2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Ryan’s Top-100

With the NFL Draft right around the corner it’s officially time to lock in player evaluations and finalize Big Boards.

The prospect pool in this cycle is understandably deeper than most as a result of the extra collegiate eligibility afforded from the Covid-impacted 2020 season. With that in mind, this year’s class is as interchangeable 1 through 100 as any in recent memory.

Without further ado…

1. Kayvon Thibideaux, EDGE, Oregon

The skinny: A freak athlete with a body/skillset tailored to rush the passer and dominate on the edge; this caliber of prospect shouldn’t be over-thought.

Best trait: Athleticism

Why he could fall: Knit-pick concerns; questions over his “love” for the game

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

The skinny: Most scout’s EDGE1 and arguably the safest pick in the class; elite lateral quickness, refined technique, and a relentless motor make for a can’t-miss prospect.

Best trait: Motor, hand-usage

Why he could fall: He likely won’t

3. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The skinny: A massive athlete with smooth moves and a mean-streak in the run game.

Best trait: Size/athleticism combo

Why he could fall: Still growing in pass protection, though the tools are all there

4. Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

The skinny: Checks every box at corner—size, quick feet, loose hips, natural instincts.

Best trait: Fluidity

Why he could fall: Injury concerns

5. Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

The skinny: Nasty, dominating run-blocker with still-growing but ever-present pass blocking tools.

Best trait: Putting run defenders in their grave

Why he could fall: May always be more valuable at guard than tackle

6. Charles Cross, OT, Miss. St.

The skinny: Elite pass blocking tools and refined technique make him a plug-and-play prospect at LT.

Best trait: Pass protection

Why he could fall: Likely won’t, but run-oriented offenses will prefer Neal/Ekwonu

7. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The skinny: Listed as CB1 by some scouts, he also possesses the “full package” at corner, and has potential to lock down receivers from day one.

Best trait: Length/instincts

Why he could fall: Despite proven reps against a few top-tier wideouts, that may not be enough to shake off competition concerns at Cincinnati.

8. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

The skinny: Uber-athletic EDGE with a lunch-pail mindset and plenty of room to grow.

Best trait: Speed-to-power

Why he could fall: Scouts vary on his value in a loaded EDGE class.

9. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The skinny: Size and speed freak with the jets to go 0-60 in a blink; get the ball in his hands and figure out the rest later.

Best trait: Size/accelerator combo

Why he could fall: A variety of skillsets & lack of consensus in the WR class makes the board unpredictable.

10. Kyle Hamilton, SS, Notre Dame

The skinny: An instant-impact chess piece for smart defenses, this level of athleticism and skill normally doesn’t come in a 6’3” 220 lb. package.

Best trait: Size/thump

Why he could fall: Lacks single-high versatility (likely a high-end SS/sub-LB in the pros).

11. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The skinny: A well-rounded DE prospect with untapped potential to rush the passer. Dominant against the run with the versatility/strength to kick inside.

Best trait: Powerful

Why he could fall: Somewhat of a tweener depending on scheme

12. Drake London, WR, USC

The skinny: A big-bodied, contested-catch nightmare for opposing defenses; has the savvy separate out of breaks, and is a hungry hippo after the catch.

Best trait: Ball skills

Why he could fall: Some teams will prefer another flavor of receiver

13. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The skinny: A fleet-footed, sticky corner with loose hips and the physicality to make a difference in the run game.

Best trait: Motor, instincts

Why he could fall: Lack of length

14. Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

The skinny: Pairs elite lateral quickness, burst, and fluidity to consistently win inside on all three downs.

Best trait: Explosiveness

Why he could fall: Lacks ideal length; still needs polish

15. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The skinny: A proven resume and bankable skillset of deep speed and route-running chops.

Best trait: Getting open

Why he could fall: Possible size concerns (though he likely won’t fall)

16. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The skinny: A well-rounded linebacker with natural instincts, he can sift through the muck, run sideline-to-sideline, or drop into coverage adequately.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: There is a debate that he’s not necessarily elite at any one responsibility, clouding both fit and upside.

17. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The skinny: A true burner with the route-running prowess, ball skills, and competitive fire to demand double-teams on every snap (health permitting).

Best trait: Speed

Why he could fall: A torn ACL in the National Championship makes for a wide range of outcomes.

18. Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

The skinny: A road-grading athlete with the versatility to play tackle in a pinch. A strong anchor, low center of gravity, and long arms allow him to consistently out-leverage his man.

Best trait: Run blocking

Why he could fall: IOL are always at risk of sliding as a result of position value.

19. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

The skinny: The widely-regarded top center prospect in a few years—we can debate the positional value of center/IOL, but his mettle as a prospect is undeniable.

Best trait: Smart & nasty

Why he could fall: Positional value

20. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida St.

The skinny: An all-around natural EDGE with an ideal build, he may not have the upside of his peers but his floor is bankable.

Best trait: Feel for the position

Why he could fall: Lacks high-end athleticism

21. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The skinny: A downhill linebacker with explosive athleticism and a knack for the football. His ability to cover running backs and blitz at a high level make for an exciting prospect.

Best trait: Explosiveness

Why he could fall: Some scouts will have fair concern over size, as well as the fact that he feasted behind a generational D-line (not his fault, of course).

22. Jordan Davis, NT, Georgia

The skinny: An explosive and immovable object in the middle of the trenches, he commands double teams and has the wiggle to make you pay for trying otherwise.

Best trait: Size/athleticism combo

Why he could fall: Not an every down player by virtue of position/size

23. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The skinny: Major upside as a sudden route-runner with deep speed and a wide catch-radius.

Best trait: Explosiveness

Why he could fall: Still a little technically raw; concerns over his release, physicality, and concentration drops.

24. Jahan Dotson, WR, PSU

The skinny: Polished route-running, twitchy athleticism, and ridiculous hands make up for size and durability concerns.

Best trait: Ball skills

Why he could fall: Size concerns

25. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The skinny: A twitched-up runner with a stocky build and a rocket for an arm. Still developing as a passer.

Best trait: Mobility/velocity combo

Why he could fall: Will need real time to develop.

26. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The skinny: A pocket passer with decent mobility, pro-progression chops, and a knack for playmaking.

Best trait: Accuracy/ball placement

Why he could fall: Some team’s will prefer another flavor of quarterback in an unremarkable yet diverse class.

27. Trevor Penning, OT, North. Iowa

The skinny: A powerful mauler in the run game with the length/anchor to handle pass protection; a low level of competition clouds his projection.

Best trait: Power

Why he could fall: Competition concerns

28. Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

The skinny: A violent, nasty blocker in an athletic, fluid frame; he’s as raw as any prospect in the class but possesses ridiculous upside.

Best trait: Power/athleticism combo

Why he could fall: Very raw

29. Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

The skinny: A big-bodied athlete with the ability to release from press and consistently win in contested-catch situations; arguably the most dependable X-skillset in the class.

Best trait: Size/athleticism combo

Why he could fall: He’s a white guy at a skill position

30. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

The skinny: An explosive athlete with every trait a pass rusher could ask for, if he develops the finer points of the position he’ll be a generational talent.

Best trait: Speed-to-power

Why he could fall: Raw, inexperienced, Achilles injury

31. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

The skinny: A well-rounded passer with average size, decent mobility, and a plus-arm; he’s tailor-made for RPO-heavy schemes.

Best trait: Accuracy, feel

Why he could fall: Lacks an elite trait to hang his hat on.

32. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The skinny: A toolsy passer with a blend of mobility, arm talent, and size; decision-making and accuracy concerns hold back an otherwise elite prospect.

Best trait: Size/mobility/arm combo

Why he could fall: Accuracy concerns

33. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

The skinny: A toolsy developmental piece with the versatility to rush the passer and play in space, odd-front teams will covet his upside.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Scheme-specific, a little raw

34. Bernhard Raimann, OT, C. Michigan

The skinny: A long, athletic tackle prospect with enough foot speed and flexibility to entice scouts.

Best trait: Length, fluidity

Why he could fall: Lacks an elite anchor, and tends to play upright given his height

35. Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

The skinny: Physical run-blocker with a powerful frame and plenty of pop.

Best trait: Length, power

Why he could fall: Scouts vary on his evaluation

36. Dax Hill, Safety, Michigan

The skinny: An elite athlete with coverage instincts and willingness in the run game; a tiny frame might limit an otherwise enticing skillset to nickel.

Best trait: Speed

Why he could fall: Size concerns

37. Roger Mcreary, CB, Auburn

Skinny: A jack-of-all trades corner with plus athleticism, instincts, and movement skills. An overall high-floor prospect at a premium position.

Best trait: Battle tested

Why he could fall: Merely average size and length have some scouts doubting his potential to lock down the outside against bigger wideouts.

38. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The skinny: A long press corner with fluid hips and quick feet, he’ll fit in some schemes better than others, but should be valued by all.

Best trait: Physicality, length

Why he could fall: Can be a liability against quicker, more explosive wideouts.

39. Jaquan Brisker, Safety, PSU

The skinny: A balanced safety who makes plays against the run and pass, he’s an instant impact starter who can fill multiple responsibilities on defense.

Best trait: Length, physicality

Why he could fall: Though versatile, he projects better playing near the LOS than in deep looks

40. George Pickens, WR, Georgia

The skinny: A contested-catch threat with the speed and fluidity to make scouts drool.

Best trait: Ball skills

Why he could fall: Injury history

41. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

The skinny: An elite athlete with all the coverage/versatility chops of his Washington peer.

Best trait: Athleticism

Why he could fall: Inconsistent college career

42. Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

The skinny: A lengthy, fluid corner with elite upside.

Best trait: Length

Why he could fall: Inexperienced and raw compared to his peers

43. Logan Hall, DL, Houston

The skinny: A long and strong lineman with versatility to slide across positions, he possesses impressive burst and quickness for his size.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Could be viewed as a tweener.

44. Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut

The skinny: Massive, long, & strong—he has all the tools to eat blockers, plug gaps, and swallow ball-carriers in the middle of the defense.

Best trait: Size, anchor

Why he could fall: Positional value

45. Demarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M

The skinny: An interior pass rusher who thinks he’s a true EDGE; has elite potential as a base-end that kicks inside on passing downs (if he’s willing to buy-in).

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Possible tweener (versatility is a double-edged sword)

46. Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma

The skinny: A penetrating interior lineman with an elite first step and plus length.

Best trait: Quickness

Why he could fall: Value somewhat depends on scheme.

47. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota St.

The skinny: A size/speed freak with few knocks outside of competition concerns.

Best trait: Size/speed

Why he could fall: Competition concerns

48. Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

The skinny: An experienced linebacker who can mop up sideline-to-sideline and carry backs and tight ends in man coverage.

Best trait: Explosiveness

Why he could fall: Other similar skillsets in this range

49. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa St.

The skinny: A twitched-up, loose runner with a nice combination of vision and patience; he’s the full package in regard to fundamentals and athleticism.

Best trait: Three-down ability

Why he could fall: Running back is the most replaceable position in football sports

50. Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

The skinny: A three-down prospect with high-level ability to diagnose the run, disengage blockers, and wrangle ball-carriers.

Best trait: Smart, explosive

Why he could fall: Competition concerns

51. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

The skinny: 6’8” and 390 lbs. of man can’t be run through nor run around very easily, and his relative athleticism makes for a unique prospect.

Best trait: Size/anchor

Why he could fall: His height is a disadvantage from a bend/leverage perspective; also needs seasoning

52. Arnold Ebikitie, EDGE, Penn State

The skinny: A twitchy edge defender with plus-length, lateral quickness, and hand technique; has proven useful against the run and pass.

Best trait: Length/juice

Why he could fall: Casualty of a deep Edge class

53. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

The skinny: A true pocket passer with a big arm; would have been a first-round lock a decade ago.

Best trait: Howitzer arm

Why he could fall: Seasoned, yet still developing processing and accuracy.

54. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado St.

The skinny: A thick target with good ball skills and a nose for finding yards after the catch, his willingness/technique as a blocker are the cherry on top of a complete prospect.

Best trait: Blocking, YAC-ability

Why he could fall: Likely won’t (though there are other decent TE prospects in the class)

55. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Mich.

The skinny: An explosive and twitchy route-runner with decent hands and YAC ability; if he wasn’t so small he’d be a first-round talent.

Best trait: Burst

Why he could fall: Size concerns

56. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

The skinny: A high-motor, twitchy pass-rush specialist with upside as a drop backer in odd-fronts.

Best trait: Pressuring the QB

Why he could fall: Might be viewed as a teeener

57. Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

The skinny: A gumby-like pass rusher with the explosive traits to develop into a sack artist.

Best trait: Length/bend combo

Why he could fall: Lacks strength

58. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

The skinny: An experienced passer tailor-made for an RPO offense, his quick release and fastball will play in the right system.

Best trait: Leadership

Why he could fall: Lacking elite traits and upside

59. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio St.

The skinny: A zone-blocking tackle with ideal size and plus athleticism; equally solid in the run and pass game.

Best trait: Feet

Why he could fall: Still developing the finer points of the position.

60. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky

The skinny: An experienced, elite run-blocker who can play all across the line at a high-level.

Best trait: Nasty, explosive

Why he could fall: A run-heavy scheme in college clouds evaluation in pass sets

61. Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA

The skinny: An impressive athlete with tackle/guard versatility whose quick feet and nasty demeanor project well to the pro level.

Best trait: Size/feet combo

Why he could fall: Lower ceiling at tackle than guard

62. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

The skinny: An average athlete who compensates with a plus get-off, strong hand technique, and desirable length.

Best trait: Length, motor

Why he could fall: Lacks elite traits

63. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

The skinny: An undersized hybrid defender with the physicality to hang in the box, and the traits/instincts to develop in coverage.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Size concerns

64. Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

The skinny: A size/speed prospect with high-end burst and loose hips to gain easy separation.

Best trait: Burst

Why he could fall: Needs more refinement

65. Kerby Joseph, FS, Illinois

The skinny: A long, rangy ball-hawk with the physicality to play both safety spots.

Best trait: Range, versatility

Why he could fall: Didn’t test speed/agility at combine

66. Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia

The skinny: A versatile guard prospect who can win with power as well as athleticism; can play tackle in a pinch.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Limited upside at tackle

67. Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama

The skinny: A long and strong lineman with a good first step and violent hand usage.

Best trait: Length, versatility

Why he could fall: Lacks athletic upside

68. Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan St.

The skinny: An electric lateral runner with more than enough quickness, twitch, and burst to make pro defenders miss on the regular.

Best trait: Shiftiness, burst

Why he could fall: Doesn’t add value on passing downs

69. Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

The skinny: An athletic freak who checks all the boxes physically; has as much versatility and upside as any backer in the class.

Best trait: Size/speed combo

Why he could fall: Will need polish and a clear role

70. Brandon Smith, LB, PSU

The skinny: A traitsy prospect with elite length, twitch, and fluidity tailor-made to play in space in today’s NFL.

Best trait: Athleticism

Why he could fall: Still raw

71. Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

The skinny: A speed-to-power rusher with ideal size and explosive traits to win against pro tackles.

Best trait: Size/burst combo

Why he could fall: Off-field concerns

72. Cam Jurgens, IOL, Nebraska

Why he could fall: Needs to clean up route-running and concentration drops

The skinny: Uber-athletic center prospect with enough pop to compensate for average size/strength.

Best trait: Athleticism

73. Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

The skinny: A downhill thumper with the size and explosiveness to dominate against the run in the pros.

Best trait: Run defense

Why he could fall: Concerns in coverage

74. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

The skinny: A long, athletic, and experienced corner who excels in zone coverage.

Best trait: Length, instincts

Why he could fall: Man coverage needs refinement

75. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

The skinny: A sturdy power back who pairs good vision with natural instincts; possesses more wiggle and receiving ability than expected.

Best trait: Contact balance

Why he could fall: Lacks elite traits; needs ball security and pass pro refinement

76. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

The skinny: Elite size and speed prospect that pro teams covet at the position.

Best trait: Size/speed combo

Why he could fall: All tools, no refinement

77. Nick Cross, S, Maryland

The skinny: An elite athlete with traits and versatility to fill both safety roles.

Best trait: Size/speed combo

Why he could fall: Processing and tackling are inconsistent on tape

78. Lewis Cine, SS, Georgia

The skinny: A high character, uber-athletic box safety.

Best trait: Explosiveness

Why he could fall: Undersized, lacks true versatility in deep coverage

79. Troy Anderson, LB, Montana St.

The skinny: A high-motor, fluid athlete with explosive traits and three-down potential if developed properly.

Best trait: Versatility, explosiveness

Why he could fall: Still developing; faced low levels of competition

80. Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

The skinny: An attacking inside backer with the athletic upside to develop into a more complete player.

Best trait: Explosiveness, twitch

Why he could fall: Needs refining; lacks ability in coverage

81. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

The skinny: A bendy edge rusher with long arms, quick feet, and plenty of juice in his movement; can drop in space.

Best trait: Athleticism

Why he could fall: Very raw

82. Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

The skinny: Elite speed, twitch, and explosiveness with a polished release/route-running skillset layered on top.

Best trait: Athleticism, speed

Why he could fall: Size concerns

83. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington St.

The skinny: A long, athletic tackle prospect with ample success in pass protection.

Best trait: Pass protection

Why he could fall: Lacks run blocking reps

84. Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest

The skinny: Elite athlete with the length to develop at tackle and movement ability to settle at center if all else fails.

Best trait: Pass protection

Why he could fall: Might be too light to play tackle in the pros

85. Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego St.

The skinny: A strong, technically-savvy POA Defender with elite quickness for his size.

Best trait: Strength, hand-usage

Why he could fall: Lacks pass rush upside

86. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

The skinny: A route technician with enough athleticism to overcome a lack of size and physicality.

Best trait: Ability to separate

Why he could fall: Lacking ideal ball skills; coming off ACL tear

87. Damone Clark, LB, LSU

The skinny: A high-motor, lanky backer who’s at his best playing in space and clicking downhill.

Best trait: Length

Why he could fall: Injury will force him to miss rookie season

88. Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati

The skinny: A physical, versatile safety prospect who is at his best triggering downhill and blowing up both phases of the game.

Best trait: Run defense

Why he could fall: Inconsistent in coverage

89. Ed Ingram, IOL, LSU

The skinny: A densely-built guard prospect who moves well in space and taps into power once engaged; flashes strong technique.

Best trait: Experience, balance

Why he could fall: Lacks elite traits

90. Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama

The skinny: A long, physical corner prospect that press-heavy defenses will covet.

Best trait: Physicality, length

Why he could fall: Needs refinement; scheme-specific

91. Wandale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

The skinny: A gadget weapon with the quick-feet and twitch required to make defenders miss; strong hands and good instincts round out a high-floor prospect.

Best trait: Twitch

Why he could fall: Lacks breakaway speed

92. Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette

The skinny: An athletic tackle prospect with elite upside in pass protection.

Best trait: Pass sets

Why he could fall: Needs to get stronger

93. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

The skinny: A long, explosive backer whose at his best attacking downhill.

Best trait: Physicality

Why he could fall: Lacks coverage skills

94. Dylan Parham, IOL, Memphis

The skinny: A fleet-footed, smooth-moving interior lineman who plays with good flexibility and leverage.

Best trait: Athleticism

Why he could fall: Will need to develop at center

95. Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

The skinny: An impressive linear athlete who uses elite speed-to-power traits to overwhelm blockers from multiple alignments.

Best trait: Versatility

Why he could fall: Lacks pass rush upside; average length diminishes his skillset

96. Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

The skinny: An undersized, uber-athletic corner prospect with elite foot speed, loose hips, and a nose for the football.

Best trait: Foot speed

Why he could fall: Very undersized

97. Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi St.

The skinny: A long zone corner with great instincts and developing ball skills.

Best trait: Length

Why he could fall: Limited to zone-heavy schemes

98. JoJo Doman, LB, Nebraska

The skinny: An undersized backer who excels working downhill or dropping in coverage.

Best trait: Coverage ability

Why he could fall: Size/strength concerns

99. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

The skinny: A thick-bodied receiving target with long arms and fluid athleticism.

Best trait: Vertical receiving

Why he could fall: Needs to add strength

100. David Bell, WR, Purdue

The skinny: A route technician with a polished release, excellent body control, and elite ball skills.

Best trait: Route-running, ball skills

Why he could fall: Lacks elite size or athleticism

2022 NFL Draft: Who will be the #1 pick? – Powered By PickUp

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