2022 NFL Draft Top 10 Running Backs Prospects

By Barb Layton

I love to see the rankings of each position every year to see how they might go in the draft.

I do not feel that any running back will be taken in the first round this year. Let’s begin doing the ranking of the running backs.

  1. Kenneth Walker, Michigan State
  2. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
  3. Breece Hall, Iowa State
  4. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
  5. Tyhler Allgeier, BYU
  6. Zonovan Knight, NC State
  7. Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
  8. Rachaad White, Arizona State
  9. James Cook, Georgia
  10. Sincere McCormick, UTSA

2022 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Prospects

Meet the 2022 NFL draft quarterbacks: Stats, background and analysis for  Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, Malik Willis
By Barb Layton

One of my favorite things to do in the NFL off-season is to rank the draft picks by position.

So, I am going to begin the positions by starting with the quarterbacks. There is no front runner this year. I would think that Kenny Pickett is the most polished of all the quarterbacks. Malik Willis might be the one with the most upside. Let’s see how I rank them.

  1. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
  2. Malik Willis, Liberty
  3. Matt Corral, Ole Miss
  4. Sam Howell, North Carolina
  5. Carson Strong, Nevada
  6. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
  7. Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan
  8. Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky
  9. Aqeel Glass, Alabama A&M
  10. Dustin Crum, Kent State

NFL First Round Mock Draft Post Super Bowl

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: PFF's Top 150 Prospects | NFL Draft | PFF
By Barb Layton

Now that the Super Bowl is in the books for another year, I turn my attention to the off season. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love free agency, the combine and especially the draft.

I like to be able to see how teams might try to fill their needs either through free agency or the draft.

Let’s get started with my first mock draft of the season.

  1. Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT Alabama
  2. Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan
  3. Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
  4. Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon
  5. Giants: Derek Stingley, CB LSU
  6. Panthers: Kenyon Green, G Texas A&M
  7. Giants: DeMarvin Leal, DT Texas A&M
  8. Falcons: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
  9. Broncos: David Ojabo, EDGE Michigan
  10. Jets: Andrew Booth, CB Clemson
  11. Commanders: Malik Willis, QB Liberty
  12. Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia
  13. Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State
  14. Ravens: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State
  15. Eagles: Daxton Hill, S Michigan
  16. Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah
  17. Chargers: Perrion Winfrey, DT Oklahoma
  18. Saints: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
  19. Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR Alabama
  20. Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt
  21. Patriots: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue
  22. Raiders: Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia
  23. Cardinals: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State
  24. Cowboys: Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
  25. Bills: Drake London, WR USC
  26. Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, OC Iowa
  27. Buccaneers: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
  28. Packers: Trent McDuffie, CB Washington
  29. Dolphins: Trevon Walker, EDGE Georgia
  30. Chiefs: Jaquan Brisker, S Penn State
  31. Bengals: Zion Johnson, G Boston College
  32. Lions: Chad Muma, LB Wyoming

2022 1st Round Mock Draft 1.0 Post Super Bowl

By James Layton

The NFL Draft is the highlight of my year. I enjoy looking for the diamonds in the rough and turning them into stars.

Many today are in the win it now mode. This way of thinking can come back to bite them. I still like building a team from the ground up. Draft picks are the way for most teams to be a champion.

So, let’s get started on my first round 1 draft. See how I feel the first round could fall.

  1. Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT Alabama
  2. Lions: Aiden Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan
  3. Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregan
  4. Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
  5. Giants: Derek Stingley, CB LSU
  6. Panthers: Kenyon Green, G Texas A&M
  7. Giants: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State
  8. Falcons: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
  9. Broncos: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue
  10. Jets: Andrew Booth, CB Clemson
  11. Commanders: Malik Willis, QB Liberty
  12. Vikings: DeMarvin Lewis, DT Texas A&M
  13. Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State
  14. Ravens: Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
  15. Eagles: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State
  16. Eagles: Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa
  17. Chargers: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
  18. Saints: Drake London, WR USC
  19. Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah
  20. Steelers: Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss
  21. Patriots: Daxton Hill, S Michigan
  22. Raiders: Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia
  23. Cardinals: Zion Johnson, G Boston College
  24. Cowboys: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia
  25. Bills: Jameson Williams, WR Alabama
  26. Titans: Chad Muma, LB Wyoming
  27. Buccaneers: Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh
  28. Packers: David Ojabo, EDGE Michigan
  29. Dolphins: Kenneth Walker, RB Michigan State
  30. Chiefs: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
  31. Bengals: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Ohio State
  32. Lions: Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State

Senior Bowl 2022 American Team

by Barb Layton

Offense

Quarterbacks

  • Sam Howell, North Carolina
  • Malik Willis, Liberty
  • Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

Running Backs

  • James Cook, Georgia
  • Dameon Pierce, Florida
  • D’Vonte Price, Florida International
  • Brian Robinson, Alabama
  • Connor Heyward, Michigan State (FB)

Wide Receivers

  • Calvin Austin, Memphis
  • Dontario Drummond, Ole Miss
  • Danny Gray, SMU
  • Velus Jones, Tennessee
  • Reggie Roberson, SMU
  • Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
  • Tre Turner, Virginia Tech

Tight Ends

  • Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State
  • Grant Calcaterra, SMU
  • Greg Dulcich, UCLA
  • Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina

Offensive Linemen

  • Spencer Burford, UTSA
  • Luke Fortner, Kentucky
  • Ed Ingram, LSU
  • Braxton Jones, Southern Utah
  • Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
  • Cade Mays, Tennessee
  • Max Mitchell, Louisiana
  • Dylan Parham, Memphis
  • Chris Paul, Tulsa
  • Jamaree Salyer, Georgia
  • Justin Shaffer, Georgia
  • Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech

Defense

Defensive Linemen

  • Amare Barno, Virginia Tech
  • Zachary Carter, Florida
  • Michael Clemons, Texas A&M
  • Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
  • Neil Farrell, LSU
  • Jermaine Johnson, Florida State
  • DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky
  • Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
  • Josh Paschal, Kentucky
  • John Ridgeway, Arkansas
  • Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
  • Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

Linebackers

  • Damone Clark, LSU
  • JoJo Domann, Nebraska
  • Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M
  • D’Marco Jackson, Appalachian State
  • Jeremiah Moon, Florida
  • Channing Tindall, Georgia
  • Quay Walker, Georgia

Defensive Backs

  • Tycen Anderson, Toledo
  • Yusuf Corker, Kentucky
  • Akayleb Evans, Missouri
  • Mario Goodrich, Clemson
  • Derion Kendrick, Georgia
  • Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston
  • Roger McCreary, Auburn
  • Leon O’Neal, Texas A&M
  • Alontae Taylor, Tennessee
  • Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska
  • Josh Thompson, Texas
  • Tariq Woolen, UTSA

Special Teams

  • LS Jordan Silver, Arkansas
  • PK Cameron Dicker, Texas
  • PT Jake Camarda, Georgia

Senior Bowl 2022 National Team

by Barb Layton

Offense

Quarterbacks

  • Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
  • Desmond Ritter, Cincinnati
  • Carson Strong, Nevada

Running Backs

  • Tyler Badie, Missouri
  • Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
  • Hassan Haskins, Michigan
  • Abram Smith, Baylor
  • Rachaad White, Arizona State
  • Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma (FB)

Wide Receivers

  • Jahan Dotson, Penn State
  • Romeo Doubs, Nevada
  • Bo Melton, Rutgers
  • Alex Pierce, Cincinnati
  • Khalil Shakir, Boise State
  • Christian Watson, North Dakota State

Tight Ends

  • Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin
  • Charlie Kolar, Nevada
  • Trey McBride, Colorado State
  • Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
  • Cole Turner, Nevada

Offensive Linemen

  • Ja’Tyre Carter, Southern University
  • Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
  • Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan
  • Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma
  • Zion Johnson, Boston College
  • Abraham Lucas, Washington State
  • Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
  • Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
  • Cole Strange, UT-Chattanooga
  • Andrew Stueber, Michigan
  • Matt Waletzko, North Carolina
  • Nick Zakelj, Fordham

Defense

Defensive Linemen

  • Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
  • Haskell Garrett, Ohio State
  • Logan Hall, Houston
  • Travis Jones, Connecticut
  • Boye Mafe, Minnesota
  • Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA
  • Esezi Otomewo, Minnesota
  • Dominique Robinson, Miami (OH)
  • Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
  • Tyreke Smith, Ohio State
  • Isaiah Thomas Oklahoma
  • Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma

Linebackers

  • Troy Anderson, Montana State
  • Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma
  • Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati
  • Terrel Bernard, Baylor
  • Devin Lloyd, Utah
  • Jesse Luketa, Penn State
  • Chad Muma, Wyoming
  • Mike Rose, Iowa State
  • Sterling Weatherford, Miami (OH)

Defensive Backs

  • Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
  • Tariq, Castro-Fields, Penn State
  • Gregory Junior, Ouachita Baptist
  • Joseph Kerby, Illinois
  • Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh
  • Jalen Pitre, Baylor
  • Jaylen Watson, Washington State
  • Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State
  • J.T. Woods, Baylor

Special Teams

  • LS Cal Adomitis, Pittsburgh
  • PK Andrew Mevis, Iowa State
  • PT Jordan Stout, Penn State

Where Are They Now? Lawrence Butler III

By James and Barb Layton

Several years ago I wrote a scouting report and did an interview on Lawrence (Larry) Butler an All-American linebacker out of Southern Nazarene University

I viewed him as a 3rd round pick, as did many draft insiders.

He has had many road blocks along the way. You might like to know what happened to his football career and what he is doing today.

When was your Achilles Injury, and how did it happen?

Happened last day of draft , (3rd day) I had a string of injuries during my senior year caused me to miss 3 games and parts of 3 others. I wasn’t given an MRI  I didn’t know the extent of damage paying on injury my senior season ultimately lead to cartilage damage and a torn Achilles which ultimately derailed my career. Preseason going into my senior season I was projected as a 3rd round pick . My stock plummeted during this injury riddled season Ultimately I played my senior season , with a torn quadricep , fractured ankle, and partially torn Achilles and had no idea. 


What was your Mindset after the injury, and did you think about still trying to make it to the next level?

Yes I actually had a brief comeback when I was able to walk again in 2018 a year and a half later the globe bowl in Philadelphia I ran a 4.5 in the 40 and a 4.2 shuttle and had 11 tackles 3 Tfls a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries in the game my performance is still on YouTube 

Did you think about a career in coaching or in football operations? 

Nope I actually don’t even watch or care for football anymore I’m completely out the loop. the way my career ended I honestly feel football was a waste of my life literally dedicated my whole young life to it missed out on a lot for something that ultimately (injury or not) didn’t work out in the end 

What was your backup plan if football didn’t work out?

Didn’t really have one to be honest (smiles and laughs) I got into personal training for a little it was cool paid the bills and Helping people reach goals was always great feeling

Do you think about football these days?

Not at all. 

Was Fashion and modeling something you’ve always have been interested in? or Something that has fallen into?

I was actually focused on being an actor and went thru several auditions etc since 2019 wasn’t getting much traction until recently I was always suggested to do model by people and I did a photo shoot sent them around it created a lot of buzz and I got offered to do shows and now because I’m more identifiable I’m getting more opportunities in film as well. Also I have a book coming early next year so be on the lookout 

Do you think a Career in the fashion industry will be as fulfilling as a career in the football industry?

Yes even more so now I’ll have more of a name and platform to touch, reach , and help people 

What are some of your goals in modeling? 

My goals are always to be the best in everything I do 

Do you have other interests besides modeling and fashion?

Film

What is it like going from an All-American Linebacker to a professional model?

I feel it opens a lot of doors the story is interesting more and more people want to learn and know more , I get asked about it all the time. I would choose to not even talk about it anymore if I could football is over I moved on but I know people who meet me want to talk about it . It’s cool

Is there anything you would like brought out or highlighted in this article?

Be on the lookout for Lawrence Butler III “LB3 is the future “

It was really nice getting to catch up with him. Happy he has such a promising career.

Way To Early 1st Round Mock Draft For The 2022 NFL Draft

By James Layton

With the 2021 NFL Draft ending Saturday. It’s never to early to start taking a look at the next years class. This is my first mock draft for the 2022 NFL Draft.

This draft I did make one trade down. But in my following drafts I will be including trades that could happen.

Let’s get in to the draft!

  1. Lions: Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma State
  2. Texans: Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU
  3. Jaguars: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
  4. Eagles: Sam Howell, QB North Carolina
  5. Bengals: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Oregon
  6. Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
  7. Giants: Christian Harris, LB Alabama
  8. Falcons: Garrett Wilson, Edge Ohio State
  9. Broncos: Drake Jackson, Edge USC
  10. Giants: Evan Neal, OT Alabama
  11. Washington: Kedon Slovis, QB USC
  12. Titans: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
  13. Browns: Brenton Cox, Edge Florida
  14. Vikings: Bubba Bolden, S Miami (FL)
  15. Cardinals: Zach Harrison, Edge Ohio State
  16. Buccaneers (from Steelers): Isaiah Spiller, RB Texas A&M
  17. Chargers: Jalen Wydermyer, TE Texas A&M
  18. Patriots: Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State
  19. Cowboys: Zion Nelson, OT Miami (FL)
  20. Eagles: Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB Washington
  21. Raiders: Derion Kendrick, CB Clemson
  22. Colts: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
  23. Jets: DeMarvin Leal, DT Texas A&M
  24. Saints: George Karlaftis, Edge
  25. Panthers: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
  26. Dolphins: Breece Hall, RB Iowa State
  27. Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa
  28. Lions: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State
  29. Packers: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Michigan
  30. Bills: Justyn Ross, WR Clemson
  31. Steelers (from Buccaneers): Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati
  32. Chiefs: Ed Ingram, G LSU

Early 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board Top 50

By James Layton

With the 2021 NFL Draft just ending two days ago. It’s never to early to start looking to the next class of prospects. This Quarterback class is a interesting one with Spencer Rattler and Desmond Ridder among the top.

This year’s class is going to have a lot of seniors that due to COVID had their seasons canceled, are able to return for their senior seasons.

Let’s get in to the big board.

  1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Oregon
  2. Spencer Rattler, QB Oklahoma
  3. Sam Howell, QB North Carolina
  4. Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU
  5. Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame
  6. Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati
  7. Christian Harris, LB Alabama
  8. Drake Jackson, Edge USC
  9. Kadon Slovis, QB UCS
  10. Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
  11. Isaiah Spiller, RB Texas A&M
  12. Evan Harrison, Edge Ohio State
  13. Evan Neal, OT Alabama
  14. Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State
  15. Brenton Cox, Edge Florida
  16. Derion Kendrick, CB Clemson
  17. Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State
  18. Breece Hall, RB Iowa State
  19. Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
  20. Bubba Bolden, S Miami (FL)
  21. Jalen Wydermyer, TE Texas A&M
  22. Zion Nelson, OT Miami (FL)
  23. Edefuan Ulofoskhio, LB Washington
  24. Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa
  25. DeMarvin Leal, DT Texas A&M
  26. Justyn Ross, WR Clemson
  27. Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Michigan
  28. Kaiir Elam, CB Florida
  29. Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati
  30. George Karlafits, TE Purdue
  31. Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State
  32. Jaden Davis, DT Georgia
  33. Kyren Williams, RB Notre Dame
  34. Cade Otton, TE Washington
  35. Jarrett Patterson, C Notre Dame
  36. Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin
  37. Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DT Notre Dame
  38. Ed Ingram, G LSU
  39. Ventrell Miller, LB Florida
  40. Isaiah Likely, TE Coastal Carolina
  41. Ben Brown, G Ole Miss
  42. Brandon Joseph, S Northwestern
  43. Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
  44. Jerrion Ealy, RB Ole Miss
  45. Kana’i Mauga, LB USC
  46. Tykee Smith, S Georgia
  47. Zion Johnson, G Boston College
  48. Colby Wolden, DT Auburn
  49. Jayden Daniels, QB Arizona State
  50. Carson Strong, QB Nevada

Lions Official Undrafted Free Agent Signings

By James Layton

The Lions have released their Official list of undrafted free agent signings. The Lions are looking like a they’re build a tough hard nose football with their draft picks. That continues with their undrafted free agents, it looks like they found some gems with Jonathan Adams (WR), Drake Jackson (C), Sage Surratt (WR), Rakeem Boyd (RB), Tommy Kreamer (G).

Here is their complete list.

  1. Jonathan Adams, WR Arkansas State
  2. D’Angelo Amos, S Virginia
  3. Tavante Beckett, LB Marshall
  4. Rakeem Boyd, RB Arkansas
  5. Jake Hausmann, TE Ohio State
  6. Drake Jackson, C Kentucky
  7. Jerry Jacobs, CB Arkansas
  8. Tommy Kreamer, G Notre Dame
  9. Dedrick Mills, RB Nebraska
  10. Javon McKinley, WR Notre Dame
  11. AJ Parker, CB Kansas State
  12. Sage Surratt, WR Wake Forest
  13. Brock Wright, TE Notre Dame