This the third in a three-part series looking at potential 2022 NFL draft picks from the University of Toledo.
From walk-on to the NFL? Toledo defensive back Samuel Womack hopes to walk that path this weekend during the NFL draft.
Here is what to know about Womack.
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 187 pounds
Hometown: Detroit (East English Village Prep)
Projected NFL position: Cornerback
What you’ll remember about him at UT: Off the field, Womack was soft-spoken and always had an infectious smile. On the field, he was all heart, getting every ounce out of his talents. He went on the football field and let his play speak for itself, eschewing the nonstop jawing and flash that sometimes overshadows big plays.
Key stats: In 41 career games, Womack recorded a program-record 39 pass breakups, leading the MAC in that stat in 2019, 2020, and 2021. He had 126 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. At Toledo’s pro day, Womack ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash (4.39), had a 36-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 10-inch broad jump, a 4.18-second pro agility time, and completed the three-cone drill in 6.87 seconds.
Career development: A former walk-on, Womack made a quick impact on coaches, as he was awarded a scholarship before playing a single game. He had 16 tackles as a backup in 2017 and 2018, bursting onto the scene in 2019 with 15 pass breakups, the second-most in the country. He led the MAC the following year and ranked fourth nationally in 2021. Womack was a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the best player in the nation who began his career as a walk-on.
His future: Womack’s status for the draft is a true wild card. He’s projected as an undrafted free agent, but the NFL has become heavily reliant on defensive backs as quarterbacks and wide receivers flourish. A run on cornerbacks could push Womack into the sixth or seventh round. Yes, he’s undersized, but Womack has outstanding ball skills and he can anticipate routes. He could help teams in dime packages and cover slot receivers.
Quote: “Savvy cover skills to recognize and anticipate routes. Understands what’s coming and has good ball skills. Extremely aggressive to come up and put his body in traffic to make tackles. Alert defender for zone coverage, showing good understanding of route progressions occurring behind him and a quick burst downhill to break on underneath passes in front of him.” — NFL Draft Buzz
First Published April 29, 2022, 3:02 p.m.
