Michigan State Football: Predicting where Spartans land in 2022 NFL Draft

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdown with Jalen Nailor #8 and Connor Heyward #11 while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor runs after a catch against Michigan during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211030 Msu Michigan 105a /

Round 6: Jalen Nailor, WR

I was a little skeptical when I heard Jalen Nailor was heading to the NFL draft a year early, but he has the tools to be a solid receiver in the late rounds on Day 3.

Nailor earned the nickname “Speedy” because he was a track star in high school and one of the fastest guys on the team. He was a menace to opposing defensive backs, catching 37 passes for 695 yards and six touchdowns. He also averaged a team-best 18.8 yards per reception which has to be attractive for NFL teams looking for a deep threat.

Although he’s not exactly a Day 1 or possibly not even Day 2 prospect, there have been some favorable projections for Nailor. I’ve actually seen him listed as high as a fourth-round pick.

However, I’m not that optimistic about him going in the fourth round. I think he’s more of a sixth-round steal for a team that needs some depth at receiver and while it would be fun for the Lions to take him to keep him in Michigan next year, I think the 49ers could take him at No. 187 overall.

Prediction: 49ers (No. 187 overall)

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