NFL Future Watch: 2022 NFL Draft Skill Position Players to Collect, Part 4

by | Jun 9, 2022 | Football, Future Watch, Future Watch - Football, Leaf, Onyx, SAGE, Sports, Topps

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NFL Future Watch: 2022 NFL Draft Skill Position Players to Collect, Part 4 – Cornerbacks are more important now than ever. They are there to deny the opposing receivers. With the quarterback being the most important position in the sport and receiver not far behind, there’s a reason why cornerbacks are so highly regarded. And, they were especially valued in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Here are the guys to collect.

Derek Stingley Jr. is 6-0, 195 pounds and was drafted by the Houston Texans with the third overall pick. This former five-star recruit starred at LSU where he was good at getting interceptions. He had six early on and a lot of defended passes in his one season that wasn’t injury plagued. He was highly recognized and received a lot of notoriety during his time at LSU. Although his time at LSU was hampered by injuries, it didn’t scare off the Texans from selecting him. His athleticism, speed, and the fact that he can make brilliant open-field tackles make him a no-brainer to collect.

Sauce Gardner has the name, the personality, and the stage of New York City to make the most of his time in the NFL. The New York Jets drafted him fourth overall and he came with a lot of hype. Gardner attended the University of Cincinnati and played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2019. He’s a tackler and a player who can pick off the best quarterbacks. In 2021, he was voted the AAC Defensive Player of the Year Award. At 6-3, 200 pounds, his speed is great. His vertical leap allows him to contest balls on deep routes, and his versatility and quickness provides opportunities for him to sack the quarterback. He should be a top rookie this year.

Trent McDuffie is a cornerback who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 21st overall pick. He has good jumping ability and at 5-11, 195 pounds, he gets the most out of his frame. McDuffie had 45 tackles as a true freshman in 2019. He kept adding to that to the point where he went from second-team All-Pac-12 in 2020 to first-team in 2021. McDuffie can get to the outside for a tackle or pick off a ball and take it to the house. If a ball is loose, he will get to it first. In the end, this guy will get a chance to play for one of the best teams in the AFC, so plan on collecting him when he gets regular playing time.

Kaiir Elam was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 23rd overall pick. Elam made his name with the Florida Gators. In 2019, he was voted to the All-Freshman SEC team. Elam ran track as well, and that bodes well for a player at his position. He’s known for his athleticism and solid coverage. He can be physical as well. At 6-2, he’s taller than some at his position and he knows how to break up a pass or go up and grab it for an interception. He’s on the best team in the AFC, so expect a lot from this future star.

 

NFL Future Watch: 2022 NFL Draft Skill Position Players to Collect, Part 4 – More Resources

 

Russ Cohen
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