Jacob Keppen’s 2022 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board

1. Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle Alabama

Evan Neal has unfortunately suffered from prospect fatigue this offseason… and it’s a shame because the junior tackle turned in his finest performance this season. Facing some of the best defensive ends in the country, Neal shut them down with his absurd mobility and hand technique. He needs to work on his balance, but Evan Neal is the best player in the class and still has the makings of a franchise tackle.

2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher Oregon

Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has fallen out of favor this offseason, and it’s absolutely mind-boggling! Thibodeaux might not be a “generational” defensive end prospect, but he can be a standout pass rusher. While he hasn’t put everything together yet, the traits are just off the charts for the Oregon defender. We’ve seen him single-handedly take over games for the Ducks over the past two years with his athleticism. Don’t overthink him.

3. Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle North Carolina State

A standout guard, “Ickey” Ekwonu moved full time to tackle this year, seemingly cementing his status as a top-five pick. He doesn’t always appear to know what he’s doing with his hands… and yet it mostly hasn’t mattered much for him! Except for his matchup against Jermaine Johnson, the Wolfpack tackle has been a one-man wrecking crew. He’s athletic and has the hands of a heavyweight. Whether at tackle or inside, Ekwonu has sky-high potential.

4. Kyle Hamilton, Safety Notre Dame

You know that a player is good when the only knock most people have is his position… While he isn’t going to go first overall because safeties are unjustly devalued in today’s NFL, Hamilton is the best defensive back in this draft. He possesses a good feel for coverage, aided by his great change of direction, and he dishes out some outlandish hits. Hamilton can be a Harrison Smith caliber contributor in the NFL.

5. Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle Mississippi State

Charles Cross was soooooo close to usurping Ekwonu for the fourth spot. There is a legitimate argument that Cross is the best tackle in this class. As a pass protector, he’s in a league of his own. Light on his feet, Cross’ ability to recover is simply special. Everything for Cross in pass protection seems so effortless. While I think he stepped up this year in the run game, Mississippi State’s Air Raid system always makes evaluating run blocking a challenge. As a pass protector though, he’s the best in the class.

6. Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher Michigan

Whenever the big moment called for it, Hutchinson was there to make a game-altering play. At his best Hutchinson can wreck games. He has the athleticism and get-off to pair with great strength… resulting in a wrecking ball off the edge. He just has this rabid style of pass-rushing that I personally love. I’d like a bit more play to play consistency, and I wish he was more fluid… and that his arms were longer… but in general he’s remarkably good.

7. David Ojabo, Edge Rusher Michigan

At times, David Ojabo was more impactful than his teammate Aidan Hutchinson. There are certain things that Ojabo can do that Hutchinson can’t. Despite his lack of experience and overall technique, Ojabo was a fantastic speed rusher. He just has it. The way he bends the corner and makes a play on the quarterback is reminiscent of Von Miller. He is not even close to a complete player yet. He has only played football for a couple of years now, and he has some work to do as a run defender. While he is raw, his ceiling is as good as any in this class. (NOTE, Ojabo’s Achilles injury will drop him in the draft… I will not drop him in my rankings.)

8. Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher Florida State

My favorite two things about Johnson are his length and motor. Johnson’s 35-inch arms are some of the longest in the class, and he uses that advantage to get hands-on linemen first and keep separation. He is a master at turning speed to power, again using that fantastic length. His motor is unparalleled, giving complete effort on every down. He can be deployed everywhere on the line, and he's a sturdy run defender. My biggest knock on him is a lack of good bend… but when he’s fantastic at everything else it doesn’t matter all that much.

9. Derek Stingley, Cornerback LSU

At his best Derek Stingley has the potential to be a Jalen Ramsey-level player that can lock down a whole side of the field. His freshman year shows this. The problem is that we haven’t really seen that over the past two years, Stingley's play is inconsistent, primarily due to injuries. Durability will be a massive question for the LSU corner moving forward. If he pans out, he could be a franchise cornerback. If not, Stingley will be one of the biggest what-if stories in recent memory.

10. Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard Texas A&M

I’m a simple man when it comes to my guards. I want players who are bullies. You need guys who clear out the trenches for their running backs and set the tone for the team. Kenyon Green is a certified butt-kicker. He’s been used all over the line for the Aggies and has dominated at every position. He can get it done in pass protection and will immediately improve your run blocking.

11. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cornerback Cincinnati

Sauce Gardner was one of the best corners college football has seen in a while, allowing zero touchdowns during his time in Cincinnati. He's a big athletic corner... basically the corner that you create in Madden. I think the biggest question still would be his level of competition. He never really faced the best receivers in the nation, and against Bama, Jameson Williams was all on his own with John Metchie out injured. While he also does tend to be grabby in man coverage and twitchier receivers might give him a bit of trouble, he has the prototypical height and athleticism of a standout corner.

12. Tyler Linderbaum, Center Iowa

In the right situation... Linderbaum can be a top-five player in this draft. His ceiling is sky-high. Linderbaum can potentially be the next Jason Kelce… in the right circumstances. He is fantastic on the move, reach blocking like few before. He will though be at a size disadvantage against bigger nose tackles in the league. His size and potential struggles against stronger defenders keep him from being an elite-caliber prospect. For the right team though... Linderbaum can be an All-Pro center.

13. Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver Ohio State

One of the marks of a star receiver to me is making the first man miss. Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill… all have this ability and so does Garrett Wilson. When you add in his super technical route running and ability to beat corners off the line, you have a pass-catcher who can take the league by storm. 

14. Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver Alabama

Jameson Williams is just the latest model in the long line of game-breaking Alabama receivers. A transfer from Ohio State, Williams possesses game-breaking speed. There is nobody in the class better at beating angles than him. He zips around the field like a motorcycle speeding through traffic. Bracket him if you wish... Williams will still get open and make you pay.

15. Travon Walker, Defensive Linemen Georgia

For a more in-depth review of Walker, check out my recent article on the Georgia defensive linemen. On film, he has a couple of flashes every game where he looks like the best defensive lineman in this draft. He is an athlete comparable to monsters like Myles Garrett and Jevon Kearse. The consistency as a pass rusher just isn’t there yet. We can’t really confirm or deny his ability there due to his situation, but the potential to be an elite pass rusher is there. He’s a bit more boom or bust than you’d like but Walker could be exceptional.

16. Andrew Booth Jr, Cornerback Clemson

Andrew Booth keeps falling and falling down draft boards, and I’ve yet to see a logical explanation why. As other cornerbacks have been hyped as part of the offseason process, the Clemson corner has seemingly been forgotten. I believe that Booth will be the most underrated corner in this draft, probably going to be drafted below 20. He’s physically gifted and has tremendous ball skills. With these high-powered offenses in the NFL today, having a corner with ball skill who can cause turnovers is even more vital.

17. Trent McDuffie, Cornerback Washington

Trent McDuffie was a lockdown corner for the Huskies. One of the biggest questions about him is regarding his ball skills. He never really caused many pass breakups or turnovers… and it mostly wasn’t his fault. McDuffie blanketed receivers, and quarterbacks refused to throw the ball his way. He’s a good all-around athlete with super smooth hips. One of my favorite aspects of his game is his willingness to tackle. That’s very important in today’s NFL.

18. George Karlaftis, Edge Rusher Purdue

Oh, poor George Karlaftis… most other years you’d be viewed as the crown of the class. Unfortunately, there were a lot of breakout players in this class, leaving a more than an adequate option in Karlaftis somewhat forgotten. Karlaftis has an exceptional first step and uses his power very well. He has a surprising amount of bend for his size. Karlaftis was so disruptive that teams frequently sent triple teams his way.

19. Nakobe Dean, Linebacker Georgia

It’s will be extremely interesting to see where Nakobe Dean goes on draft night. Opinions range from a potential top ten pick… to not even going in the first round. When you watch the Georgia defense, his impact is evident. He flies all over the field making tackles, stopping potential big plays. He is fantastic at shooting into the backfield and getting after the quarterback. While a bit limited due to size, Dean is still an impact linebacker.

20. Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle Georgia

I already talked about Wyatt in a previous article breaking down the Georgia defensive line. Finding holes in Wyatt’s game is problematic. Calling his first step “great” might frankly be disrespectful to the Georgia native. As a pass rusher, he looks like the next Geno Atkins, a force who can make life hectic up the middle for quarterbacks. It isn’t just the pass-rushing though, Wyatt is as stout as they come in run defense. He’s a bit older, but don't let that make you miss a standout defensive tackle.

21. Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle Georgia

Jordan Davis is a player I’ve battled internally for nearly two years now. I have concerns, but he is a generational run defender. He is the type of player who makes all 11 players on the defense better. He has to grow as a pass rusher but as I detailed in my breakdown of Davis in a previous article, he is a fantastic football player. 

22. Devin Lloyd, Linebacker Utah

When the biggest fear about a player is his unknown age... you probably have a good one. Lloyd was a player who caught my eye during the summer, and he just reached another level this past year. Lloyd is the modern-day outside linebacker. After seeing so many linebackers last year swerve around offensive linemen, it was refreshing to see Lloyd successfully take them on. Furthermore, Lloyd also found success as a traditional pass rusher. He is as sound a run defender as you’ll find coming out of college, and he can handle his own in coverage. I’m not sure if he necessarily has a standout trait, but overall he’s just a dang good football player.

23. Zion Johnson, Interior Offensive Lineman Boston College

If you need a guard who can start day one, Zion Johnson is your guy. It’s a pain to try and find holes in the Boston College lineman’s game, he’s just an extremely sound player overall. Johnson’s experience at tackle stands out in pass protection, good feet, and anchor ability aiding him in shutting down defensive tackles. He’s a pretty good run blocker, with above-average power at the point of attack. With fantastic athleticism and length for the position, Johnson can immediately improve a team in the trenches.

24. Chris Olave, Wide Receiver Ohio State

Chris Olave is as solid of a receiver as they come. He has long-term starting experience and has been immensely productive over the past three seasons. Like Santana’s 1999 smash hit, Olave is smooth. It’s hard to find a specific area that Olave isn’t good at. While he might not necessarily have a trump card, he’s a reliable option who can get open downfield.

25. Daxton Hill, Safety Michigan 

Daxton Hill’s biggest strength is his versatility. He can be used in nearly any look you throw his way, even playing most cornerback positions. When you don’t have to make substitutions because your safety can adapt to his role, that player’s stock goes way up! With his elite athleticism, Hill saved a lot of big plays for the Michigan defense. He’s a bit smaller but he’s the perfect versatile safety for today’s passing league.

26. Drake London, Wide Receiver USC

Let’s not get it twisted, Drake London is a gifted receiver. He might not run a 4.3 or even offer elite separation, but he is the best possession receiver in this class. He’s open even when there is a cornerback on his hip, able to make catches through contact. Nobody this year is better at making tough catches over the middle of the field. London will be an immediate red zone threat.

27. Quay Walker, Linebacker Georgia

While many fantastic prospects are coming out of Georgia this year, do not forget about Quay Walker. The outside linebacker looks like an old-school thumper but moves like the modern linebacker. Walker is fantastic in space, whether it is in coverage or in pursuit. He has a great nose for the ball and takes on blocks with great violence.

28. George Pickens, Wide Receiver Georgia

If George Pickens didn’t get hurt, he could’ve been the top receiver in this class. When he hopefully should’ve shown progression in his game, Pickens, unfortunately, sat out most of this season injured. Superstar potential is still there. He is still as athletic as ever, using his size and jumping ability to make ridiculous catches. He might not be a complete receiver yet, but he offers big-play potential.

29. Lewis Cine, Safety Georgia

ANOTHER GEORGIA BULLDOG! The last Georgia player on this list, Cine is a fantastic run defender. He bolts through traffic to deliver powerful hits to ball carriers, and he’s very good at traveling sideline to sideline to stop the run. While I’d like a bit more ball skills, his prowess in the run game makes Cine a fine player.

30. Kaiir Elam, Cornerback Florida State

Kaiir Elam was, unfortunately, the victim of prospect hype throughout the season. With each passing week, new shiny corners captured the nation's attention while Elam was barely paid any mind… but Elam was there every week making plays. He’s one of the most physical corners in college football, pestering receivers at the line. If you want a long, physical corner with speed… Kaiir Elam is your guy.

31. Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver Arkansas

Burks should not be mistaken for just some traditional jump ball receiver. While he is big and plays above the rim extremely well, there is much more to his game. He can do traditional big receiver things but is at his best with the ball in his hands, his on-field athleticism greater than his combine times suggests. The Razorbacks used Burks all over, serving as their own 6’3 Deebo Samuel. Hopefully, Burks can be drafted to a creative offense to best utilize his talents.

32. Christian Watson, Wide Receiver North Dakota State

Christian Watson has the potential to be the best receiver in this class. While he is a bit unproven, North Dakota State runs the ball a ton, no pass-catcher has made themself more money this offseason. After showing great flashes at North Dakota State, Watson was the best receiver at the Senior Bowl. At the combine, Watson was amongst the most athletic testers. This is a 6’4 receiver who can house a jet sweep! He’s not as much of a sure thing as other top receivers in this class, but the Bison wideout can be a superstar.

33. Malik Willis, Quarterback Liberty

This is the start of a run of second-round prospects who might be a bit raw but have sky-high potential. Malik Willis, the best quarterback in this class, can be a superstar. The traits are all there. He will immediately walk into the league as one of the best running quarterbacks. There is a valid argument that he is the most elusive runner in this class! His arm is simply phenomenal, and it’s something you don’t really appreciate until you see him in person. There will be a sizable jump from the extremely RPO-heavy Liberty offense, but Willis could be a game-changer.

34. Boye Mafe, Edge Rusher Minnesota

Another Senior Bowl standout! It says a lot when a player is simply unblockable at the Senior Bowl. Playing some of the best linemen in the nation, none of them could get their hands on Mafe. He’s not the most complete player yet but on his film, his athleticism is too much for a lot of linemen, the same way it was down in Mobile. With his explosiveness, Mafe will be a better pro player than he was at Minnesota

35. Christian Harris, Linebacker Alabama

At his best, Christian Harris is the best linebacker this year. There are times when he looks a bit lost, not always able to diagnose the play the best, but the traits are all there to be great. A high-end athlete, Harris was a proven blitzer for the Crimson Tide. He has the upside to be a great coverage linebacker. He needs to learn the position more and develop his vision, but he can be a steal.

36. DeMarvin Leal, Defensive Line Texas A&M

Demarvin Leal is one of the most frustrating players in the draft. He has all the talent in the world. It was on display in 2020, a year in which Leal was seen as a potential top-five pick, but it was much more sporadic in 2021. He never really took another step further. He’s inconsistent, and there are questions about his true best position. It takes a bit of projection, but few defensive linemen move like Leal. If he pans out, he’s an athletic disruptor that you can move all around the line.

37. Sean Rhyan, Offensive Lineman UCLA

Sean Rhyan is one of the most obviously good players in the class. You watch him and just say “Yup… he’s a good player.” I got that same feeling when I watched USC guard/tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker last year might I add. He handled Kayvon Thibodeaux really well in the past. His hands are good, able to reposition them really well. He’s a good athlete and should be a nice starter in the NFL.

38. Ed Ingram, Offensive Guard LSU

If you miss out on Kenyon Green in the first round, do everything you can to grab Ed Ingram in the second. Ingram is the good kind of mauler. The type that uses his technique to win alongside his aggression and power. He is the best pulling guard in this class and has earned the “if he gets hands on you it’s over” label. His grip strength is something serious. He will be a solid starter for years to come.

39. Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver Penn State

Man, I wish Jahan Dotson had better quarterback play... Dotson did everything on offense for the Nittany Lions, doing what he could with erratic passes. He’s faster with the ball in his hands and gives solid route running. While he is undersized, he plays with a ton of heart and goes up to grab passes. While he didn’t test as well as I hoped, his size hampering his Relative Athletic Score, he’s going to be a good receiver.

40. Kyler Gordon, Cornerback Washington

The first thing you notice about Gordon is the way he moves. While he didn’t run quite what I expected, Gordon is one of the stickiest man coverage corners that I have watched. He’s just so fluid and able to keep up with pretty much anyone. He is a willing and able tackler, giving him true versatility all over the field. Gordon projects to be a very good second corner.

41. Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle Uconn

Who expected a Uconn player to be one of the best interior linemen in the country? I wasn't able to watch him much until the Senior Bowl, but he was unstoppable down in Mobile. If you miss out on Jordan Davis, Travis Jones looks to be a terrific consolation prize. He brings great size at 325 pounds, but also offers good mobility. He presented a lot more penetration than I expected going into his film.

42. Jaquan Brisker, Safety Penn State

Jaquan Brisker has some of the craziest range in the class. There are instances of him on film saving a rushing touchdown with his scary speed. Like Hill, Brisker is as versatile as they come. He can occupy pretty much any role you can ask of a safety. His ball production is steady and his run defense is excellent. Brisker can be a solid addition to your defense.

43. Arnold Ebiketie, Edge Rusher Penn State

Just go watch Penn State vs Ohio State… that is all. All game Ebiketie whipped the Ohio State linemen, his heavy hands giving the Buckeyes great trouble. As expected Ebeketie is a fantastic athlete, Penn State doesn’t admit anyone who isn’t. He might not be a game-changer, but Ebiketie is a solid overall player.

44. Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle Northern Iowa

I am a bit lower than the consensus on Trevor Penning. For me, there are just some areas of his game that are lacking. For his fantastic athleticism, and it is something special, he struggles mightily on the second level. He plays a bit too high and he gives up the corner way too easily. He throws his weight around well and will be a good run blocking right tackle, especially for a team like Baltimore or Tennessee that likes to run the ball so much. I just think there’s a bit more work for Penning to do.

45. Chad Muma, Linebacker Wyoming

I’m starting to notice a pattern with Wyoming linebackers. I was a big fan of now Cincinnati Bengal Logan Wilson, and I equally like Chad Muma. He just has such great football instincts, able to sniff out a line to meet the ball carrier in the backfield. At the Senior Bowl Muma stood out each day as clearly one of the best players in the competition. Don’t stereotype him either... the Wyoming linebacker is a fantastic athlete.

46. Breece Hall, Running Back Iowa State

We finally did it, folks! 46 players in we finally have our first running back! In a bit of a down class compared to previous years, Hall is a solid overall back. His vision stands out, his patient running style reminiscent of Leveon Bell. He tested out of this world at the combine, and while I don't think he's the biggest burner on the field, he has sufficient athleticism. I want him to trust his speed a bit more on the field, and that will unlock him further. I don’t think he’s a player the caliber of Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, or Jonathan Taylor (Taylor was an elite prospect, don’t forget it) he’s still a good option.

47. Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver Western Michigan

The Internet’s favorite receiver. While undersized, the Western Michigan receiver has more than enough speed to make up for it in the slot. Where he excels the most is with the ball in his hands, the junior is possibly the best receiver in the class after the catch. I don’t think that he’ll ever be a team’s #1 option, but he can be a fantastic complementary option in the slot. He would pair extremely well in Indianapolis.

48. Leo Chenal, Linebacker Wisconsin

Before the Combine, Chenal was someone I said was going to surprise people. A victim of stereotypes, many expected Chenal to test badly. They expected him to be another Paddy Fisher. Anyone who watched Wisconsin on defense knew he was a great athlete. He is the best blitzing linebacker in the class, screaming into the backfield. He hammers into offensive linemen and even gave Tyler Linderbaum some problems. Why is he all the way down at 49? he’s simply not the best in coverage.

49. Jalen Pitre, Safety Baylor 

Jalen Pitre is fun. Before we can tackle the question of his best position in the NFL, we must establish that he is an incredibly talented player. In Baylor’s fantastic defense, Pitre was the heart and soul. At the Senior Bowl, he was a standout defensive back, looking sticky in coverage. Outside of the defensive linemen, he was arguably the best defensive player in Mobile. He is undersized though and there will be questions about where to exactly put him.

50. James Cook, Running Back Georgia

I remember watching a young Alvin Kamara at Tennesee and having a gut feeling that he was going to have a much better career in the NFL than he did in college. I have the same exact feeling about James Cook. Whenever I was watching the Bulldogs offense he just always captured my attention, especially late in the season. At the very minimum, he is one of the best receiving backs in the league. He runs actual routes, not just receiving dump-offs in the flats. He is a dynamic runner who can thrive in a Kamara-type role.

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-By: Jacob Keppen