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Each week as we lead up to the 2022 NFL Draft I wanted to provide as much coverage of the 9 Huskers that will be transitioning from college to the NFL. This is a big one in the NFL Draft season as the Shrine Game is wrapping up while the Reese’s Senior Bowl just started. Here is a look at everything you need to know NFL Draft related for each former Huskers preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
While the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl get most of the love, over the weekend the Collegiate Bowl wrapped up and saw record breaking tight end Austin Allen participate. This game doesn’t get a ton of coverage, but Allen definitely made his mark on the game. Here is what Sports Illustrated said about him.
The 6076 tight end made many big plays during his career at Nebraska and he carried that over to the Rose Bowl, where he made a leaping one-handed catch in team drills. Allen is a mismatch for any defender as he is able to catch the ball despite good coverage thanks to his big catch radius.
#NFL scouts starting to recognize that Nebraska TE #45 Austin Allen (6076/259/0948/3418/8168) possesses rare traits. A tall, lengthy, athletic target, Allen made the play of the week thus far @NFLPABowl on Wednesday. A red zone mismatch with sticky mittens; solid Day 3 grade pic.twitter.com/VpESxirw2E
— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) January 27, 2022
6’9” and from the middle of Nebraska. Cornhusker Austin Allen has made a few great plays. Here is one of them @Huskers pic.twitter.com/zBi7kNFk7h
— ryan anderson (@ryanone21) January 27, 2022
Catch of the day goes to Nebraska TE Austin Allen pic.twitter.com/1DMpZ9HgzO
— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) January 27, 2022
Sports Illustrated wasn’t the only news outlet who took notice. NFL Media’s Jelani Scott highlighted Allen as one of his 5 takeaways from the Game.
TE makes play of the day
Nebraska’s Austin Allen turned heads during the American Team’s practice session. With Cal QB Chase Garbers lined up under center, Allen released off the line and ran a route up the middle of the field. After a few moments of surveying, Garbers fired a rocket that appeared slightly out of Allen’s reach, but the former Cornhusker snagged the ball out of the air with one hand before securing it as he hit the ground. The dynamic catch drew a loud “Oh!” from both sidelines. Allen, the 2021 Big Ten Tight End of the Year, jogged back to the huddle with players from both teams giving him his props. Allen and Garbers are two names to keep an eye on for Saturday’s game. Here’s hoping the two connect for another highlight-reel play, although American Team head coach Jeff Fisher would likely prefer a touchdown instead.
Shrine Game
Heading into draft season I thought that Samori Toure had an outside shot to be drafted but needed a good draft season to really boost his stock. Well at the Shrine Game, Toure has been one of the top performers at the Shrine Game and caught the eye of several analysts down in Las Vegas covering the game. You can also see Toure play this evening at 7:00 CST on NFL Netowrk.
Bill Smith of NFL Media pegged Toure as one of his practice standouts.
Toure has flashed an ability to get out of breaks and separate quickly. It has shown up in one-on-one and red-zone drills, allowing Toure to haul in passes throughout the sessions. Toure is an older prospect, transferring to Nebraska after four-plus years at Montana, where he had 1,495 yards and 13 TDs in 2019. But Montana did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19. In his lone season at Nebraska, he led the Cornhuskers in receptions (46), yards (898) and touchdowns (5).
Pro Football Network’s NFL Draft insider Tony Pauline also took a liking to Toure and had this to say.
If Rambo was the top receiver of the day, Samori Toure was a close second. He also ran exceptional routes and made several difficult receptions, especially downfield. Additionally, Toure worked as a punt returner.
Samori Toure/WR/Nebraska has looked awesome in the early going. Running great routes and making some terrific catches #Nebraska
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 29, 2022
Pauline wasn’t the only one from Pro Football Network that was praising Toure, as Cam Mellor listed Toure as one of his Risers.
Samori Toure looked good in one-on-one drills but even better in team drills. More specifically, he was terrific down at the goal line. Toure nabbed a touchdown on an end-zone fade, and he also ran sharp routes and showcased soft hands. It was a great day for the former Montana/Nebraska standout.
Even the The NFL Draft Bible, a part of the Sports Illustrated Network, praised Toure’s work.
A fluid and smooth mover, Toure is off to a great week in Las Vegas. It began with weigh-ins, where he posted excellent measureables and carried over to field work, where he made quick work of defenders in one-on-one drills. Toure demonstrated sound footwork and route-running, along with soft hands. After dominating the FCS level of competition during his time at Montana, Toure finished up his collegiate career strong in Lincoln, flashing a multi-faceted overall game. The Portland native is a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands and has been used on ends arounds, bubbles, reverses and in the return game. Bottom line, get the ball in his hands and let this playmaker go to work. If Toure continues to impress and tests well, he stands a very good chance of hearing his name called come April.
Here is some additional coverage of Toure’s week in Las Vegas.
. @samori_toure starting off strong #ShrineBowl | @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/MkidHnWYc0
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 29, 2022
WR Samori Toure (Nebraska, #83) had a big fingertip catch down the field on day 1 of practice and had nice rep here as well; swipes the CB's hands and stays under control to stay in bounds. @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/62SeL7XcHh
— EJ Snyder (@thedraftsmanFB) February 1, 2022
That about does it for East practice. Like the West’s it was more of a walkthrough with everyone in shorts.
— Jack McKessy (@jfmckessy) February 1, 2022
Kyle Philips and Charleston Rambo had another great day, while guys like Samori Toure, Nick Muse and EJ Perry continued to build on solid previous days. #ShrineBowl
.@HuskerFBNation WR Samori Toure is having a strong week. Both Pittsburg St DB Dallis Flowers and App St CB Shaun Jolly said he’s the best WR on the East roster, toughest to cover. Very technical route runner.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) February 1, 2022
East @ShrineBowl QB EJ Perry finding WR @samori_toure for a TD. pic.twitter.com/jJjKmaVsMh
— Melanie Friedlander (@Girlsurgeon) January 31, 2022
#ShrineBowl EAST WR/DB winners:
— Mike Spencer Hrynyshyn (@MikeH_Draft) January 31, 2022
- Kyle Philips, UCLA
- Charleston Rambo, Miami
- Jaivon Heiligh, Coastal Carolina
- Samori Toure, Nebraska
- Decobie Durant, South Carolina St.
- Dallis Flowers, Pittsburg St.
Samori Toure ladies and gentleman. pic.twitter.com/UDpJYmabml
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) January 30, 2022
I've always been impressed with @HuskerFBNation @samori_toure 's approach. I met him @ShrineBowl media day & he was kind, thoughtful, & motivated. Defensive backs are also learning he is elite too.
— Jon Tritsch (@hometownJT) February 3, 2022
Samori will make an NFL organization better. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/qLPBVZ3bxB
Senior Bowl
Nebraska is represented at the Senior Bowl with both JoJo Domann and Cam Taylor-Britt as a part of the American Team which is coached by the Detroit Lions staff. Practices are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with the game being played on Saturday.
JoJo Domann was one player that many NFL Draft analysts thought could really increase his stock at the Senior Bowl. Here is what NFL Media’s Chad Reuter had to say.
A hand injury ended Domann’s season in November, but barring any setbacks in his recovery, he should excel in Mobile. He handled coverage duties against running backs and slot receivers for the Huskers, utilizing his short-area quickness and showing a willingness to fight through the catch. I expect that part of his game to shine during practices, which might lead some teams to project him at safety while others will view him as a linebacker. Though Domann did not play a lot of snaps inside for the Huskers, teams valuing athleticism, instincts and physicality over size could see him as a fit for any linebacker spot in their scheme.
SB Nation’s Detroit Lions site, Honolulu Blues had these previews of Domann and Taylor-Britt
5. Jojo Domann / LB-DB / Nebraska
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) January 31, 2022
- Sticking with the Nebraska defense, Jojo Domann is a crazy athletic player. Finished with the highest PFF grade for a B1G CB since 2019. Can play in the secondary and can make big impactful plays from the LB position. #SENIORBOWL
The weigh-ins were the first big part of the week and nothing really unexpected came from Domann or Taylor-Britt. Domann came in at the 6’1 mark and only four pounds under what Nebraska listed him as. Domann is a little light for a linebacker at 226lbs, but that also wasn’t unexpected. Taylor-Britt was a little shorter than his listed height at Nebraska, but once again nobody thought he was a tall corner.
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2022
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2022
Here is what Pro Football Network had to say about Domann at Tuesday’s practice
It was not the best day for JoJo Domann. He was slow in coverage and moving laterally. While he did flash at times in the run game, he jumped to fill a hole too quick at others. However, the name of the game is pass coverage in today’s NFL, and Domann will have to improve there this week.
One of the best things about the Senior Bowl is that they give players a chance to work at multiple positions. So while Domann is listed as a linebacker, they are also giving him snaps in safety drills too. Here are some practice clips from Domann at both linebacker and safety.
JoJo Domann has the opportunity and runs for a sack. Adding these up. pic.twitter.com/E4WxYXqOU4
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 3, 2022
JoJo Domann with quick, light feet shuts down Brian Robinson Jr. at the LOS during the 1 v 1s @RealTannenbaum pic.twitter.com/Z4DgbdJNDe
— Craig Domann (@CraigDomann) February 2, 2022
JoJo Domann from Nebraska #13 at the Senior Bowl is listed as a LB, maybe a safety at the pro level but lined up mostly as a slot corner in 2021. Look at these ball skills on the sideline to time the pass deflection! pic.twitter.com/OknZRpCCzp
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) February 2, 2022
Much like his teammate, Cam Taylor-Britt had some up and down to his first two days at the Senior Bowl. However the difference was Cam struggled early on Tuesday as he got beat on a deep throw by Memphis’ Calvin Austin who has elite speed. But Taylor-Britt was able to settle in and showcase his physicality which made him stand out. Here are some highlights from Taylor-Britt.
Malik Willis with a beautiful throw to Calvin Austin III for the TD. Draft stock . #NFL #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/n1CGpcfxX0
— NFL Insider (@AngryNFLInsider) February 1, 2022
Safe to say Nebraska CB Cam Taylor-Britt came to compete at the #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/cZUbym0Cai
— Cole Topham (@HamAnalysis) February 1, 2022
Cam Taylor-Britt almost picks off Malik Willis here. pic.twitter.com/Hs0kDdR4xx
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 2, 2022
Nebraska DB Cam Taylor-Britt (@CamTaylorBritt_) with the PBU working out of off man. Nice pedal, closes, and forces the PBU with contact. Stoked to watch him the next couple days. @coachtfisher pic.twitter.com/q7Q01JiZXA
— Spencer Thompson (@ThompsonNFL) February 1, 2022
Cam Taylor-Britt limping pretty heavily with his helmet off during one of the last practice sessions.
— Tyler Wise (@TriggeredWise) February 1, 2022
Pointed towards his left leg. Hope it’s nothing serious, thought he was one of the most impressive DB’s today. #SeniorBowl
Spoke with one of my favorite players at the @seniorbowl in Cam Taylor-Britt from Nebraska. I asked him what he looks for from a WR when he’s in press-man. #GBR pic.twitter.com/Om3ihhFwP2
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 2, 2022
DB help w/ run support?
— BOLTS Draft Talk (@BoltsDraftTalk) February 3, 2022
✅️Physical
✅️Diagnoses screens quick
✅️Positional versatility
Meet Cam Taylor-Britt
DB Nebraska
Official measurements 5'10.5 200lbs
Lined up at both CB/S. Works well in the box. Former QB who sniffs out screens like they owe him Senior Bowl stud. pic.twitter.com/kyVyn6kEqg
Articles
Giants Country, part of the Sports Illustrated Network, has put out two scouting reports on JoJo Domann and Cam Taylor-Britt.
Interviews
NFL Draft Diamonds conducted an interview with Damion Daniels
Videos
Tweets
Cam Jurgens gonna be a fun study pic.twitter.com/02J6IeGYlc
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 28, 2022
JoJo Domann (#13) plays as a hybrid OLB/SS/Ni for Nebraska, often the Apex defender and is very strong against run and pass. A very physical player who is used to take on lead blockers in Bunch formations, yet fluid while spot dropping. Lots of effort plays like this on film⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8NWmTspPNz
— Luke Carr (TD4LC) (@LukeCarrNFL) January 29, 2022
#10 JoJo Domann, Nebraska
— MRCROCKPOT TPL (@mrcrockpot) January 27, 2022
Draft Range: Day 3
One of the elite coverage LBrs in the draft class, his ability to dominate in coverage, make tackles & blitz the QB makes him an intriguing prospect for the modern NFL, S/LB hybrid who should also be an impact guy on special teams pic.twitter.com/Ap4GTc9fUX
Rumored Senior Bowl riser, Cam Taylor-Britt, displays good reactive athleticism on this quick slant.
— Kendall Mirsky (@MirskyKendall) February 1, 2022
Nice quick/choppy backpedal, then shows the mirror match ability to stick to his man at the top of the route and attack the ball. pic.twitter.com/1Iy9JJk7uS
Cam Taylor-Britt never seems to mind getting formationed into the box... This guy is tough! pic.twitter.com/nFSoHidIad
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 28, 2022
Non Husker Draft
As I know that most Huskers fans are also fans of NFL teams. Each week I’ll highlight a specific player that your team may end up taking, maybe a mock draft or something else. This week my focus is on Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux is an explosive edge rusher that is likely a top five pick who could go to a team needing some help off the edge.