The early picks got most of the hype heading into the draft, but it's the later picks that could make all the difference in an eventual Super Bowl. These 20 players could be diamonds in the rough in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Badie tore up the SEC when he finally got his opportunity to play last season, averaging 6.0 yards per carry with nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Some only see him as a third-down back due to his lack of size, but Badie has some power in his game and had a terrific combine. He could be an immediate three-down back available on Day 3.
Corral is rarely mentioned as the top quarterback in the draft class, but he could be deserving. He has three years of starting experience at Ole Miss, completing over 67% of his passes, and also has the mobility to lead an NFL offense. After an injury scare in the Rebels' bowl game, Corral is healthy and potentially able to step in as a rookie.
Dotson is somewhat undersized, but he had a solid combine and has been a multi-dimensional threat for the Nittany Lions over the last three years. He could be more than just a mid-round slot receiver.
Ebiketie really helped his stock last season after transferring from Tempe to Penn State, recording 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. There are some questions about whether he has the length to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense, but the production against top competition is eye-opening.
The Crimson Tide seemingly have an early linebacker drafted every year, and Harris could be next in line as a proven playmaker. He recorded 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season, just topping his 2020 numbers, but will likely drop to Day 2 due to his lack of coverage skills. That could be a mistake, as Harris has the potential to plug the run well immediately.
Hall is potentially the top running back in the 2022 class after dominating at the combine. He ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash, and also had the best vertical jump among running backs. After consecutive highly productive seasons, he very well could be this year's Jonathan Taylor.
Teams know they are taking more of a short-yardage runner with Haskins, but he could be dynamite in that role. The Michigan Man showed off his impressive strength in the bench press (27 reps) and has big-time size for the position. Despite a likely draft status on Day 3, he could be a nice weapon.
Howell's draft stock was hurt in 2021 with a downgraded supporting cast at North Carolina. His lack of size and dwindling accuracy is a concern, but Howell can still make unscripted plays that are breathtaking. With the right coaching, Howell could be an excellent value after the top-tier quarterbacks.
Iowa has become an offensive line factory, and Linderbaum is the next in line. He's one of the few interior linemen with a chance to be drafted in the first round and could be a nice value with a high likelihood to have a Pro Bowl career.
There has been some helium with McBride's draft stock after a terrific senior season, finishing with 90 catches for 1,121 yards. His lack of height could be an issue in the Red Zone, but tight ends with his receiving ability are rare.
McKinley made for quite the center fielder after moving from cornerback to safety in college. He led college football with six interceptions last season. His lack of size should push him down draft boards, but he's proven that he can play.
A torn ACL really hurt Pickens' production and draft stock, but he still shows first-round talent. He has ample size at 6-foot-3 and was dominant upon his arrival to Georgia. He has a chance to be a superstar despite falling beyond the first round.
Pierce showed himself to be a premier deep threat in college, and the numbers are backed up by his combine performance. He ran a strong 4.41 40-yard dash and was in the top tier in the vertical jump and shuttle. After averaging 17.5 yards per catch for the Bearcats, Pierce looks like a high upside lottery ticket.
There's a reason Raimann is drawing first-round consideration despite inexperience as an offensive lineman. The Austrian moved from tight end in 2020 but has impressed in workouts as his stock continues to shoot through the roof.
Some teams could be turned off by Robinson's official 5-foot-8 measurement, but he showed himself to be a downright playmaker at Kentucky. He was used as a runner early in his career at Nebraska and touched the bally 111 times for the Wildcats upon transferring last year. He has a chance to be a poor man's Tyreek Hill as a Day 2 pick.
Ross was considered a future top 10 pick before major neck surgery in 2020. He wasn't quite up to his former self upon his return last season, but still shows immense upside. The 6-foot-4 wideout has the lankiness to be a terror in the Red Zone and has rare talent for a player who could drop to Day 3.
Strong could be the best quarterback prospect in the draft if not for his injury concerns. He's completed over 70% of his passes in back-to-back years, but injury questions are likely to push his stock to Day 2 or beyond. If Strong could have better luck, he could be a cheap starter.
Strong was a superstar at South Dakota State and ran a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash. Recent prospect James Robinson has shown that non-FBS backs shouldn't be overlooked, and Strong shows potential as a third-down change of pace back.
If there were any doubts Watson could stack up physically to the top wideouts in the draft after playing at North Dakota State, they were erased at the combine. He ran an electric 4.36-second 40-yard dash and was an elite jumper, all while measuring 6-foot-4. Watson is shaping up to be an elite option on Day 2.
Williams is a household name, but his torn ACL suffered at the end of the year will likely push him to late in the first round. He has the talent to make teams regret passing up on him, showing off truly elite speed with 19.9 yards per catch at Bama last year. There's a solid chance he's the most impactful player to come out of the entire 2022 class.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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