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.
After doing at least preliminary scouting of 3000 NFL Draft Prospects, I haven’t found any D3 players with a draftable grade. Still, plenty of players will get an opportunity at the next level, and once you make your way onto a 90 man roster anything can happen.
Division-III Football
224 teams competed in Division-III football this year, with perennial powerhouse Mary Hardin-Baylor destroying North Central to win the D3 Championship and finish off a perfect 15-0 season.
Most fans overlook D3 when evaluating draft prospects, but a number of players have made their mark in the NFL. In 2021, Quinn Meinerz of UW-Whitewater was taken in the 3rd round, and in 2020 Ben Bartch of St. John’s was also a 3rd round pick.
I found that 10 players in the NFL last year finished their career at the D3 level, making up 0.39% of the league. While that’s a low number, it’s higher than the number of active players from schools like Washington State (8), Kansas (8), Hawaii (6), and many other FBS programs.
If you’re willing to spend time looking at Washington State for a draft prospect, you should also be spending time with the top D3 draft prospects on this list.
Top D3 Players in the 2022 NFL Draft
Chris Rice, EDGE, Castleton
Size: 6’5″, 240 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.79 40 yard dash, 28 reps, 38.5″ vert, 133″ broad, 7.26 cone, 4.51 shuttle
2021 Stats: 10 games, 65 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks
Castleton is far from a D3 powerhouse, but Chris Rice takes the top post in my D3 rankings.
At 6’5″ 240 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan, Rice has a decent frame for an NFL edge rusher combined with explosive athleticism.
While the 4.79 40 time is average, the rest of his testing numbers are outstanding.
Rice has good bend around the edge and uses his length very well on film. He was as productive as you’d expect from him last year, and had the opportunity to perform for NFL scouts at the Tropical Bowl.
Andrew Kamienski, WR, North Central
Size: 5’11”, 195 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.77 40 yard dash, 12 reps, 31.5″ vert, 113″ broad, 7.06 cone, 4.52 shuttle
2021 Stats: 13 games, 1265 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, 16.9 yards per reception, 36.6% receiving yards accounted for
Kamienski doesn’t have traditional NFL measurables, but he’s had the level of production that you just can’t argue with, regardless of the level.
He plays much faster than his 40 time indicates, with incredible route running and the ability to attack the ball in the air.
In 2019 his numbers were absolutely ridiculous, totaling over 2000 receiving yards and 31 receiving touchdowns, which led all receivers at any level of college football.
His savvy footwork and refined skillset will help him impress when he gets to a training camp, and should be able to outperform his athletic testing numbers.
Joshua Onujiogu, EDGE, Framingham State
Size: 6’3″, 250 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.90 40 yard dash, 21 reps, 34.5″ vertical, 124″ broad, 6.93 cone, 4.14 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 68 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 13.5 passes defended
Onujiogu didn’t do much his first couple years of college, but he’s consistently improved throughout his career and has some really impressive 2021 tape.
The size and bend around the edge look the part of an NFL edge rusher, with a solid counter move in his pass rusher and non-stop effort.
While the 4.90 speed isn’t great, all his others numbers are very solid, especially his cone and shuttle times.
Onujiogu is still raw despite being a 6th year senior, but he has enough size, functional athleticism, and production to grab the attention of NFL scouts.
Andrew Whitaker, CB, Washington (MO)
Size: 6’1″, 185 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.49 40 yard dash, 33.5″ vertical, 124″ broad, 7.25 cone, 4.39 shuttle
2021 Stats: 11 games, 46 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 7 passes defended, 4 interceptions
Whitaker is a long, athletic outside corner with legit athletic measurables to stick outside at the next level.
Whitaker shows good effort in the run game despite his slight frame, and knows how to use his 6’5″ wingspan to break up passes.
He’s improved at reading the eyes of the quarterback to jump routes without taking many unnecessary risks.
It’s not often you find a D3 corner with enough size and athleticism to compete at the NFL level, but Whitaker has a shot.
Jefferson Fritz, S, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Size: 5’10”, 205 lbs
Athletic Measurables: 4.56 40 yard dash, 26 reps, 40″ vert, 125″ broad, 6.90 cone
2021 Stats: 15 games, 64 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 10 passes defended, 2 interceptions
Fritz is one of my absolute favorite players in the draft class because of his insane versatility.
Aside from being a 3 time All-American safety for the D3 National Champions, Fritz was also their top punt returner and even one of the best punters at the D3 level.
The man lines up literally everywhere on the field, and surprised with some incredible athletic testing numbers that showed he can find a spot in the NFL.
Fritz has a strong 205 pound build and could be a special teams gem early in his career, with the football IQ and work ethic to adjust to NFL game speed and play some safety snaps.
If you want someone who is just a true football player, Fritz is that. He probably has the best chance of any D3 player this year of sticking around the NFL for multiple years.
Other D3 Draft Prospects to Watch
Gavin Zimbelman, QB, Aurora
Michael Veldman, QB, Gustavus Adolphus
Caleb Eagans, WR, East Texas Baptist
Jake Parker, WR, Howard Payne
Cody Gustafson, WR, Grove City
Noah Thomas, WR, Rose-Hulman
Josh Petruccelli, RB, Mount Union
Tyran Bailey, RB, Aurora
Ben Beise, TE, UW-River Falls
Justin Kasuboski, TE, UW-Oshkosh
Travis Alvarez, OT, Cortland State
Josh Greenwood, DT, Brockport
Maurice Brewer, EDGE, Defiance
Devin Smith, EDGE, Cortland State
Tyshawn Jones, S, John Carroll
Malik Britt, S, Mount Union
Cole Jenkins, LS, Buffalo State
