2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Top draft picks of the past decade and more
By John Blair
Top offensive guard: Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Texas A&M offensive guard Kenyon Green has been a standout from day one. As a true freshman, he started all 13 games for the Aggies and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. This past season he was named a consensus All-American and was one of the reasons Texas A&M led the SEC in sacks allowed (0.7), tackles for loss allowed (3.8), and yards per carry (5.45). As an NFL prospect, he shows outstanding explosion and pop for someone 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds.
Most underrated: Mike Miranda, Penn State
Despite being one of the better offensive linemen in the Big Ten Penn State offensive guard Mike Miranda is being overlooked by most people. Last year, Miranda was named second-team All-Big Ten, and this year the Nittany Lions will be counting on him even more as he makes the move to center. One of the reasons he is making this switch is his high football IQ, which is evident when watching him pick up defensive line stunts.
Most overrated: Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
While Kentucky offensive tackle Darian Kinnard was an All-American last year there are some concerns about his pro potential. One of these concerns is his lack of mobility which causes him to get beat by quicker defenders. This lack of mobility will likely force Kinnard inside to guard, but even in that role, he is going to have to play in a gap scheme. On the positive side, he is a massive player with outstanding strength.
Offensive guard that should significantly improve his stock: Kyler Schott, Iowa
Iowa offensive guard Kyler Schott is someone who keeps improving. He came to Iowa as a walk-on and earned a scholarship after the 2019 season. In 2020, he started two games for the Hawkeyes but made enough of an impression to be named honorable mention All-Big Ten. Going into this season Schott was named a second-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and should be a full-time starter for the first time in his career.
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Biggest risk: Ed Ingram, LSU
The biggest issue with LSU offensive guard Ed Ingram is the 2018 arrest he had for aggravated sexual assault of a minor. While these chargers were later dropped it did cause him to miss the 2018 season, and will bring up character questions in the predraft process. He also has some concerns about his technique and needs to do a better job of finishing his blocks.
Top small school offensive guard: Cordell Volson, North Dakota State
The only small school offensive guard prospect to earn a draftable grade is North Dakota State’s Cordell Volson. What makes Volson the highest graded prospect is his physical style of play which makes him a highly graded run blocker. On the downside, he is a limited athlete which is why he will likely have to make the switch from offensive tackle to offensive guard in the NFL.
Overall Rankings
1. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M (second round)
2. Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State (second round)
3. Mike Miranda, Penn State (third round)
4. Nick Broeker, Ole Miss (third round)
5. Emil Ekiyor, Alabama (third round)
6. Cade Mays, Tennessee (third round)
7. Cole Schneider, UCF (fourth round)
8. Logan Bruss, Wisconsin (fourth round)
9. Josh Sills, Oklahoma State (fourth round)
10. Cody Ince, Iowa (fourth round)
11. Darian Kinnard, Kentucky (fourth round)
12. Jaylon Thomas, SMU (fourth round)
13. Harry Miller, Ohio State (fifth round)
14. Zion Johnson, Boston College (fifth round)
15. Jordan McFadden, Clemson (fifth round)
16. Junior Angilau, Texas (fifth round)
17. Blaise Andries, Minnesota (fifth round)
18. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia (fifth round)
19. Dylan Parham, Memphis (fifth round)
20. Ed Ingram, LSU (sixth round)
21. Cain Madden, Notre Dame (sixth round)
22. Kyler Schott, Iowa (sixth round)
23. Justin Shaffer, Georgia (sixth round)
24. Ben Petrula, Boston College (sixth round)
25. Marcus McKethan, North Carolina (seventh round)
26. Liam Dobson, Texas State (seventh round)
27. Matt Bockhorst, Clemson (seventh round)
28. Cordell Volson, North Dakota State (seventh round)
29. Shamarious Gilmore, Georgia State (seventh round)
30. Chasen Hines, LSU (free agent)
31. Liam Ryan, Washington State (free agent)
32. Liam Fornadel, James Madison (free agent)
33. Henry Bainivalu, Washington (free agent)
34. Josh Seltzner, Wisconsin (free agent)
35. Devontay Love-Taylor, Florida State (free agent)
36. Tristan Schultz, Liberty (free agent)
37. P.J. Burkhalter, Nicholls (free agent)
38. Colby Ragland, UAB (free agent)
39. Eric Wilson, Penn State (free agent)
40. Brent Laing, Minnesota-Duluth (free agent)
41. Sidney Wells, UAB (free agent)
42. Ty Whitworth, Weber State (free agent)
43. Grant Smith, South Dakota Mines (free agent)
44. Chris Paul, Tulsa (free agent)