, and makes great use of blocks. Finds the running lanes, turns it upfield, and quickly gets through the hole. Displays the ability to bounce around piles or defenders. Does a terrific job helping the quarterback sell ball fakes.

Negatives: Not a truly smooth cutback runner and consistently slips cutting against the grain. Plays to one speed and gets in trouble when he tries to stretch runs wide. Marginal pass catcher out of the backfield.

Analysis: Brooks was a very productive ball carrier at Tulsa and consistently showed a nose for the end zone. He projects as a situational runner or third-down back, though he must significantly improve his pass-catching skill.

TieNeal Martin, DB

Positives: Versatile defensive back with solid ball skills. Effective facing the action, quickly diagnoses plays, and plays heads-up football. Keeps the action in front of him, tracks the pass in the air, and displays good range as well as a nice move to the throw. Effectively times pass defenses and shows good hands for the interception. Does a solid job staying downfield with opponents and gets his head back around to defend the throw. Works to make plays upfield against the run.

Negatives: Inefficient. Possesses average playing speed. Not a productive run defender for a safety.

Analysis: Martin is one of the more underrated defensive backs in this year’s draft and is a valuable cover man over the slot receiver. He’s a better football player than athlete and will add value on special teams.

Tyarise Stevenson, DT

Positives: Massive space eater in the middle of the line who flashes playmaking ability. Plays with excellent knee bend, gets leverage on opponents, and fires off the snap with an explosive first step. Impossible to move off the point, powerful, and bull rushes opponents upfield to collapse the pocket. Gets a lot of momentum going, displays the ability to change direction, and gets down the line in pursuit of plays.

Negatives: Ducks his head and does not always play with proper balance. Must develop more moves with his hands to protect himself. May be too big at this stage of his career.

Analysis: Stevenson is a gap-occupying space eater with the size and power to play on Sundays. He comes with an upside and is worth stashing on a practice squad as he develops his game.

Tyler Smith, OL

Positives: Strong, athletic offensive lineman with tremendous upside. Quickly sets up off the snap, bends his knees, and blocks with leverage. Displays footwork off the edge, gets his hands into defenders, and rides pass rushers from their angles of attack.

Stays square, keeps defenders in front of him, and easily anchors at the point. Explosive, turns opponents from the action as a run blocker, and seals them from plays. Intelligent, sees the blitz, and shows excellent awareness. Nicely adjusts to inside moves by pass rushers and handles quick, speedy opponents.

Negatives: Late and lazy with his hands. Inconsistent. Struggled against top competition like Cincinnati last season.

Analysis: Smith displayed terrific improvement in his game last season and was an overwhelming force at times. He’s a nasty blocker who attacks opponents and possesses the athleticism and strength to finish the job. Still rough around the edges, Smith offers starting potential on Sundays.

However, it may be a situation where he begins his career at guard and then kicks out to tackle. And though there may be bumps in the road early on, if Smith is properly coached and given time to develop his game, he will have a long starting career in the NFL.

Want more information on Smith? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Tyler Smith, Tulsa OT | NFL Draft Scouting Report