Top 10 NFL Draft prospects in the SEC
The SEC features some of the best talent in all of college football, and the 2022 NFL Draft will once again feature a multitude of talent from the conference. Prior to this year’s college football season, Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus ranked the SEC’s top prospects for the NFL Draft.
Here are the Top 10 NFL Draft prospects in the SEC, according to PFF:
Top 10 NFL Draft prospects in the SEC: The Top 5
1) CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU (Junior). Stingley’s been on the NFL’s radar since he PFF’s highest-graded cornerback in the country as a true freshman in 2019. Furthermore, the only other position player who can say that over the last seven years was Derwin James at Florida State. Renner believes Stingly is a super athlete, and his excitement is through the roof following the report that the cornerback will receive snaps at wide receiver this fall.
2) EDGE DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M (Junior). First, Renner mentions that Leal’s 88.3 overall grade was by far the best of any true sophomore. As he becomes draft eligible, it’s exciting to see how the defensive end can continue to improve.
3) OT Evan Neal, Alabama (Junior). According to Renner, Neal allowed just nine pressures last season at right tackle. If Neal can play to his potential, he’ll follow in Alex Leatherwoods’ footsteps as a first-round selection.
4) CB Kaiir Elam, Florida (Junior). Unfortunately, Elam lives in the shadow of Stingley inside the SEC. Still, according to Renner, the Florida Gator is a true outside corner, as well as being one of the most battle-tested players in the country by next April.
5) EDGE Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina (Senior). While Enagbare is a physical specimen, Renner mentions that it’s a good thing he returns for his senior season. According to Renner, Enagbare was more “bull in a china shop” than “polished pass rusher” last season. He believes the defensive end’s ceiling is unlimited with a more refined technique.
Top 10 NFL Draft prospects in the SEC: 6-10
6) S Jordan Battle, Alabama (Junior). Battle is the perfect example of how safeties in college football have had to evolve due to offenses. According to Renner, Battle’s size at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds means he’s the ideal size to do whatever is asked at the NFL level.
7) EDGE Adam Anderson, Georgia (Senior). While Azeez Ojulari was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Renner mentions it was Anderson who was more dominant. While he’s yet to lock in on one position, Renner believes in the former five-star recruit’s freaky skill-set.
8) OT Kenyon Green, Texas A&M (Junior). By putting Green on the list, Renner is expecting the offensive tackle to make a jump in 2021. According to Reneer, Green has earned overall grades of 62.4 and 75.0, but he still believes in Green’s athletic ability in adding him to the list.
9) LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia (Junior). According to Renner, Dean is a poor man’s Devin Bush. With room to grow in 2021, that’s a pretty good floor for the linebacker.
10) WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas (Junior). Renner ranks Burks as the SEC’s top receiver, above John Metchie III of Alabama and George Pickens of Georgia. According to Renner, it’s Burks physical tools that set him apart, as the receiver is 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and can still run away from defensive backs at that size.
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