NFL prospects who helped their draft stock most in 2022

Despite leading the Bulldogs to a National Championship last season, there were questions about Bennett’s ability to play at the next level. The quarterback has padded his resume this season and shown improved accuracy in the process. Bennett is still too undersized and physically limited to be an early-round pick, but he’s certainly now in the conversation for Day 3.

The defensive back factory that is Alabama has another potential top NFL player in Branch. He had a strong 2021 season but was spectacular this year with 90 tackles, two picks, and three sacks in 13 games. Branch is a rare safety with top-10 pick potential, showing the ability to contribute in multiple facets.

Carter appeared to be a surefire first-round pick entering this season, but now he could be in play for the first overall pick. The dominant interior defender had 30 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles heading into the CFP Title game.

Undersized at 5-foot-10, Flowers still has the potential to sneak into the first round of the draft after a great senior season. He finished with 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns and has also been a frequent contributor as a runner.

Gibbs bet on himself by transferring from Georgia Tech to Alabama, and the move paid off. He has breakaway speed that we simply don’t see in many running backs, with the versatility to play all three downs. The skillset resembles that of Reggie Bush and could push him to the late first round after accumulating 7.0 yards per touch and 10 touchdowns in 2022.

Another prospect who did well to transfer, Gonzalez pushed his game forward after moving from Colorado to Oregon. He has plenty of size to play on the outside at the next level and had four picks for the Ducks.

The speedy Hyatt had a breakout season in the explosive Vols offense. He finished the season with 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games as the top receiver in the offense and now sits as a potential first-rounder.

Hooker showed off terrific production in back-to-back seasons at Tennessee, with a whopping 58/5 TD/INT. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL late in the season, but the injury probably won’t hurt his stock significantly, with teams looking at him as a more long-term project as a Day 2 pick anyway.

Johnston went from a strong prospect to potentially the top wideout drafted in 2023 after his great campaign. As a junior, he contributed 59 catches for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns, heading into the CFP title game as a great deep threat.

Kincaid was a strong pass catcher in 2021, but he took his game to another level this season. The Utes star finished with 70 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns, showing potential as a Zach Ertz-like receiver at the next level.

Levis’s stats have been far from earth-shattering at Kentucky, yet his stock continues to rise. With incredible arm talent, Levis remains in the conversation for the No. 1 overall draft choice, and the draft process should only help him.

Mayer was the top tight end in the draft class heading into the year, and nothing has changed. For a position that can be as hot and cold at tight end, that’s saying a lot that he can maintain his stock with back-to-back 800-yard seasons and 16 touchdowns in two years. Mayer is the rare tight end potentially worthy of top-10 pick status.

McBride was among the college leaders with 1,713 rushing yards this season, adding a whopping 19 touchdowns. Questions remain about his pass-catching ability, but his ability to run between the tackles could make McBride a Day 2 pick.

Richardson had an enigmatic season at Florida, completing only 53.8% of his passes, and yet he remains in consideration as a first-round pick. His athleticism could be too good for teams to resist, with the hope that Richardson will slowly develop as a dynamic threat like Justin Fields.

Sanders transferred from Alabama to Arkansas for more playing time, and the move was a great one for his draft stock. He blossomed this season with 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks, showing the ability that made him a five-star recruit.

Heading into the offseason, Skoronski looks to be the top offensive line prospect on the board. Much could change between now and the draft, but Skoronski looks like a plug-and-play left tackle after a great college career.

Torrence is usually the biggest man on the field at nearly 350 pounds, and the transfer from Louisiana appears to be more than just a big body. His ability as a mauling run blocker would have a fit in several modern offenses with picks late in the first round.

Washington is a bit more advanced as a blocker than a receiver, but that skillset should allow him to contribute quicker than most rookie tight ends. He averaged 17.0 yards per catch in college and saw much more playing time in 2022 to become a Day 2 pick.

Wilson began his college career at Texas A&M but has made his name at Tech. He had seven sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Red Raiders and could be the second edge rusher off the board after a strong senior season.

Witherspoon has had much to do with the emerging Illini defense in 2022, recording 41 tackles, three picks, and 14 passes defensed in 12 games. His consistent season should help him become one of the first cornerbacks selected in 2023.