Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto leads a deep class of OLBs for the 2022 NFL Draft

This year’s outside linebacker class lacks elite talent, however, it does have great depth. The top player on the board is Oklahoma Nik Bonitto who is highly regarded due to this ability to rush the passer. In terms of depth, the class does feature some great value picks on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft including Mike Rose of Iowa State and JoJo Domann of Nebraska. A small school linebacker to watch is La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis of Southern Utah who is on the smaller side but flashes elite athletic ability.

Top outside linebacker: Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma

The only outside linebacker with a first-round grade in the 2022 NFL Draft is Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto. The main reason he carries such a high grade is his ability to get after the passer. Last season, he was credited by Pro Football Focus with the nation’s top quarterback pressure rate of 25.7%. While he might not be the best run-stuffer in the draft he is also more than capable of helping out against the run or dropping into coverage.

Most underrated: Mike Rose, Iowa State

While Iowa State’s Mike Rose might not blow scouts away with his testing numbers, he is one of the best linebackers in college football. Last season, Rose led the Big 12 in tackles with 96 and also picked up five interceptions which were the most of any linebacker in college football. For his strong effort, Rose was named to several All-American teams and was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Despite this incredible production he is being overlooked by NFL Draft pundits like Mel Kiper Jr. who doesn’t even list him as one of the top ten linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Outside linebacker that should significantly improve his stock:  DeMarvion Overshown, Texas

This will be just the second year DeMarvion Overshown has played linebacker having started his career off at defensive back. Another year at this position should only improve his draft stock and will likely see him improve on his already strong numbers from last year of 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a team-high seven pass breakups. When looking at how Overshown projects to the next level his length, speed and coverage ability should earn him a starting spot next year.

Sleeper: JoJo Domann, Nebraska  

A Power Five sleeper in the 2022 NFL Draft is Nebraska’s JoJo Domann. While Domann won’t post elite testing numbers and lacks ideal size he does have one major thing working in his favor and that is his play on the field. Last season, Domann led the Huskers in tackles, tackles for loss, pass breakups and forced fumbles. As a pro prospect, he shows the versatility to hold up well in coverage and also the strength to play the run.

Biggest risk: Christopher Allen, Alabama

Going into the season expectations were high for Alabama linebacker Christoper Allen. Unfortunately, though he will not have a chance to live up to those expectations this season as he broke his foot against Miami last weekend.  This injury will likely keep Allen out for the season, which is horrible news for a player who was also forced to miss the 2018 season due to injury.

Top small school outside linebacker: La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis, Southern Utah

Southern Utah linebacker La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis is already showing why he is one the better 2022 NFL Draft prospects in the FCS with his strong performance against Arizona State last week. He finished the night with 15 tackles and a sack. As a prospect, he shows the speed, coverage ability and toughness to be a day three pick next April.

Special teams standout: Payton Wilson North Carolina State

Despite posting some impressive testing numbers both on and off the football field, people are overlooking North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson. On the field, Wilson has led North Carolina State in tackles the past two seasons, despite not even starting most of the 2020 season. Off the field, he has posted incredible speed numbers including posting the second-fastest velocity time of any Wolfpack player. These attributes along with the fact he has been a key member of North Carolina State’s special team’s unit should translate to him being a standout special teams player in the NFL.

2022 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings

1. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma (first round)

2. Adam Anderson, Georgia (second round)

3. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas (third round)

4. Brandon Smith, Penn State (third round)

5. Mike Jones Jr, LSU (third round)

6. Mike Rose, Iowa State (third round)

7. DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky (third round)

8. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State (third round)

9. Michael Barrett, Michigan (third round)

10. Christopher Allen, Alabama (fourth round)

11. Jordan Strachan, South Carolina (fourth round)

12. JoJo Domann, Nebraska (fourth round)

13. Terrel Bernard, Baylor (fifth round)

14. Zakoby McClain, Auburn (fifth round)

15. Mohamoud Diabate, Florida (fifth round)

16. Bumper Pool, Arkansas (fifth round)

17. Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M (fifth round)

18. Jalen Graham, Purdue (fifth round)

19. Owen Pappoe, Auburn (fifth round)

20. Jermaine Johnson, Florida State (sixth round)

21. Tatum Bethune, UCF (sixth round)

22. Amari Gainer, Florida State(sixth round)

23. Micah Baskerville, LSU (sixth round)

24. Aaron Brule, Mississippi State (sixth round)

25. Durrell Johnson, Liberty (seventh round)

26. Sam Williams, Ole Miss (seventh round)

27. Drake Thomas, North Carolina State (seventh round)

28. Jahad Woods, Washington State (seventh round)

29. La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis, Southern Utah (seventh round)

30. Dorian Williams, Tulane (seventh round)

31. Noah Taylor, Virginia (seventh round)

32. Troy Andersen, Montana State (seventh round)

33. Kuony Deng, California (free agent)

34. Kadofi Wright, Buffalo (free agent)

35. Chris Bergin, Northwestern (free agent)

36. Jordan Lewis, Southern (free agent)

37. Trey Baldwin, Louisiana Tech (free agent)

38. Malcolm Rodriguez, Oklahoma State (free agent)

39. Troy Brown, Central Michigan (free agent)

40. Cameron Goode, California (free agent)

41. Tyler Murray, Charlotte (free agent)

42. Treshaun Hayward, Arizona (free agent)

43. Caden McDonald, San Diego State (free agent)

44. Logan Backhaus, South Dakota State (free agent)

45. Willie Eubanks III, The Citadel (free agent)

46. Merlin Robertson, Arizona State (free agent)