The latest 2022 NFL Draft Big Board at NFL Mocks features fantastic defensive backs and new QB1.
We’ve reached the month of October, where more of our readings on 2022 NFL Draft prospects, positions, and the class as a whole are taking more shape. With most prospects getting a few games under their belt for the season, it’s been interesting to see who is making the jump, who isn’t living up to the hype, and whose stock is staying steady. Here, we try to make sense of it all with an update on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board here at NFL Mocks.
The update features an expanse from a top 75 to a top 100, and once again features an overabundance of talent at defensive back and edge defender. The tackle class has added a couple names to watch, and a couple wide receivers are soaring. Everyone wants to discuss the quarterback class, and there’s a new QB1 on the board as the weather cools and the leaves change color.
Plenty is left to be decided as conference play really gets underway and big matchups abound, but let’s look at the latest top 100 for the 2022 NFL Draft.
2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 100
1. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
There is no change at the top of the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, as Kyle Hamilton continues to play excellent football. He can do so much, from operating on the back end with excellent range to blitzing and handling man coverage duties. His recognition skills are top notch and he’s a great tackler in space as well.
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The top edge rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux continues to wreak havoc on the field. The stat sheet might not show it, but he’s putting pressure on and hurrying quarterbacks week in and week out.
3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
It’s been hard to live up to his ridiculously good freshman campaign, but Derek Stingley is still an excellent prospect with great ball skills, instincts, footwork, and the ability to turn and find the football to make plays.
4. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Andrew Booth can challenge for CB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft because of his athletic traits and phenomenal ball skills. He’s a menace at the catch point, has good transitions, and is phenomenal at closing downhill to make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
5. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Defensive linemen shouldn’t move the way Leal does at his size, and it’ll be interesting to see, with his versatility, where teams want to play him at the next level.
6. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Balance was the main issue for Evan Neal coming into the season, and he’s done a good job at limiting reps where that shows up. Neal is a powerful player who dominates at the point of attack with fleet feet in pass protection.
7. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
A combination of fluid hips, great ball skills, and the prototypical size and physicality would make Kaiir Elam tops in the class in many other years. Still, he’s a phenomenal talent who should go early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
8. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Green has seen reps at right tackle a lot this season, and he’s held up just fine. Still, his best position might be to stick inside, where he can use his great footwork and power in a phone booth to keep the pocket from collapsing.
9. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The top receiver on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board once again, Garrett Wilson’s combination of route pacing, explosiveness, and deception as a route runner make him a potential WR1 at the next level.
10. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Linderbaum is playing like the top center in the country, and it’s easy to see why he’s ranked so highly. His power and movement skills make him a very good fit for zone schemes in the NFL.
11. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Karlaftis is a very good pass rusher with excellent hand usage and great closing speed to the quarterback and on backside pursuit. He’s reaching his freshman levels on the stat sheet and is so dominant that Illinois had three guys blocking him on a rep back in week four.
12. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Burks has some of the best body control and hands in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his size/speed combination is impressive. His usage will be interesting at the next level, as he’s still working on developing a full route tree.
13. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
An excellent tackling corner with great instincts and speed, Trent McDuffie will continue the Huskies getting defensive backs drafted early. He’s right up there with the top group in the 2022 NFL Draft.
14. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill’s versatility and impact shined bright against Wisconsin, as he showed great timing to break up a pass, picked off another, and showed great tackling skills and closing speed near the line of scrimmage. His versatility is off the charts.
15. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The ceiling might be capped a little, but Chris Olave is still among the top at receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s a good deep threat and a maestro as a route runner with no real weaknesses in his game.
16. Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
Capable of playing on the roof or near the line, Brandon Joseph is another who can thrive in many roles. His range and change of direction skills are impressive, and playing man coverage wouldn’t be an issue for him either at the next level.
17. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson continues to rise on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, and he created pressure with ease yet again this past weekend. He’s an athletic pass rusher that flashes some serious polish with his hands.
18. Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Sean Rhyan moves to OT2 on the big board, as he continues to put together solid performances. He doesn’t give up much ground in pass protection and has the footwork to mirror rushers.
19. Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
Probably the best true mauler in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ikem Ekwonu looks to bury defenders every chance he gets. He’s playing tackle this season again for the Wolfpack, but there’s a good chance he moves inside for Sundays.
20. Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
A loose, long, fluid rusher, Myjai Sanders is a fun watch. He can win on the outside track or with a wicked inside move, and can generate some serious power with a quick get off.
21. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Jordan Davis could’ve declared last season, but chose to return and it’s looking like the right call. His explosion off the snap and quickness for his size is extremely impressive, and he’s become more of a disruptor along with being a great run defender.
22. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Jackson has some of the highest upside in the 2022 NFL Draft because of his athletic traits, and the production is there again this season, as he’s at three sacks and four tackles for loss through five games.
23. Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington
He’s taken a bit of a tumble on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, but Jaxson Kirkland still has the makings of a tackle at the next level. He has the movement skills, anchor, and balance to succeed.
24. Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
Jalen Catalon or a heat-seeking missile? It’s hard to tell sometimes, but Catalon is an impressive player coming downhill and has the instincts to thrive in the middle of the field in the “robber” role.
25. David Bell, WR, Purdue
David Bell makes a massive jump here, as he really does everything well at receiver. He’s got efficient transitions out of breaks, can make the big time catch through contact, and can stack to win vertically.
26. Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama
Billingsley’s work ethic questions will be there because of Nick Saban’s comments, but his athletic traits to be a matchup nightmare in the slot are matched by no one right now for the 2022 NFL Draft.
27. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
The move to left tackle hasn’t been a perfect one as he’s given up some pressures, but Nicholas Petit-Frere is still a very good pass protector who has the footwork and athleticism to be a factor in the run game as well.
28. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
The top running back in the 2022 NFL Draft, Breece Hall is a great combination of burst, patience, vision, and contact balance. He identifies where to attack and gets upfield in a hurry.
29. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
If it isn’t obvious already, the safety class looks great for the 2022 NFL Draft. Cine has great instincts, can click and close, and has the versatility, range, and reliability as a tackler to play everywhere and succeed.
30. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
There are some catches that look extremely difficult for Zay Flowers to make that he secures consistently. His ability through contact is impressive for his size, and he’s got the quickness and explosion to win pre-catch and post-catch.
31. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The release package is good, he’s extremely quick working into his stem, and he wins vertically. Jahan Dotson, despite the size, is definitely one of the top receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
32. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
The new QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft is here! Carson Strong may not be the most mobile quarterback, and will struggle to improv a bit, but his work pre-snap to identify what the defense is doing is impressive. He’s also got a cannon for an arm, throws the back shoulder well, and has great touch and placement on the deep ball.
33. Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
There may not be one trait that stands out for Garrett Williams, but he does nearly everything well. He would have more attention for the 2022 NFL Draft if he wasn’t playing for Syracuse.
34. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
One of the best blitzing linebackers in the country, Nakobe Dean has great closing speed and is a great tackler to boot. His instincts in coverage are very good as well, and he could shine in a weaker linebacker class.
35. Ainias Smith, OW, Texas A&M
It’s hard to define a position for Ainias Smith, but he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Think Nyheim Hines with a little bit more short area explosiveness.
36. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd has been very good in coverage, and has two interceptions already this season, but it’s his improvement getting off blocks and finishing downhill that has him soaring up the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board.
37. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
Darian Kinnard is an especially tough player to move off his spot, and he has looked good in pass pro and as a road grader in the run game. His best position might be guard, but he’d be darn good in that spot.
38. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler has been stuck in neutral a bit until last week, where he looked like the potential franchise quarterback he can be. More performances where he maneuvers the pocket and takes care of the football could get him back to QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft.
39. Cade Otton, TE, Washington
A well-rounded tight end, Cade Otton is great as a run blocker and has the toughness and balance to create after the catch with the ball in his hands. He’s a player with a high floor.
40. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
A machine in off-coverage, Ahmad Garnder is great at helping against the run and has the click and close skills to limit yards after the catch. His hip tightness is the one weakness that could limit him at the next level.
41. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
A guy who wins with great moves and a hot motor, Kingsley Enagbare has the tools to be a powerful rusher with some good technical skills. Seeing the production come to fruition in 2021 would be big for his 2022 NFL Draft stock.
42. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
Corral didn’t play real bad against Alabama, there just wasn’t much there outside a few big throws. Still, he can challenge for the top spot in the 2022 NFL Draft because of the improvements he’s made taking care of the ball and with his quick release and strong placement.
43. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
The athletic baseline is outstanding, and Kyren Williams has the burst to be a home run hitter and the receiving chops to be a three down back at the next level.
44. Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
The move back to guard has suited Zion Johnson, as he’s hard to move off his spot. His skills to reach the second level in the run game and stout in a phone booth. Against Clemson, he was really the only one not giving up ground.
45. Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London isn’t this writer’s cup of tea, and the way he wins isn’t traditionally translatable except for a select few. Still, his play above the rim and balance and toughness after the catch make for an intriguing player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
46. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The athleticism and toughness as a runner is undeniable, and Malik Willis has taken serious strides as a passer this year, looking much more comfortable in structure and with his accuracy to all levels.
47. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell has bounced back well from his rough start, and it’s been tougher to get chemistry built with guys who didn’t get much playing time from a year ago. The deep ball is there and he has the rhythm for the quick passing game.
48. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Isaiah Spiller is getting more comfortable in the passing game, something that many hoped he’d show in what’s likely his final season in college. The RB1 talk is fair for the 2022 NFL Draft, but I think the processing needs to be quicker.
49. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
A small school mauler, Trevor Penning lands inside the top 50 of this 2022 NFL Draft big board. He isn’t a finished product just yet, but the tools are intriguing on day two right now. Playing at the Senior Bowl could alleviate that a bit.
50. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
Trey McBride has become one of this writer’s “guys” in this draft. He can separate as a receiver with good size and strength and has great acrobatic-like skills in the air. McBride also gets after it as a blocker.
51. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
One of the more athletic tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft, Charles Cross has the footwork and mirroring skills necessary to man the blindside. Improving his strength at the point of attack and anchor have contributed to his rise.
52. Adam Anderson, EDGE, Georgia
He’s a little undersized, and won’t fit every scheme, but Adam Anderson has the quick get off, speed, and athleticism to threaten outside and work back inside to pressure the quarterback.
53. Thayer Munford, OL, Ohio State
The move to guard is helping for Thayer Munford, as he’s been a driving force behind the successful running game in Columbus. Limiting himself to guard isn’t helping his 2022 NFL Draft stock, but long-term it’ll help in the NFL.
54. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Jalen Wydermyer has tumbled a bit from the preseason TE1 talk on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, but he’s still a good receiving tight end with great skills through contact and some savvy at the top of routes.
55. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
Derion Kendrick is up there with the top corners in the 2022 NFL Draft in terms of physicality, and has the fluid movement skills, but improving his instincts in off coverage will further boost his stock.
56. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The injury is looming, and it’ll be interesting to see if that affects his decision, but George Pickens has the dynamic release, play speed, and ability to win above the rim that makes him a potential “X” at the next level.
57. Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
Transferring to Alabama has been huge for To’o To’o, and he’s been able to capitalize being the MIKE in this defense, attacking well downhill and reading his keys extremely well.
58. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
One of the early risers in the 2022 NFL Draft so far, Jaquan Brisker has shown great instincts to read the quarterback and is a very reliable tackler in space.
59. Jerrion Ealy, RB, Mississippi
Burst and explosiveness are the name of the game for Jerrion Ealy, as he’s got the talent and traits to work as a three down back with home run hitting upside. His short area quickness also helps him make defenders miss in space.
60. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
The tools are there with Zach Harrison, but in a deep edge class in the 2022 NFL Draft, he’s got to start refining his craft to be an effective pass rusher at the next level.
61. Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon
Another safety who can settle into multiple roles, Verone McKinley III is tough at the catch point, plays fast around the line of scrimmage, and has good recognition and closing speed when playing in a two-high look.
62. Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
Winfrey is one of the better interior pass rushers in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his quickness and explosion off the snap gives him an edge when putting pressure on the quarterback.
63. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Jordan Battle’s physical temperament and play style suits him well for a hybrid linebacker role near the line of scrimmage. Think of what Jamal Adams does for the Seahawks and you get Battle.
64. Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
There are still questions for Zion Nelson right now for the 2022 NFL Draft, as he’s struggled with balance and landing a strong initial strike. The tools are there, but with plenty of refinement needed, Nelson could be more of a project.
65. Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon
He’s strong against the run and is physical in coverage, but penalties are what to watch for with Wright as he tries to climb the ranks of a very impressive corner class in the 2022 NFL Draft.
66. Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
Christian Harris got serious top 10 talk early in the summer, but it’s faded and he finds himself much lower on this 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. The athleticism is there, but his processing needs to take a step forward to be a top selection.
67. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
He’s undersized, and could thrive in the slot, but Hodges-Tomlinson makes up for it by playing extremely fast. He’s got good ball skills as well, and is contenting a run of good TCU prospects in the draft.
68. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
Walker is a smart, tough tackle prospect with some of the better run blocking skills in the 2022 NFL Draft. The main question for him will be the short area quickness to recover when losing leverage, as he lacks top-end athleticism.
69. Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Stromberg plays with great control and should thrive in a system where power is the main concept in the running game. He can struggle with faster rushers and blitzers, but his anchor is strong and he can handle power rushers from the interior.
70. Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Isaiah Thomas is the type of rusher who can win quick with sufficient pop in his hands, good rush moves at contact, and good finishing speed. He will be one of those who relies on trimming the edge at the next level.
71. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Like the entire 2022 NFL Draft corner class, Roger McCreary plays very physical and helps out against the run. He stays physical with receivers throughout their stem, and plays with the temperament of a quality starter.
72. Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
With good burst and explosion into his stem, a knack for making great catches down the field, and good stop/start quickness after the catch, Romeo Doubs is a fascinating receiver prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. His route tree needs some work, but the potential is high.
73. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Jermaine Johnson is a big riser on the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, as he made a ton of plays in the opener against Notre Dame and has continued to be a disruptor on the edge so far in the 2021 season.
74. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
A linebacker with great instincts to read the quarterback’s eyes and run keys, Jack Campbell can do it all. In another mediocre LB class in the 2022 NFL Draft, Campbell’s traits should shine through.
75. Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
His transitions are solid, he stays patient at the line in press man, and does really everything at a good level. Splash plays are really what’s keeping him from the top group in the 2022 NFL Draft.
76. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Ebiketie transferred to Penn State from Temple and has done nothing but make an impact the instant he stepped on the field. He’s already got three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss in the 2021 season.
77. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
John Metchie was getting first round talk in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has the skills to be a technician, but he’s still struggling to attack and secure the football while also making plays through contact.
78. Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
The Georgia defensive line is loaded, and Devonte Wyatt is part of the reason why. He plays with great first step quickness and generates plenty of power playing with good leverage on the interior.
79. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington
It’s possible that Tupuola-Fetui stays another year, but declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft would add another talented rusher with great counters and athleticism who has great potential in the NFL.
80. Terrell Bernard, LB, Baylor
He’s a bit undersized at linebacker, and fits a more hybrid WILL role, but Bernard has the speed to work to the sidelines and the awareness to be a major factor in coverage.
81. Jarrett Patterson, OL, Notre Dame
Patterson plays with great balance, power, and hand placement on the interior of the Fighting Irish offensive line. His versatility, with both experience at guard and center, will intrigue NFL teams in the 2022 NFL Draft, should he declare.
82. Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State
Shakir has seen his stock soar of late, as he makes highlight reel plays at the catch point every single week. He can separate quickly as a route runner, and has great change of direction skills and contact balance after the catch.
83. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Ross hasn’t had the best start to the season, and it may just take time to get back to where he was. Ultimately, seeing him take steps by playing well above and rim and showing off the good athleticism for his size will go a long way.
84. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
The tackle-breaking machine, Walker has been a neat surprise thus far. His quick processing and footwork at the line of scrimmage, combined with his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss, could result in a major climb up the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board as the season keeps rolling.
85. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The other corner for the Huskies isn’t so bad either, as Kyler Gordon could make the jump early to the 2022 NFL Draft. The athletic upside is there, so seeing the consistency materialize could result in a declaration.
86. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
A former tight end, Raimann is starting to get some 2022 NFL Draft buzz. He has the athletic baseline to succeed at tackle and plays very well mirroring rushers in pass protection. Watch out for a rise.
87. Lecitus Smith, OL, Virginia Tech
Lecitus Smith plays very good football in a phone booth and even makes climbing to the second level look easy. As more eyes find him, his 2022 NFL Draft stock should continue to move up.
88. Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
The lone bright spot on a struggling Connecticut football team, Travis Jones has tantalizing upside as a pass rusher from the interior, and he can stack and shed with the best of them.
89. Smoke Monday, S, Auburn
Monday plays with reckless abandon in the secondary, and his closing speed is as good as any in the 2022 NFL Draft. He makes good plays on the ball and keys in well on the quarterback’s eyes and where he wants to go with the football.
90. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
A pure athlete at tight end, Likely attacks the ball well in the air, and has the speed to threaten vertically up the seam and create big plays downfield. He needs to work on using his hands to work through contact but banking on an athletic tight end is the right call.
91. Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
He doesn’t have quite the national attention yet, but Micah McFadden has a well-rounded skill set for the 2022 NFL Draft. More tape like he’s put out recently will hopefully get the attention he deserves.
92. Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
He’s going to fit better as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, but Amare Barno has excellent length and uses it well, generating some power on his rushes. He reads things well when rushing and gets his hands in passing lanes.
93. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
This should be the year that Abraham Lucas is in the draft. He’s extremely controlled, balanced, and quick as a pass protector, but could afford to unlock some more power to be more effective in the run game.
94. Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia
Jamaree Salyer is another versatile player for the 2022 NFL Draft, as he’s succeeded at tackle for the Bulldogs. His game fits a bit better inside, but he’s got strong hands and great grip strength to latch onto rushers.
95. Dohnovan West, OL, Arizona State
West has impressive movement skills, and is another in the 2022 NFL Draft who could play center or guard. His initial quicks and hip fluidity suggest he could thrive in a zone scheme and work 90 and 90 very well.
96. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
A reliable tackler in the open field and a great blitzer, Jalen Pitre joins great hybrid safeties in the 2022 NFL Draft. He would likely thrive best as a slot defender in man and zone coverage.
97. DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Overshown could be higher on the list, but the converted safety still needs to speed up his processing to be a high pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
98. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Zach Charbonnet is having a phenomenal 2021 season at UCLA, showing off great burst, excellent footwork, and the ability to run through and stayed balanced through arm tackles.
99. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Desmond Ridder just isn’t there yet with the top guys at quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft. He will make the wow throws, and has the athleticism to extend plays, but he needs to build more consistency snap to snap with accuracy.
100. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
A great playmaker after the catch, Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson rounds out this 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. He has the speed to be a deep threat, but also has great change of direction skills and field vision to be a nightmare after the catch.