Reviewing the Washington Huskies Draft Class of 2022
Herb Nightengale
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Kyler Gordon, CB
The other talented cornerback on the 2021 Washington Huskies was drafted in Round 2 by the Chicago Bears. Kyler Gordon had a great season and was a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection after being an honorable mention the two previous years.
Due to his athletic ability and talent, Gordon is a likely starter for the Bears this season. Chicago drafted him as a corner, but they feel he could play the nickel back position if needed. For the time being, Gordon will start alongside third-year pro Jaylon Johnson.
Kyler Gordon gives us the first draft hug of the day!@kyler_gordon | @ChicagoBears
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/e89XcmuOSx
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2022
Cade Otton, TE
Washington Huskies’ outstanding tight end Cade Otton was the first player taken on Day 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the talented TE in the fourth round (106th overall). Starting his NFL career with Tom Brady as the quarterback has to be exciting.
Going into 2021, scouts thought he would be a high draft pick, but Otton’s season was derailed by injuries. He played in 8 of the Huskies’ 12 games in 2021 after being on the first team of the Pac-12 in 2020. The Bucs got a steal in the fourth round with him. A strong receiver and a blocker, it will be interesting to see how Tampa uses him.
Otton joins the Buccaneers, who already have a strong Washington Huskies presence. The rookie tight end should feel comfortable in his new surroundings with a few familiar faces to guide him. Defensive tackle Vita Vea was a first round pick in 2018. They picked edge rusher Joe Tyron-Shoyinka in the first round last year. Finally, defensive end Benning Potoa’e came to Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2020, spending most of his time on the practice squad.