[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Unlike past years where Big 12 stars have dominated the top 10, this year’s NFL draft remains an outlier. Although the prominent names, such as Kyler Murray and Ceedee Lamb, remain absent, there are still quite a few players who will come off the board in the first two rounds.
Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor
Pitre, a stand-out safety for the Baylor Bears last year, was not only named to the First-Team All Big-12 in 2020, but also won the 2021 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Although there are questions about his speed at the next level, Pitre’s versatility will intrigue teams looking for secondary help. In addition, the senior’s knack for playmaking ability and physicality will also push him up many draft boards.
In 14 games last year, Pitre had 75 total tackles, with 18.5 of those being tackles for loss. He also registered 3 ½ sacks, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups.
While it would be a long shot for Pitre to go at the end of the first round, it is not totally out of the question. However, a safe bet would be for the defensive back to go somewhere between the early second and early third.
Breece Hall, HB, Iowa State
Unlike Pitre, who raised his stock tremendously over the past year, Hall has been in the national spotlight for quite some time. Earning Big-12 Offensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons and a Two-Time Consensus All American, the Iowa State product is highly decorated. Hall has shown the durability a running back needs to be a starter at the next level. However, if there were a knock, it would be his elusiveness.
Over his past two campaigns, Hall combined for over 3,000 yards rushing, 41 touchdowns, and nearly 500 receiving yards.
Although Hall seems primed to be selected squarely in the second round, it would not be shocking if Buffalo called his name on Thursday night. Many running backs selected in the second round have become starters, such as Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Nick Chubb. Hall seems primed to follow this trend.
Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Although Bonitto is not as decorated as the other two prospects, he is someone offensives prepare for thoroughly. Winning All-Big 12 Second Team in 2020 and 2021, selected by the league’s coaches, Bonitto can pressure quarterbacks consistently. But, while his quickness and bend around the tackles are traits scouts love to see, there are questions about his ability to contain the edge.
Bonitto had 39 tackles, seven sacks, and one forced fumble in his 2021 campaign with the Sooners. The edge rusher had a career-high 8.5 sacks in 2020.
Bonitto’s ceiling is the lowest of the three prospects, as he projects to go in the middle of the second round. However, depending on which players are on the board, Bonitto could fall to the beginning of the third.
Photo by Raymond Thompson, AP Photo
