BLACKSBURG – Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night in Las Vegas, Virginia Tech football has over a dozen players who expect to either be drafted, signed as an undrafted free agent or invited to a team's camp over the weekend.
The list is headlined by defensive lineman Amaré Barno, who ran the best 40-yard dash time (4.36) by a linebacker or defensive lineman in NFL Combine history. His showing of elite speed certainly improved his draft stock and has him projected to be selected in either the third or fourth round.
After Barno, projections have offensive lineman Lecitus Smith and tight end James Mitchell being selected in the fourth and fifth rounds. Both participated in the NFL Combine, but Mitchell, who is coming off a season-ending injury this past fall, only had a physical and measurement taken in Indianapolis.
Smith on the other hand completed the bench press (23 reps), broad jump (99 inches), 20-yard shuttle (4.78), 40-yard dash (5.18) and offensive lineman drills, showcasing his flexibility and change of direction. He is listed at 6-foot-3, 314 pounds.
Receiver Tré Turner, dubbed "Big-play Tré" during his days in Blacksburg (17.1 yards per catch), is expected to be picked in the sixth or seventh round, according to most projections. Turner ran a solid 40 in Indy, clocking a 4.51, and showed off his hands in the receiver drills.
Of those also invited to the NFL Combine for Tech, defensive back Jermaine Waller and offensive linemen Luke Tenuta and Brock Hoffman are expected to be drafted. Tenuta is one of the taller prospects (6-foot-8) amongst offensive lineman, Hoffman has the experience (34 starts) and Waller has the ball skills needed at the next level, grabbing seven interceptions in his career.
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Other Hokies vying for a spot on an NFL roster are defensive lineman Jordan Williams, kicker John Parker Romo, running back Raheem Blackshear, receiver Changa Hodge, defensive back Tae Daley, long snapper Oscar Shadley and defensive back Keondré Ko.
The NFL Draft takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is a seven-round draft totaling 262 picks. For more information on how to watch, the format and more.