Reviewing the Washington Huskies Draft Class of 2022
Herb Nightengale
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Luke Wattenberg, C
Luke Wattenberg was drafted in the fifth round by the Denver Broncos (171st overall). At UW, he played tackle, guard, and center. Wattenberg started 48 games in his college career, including 16 straight at center, earning Pac-12 Honorable mention honors twice.
He’ll have to work hard if he wants to win a starting job. Denver already has Lloyd Cushenberry, who they drafted in the third round of 2020. Since joining the team two years ago, Cushenberry has started 32 games.
RAPID REACTION | @redwardsradio, @AllbrightNFL & @BKDenverSports share their thoughts on the #Broncos taking Washington OL Luke Wattenberg in the fifth round of the #NFLDraft. pic.twitter.com/NYGn2fRCAj
— KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (@KOAColorado) April 30, 2022
UDFAs
The Washington Huskies had three players who signed undrafted free agent contracts.
Punter Race Porter will have an opportunity, albeit slim, to unseat the Seahawks incumbent Michael Dickson. Although he isn’t likely to win the job, Porter has a chance to show the rest of the NFL what he can do.
Tampa Bay added to the collection of Huskies when they signed outside linebacker Ryan Bowman. He might have been drafted if he hadn’t missed part of last season because of injuries. Like the other free agents, Bowman will have to prove himself in camp to make the team.
The Cincinnati Bengals signed cornerback Brendan Radley-Hiles. He played nickel back for the Huskies though he might be a corner in the pros. NFL teams want big corners, and he’s 5-10. This is why he may have been passed over. The Bengals have three cornerbacks, Vernon Hargreaves, Jalen Davis, and Mike Hilton, who are the same height or shorter than him. Even if Radley-Hiles doesn’t make the opening roster, he could be on the Bengals practice squad.
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We wish all the best to all these now Washington Huskies alumni. Go Dawgs!