#ProTops: 2022 NFL Draft Recap
Malone and Zappe were among mid round draft surprises, Sterns finds UDFA home
The WKU Hilltopper representation in the NFL just grew by three more athletes after this past weekend. The 2022 NFL Draft concluded with numerous selections and undrafted free agents off the boards. A trio of Hilltoppers watched their dreams come true as NFL franchises took to the helms of selecting last season’s collegiate talent. Here is a summary of who will be soon playing on Sundays:
DeAngelo Malone: Falcons, Round 3, #82
Malone was the first Hilltopper off the board during Friday’s coverage of the second and third rounds. The Atlanta native didn’t go too far at all as he was drafted by his hometown Falcons. The selection came at the 82nd pick overall in the third round.
Malone will have his work cut out for him as he and fellow defensive draftee Arnold Ebiketie will focus on making the roster on the front seven of the Falcons defense. More than likely, Malone will be a rotation prospect in their 3-4 defense scheme system. The Falcons will try to rebuild the direction of the franchise after missing the playoffs for the third straight season.
Just hours after the selection, Malone was interviewed by team personel.
Bailey Zappe: Patriots, Round 4, #137
Bailey Zappe is the next WKU quarterback star that could potentially come out of the AFC East. The Patriots have used their fourth round selection with the 137th overall pick.
Zappe was the fifth quarterback selected in the draft class that was headlined by Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis.
This was sort of a head scratcher for Patriots fans and other football enthusiasts alike.
While this is an obvious move for quarterback depth, it came as surprising due to the Patriots previously coming off a playoff season led by current starter Mac Jones.
However, the Patriots have had their eyes on Zappe since WKU’s Pro Day. Even if he doesn’t get a chance to start right away, this doesn’t rule out future opportunities down the road (see Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett).
Jerreth Sterns: Buccaneers, UDFA
In the hours after the the NFL draft concluded, Jerreth Sterns found a home plus a golden opportunity in disguise. The nation’s leader in receptions and receiving yards was signed to an undrafted free agent deal with the Buccaneers.
He’s going to battle for a roster spot with a training camp invite. The receiver corps is already stacked with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both 1,000 yard receivers in the Tampa Bay offense. They are great veterans to learn from as he navigates a system that includes first-year head coach Bryon Leftwich. Potentially he could be catching receptions from future HOF quarterback Tom Brady.
Even if Sterns makes the practice squad, he will be highly considered to be a potential specialist in the return game before getting inside the rotation of receivers.
Congratulations and best of luck to DeAngelo, Bailey, and Jerreth in your new NFL careers!