Rankings Breakdown: Top 5 DL of 2022

The state of Mississippi has long been known in scouting circles for its ability to produce talent in the trenches, with the likes of current NFL defensive lineman Chris Jones, Fletcher Cox and Jeffrey Simmons all hailing from the state. The 2022 crop of guys up front seem poised to allow the state to maintain the credibility they currently receive up front. Here is a look at the top 5 projected defensive linemen in the state for the 2022 class. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jaheim-oatis/">[player_tooltip player_id="104418" first="Jaheim" last="Oatis"]</a> Oatis immediately pops off the screen in any film you watch due to his Power 5 prototypical size. From a physical viewpoint he looks ready to step into any locker room in America and compete, which is one of the reasons his offer sheet is already so impressive. Oatis has the ability to become a one-man wrecking crew in the run game as he is already learning how to navigate through double teams effectively. Elite jump off the ball and violent hands are present and help to make him a nightmare up front. Oatis will have his pick as to where to play collegiately and will be projected as a future star in a 0 or 1 technique. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zxavian-harris/">[player_tooltip player_id="104419" first="Zxavian" last="Harris"]</a> At 6-6 and over 300 lbs the size and strength definitely are present with Harris. Harris’ talent is ever present but appears to be fairly raw at this time which only makes him a more exciting prospect to watch over the upcoming year. An inside technique will be where Harris calls home, although his elite footwork will allow him to cause disruption to the QB in the pocket. Development in the area of hand usage will be the next spot to watch for improvement in his skillset. At this time Harris has a body and football makeup similar to a young Chris Jones. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jacarius-clayton/">[player_tooltip player_id="104420" first="Jacarius" last="Clayton"]</a> Strength and speed morph together when you begin to take a look at Clayton. Prototypical DE length is there and he seems to have a good understanding in how to leverage himself with it. Clayton effects the pocket due to the speed he comes off the ball with and the violence he posses in the process. Ability to move and change directions as the play comes his way is evident. In a deep year for prospects on the defensive line, expect to see Clayton’s recruitment blow up down the stretch. Playing in top tier 6A football will help make him ready to contribute once stepping foot on a college campus. He is currently a Power 5 DE projection. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/rj-moss/">[player_tooltip player_id="104421" first="RJ" last="Moss"]</a> It does not take long when watching Moss’ tape to realize he is above average from a skillset perspective on the defensive front. The body type and strength both appear, the athletic ability is solid, and the football IQ is present. Although Moss won’t blow you away in any of those specific areas he is sound in all of them. As the raw talent/attributes begin to set in for Moss, he will become a take for many Power 5 programs, the overall makeup is too good for him not to be. Moss is a Power 5 DE projection. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aaron-bryant/">[player_tooltip player_id="104422" first="Aaron" last="Bryant"]</a> The best way to define Bryant is a hard-nosed, fighter of a run-stopper. The most exciting thing about his makeup is the appearance of the opportunity to add weight and strength to his frame, which will really take him to the next level as a rush defender. He seems to have a good understanding of the game and what his job is in the center of the defensive line. Bryant pushes the pocket backwards and always finds himself around the football. As his senior season nears expect to see more Power 5 offers begin to roll in.