The 2022 NFL Draft class is unique in its lack of top end talent but ridiculously strong depth.
It’s also noteworthy for having an extremely strong group of prospects from non-FBS schools.
While this class doesn’t have a Kyle Dugger caliber prospect, several D2 players have a solid chance at getting drafted.
Division-II Football
164 teams competed in Division-II football this year, with #1 Ferris State demolishing #2 Valdosta State in the D2 National Championship.
While most fans overlook D2 when evaluating draft prospects, it’s important to note that 73 active NFL players (during the 2021 season) finished their career at a D2 school, with multiple other players having played for a D2 school at some time in their college career.
Those 73 players counts for a somewhat modest 2.83% of the league, but it’s a bigger total than a couple FBS conferences, the MAC (72 players) and the Sun Belt (50 players).
I’ve put together a list of nearly 12 Division 2 players who I think have a solid chance to be among the 262 players hearing their names called in the 2022 draft.
Top D2 Players in the 2022 NFL Draft
Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State
Size: 6’3″, 195 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.53 40 yard dash, 11 reps, 36″ vert, 124″ broad, 6.95 cone, 4.47 shuttle
2021 Stats: 9 games, 31 tackles, 9 passes defended, 3 interceptions
Joshua Williams is certainly the most well known of the 2022 D2 draft prospects, and is expected to be a mid round draft pick.
With plus-size and length, Williams looks the part of a modern NFL cornerback with playable speed and fluid hips for his size.
Williams had the opportunity to perform at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, and showed no significant problems with the uptick in competition.
Dareke Young, WR, Lenoir-Rhyne
Size: 6’2″, 225 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.41 40 yard dash, 22 reps, 37″ vert, 135″ broad, 6.97 cone, 4.16 shuttle
2021 Stats: 5 games, 303 receiving yards, 4 receiving touchdowns, 12.1 yards per reception, 11.0% receiving yards accounted for
Dareke Young is a powerful wide receiver who performed well at the East-West Shrine Game before dominating his pro day workout.
Young’s 4.41 40 yard dash was the fastest among receivers weighing more than 210 pounds (which he’s well above), and his 135″ broad jump was tied for 3rd out of the 279 receivers I found broad jump results for.
You can see some great flashes on film, but he only got to play 5 games this season and 2 games in the shortened 2020 season.
Despite the missed time, a team will definitely take a flyer pick on him on day 3 of the draft. The physical traits are simply too much to let slip into undrafted free agency.
Dallis Flowers, CB, Pittsburg State
Size: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.43 40 yard dash, 131″ broad, 6.98 cone, 4.34 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, 4 interceptions
Dallis Flowers bounced around multiple schools before finishing his career at Pitt State, where teams quickly learned not to throw in his direction.
Flowers had the athletic traits of a big time NFL corner, with a 6’6″ wingspan, 40 speed measured as fast as the mid 4.3’s, and excellent ball production. Flowers totaled 10 interceptions over the past three seasons (32 games).
Another East-West Shrine Game participant, there’s plenty of room to improve technique and tackling, but he has enough traits to draw significant NFL interest.
Bryce Witt, QB, Chowan
Size: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.96 40 yard dash, 29.5″ vertical, 108″ broad, 7.32 cone, 4.45 shuttle
2021 Stats: 10 games, 2864 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 66.3% completion rate, 8.6 yards per attempt, 154 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns
Bryce Witt is my favorite sleeper quarterback in the 2022 draft, and I think has a chance to be the rare D2 quarterback to catch on in the NFL if he’s given his opportunity.
Witt led Chowan to its highest win total in over 30 years, showing the innate ability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield.
He played great at the HBCU legacy bowl, and showed a lot more consistency in his 2021 tape.
Witt has a sturdy 230 pound build that can take some hits, and enough arm strength to make NFL throws.
Gregory Junior, CB, Ouachita Baptist
Size: 6’0″, 205 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.46 40 yard dash, 18 reps, 39.5″ vert, 123″ broad, 6.97 cone, 4.17 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 46 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, 0 interceptions
Gregory Junior was as impressive as any corner at the Senior Bowl, putting himself firmly on the NFL radar.
The physical traits are certainly there. 6’0″ 205 pounds, a strong burst, and plenty of hip quickness.
He’s a solid tackler who mirrors well, but the lack of ball production at the division 2 level is unusual. Junior hasn’t recorded an interception since the 2018 season, going 24 games without a takeaway.
While interceptions aren’t exactly a great measure of great cornerback play, you’d expect a lot more production from someone with his traits.
Sam Webb, CB, Missouri Western
Size: 6’1″, 200 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.48 40 yard dash, 14 reps, 42.5″ vert, 136″ broad, 6.94 cone, 4.18 shuttle
2021 Stats: 10 games, 30 tackles, 0 tackles for loss, 6 passes defended, 0 interceptions
Webb is yet another D2 cornerback prospect who has elite physical traits which demand NFL attention.
His explosiveness measurables are off the charts, ranking 2nd out of 207 corners I found vertical jump data for, and tied for 2nd in the broad jump.
Webb also was a surprise invite to the NFL Combine, where he got to show off his speed, wingspan, and perform in drills.
While the traits are great, he is slow with his backpedal and plays high-hipped, while struggling in run protection.
His lack of production in 2021 was largely due to offenses avoiding him, as he showed great ball production with 3 INT’s and 15 passes defended in 2019.
Sebastian Gutierrez, OT/G, Minot State
Size: 6’5″, 310 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 5.10 40 yard dash, 28 reps, 32.5″ vert, 112″ broad, 7.58 cone, 4.68 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 3 year starter
Gutierrez began his career at a tight end before filling out his frame and developing into one of the most dominant D2 offensive linemen in the country.
He shows a very powerful base, surprising flexibility, and a good get off from the line of scrimmage.
Gutierrez improved every season, and has the gritty nature required for an NFL offensive lineman.
The biggest question for Gutierrez will be positional fit. He was a left tackle in college, but with a 6’7 5/8″ wingspan, might be moved to guard at the next level where he’ll need to contend with bigger defensive linemen.
The D2 All-American has a strong build, but his experience is largely bullying edge rushers, not defensive tackles.
D’Anthony Bell, S/CB, West Florida
Size: 6’1″, 210 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.51 40 yard dash, 18 reps, 36″ vert, 129″ broad, 6.94 cone, 4.27 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 3 year starter
D’Anthony Bell is a big defensive back who lined up all over the field for West Florida, playing a key role in their surprise 2019 National Championship title.
Bell has good traits for the position, with the flexibility and fluidity to match the size and athletic testing numbers.
An older, 7th year player, Bell played at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl following a D2 All-America selection.
His versatility, athleticism, and production should get him plenty of attention from NFL teams.
Will Adams, S, Virginia State
Size: 6’1″ 185 pounds
Athletic Measurables: 4.68 40 yard dash, 40.5″ vertical, 6.74 cone, 4.22 shuttle
2021 Stats: 9 games, 61 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 interceptions
Will Adams was the standout of the HBCU Combine, generating buzz from NFL scouts mostly using one word: Fluidity.
While the 4.68 40 time might not stand out, he plays fast and smooth, looking the part of a deep ranging safety or a productive slot safety.
Adams plays a hardnosed style with an added blend of finesse in the backend, and has already gotten a lot of attention from NFL scouts.
Sam Roberts, DT, NW Missouri State
Size: 6’5″, 295 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 5.14 40 yard dash, 25 reps, 30″ vert
2021 Stats: 13 games, 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
Sam Roberts was absolutely unstoppable at the D2 level, and continued his impressive play at the 2022 Hula Bowl.
Despite not having a 2020 season, Roberts totaled 184 tackles, 47 tackles for loss (!!) and 18.5 sacks through 50 career games.
He uses his length to his advantage to dislodge linemen, and has gotten his hand on multiple kicks in special teams defense.
Roberts has a good blend of size, strength, and speed that should translate just fine to the next level.
Top D2 Draft Prospects By Position
D2 Quarterback Prospects
- Bryce Witt, Chowan
- Preston Haire, Oklahoma Baptist
- Nick Watson, Tiffin
- Guy Myers, Charleston
- Matt Winzeler, Findlay
D2 Wide Receiver Prospects
- Dareke Young, Lenoir-Rhyne
- L’liott Curry, Henderson State
- Kaden Davis, NW Missouri State
- Tyeous Sharpe, Fayetteville State
- Henry Litwin, Slippery Rock
- Breon Michel, Missouri S&T
- Irvin Charles, Indiana (PA)
- Lio’undre Gallimore, Valdosta State
- Luke Little, Mary
- Jalen Martin, Pittsburg State
- Jared Bernhardt, Ferris State
- JaVon Hayes, Fairmont State
- Gavin Garner, NW Oklahoma State
- Tyriq Martin, West Alabama
- Devin Heckstall, UVA-Wise
D2 Running Back Prospects
- Michael Roots, Colorado-Pueblo
- Tyreik McAllister, Charleston
- Al McKeller, NW Missouri State
- Brett Sylve, Kentucky State
- Jace Jordan, West Georgia
- Kingston Davis, Miles
- Tyler Stuever, Oklahoma Baptist
- Calil Wilkins, Bowie State
- Rico Owens II, Delta State
- Andrew Brazicki, Bentley
D2 Tight End Prospects
Also includes fullback prospects
- Clint Sigg, Lindenwood
- Ian Fryday, Adams State (FB)
- Jordan Johnson, West Texasa A&M (FB)
- Tighe Beck, Assumption (FB/TE/WR)
- Jace Williams, Washburn
D2 Offensive Line Prospects
- Sebastian Gutierrez, Minot State
- Zein Obeid, Ferris State
- Tanner Owen, NW Missouri State
- Payton Muljo, Northern Michigan
- Dylan Pasquali, Ferris State
- Justin Calderon, Chadron State
- Josh Dauberman, Indiana (PA)
- Hunter Toppel, Minnesota State
- Amon Simon, Texas A&M-Commerce
- Gabe Bautz, NW Missouri State
D2 Defensive Line Prospects
- Sam Roberts, NW Missouri State
- Keyshawn James, Fayetteville State
- Ikenna Onwuasoanya, Colorado-Pueblo
- Dennis Johnson, Grand Valley State
- Austin Simpson, Ferris State
D2 Edge Rusher Prospects
- Erik Hansen, Upper Iowa
- Trevor Philio, Colorado-Pueblo
- Carl Igweh, Frostburg State
- Marvin Terry, Delta State
- Antonio Golden, Fort Valley State
D2 Linebacker Prospects
- Hunter Kyle, Angelo State
- Cole McCubrey, Bentley
- Brady Hanson, Northern Michigan
- Drew Seers, Lindenwood
- Victor Abraham, Saginaw Valley State
D2 Safety Prospects
- D’Anthony Bell, West Florida
- Will Adams, Virginia State
- A’brae Booker-Currin, Adams State
- Taeyonn Reynolds, Elizabeth City State
- Myles Wolfolk, Bowie State
D2 Cornerback Prospects
- Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State
- Dallis Flowers, Pittsburg State
- Gregory Junior, Ouachita Baptist
- Sam Webb, Missouri Western
- Anthony Blue, Newberry
- Julius Faulk, Delta State
- David Vereen, Newberry
- Christian Matthew, Valdosta State
- Marquise Manning, Washburn
- Darius Hawkins, Central Oklahoma
D2 Special Teams Prospects
- Dean Krcic, Kutztown (Punter)
- McLean Robertson, Wingate (Kicker)
- Jonathan Sullivan, West Florida (Long Snapper)
