2022 NFL Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux has the tools to be top overall pick

Strengths of Thibodeaux’s game

An All-American in his first two seasons (first team in 2019, second team in 2020), Thibodeaux has the tools to be a force on the edge.

It starts with his quick first step and initial quicks. Thibodeaux’s initial quicks out of his three point stance make things easier to gain leverage quickly vs. offensive linemen who have the snap count. His first step makes him a threat to win on the outside track on every snap. The explosion and athleticism he has gives him the ability to win with speed around the edge. His athleticism also comes into play with his change of direction skills. He can retread his rush route to pursue from the back side very well, and his speed to close is very good.

Where Thibodeaux really makes his hey is at contact. Thibodeaux is great at establishing leverage at the point of contact. He plays with exceedingly good pad level and is nearly always the low man on his reps.

His hand placement is excellent, as he consistently gets his hands in tight under tackles’ shoulder pads and in tight near the arm pit. When he establishes control, it’s easy for Thibodeaux. The pop in his hands plus his placement give him an advantage to shed blocks quickly against the run and create pressure on the quarterback. His go-to move is a dip and rip to get around the outside shoulder.

The last thing that shines with Thibodeaux is his motor and effort. Thibodeaux has a motor that runs hot all game long, and his effort to chase down plays is something coaches and teams love to see.