Day one of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books and it was nothing short of excitement. With 12 of the 32 picks coming from SEC Football schools, the Southeast has made its mark in this NFL Draft. With the likes of Travon Walker, Derek Stingley Jr, and Evan Neal leading the charge for the conference, there are still over 200 picks left in the draft, plenty of which will come from the land where it means more. These are five players to watch on Day 2 who will leave their mark at the next level.
5 SEC Football players to watch for on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft
Matt Corral – QB Ole Miss
One of the biggest shocks of the first round is the lack of quarterbacks selected and by lack, we mean only one.
Matt Corral has been one of the highest touted quarterbacks in the Draft, however the draft position has yet to be established. While his play may not have been the most explosive in 2021, the talent has never been in doubt and it’s only a matter of which team is the best fit for him.
While it is highly unlikely that Corral will go into a training camp as the undisputed signal caller, he will need to be in a position where he can learn an offense and find the best fit long term. With the Giants, Seahawks, Vikings, and the Lions all in the top 14 picks in the 2nd round, Matt Corral will be gone sooner rather than later.
Nakobe Dean – LB Georgia
For Nakobe Dean to go undrafted in the first round is borderline criminal. A ruthless blitzer who can also cover in the pass game, it can leave some scratching their heads as to why he has yet to get picked.
It is not without reason, however. After checking in at 5’11 and 229 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, many scouts and GMs started to question his size and how he would line up against bigger competition, after which his former head coach Kirby Smart would swiftly refute.
A few extra pounds and Nakobe Dean will have a sky-high ceiling in the league with the ability to anchor down a team’s defense.
Isaiah Spiller – RB Texas A&M
The main workhorse of the Aggies offense of the last three seasons, Spiller has been no stranger to NFL Draft talks. Being ranked as one of the best prospects at his position, to say that he took a dip in 2021 would be a statement nothing short of foolish.
Running behind an offensive line that was a complete overhaul from the prior season and an unproductive passing game, Spiller still produced as a power runner with breakaway speed. Any team that is needing some extra force behind the line of scrimmage will be more than satisfied to have a player such as this Houston native.
Christian Harris – LB Alabama
Similar to Nakobe Dean, Christian Harris is another linebacker who isn’t afraid to attack the offensive line and defend the pass in the middle of the field. A player whose strength is spying the quarterback and running backs in the passing game, he will be everywhere on the field for the team that drafts him.
While still a raw prospect with a ton of upside, he will be the dream fit for a team that wants to attack the quarterback at all costs and play aggressive. Give it a few seasons, we could be talking about one of the nastiest players in the league.
Sam Williams – EDGE Ole Miss
Capping off the list is a player who took a massive step in 2021, for both himself and his defense. Hitting the 12.5 sack mark last season, over eight more than the season prior, there has probably not been a player who has improved his stock in 2021 more than Sam Williams.
What impresses most about Sam Williams than just his ability to get over offensive tackles is his get off speed. When you roll the tape back on Williams, it seems like he has the cadence in his mind, catching linemen by surprise, and getting to the quarterback before they’re able to blink.
At 6’4, 265 pounds, Williams is a big body that will gel well with almost any NFL defense and can provide a massive boost to any team that is needing extra speed off the edge.