2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 75 Loaded At EDGE, Defensive Back
31. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
What a week for Georgia, and Lewis Cine is among those who played well versus Clemson. Cine has the range, tackling ability, and recognition skills to play in a variety of spots and succeed in all of them.
32. Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
Ikem Ekwonu has tackle experience, but he looks the part of an excellent guard. He wants to bury his opponent every chance possible, and has pretty good footwork in pass protection.
33. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
A technician, and the next in a long line of impressive Alabama receivers, John Metchie III has good route running prowess and an understanding of leverage. He’s an impressive stacker when working vertically, but needs to work on his ball skills in contested spots.
34. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has a chance to be the big riser at corner, as he shows impressive recognition skills when lined up in off-coverage and stays physical throughout receivers’ routes.
35. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
Kingsley Enagbare leads the way for senior prospects on the edge, and could end up down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. Enagbare has great hand usage and works speed to power very well to trim the edge.
36. Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Zion Johnson played the 2020 season at tackle, but is set to move back inside for 2021. He’s plays extremely controlled and balanced, and is impressive in the running game. Johnson has the length and grip strength to keep defenders away from his frame.
37. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Nicholas Petit-Frere moves over to the other bookend for the Buckeyes this season, and could be in for a surge in the 2022 NFL Draft with a strong season. He’s got the initial quickness, explosion, and athleticism to hold up against rushers and work in space in the running game.
38. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Kyren Williams is a phenomenal athlete at the running back position, and has sufficient burst and vision to be scheme-versatile. He’s also very good as a receiver, showing great hands and an adjustment to the football.
39. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
Trey McBride had a 13-catch debut last weekend, and has the straight line speed and ball skills to be an effective receiver. He separates well with his size and is tenacious as a run blocker.
40. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Jordan Battle does a good job near the line of scrimmage as a strong safety, and has good recognition skills in zone coverage. He needs to be more reliable as a tackler in space.
41. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Isaiah Spiller is solid in all aspects of the game as a runner, and thrives with excellent contact balance. He needs to add more as a receiver, but his baseline skill set will translate well to the NFL.
42. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
Matt Corral takes a big leap on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, and it’s partly thanks to his impressive performance against Louisville. When he’s on and in rhythm, Corral shows the accuracy, velocity and confidence to make all the throws. He’s mobile enough to improvise and create as a runner.
43. Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
Zion Nelson oozes athleticism and does well as a space blocker, but needs to work on the finer points of playing tackle, especially at the point of attack. His upside is what will draw NFL teams in.
44. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson isn’t talked about enough in this edge class for the 2022 NFL Draft, but he will be soon. His change of direction skills are very good and he has the burst to win around the arc and with an inside move.
45. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Hodges-Tomlinson lacks a bit in size, but he makes up for it with incredible playmaking ability. The slot might be the best option for him at the next level.