How will TCU football fare in this year’s NFL Draft? A look at the top prospects
TCU football has produced at least one NFL Draft pick since 2009. That streak is expected to continue in 2022 with left tackle Obinna Eze being projected as a mid- to late-round talent.
But Eze may be the only Horned Frog selected this weekend. The NFL Draft starts Thursday night with the first round and TCU won’t have a player taken that high for the second straight year.
TCU had two first-round picks (Jalen Reagor and Jeff Gladney) in the 2020 draft.
For TCU, there are four players who went through Pro Day with realistic expectations to land in NFL camps. Defensive tackle Corey Bethley is another possibility if he pursues a professional career, although Bethley did not go through Pro Day.
Here’s a look at TCU’s top four NFL hopefuls:
Obinna Eze, LT
The left tackle should hear his name called on Day 3 Saturday. Eze has started the last 37 games at left tackle — the 2019-20 seasons at Memphis and the 2021 season at TCU.
Eze, who is listed at 6-foot-6 1/2 inches, 321 pounds and with 36 1/8-inch long arms, has the build and rare arm length that teams covet in an offensive tackle. And he has enough film to intrigue teams of his potential. But he has to improve his technique to carve out a lengthy career.
La’Kendrick Van Zandt, DB
Van Zandt is a freak athlete. He tested well at Pro Day and that should entice teams to target him as a priority free agent. Maybe that even pushes him into a late-round pick.
For Van Zandt, it’s all about finding the right fit and scheme. He had 38 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, last season. During the 10-game 2020 season, he had 43 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions.
T.J. Carter, DB
Carter is a great story about a player who used his football skills to better his life situation. It’d be nice if he could write another chapter of making it in the NFL. However, his size (5-foot-9) could make it difficult for him to stick in the league.
But Carter showcased his versatility in the secondary with the Frogs, playing safety and cornerback. He finished second on the team in tackles with 63 and also had one interception, one pass breakup and one QB hurry in 10 games.
Antonio Ortiz, LS
Ortiz is an intriguing prospect. There’s not much turnover among long snappers in the league but he had an impressive college career at TCU.
Ortiz has the size and look of a player who could latch onto a team for the next decade. Or he could have one of the briefest stints. It’s arguably the toughest position to predict at the next level. Ortiz just has to hope he’s in the right place at the right time.
