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2022 NFL Draft: 5 Underrated prospects to watch out for

By Khari Demos

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL Draft: Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators runs for yardage during the second quarter of a game against the Samford Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Underrated 2022 NFL Draft prospect #2: Dameon Pierce (RB) — Florida

A hard-charging back that punishes defenses, Pierce is a compact player who brings quickness in addition to his power. At 5-foot-10, 215-pounds, the former Gator should add to any backfield he joins in 2022.

Pierce’s numbers at Florida — 790 yards from scrimmage, 16 total TDs in 2021 — don’t even tell the picture of the type of player he could be in the league. With his physical style of play, matched with the ability to catch out of the backfield, as well as a willingness to block, Pierce is a back who could develop into a three-down player.

His 93.5 rushing grade from PFF was the highest of any back in the country in 2021. In fact, it was the highest-rated season for any back in PFF’s rankings since 2014.

Pierce is the type of back that could bring a presence to a subpar backfield, or could add to a committee system. But which would work best for him?

Potential team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

As Leonard Fournette returns to Tampa, the team will need to replace Ronald Jones behind him. And considering Fournette’s injury history — 20 games missed since being drafted in 2017, including five games during the 2021 season (including the postseason) — the Bucs would be smart to add a compliment to him in the backfield.

Plus, it never hurts keeping a former Gator right in the state of Florida. Pierce could do wonders with Brady and behind one of the best offensive lines in football.

Kenneth Walker III and Breece Hall may be considered the top guys in the class, but Pierce is not too far behind.

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