Numbers 31-40

 

We continue our way too early countdown of the Top NFL Prospects in the 2022 NFL draft with numbers 31-40.

 

40) Emil Ekiyor Sr., G-Alabama

 

A redshirt junior who stands 6-3 325 lbs. and started all 13 games in 2020 for the power fives number one ranked offense. Ekiyor helped pave the way for Najee Harris and company to gain 5 yards per carry. A one time four star recruit with fluid feet and good athleticism. If he can add strength this coming season, that should help his stock even more.

 

Top NFL Prospect Bubba Bolden defends a pas against a Pitt receiver while wearing the orange jerseys.

 

39) Bubba Bolden, S-Miami

 

The one time USC Trojan was a player I enjoyed watching last season. He put up 74 tackles along with 4 forced fumbles and 1 INT. Bolden stands 6-3 200 lbs. and can play deep zone and in the box. Bolden is an efficient blitzer with good instincts. The four star recruit, (according to 247Sports) decided to return for 2021, but whether that was a good idea or not is yet to be seen. Showing more maturity after being suspended for an underage drinking incident in his past probably won’t hurt.

 

Top NFL Prospect Zacoby McClain of Aubrun tackled Arkansas running back Boyd.

 

38) Zakoby McClain, LB-Auburn

 

A 6 foot 220 lbs. senior with a nose for the football. McClain is both fast and instinctive. He is yet another four star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports. Zakoby compiled 113 tackles to go along with 3 sacks and one forced fumble in 2020. One report from The Athletic quotes a teammate saying McClain would “Fight a chainsaw!” To be elite in today’s NFL he needs to show improvement in coverage, but he is still one of the top NFL Prospects at his position for the 2022 NFL Draft.

 

Alabama receiver John Metchie III reaches for a throw just outside the reach of an Ole Miss defender.

 

37) John Metchie III, WR-Alabama

 

Last season Metchie ran alongside Devonta Smith while he dominated the NCAA record books. The young receiver held his own and looked like he belonged when he stepped in for the injured Waddle. Metchie contributed 55 rec, 916 yards, and 6 touchdowns to the number one offense in the power 5. I expect Metchie to step up as the top receiving option for the Crimson Tide this season and if he does he could be the next Alabama receiver to be a day 1 pick.

 

Ole Miss QB Matt Coral touches a bronze head on his way to the field.

 

36) Matt Corral, QB-Ole Miss

 

I pegged Matt Corral as my player to watch this coming season. I love what he brings to the table as a playmaker. He makes quick reads and can make all the throws. Will he be the quarterback we are all talking about after the season that came from out of the shadows? Only time will tell. Watch the game film from last year when he lit up the South Carolina secondary and try your best not to say “Wow!” I dare you.

 

Ohio State guard Thayer Munford wearing the white Buckeyes jersey prepares to block a defender.

 

35)Thayer Munford, OT-Ohio State

 

At 6-6 320 lbs. he has the size to be one of the Top NFL prospects. The senior has started 38 games over the past three seasons, so he has the experience too. Heck, he won the player of the game after a victory over Michigan State last season. How often does a lineman get player of the game? Munford also participated in track and field in high school, generally a pre cursor to good athleticism numbers as well. In another talented class of lineman, Munford may emerge as a star in the 2022 Draft Class.

 

Brenton Cox pumps clenches his fists while celebrating during an NCAA Football game.

 

34) Brenton Cox, Edge-Florida

 

Another transfer on todays list. Cox transferred from Georgia to the Gators after 2018 and sat out the 2019 season. He has off field issues, but on the field he has barely any. If Cox can take a step forward on and off the field he may be a day one pick. He has supreme burst and athleticism, but leaves you wanting a bit more. With some depth in next years draft class at the edge position, he will probably be a second rounder in all reality.

 

Top NFL Prospect Josh Jobe wearing a red ALabama Jersey with a white 28.

 

33) Josh Jobe, CB-Alabama

 

Will Alabama produce yet another quality NFL DB this coming draft? The answer is yes. Jobe played well opposite Surtain in 2020 and should continue getting better under great coaching from the Alabama staff. A physical corner who isn’t afraid to tackle, similar to the afore mentioned Surtain, Jobe has NFL size standing 6-1 and weighing almost 200 lbs. Scouts will continue to fall in love with him throughout the 2021 NCAA Football season. I wouldn’t be surprised if we are discussing him as CB number 2 prior to the 2022 NFL Draft.

 

Cincinatti CB Ahmad Gardner defends a pass against a UCF receiver.

 

32) Ahmad Gardner, CB-Cincinnati

 

Gardner was originally listed as a wide receiver by 247Sports, but quickly transitioned into his role at corner for the Bearcats. Given his ability to catch the ball, he may be more of a ball hawk than many of the other corners in the 2022 Draft Class. Gardner has had 3 INTs in both seasons at Cincinnati and earned praise as a top cover player since day 1. He has NFL size as well, standing 6-2 and is another of my favorite players to watch entering the 2021 NCAA season. It’s a no-brainer to list him as a Top NFL Prospect at this point.

 

Top NFL Prospect Trent McDuffie carries the ball while pointing to the sky.

 

31) Trent McDuffie, CB-Washington

 

Finishing up a run on cornerbacks. McDuffie is shorter than I like, but plenty tall enough for my counterpart Jonah. He is 5-11, but a stout 5-11. He is incredibly twitchy and athletic and can run with the best of them having clocked a 4.47 out of high school. McDuffie is a talented return man as well. My biggest concern is his lack of ball skills, I’d like to see more INTs and PDs from him. Nevertheless, this young man can play and Washington can produce good cornerbacks.

 

Come back for more coverage of the 2022 NFL Draft and the Top NFL Prospects!