The Latest 2022 NFL Draft Big Board at NFL Mocks features a plethora of edge rushers and defensive backs.
The first week of college football has come and gone, and with that comes the initial reactions of seeing future 2022 NFL Draft prospects in action. Many of the top players did extremely well and proved that they belong near the top of the board come next April, while others are still developing and working. The good news is that there are another dozen weeks.
However, here at NFL Mocks, the 2022 NFL Draft work never stops. It’s been a while since the big board was updated, and even the preseason positional rankings need a little tuning. The board expands to 75 prospects in this update, with a plethora of players at defensive back and edge rusher. The quarterbacks are likely a bit lower than in recent classes, but five are on the board. Let’s dive in to the most recent top 75 for the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton sits atop the board here, and at 6’4″ and 220 pounds, it’s easy to see why. Possessing elite range for his size, Hamilton has incredibly long strides and covers ground with ease. He’s a reliable tackler with great recognition skills, and opened up the season well with two interceptions against the Seminoles.
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux leads the edge class in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the argument can be made for him to be at the top. He has an elite first step and is excellent at defending the run, using great hand placement and strength to quickly engage and disengage. A big game against Ohio State would be impressive should he play.
3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Derek Stingley sits atop a fantastic corner group, and his freshman season was undeniably special. His patience and ability to locate the football in coverage is excellent, and he’s already showed off better tackling ability and the closing speed to boot.
4. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Players at 290 pounds shouldn’t be able to move the way that DeMarvin Leal does, and his versatility to line up all over the defensive line will attract plenty of teams looking to upgrade. His quickness and power combination is very good.
5. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Andrew Booth has ridiculous upside for the position, and his ball skills and in-air athleticism are unmatched in the class. He’s developing and refining his skills in coverage, but Booth has the physicality and temperament to go high in the 2022 NFL Draft.
6. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Evan Neal didn’t end up the top tackle on the preseason rankings, but he looked the part of a franchise left tackle in the opener. He is a true mauler at the position and has the footwork and quickness to succeed in pass protection on the outside.
7. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green made a move over to tackle this fall, and it’s so far so good. SEC play will determine a lot for his future position, and either way, Green is an elite guard with great core strength, lateral quickness, and finishing ability.
8. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is ready to join an excellent group of separators to be a first round pick next April. He’s dynamic throughout his stem, and has the burst to be a deep threat. He’s a great route salesman, and the clear top receiver right now in the 2022 NFL Draft.
9. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Tyler Linderbaum is a very good fit in a zone offense with his combination of initial quicks, explosion, and hand usage. He’s got great vision when leading the charge in space and is continually improving in pass pro.
10. Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington
At 6’7″ and 310 pounds, Jaxson Kirkland is a rock on the blind side. His athleticism is impressive for his size, and he’s hard to beat when dropping into pass pro while also being sufficient in the run game.
11. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie is a complete player at the corner position, and could be the top guy in other drafts. A productive player in man and zone coverage, McDuffie has great transitions and possesses good closing speed and physical tackling skills.
12. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Chris Olave could’ve opted to declare last season, but came back and looks ready to crack the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Olave has underrated deep speed to be a vertical threat and is a technician as a route runner. His floor is an elite WR2 in the NFL.
13. Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
Brandon Joseph, despite limited starts in his career, has impressive ball production and skills at the catch point. He does a good job filling against the run, and has the fluidity and instincts to thrive when lined up single high.
14. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
After an incredible freshman season in terms of production, George Karlaftis didn’t get much opportunity to build on it in 2020. He is a technical and strong rusher who closes well to the quarterback. Another strong season gets him firmly in round one conversation.
15. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam has the prototypical size and quickness to be a lockdown corner in the 2022 NFL Draft. Possessing the length and physical nature, teams who play plenty of press will want him on their team. Elam also produces at the catch point.
16. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill is yet another first round talent in this class, and is another with a well-rounded game. He is an excellent open field tackler who has a quick trigger and great range. His change of direction skills are good enough for man coverage reps as well.
17. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
A rare size and speed combo, Treylon Burks has incredible body control and skills at the catch point, and the toughness and speed to dominate and create after the catch. Refining his route tree is important for Burks to ascend throughout the process.
18. Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama
Jahleel Billingsley leads an impressive tight end crop for the 2022 NFL Draft. He doesn’t have many targets and opportunities to this point, but his athleticism and ball skills will make for a matchup nightmare in the NFL.
19. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
Darian Kinnard has played right tackle to this point for the Wildcats, but his game is better fit for the interior. He flashes work to the second level, has impressive grip strength, and does well getting leverage with initial quicks.
20. Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
Myjai Sanders has all the makings of a true pass rusher at the next level. His first step is great, and he attacks well outside and flashes a great inside move. Sanders can win on the outside track and is developing good counters.
21. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler had an uninspiring start to the season, but remains the top quarterback on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. He has the arm talent and touch to succeed, but better decisions and footwork are important steps for Rattler to take.
22. Ainias Smith, OW, Texas A&M
Ainias Smith is a true offensive weapon in the 2022 NFL Draft, and possesses the talent to play running back and receiver. He’s explosive and twitchy in space, and does good work separating against linebackers out of the backfield.
23. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Drake Jackson is another toolsy rusher who is looking for a breakout season. He’s off to a good start with an interception in his first game of 2021, and wins with athleticism and quickness. He needs to work on counters and a true plan, but the upside is huge.
24. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Despite his size at just 5’11” and 178 pounds, Zay Flowers has incredible potential at wide receiver. Flowers is a jitterbug after the catch, and has a good release package and the speed to separate vertically. His work in contested spots is impressive as well.
25. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Breece Hall is the top running back in the 2022 NFL Draft right now by a significant margin. His blend of vision, improvisation in space, and ability to create after contact. Seeing more targets in the passing game would be a big boost to his stock.
26. Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
Another safety cracks the top 30. Jalen Catalon can do it all and has done it all for Arkansas, with great closing speed and tackling ability. His instincts to fill in the run game are impressive, as is his versatility.
27. Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Sean Rhyan has one of the better athletic profiles for a tackle, and is a “dancing bear” in pass protection. He’s solid in the run game, but could afford to take better angles and work on aggressiveness.
28. Cade Otton, TE, Washington
Cade Otton currently sits as the best well-rounded tight end right now in the 2022 NFL Draft, and does very good work inline, and flashes the ability to displace defenders. Otton is also tough to bring down after the catch.
29. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
Carson Strong has the arm strength and arm talent to boot, and throws (potentially) the best deep ball in the class. He lacks mobility, but makes great reads pre-snap and has good accuracy to all levels of the field.
30. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
Zach Harrison had an excellent debut this season for the Buckeyes, showing off his tools to rush with good athleticism and the strength at the point of attack to boot. More refinement should land him in the first round.
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.
46. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Jalen Wydermyer was the top tight end throughout the summer for the 2022 NFL Draft, and his skills as a receiver still make him a good prospect. He separates with good size at the top of his routes and has great ball skills.
47. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis is a traditional nose tackle who eats space well against the run, but he flashes the occasional twitch to attack gaps and generate some pass rush. More games like the one against Clemson will elevate his stock.
48. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
After returning from a neck injury, it will be interesting to see how Justyn Ross does this season. He’s efficient through his route breaks, and has a massive catch radius and exceptional body control. Ross also has impressive stop/start quickness for his size.
49. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
Derion Kendrick has a great chance to boost his 2022 NFL Draft stock and Georgia is a great place for that to happen. He’s got good skills in press coverage and at the catch point, but needs to work on his aggressiveness in transitions.
50. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell struggled mightily against Virginia Tech last Friday, but with a less than stellar offensive line and new chemistry to build with receivers, it’s going to take some time. He can still improvise and has a good arm.
51. Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
Josh Jobe embodies patience as a corner, and has good eye discipline and stays physical throughout routes. Seeing more efficient transitions will help his stock for the 2022 NFL Draft.
52. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Daniel Faalele dropped some weight for the season, and should have a big year at right tackle for the Gophers. He’s got the size and aggressiveness for the run game, and has good hand usage and technical skills as a pass rusher. He snatched multiple times against good Buckeyes rushers last week.
53. Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
Romeo Doubs has all the makings of a 2022 NFL Draft riser, especially playing with a top quarterback prospect. Doubs has the deep ball ability and twitch off the line, but needs to clean up his hands to make a bigger leap.
54. Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Garrett Williams may not declare this season, but his game definitely measures up at this point. Williams is productive, has great quickness, and good patience while also sticking his nose into the run game.
55. Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
Eric Gray made the move to Oklahoma from Tennessee and it could pay off in a big way. Gray has impressive vision, can manipulate second level defenders, and has very good contact balance. He also has tremendous hands as a receiver.
56. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Jahan Dotson was running free all day against Wisconsin, but it’s his impressive quickness at the line of scrimmage and release package that has him on this writer’s radar. Building on that technique will gain more favor with NFL teams.
57. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean got true national attention in the win over Clemson, but he fits well as a WILL linebacker. Dean has good instincts in coverage and great closing speed when he’s sent after the quarterback.
58. Jerrion Ealy, RB, Mississippi
Jerrion Ealy is a dynamic back with great burst and explosiveness, and is in a great offense to raise his stock for the 2022 NFL Draft. He will thrive as a great change of pace back and can contribute as a receiver.
59. DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
DeMarvion Overshown is one of the biggest “potential” guys on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. His ceiling is enormous, and converting from safety to linebacker in an age where hybrid defenders are becoming the norm could help him out. He needs work with his keys against the run.
60. Nik Bonnito, EDGE, Oklahoma
Nik Bonnito is another edge rusher with great quickness, explosion, and change of direction skills. He flashes great hand placement to get off of blocks quickly, but needs to put on mass if he wants to be more than a situational rusher.
61. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross has a lot of potential for the 2022 NFL Draft at tackle, but he’s more of a project at this juncture. Cross has very good athleticism and footwork to mirror rushers, but lacks some power to hold up against speed to power rushers.
62. Noah Daniels, CB, TCU
Noah Daniels was on Bruce Feldman’s freaks list, and it shows in his game. His change of direction skills are impressive, as is his usage of length at the line of scrimmage and to reduce passing windows.
63. Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
Perrion Winfrey has the pass rushing upside in what is a weaker defensive tackle class for the 2022 NFL Draft, and that quickness will be coveted in teams looking to generate rush from the interior. He needs to work holding up against the run a bit more.
64. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis has perhaps the best arm talent in the class, and can make every throw on the field. However, working in structure and making good decisions need to become more frequent for Willis as he looks to be the 2022 NFL Draft riser at quarterback.
65. Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
The other edge rusher from Oklahoma, Isaiah Thomas has a good first step, combined with good hand usage and the ability to convert some speed to power to walk back tackles.
66. Christian Miller, LB, Alabama
Christian Miller got the buzz during the summer, but more deep dives showed that there’s work to do. Still, the athleticism and range to cover ground on perimeter runs and in coverage will help him out, but the processing speed needs to improve.
67. Jarrett Patterson, OL, Notre Dame
Jarrett Patterson has played multiple positions along the offensive line, but center will be a good place for him. Patterson displays good extension and balance at the point of attack, and takes great angles in the run game.
68. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Jaquan Brisker is another safety with upside in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has a great skill set despite limited starts. He’s physical and fluid to succeed both near the line of scrimmage and as the last line of defense.
69. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Jack Campbell is another on the freaks list who could be in for a big season. He’s a well-rounded player who has the instincts and sufficient athleticism to boot. He could elevate the linebacker class in the 2022 NFL Draft.
70. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning makes his debut on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, and put together a great performance against the Cyclones. He has great strength and the ability to reset the line of scrimmage.
71. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Isaiah Likely is booming with athleticism, and has great quickness off the line of scrimmage and the speed to win deep. His role right now puts him as a receiving threat with refinement needed as a route runner.
72. Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Ricky Stromberg plays with an incredible motor and great toughness as a center, showing good control and strength at the point of attack.
73. Zonovan Knight, RB, NC State
Zonovan Knight can scoot for a running back of his size, and plays with great toughness through contact between the tackles. He’s a quick processor with the contact balance to get through shoestring tackles.
74. David Bell, WR, Purdue
David Bell’s production hangs on his ball skills, as he shows great adjustments at the catch point, along with being a plus tracker and red zone dynamo. Bell has efficient routes for his size as well, and could be in for a big year commanding WR1 targets.
75. Brenton Cox Jr., DE, Florida
Brenton Cox plays with a great motor as a pass rusher, and has the length to win as a technician pass rusher and against the run. His quickness and burst are impressive as well. Putting it all together could yield a big season.