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Carolina Panthers: First Round Targets in the 2022 NFL Draft

By Andrew Fischer

Feb 2, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh (8) throws during National practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, USA.Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh (8) throws during National practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, USA.Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux enters the stadium for the game against Oregon State on Nov. 27, 2021.Syndication The Register Guard
Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux enters the stadium for the game against Oregon State on Nov. 27, 2021.Syndication The Register Guard /

Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Once considered a no-brainer as the #1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux has been sliding down big boards for months now. ESPN’s Todd McShay has stated that multiple teams were worried about Thibodeaux’s motor and work ethic. Some feel he needs to exert more effort consistently and refrain from taking plays off.

If Thibodeaux can show those concerns to be unfounded, he could be an All-Pro player in the NFL for years to come. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and was the top recruit in 2019 according to the ESPN 100. Thibodeaux has the size (6’5” 258) and freakish athleticism that merit a top-ten or even top-five selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Thibodeaux has superior length and a good frame that would be conducive to him bulking up a bit if he chose to. His long arms work for him in multiple ways. They allow him to keep offensive linemen’s hands off of him and make it easier for him to wrap up ball carriers and force strip sacks when he gets near the quarterback. Kayvon Thibodeaux can also move side-to-side extremely well, which gives him a marked advantage over offensive linemen who usually don’t have as much lateral agility.

His length and athleticism offer Thibodeaux some versatility as he could play as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s strong enough and quick enough to do either. He has shown a good willingness to pursue ball carriers in the run game but could use some polish in defending the run more consistently. Thibodeaux has been compared to current Browns edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and he could have a similar impact throughout his time in the NFL.

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