Todd McShay names 10 prospects who boosted their draft stock at NFL Combine
Todd McShay and the rest of the NFL world had their eyes glued to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine last week. Throughout, multiple athletes improved their draft stock, and made themselves more viable to multiple franchises in the process.
“It’s important to remember that the combine is just one piece of the pre-draft evaluation puzzle,” stated McShay. “But with that said, there are absolutely prospects who see their stock rise coming out of the event.”
Here’s who Todd McShay believes boosted their draft stock at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
10 prospects who boosted their draft stock at NFL Combine:
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia Bulldogs — “How wild was Davis’ workout?” stated McShay. “I’m still trying to process what we all saw.”
After the awe-inspiring performance, McShay added Davis to his Mount Rushmore of all-time combine performances, joining Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson and Vernon Davis. Now, McShay doesn’t believe the former Bulldogs star will be on the board for long come April.
Amare Barno, OLB, Virginia Tech Hokies — While Barno may be undersized according to McShay, the former Hokies linebacker made up for it at the combine.
“He arrived in Indianapolis as a late Day 2 pick and leaves a potential second rounder,” stated McShay.
Travon Walker, DE, Georgia Bulldogs — Walker may have been overlooked while at Georgia, but McShay made a bold proclamation regarding the former Bulldogs pass rusher.
“Walker never received the attention that Davis or linebacker Nakobe Dean got on that Georgia defense, but he will be drafted ahead of both on April 28,” believes McShay.
Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State Cougars — “A four-year starter at right tackle, he came into the combine with an early-third-round grade, but he has now given himself a chance to hear his name called sooner than later on Day 2 of the draft,” McShay stated, regarding the former Pac-12 star.
Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State Cyclones — While McShay recognizes that there isn’t a first round talent among this iteration’s running back class, he believes Hall will be drafted first. While praising his combine performance, he stated, “I think he’s a second-rounder and the first running back taken.”
Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State Jackrabbits — Speaking of running backs, Strong Jr. upped his stock with his showcase in Indianapolis. According to McShay, the running back has entered the late-Day 2/early-Day 3 conversation after coming to the city a fifth-round selection.
Troy Andersen, ILB, Montana State Bobcats — When it comes to Anderson, McShay mentions that he first caught his eye at the Senior Bowl — but his stock is continuing to soar.
“Despite also playing quarterback and running back in college, Anderson is one of the top off-the-ball linebackers in the class,” wrote McShay. “He flies all over the field and is always around the ball.”
Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State Aztecs — After flashing his potential in Indianapolis, McShay states that Bellinger went from being a late selection on Day 3, to possibly hearing his name called early on the aforementioned final day.
Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA Roadrunners — McShay believes the unique Woolen greatly improved his stock, stating “Woolen made himself some money this weekend, building off a great Senior Bowl with a huge combine performance.”
Nick Cross, S, Maryland Terrapins — “Cross not only ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.34) out of the safeties this year. He also ran one of the fastest 40s for a safety in the history of the combine,” wrote McShay.
The ESPN analyst is excited to learn more about Cross, but he believes he’s a potential Day 2 selection after the combine.