Early 2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Defense takes the stage
Defensive End. 11. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Purdue. George Karlaftis. 848
Teams with needs at defensive end are going to be happy with the 2022 NFL Draft class. Purdue’s George Karlaftis should be near the top of the conversation. Karlaftis is a heavy-handed, power rusher who does flash some burst off the line. He will look to repeat the numbers he put up as a freshman in 2021 (17.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks).
Wide Receiver. Arkansas. Treylon Burks. 12. player. 844. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
The fight for the “WR1” title will be fun throughout the 2021 NFL Draft process. Right now, Treylon Burks is one of the few who can make an argument. Burks has an impressive catch radius, and brings great size for the prototypical “X” receiver. However, he does more that that, showcasing some speed and field vision after the catch.
player. 812. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wide Receiver. Ohio State. Chris Olave. 13
Chris Olave could easily have come out in last year’s draft, and would likely have been an early day two pick. Olave is the savvy route runner in the class, with great skills at the top of his route stems and the long speed and stamina to win deep down the field.
Scouting Report. 873. Pick Analysis. Tight End. Texas A&M. Jalen Wydermyer. 14. player
Another Texas A&M Aggie finds his way into the early top 15. The tight end class has a chance to be deeper in the 2022 NFL Draft and Jalen Wydermyer leads the way. He has the blend of size and athleticism to be a productive pass catcher at the next level.
player. Quarterback. Spencer Rattler. 15. 815. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Oklahoma
The first quarterback finds his way onto the list. Spencer Rattler has impressive arm talent, very good touch on the football to the intermediate and deep areas of the field, and enough mobility to make plays on the move. He does have some decision making questions to iron out, but he’s the best quarterback right now.