2022 NFL Draft: McBride, Strong, Doubs Among McShay’s Top 50 Preseason Prospects
Todd McShay has released his first 2022 NFL prospect list.
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Draft hype season is starting early in the Mountain West.
ESPN’s Todd McShay released his preseason top 50 prospects list for the 2022 NFL draft class and it includes three Mountain West players. Though each of the trio are listed in the bottom half of the list, the potential for multiple first round picks out of the conference after a relatively quiet 2021 is enticing for those that follow mock drafts.
On the list (ESPN+ subscription required) are Colorado State tight end Trey McBride, Nevada quarterback Carson Strong, and Nevada wide receiver Romeo Doubs. It will be interesting to keep an eye on how the Mountain West ranks on big boards going forward because while these three are great athletes, the Mountain West has many more who deserve the same respect.
Here’s what McShay had to say about each player along with some highlights:
27. Trey McBride
“McBride is my top tight end right now, as he’s a matchup problem who lines up out wide, in the slot and in-line. The tape shows him making plays downfield, adding yards after the catch and bringing down contested balls in traffic. McBride does a nice job leveraging his routes, and he’s a natural hands catcher. But as a blocker, he gets top-heavy at times and loses late. Averaging 15.0 yards per catch, McBride caught 22 passes for 330 yards and four TDs in just four games last season.”
31. Carson Strong
“Strong has a lot of arm talent, threading the needle and driving the ball vertically. He hit 26 passes thrown at least 20 yards downfield in 2020, and his 13 such TDs ranked third in the country. In the pocket, Strong can get through progressions, keeps his eyes downfield while moving and isn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play, but the foot speed isn’t there to regularly evade pass-rushers. He finished last season with 2,858 passing yards — 11th in the nation — 27 TDs and four interceptions, and his 70.1% completion rate was one of just nine over 70% in the FBS. However, it’s worth pointing out that it was cushioned with a lot of quick-hitters, and his ball placement could still improve.”
41. Romeo Doubs
“Doubs has the play speed to stretch the field and tracks the deep ball well, securing 11 passes thrown at least 20 yards downfield in 2020 (tied for eighth in the nation). There’s some savviness to his route running, and look for him to find and sit in windows against zone defenses. He has good hands, though he doesn’t win enough 50-50 balls. Doubs was one of 11 receivers in the country to eclipse 1,000 yards last season (1,002), and his nine touchdowns tied for 12th in the FBS.”
