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

Kayvon Thibodeaux, 2022 NFL Draft. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Kayvon Thibodeaux, 2022 NFL Draft. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Kayvon Thibodeaux, 2022 NFL Draft
Oregon defensive end and 2022 NFL Draft prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Weaknesses of Thibodeaux’s game

When it comes to weaknesses for Kayvon Thibodeaux, there isn’t a whole lot to go through. But, there are things he can work on to be the sure fire number one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

It starts with his plan as a pass rusher. Thibodeaux does have counters once he reaches contact as a rusher, but his plan seems to form at contact rather than before. Thibodeaux often works to establish leverage with great placement and pad level, then works from there. He can win with athleticism and power, but he hasn’t needed to form an array of moves because he’s been dominant since he was a freshman.

Winning with a lot of bull rushes is fine, but it would be good to see more from Thibodeaux in his junior campaign. It would also be great to see him threaten the outside track with more bend, since he has the functional athleticism to do so.

Another small thing for Thibodeaux is to finish more tackles against the run when he sheds blocks. Thibodeaux has the length and wingspan to make those plays outside of his frame, but doing so with more consistency would be huge.

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Final Thoughts

Ducks rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has all of the tools to be the top overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has the athleticism, motor, and skill at contact to be dangerous at the next level. If he puts together another excellent campaign as a junior, the NFL team with the top pick may opt for him over a quarterback. A defensive cornerstone is important for an NFL defense, especially one who rushes the passer with his intensity and skill.