Top 5 players to watch out for in the 2022 NCAA March Madness tournament

#3 NCAA Tournament: Walker Kessler - Auburn Tigers

Walker Kessler aims to lead the Auburn Tigers defensively during a run at a national championship.

The eighth-ranked Auburn Tigers (27-5) are legitimate title contenders because of the combination of Jabari Smith Jr. and Walker Kessler. While Smith is the better offensive player and a potential No. 1 draft pick, Kessler is the team's defensive stalwart.

Kessler has some ridiculous stat lines. He's the nation's only player with multiple triple-doubles, all of which came with blocks besides points and rebounds. Kessler is second nationally in blocks per game and total blocks. He is one of two players averaging more than four per game, but the other is not in the tournament.

Kessler is a Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year finalist because of his elite shot-blocking and rebounding. During the early rounds, Kessler is likely to face teams that can do nothing about his defensive prowess. He will be able to win games almost single-handedly.

If Auburn finds itself in the Elite Eight for the second time since 2019, Kessler's defense and Smith's offense will be vital. Regardless, Kessler will be hosting a block party watch party in any game.