2 min read • April 25, 2022
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This draft has become the year of the wide receiver with a tremendous amount of elite level prospects expected to be taken in the first couple of rounds. A high number of them come with injury concerns, which may sway where they land as we have highlighted at SICscore.com. Combing through the clutter of draft props, here are values that jump out from an injury perspective. (All odds from FanDuel Sportsbook)
Drake London U10.5 Draft Position, First Wideout Selected +220
The USC alum suffered a significant ankle fracture dislocation ending his successful college career. London delayed his pro day due to the issue and was unable to participate at the combine on top of not running a 40 yard dash before the draft. Regardless, our Pro Football Docs have no issues with his recovery and have full confidence in his ability wherever he is drafted. The stud wideout has all the talent to be the number one wideout taken and should be a day 1 starter in the NFL.
Jameson Williams O12.5 Draft Position, -114
The speedy wideout suffered an ACL tear in the National Championship game in January meaning he will not be ready to start the next NFL season. The Alabama wide receiver has had no injury issues in the past other than the ACL tear, meaning he should have no concerns once healthy. Although one of the top WR prospects, we believe London and Garrett Wilson will likely go ahead of him. However, Williams will definitely not fall out of the first round.
Treylon Burks O22.5 Draft Position -172
The Arkansas alum tore his ACL in high school but played well in his last three years in college. Our team of Pro Football Docs see no issues with his injury history but the stud WR will likely fall due players like Wilson and Chris Olave being drafted above them due to them both having no past concerns. Burks perhaps could be a top prospect for fantasy drafts if he can land in the right spot due to his already pro-level style of play.
John Metchie O56.5 Draft Position -114
The second elite Alabama WR prospect in the draft also has injury concerns that may push him down further in the draft. During the SEC Championship game, Metchie suffered a torn ACL and like Williams, will not be ready for the start of the NFL season. This injury hurts Metchie more than Williams and will likely push him into the third round as he was never at the level as the other top prospects like Burks and London who also have previous issues.
On top of the heavy WR issues are prime defensive talents that are also dealing with injuries. Included in this is two of the top secondary players that were unable to finish their last season in college.
Derek Stingley O9.5 Draft Position +100
The LSU tigers top CB dealt with a lisfranc injury ending his season in September but has recovered well ahead of the draft including a fantastic showing at his pro day. The prop number is at 9.5 and the CB will likely fall just out of the top 10 as Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has overtaken the number one CB slot in rankings but Stingley shouldn’t be too far behind.
Kyle Hamilton U11.5 Draft Position -114
The supremely talented safety missed the final part of the season due to a fat pad impingement in his knee. There are no issues going forward and we expect him to be drafted exactly where he would of prior to the injury. With multiple top teams needing secondary help, expect Hamilton to be drafted in the top 11 picks and shoot just under the prop number.
Honorable Mention
David Ojabo To Be Picked In The First Round +150
The Michigan lineman has been positioned as a first round talent but suffered an unfortunate Achilles tear during his pro day. Ojabo will not be ready for the 2022 season but there is value in drafting the Wolverine as players have been taken after serious injuries including Tennessee Titans Jeffery Simmons who performed better in his second season after the team waiting on his recovery. If you believe a team will still draft the defensive lineman in the first round, FanDuel Sportsbook offers plus money on the Michigan product.
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