2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT

Film Watched: Michigan 2021, Auburn 2021, Ohio State 2021

Pro's:

  • Long arms and good play strength make him an effective disruptor in press coverage
  • Excellent mover; Able to mirror smoothly and transition from backpedal to trail effortlessly
  • Has some good burst to come down from his zone onto the football
  • Straight line speed to match up with the quickest of vertical receivers
  • Good zone co-ordinator. Constantly talking, passing on responsibilities audibly
  • Has the size, arm length and leap to impede the catch
  • Happy to cover the entire field to make a play
  • Good physicality in run duties, stringing out and discarding blocks before making the tackle

Con's:

  • Lack of instincts for a prospect that will be 23 before his rookie season starts
  • Doesn’t trust his ability to diagnose, and needs to see it to believe it
  • Can be caught flat-footed when he’s failed to identify the offense’s intentions
  • Unconvincing in the tackle, and hits with a real lack of conviction, resulting in opponents escaping
  • Lack of big plays on his resume – doesn’t bring that momentum changing capability to the NFL

The Verdict:

“Tariq Castro-Fields leaves Penn State after what seems like an eternity in Happy Valley. With 46 games under his belt, you may expect a more rounded game from him, but TCF actually comes into the NFL with plenty left to prove. Castro-Fields brings the measurables and athleticism to play on an island on the outside, but a lack of natural intuitiveness means he struggles to impose himself on football games. Probably a little more natural in zone, Castro-Fields has demonstrated some leadership qualities and his communication skills do show some personal growth during his college career. And when he does see it he triggers quickly, using that range to close on the football. But ultimately it’s a question of upside, and it’s more likely than not that there’s little else to be weaned out of his game.”
Mock Draft
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content

NFL COMPARISON: DARQUEZE DENNARD

PREDICTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.

5/5