He had to wait a while for his name to be called but Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor is now in the NFL.
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With the No. 191 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Jalen Nailor.
Minnesota Vikings drafted Jalen Nailor
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 30, 2022
Here is what Dan Brugler of The Athletic had to say about Nailor prior to the draft.
A three-year starter at Michigan State, Nailor was an outside receiver in offensive coordinator Jay Johnson’s scheme. Injuries robbed him of consistent playing time in college, but he was a big-play threat when healthy (three receptions of 60-plus yards in the first half vs. Rutgers in 2021). As an athlete, Nailor is explosive with the natural balance and acceleration to create after the catch or make an impact as a returner. However, he lacks tempo and instincts as a route runner, and NFL quarterbacks will quickly lose trust in him unless he becomes more dependable. Overall, Nailor has the fluid athleticism that creates conflict for defenses, but he is more gadget weapon than polished receiver right now, and you have to be creative in the ways you get him touches. His lack of durability complicates his draft projection.
NFL Draft Round 1 Betting Recap
The 2022 NFL Draft began with the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker with the first overall pick. While it may have been a surprise to some, the betting market reflected heavy steam on Walker late, especially over the final week before the Draft. Walker opened at %plussign%3000 to be drafted first overall, got down to roughly %plussign%250 two weeks ago, flipped to a -200 favorite to start the week and then closed -500. The late steam never let up on Walker and it proved correct in the end.
The Lions selected Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson with the second pick. Hutchinson closed as a -250 favorite to be drafted second. The big “surprise” came when the Texans took LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the 3rd pick. However, late steam also predicted Stingley’s rise. He flipped from a %plussign%200 dog to a -125 favorite to be selected third overall in the final 24-hours leading up to the draft. Overall, data-driven betting and tracking late line moves paid off with chalk going 1-2-3.
Ikem Ekwonu cashed as the first offensive player (-250) and first offensive linemen (-200) to be drafted, with the Panthers taking the NC State tackle 6th overall. The first betting upset of the night took place when the Falcons selected USC wide receiver Drake London with the 8th overall pick. London was a %plussign%250 dog to be the first wide receiver selected. Garrett Williams was the favorite at -130. Williams ended up going 10th to the Jets.
