Who’s ready for 2022 NFL draft rankings? C’mon — it’s never too early to look ahead. I’m moving on quickly from the 2021 NFL draft with my first Big Board and position rankings for the 2022 class. These are my top 25 prospects overall, plus the top 10 prospects at every position, from quarterback to long-snapper.
It’s early, of course, but there are already some interesting trends for the next class. There are several really good quarterbacks — again — though I think there will be a lot of changes by next April. By that I mean: No one expected Joe Burrow and Mac Jones to be first-round picks a year before they actually were. A few of these signal-callers haven’t played much college football yet. There are also some intriguing edge rushers in the 2022 class, after a down 2021, and it should be another strong group of offensive tackles.
OK, two big caveats before I unveil my 2022 Big Board and position rankings:
-
Again, it’s still incredibly early. I’m not writing detailed scouting reports just yet because I still have a lot of work to do on these prospects, many of whom have started only one season. On some of these prospects, I’m projecting what they could do in 2021, which means they have a high ceiling but still need to reach it on the field.
-
Heights and weights are based on what we have from schools; we don’t get official numbers until the 2022 combine next March.
Check out my pal Todd McShay’s early 2022 mock draft, too. Here we go:
Jump to: Position rankings
HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Class: Junior
There wasn’t a dominant edge rusher in the 2021 class, but that’s not the start of a trend. Thibodeaux, who was the No. 1-ranked high school recruit in 2019, is a stellar talent. He’s the clear best pass-rusher in the 2022 class. He had nine sacks as a true freshman two seasons ago, and he had three sacks and 9.5 total tackles for loss in seven games last season. Thibodeaux is an elite prospect.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 195 | Class: Junior
Stingley started immediately as a true freshman in 2019, and he has played more than 1,300 defensive snaps for the Tigers over the past two seasons. He was one of the best players on LSU’s 2019 title team, picking off six passes. That’s not normal for a freshman, but he showed that he belonged. Stingley wasn’t as consistent as a sophomore — he had only five pass breakups, down from 14, and no picks — but he has all of the talent to be a top-five pick next April.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Class: Third-year sophomore
Rattler doesn’t have a huge frame, but he does have an elite arm. His arm talent is unbelievable — he can throw 50-yard strikes with a flick of the wrist. He got off to a bumpy start last season, even getting benched for a couple of series against Texas before leading a comeback win, but in his final seven games he had 15 touchdown passes and only two interceptions while averaging 9.8 yards per attempt. Rattler showed that he can go through progressions, and he can maneuver the pocket to escape pressure. There’s a reason he’s the early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
HT: 6-7 | WT: 360 | Class: Junior
After starting 13 games at left guard as a freshman in 2019, Neal started 13 more at right tackle last season. Now he’s expected to move over to left tackle to replace Alex Leatherwood in 2021. I expect him to make the transition with ease, and the versatility will only help his NFL stock. Neal had an outstanding 2020 season; the only downside was being called for five penalties. If he can clean up his technique and be consistent, he could be a top-10 pick next year.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 290 | Class: Junior
Leal plays defensive end for the Aggies, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up as a 3-technique tackle in the NFL. That’s where he could reach his ceiling. He has some pass-rush upside off the edge and through the interior. Leal had 2.5 sacks, 47 tackles, one pick and a forced fumble last season. He’s stellar against the run, too.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Class: Junior
I mentioned Harris as a prospect to watch in January when I answered a few questions about the national title game. He plays fast; he processes what’s happening and finds the football. Harris has 138 total tackles over the past two seasons, and he showed off his ability as a blitzer last season, picking up 4.5 sacks. He needs to improve in coverage, but he has the physical traits to be a three-down linebacker at the next level.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 325 | Class: Junior
Green is another former five-star prospect — he ranked No. 3 in the 2019 ESPN 300, just ahead of Evan Neal. And like Neal, Green is going to move to left tackle in 2021. After starting at right guard as a freshman, Green played left guard last season, and he was tremendous, allowing no sacks and crushing defenders in the run game. Could he be the Alijah Vera-Tucker of the 2022 class? Vera-Tucker played guard at USC until he moved last season to tackle, where he showed off elite feet and became a top-15 pick. Like Vera-Tucker, Green could end up at guard in the NFL.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 219 | Class: Junior
Hamilton’s size and speed jump off the film; he’s impressive physically. He had 63 total tackles, an interception and 4.5 tackles for loss last season, after he picked off four passes as a freshman. He can play close to the line and stuff ball carriers or play deep as a center fielder, where he has the speed to make plays on the ball. I’m excited to see him next season.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 193 | Class: Junior
Florida has produced several first-round defensive backs over the years, and Elam could be next. (In fact, his uncle, Matt Elam, was a first-rounder in 2013.) He broke up 11 passes as a sophomore in 2020, and he had five picks over the past two seasons. It’s the ball skills and size that stand out most here, though I want to see more of Elam’s straight-line speed to get a better handle on how high he could be drafted.
HT: 6-7 | WT: 295 | Class: Senior
Kirkland is the first senior in these rankings so far. He started 25 games at right guard in 2018 and ’19 before moving to left tackle last season, and I expect him to stick outside in the NFL. He didn’t allow any sacks in four games in 2020, and he also was consistent in the run game.
HT: 6-0 | WT: 193 | Class: Junior
Wilson is an outstanding talent, as he caught 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns last season. Thirty-seven of those catches and five of those TDs came when he was lined up in the slot, but he should get more opportunities outside in 2021. Wilson ran a lot of crossers for Justin Fields last season. He can break tackles after the catch. With him and Chris Olave, the Buckeyes have one of the best receiving duos in the country — again.
12. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
HT: 6-1 | WT: 225 | Class: Junior
Howell had 68 touchdown passes and only 14 picks in 25 games over the past two seasons. He doesn’t have the arm strength of Spencer Rattler, but he’s extremely accurate and can make off-platform throws. He has taken nearly 70 sacks in his career, so he doesn’t have the best offensive line in front of him. The big question for Howell in 2021: How will he fare with four top playmakers headed to the NFL? Running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter and wideouts Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome are all gone. The pressure is on Howell.
13. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
HT: 6-5 | WT: 290 | Class: Third-year sophomore
Cross had an up-and-down first season in Mike Leach’s offense — his first year as a starter — where he’s asked to pass block on nearly every play. He allowed five sacks and 13 pressures on 556 pass blocks, according to tracking from ESPN Stats & Information. Cross is this high because of his potential. If he can play up to his talent, he could be a top-10 pick. And we know he’s going to be showcased as the left tackle for a team coached by Leach.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 270 | Class: Junior
Karlaftis had an excellent freshman season in 2019, racking up 7.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble. He was primed for another great season, but he was limited to just three games after he tested positive in November for COVID-19. Still, he added two sacks in those three games, and I expect him to come back even better in 2021. Karlaftis is a traditional 4-3 end, and he’s already advanced in his pass-rush technique. He’s going to wreck offensive tackles next season.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 215 | Class: Fourth-year junior
It was fun to watch the Auburn transfer Willis light up opponents at Liberty last season. He threw for 2,260 yards with 20 touchdowns and six picks, adding 944 rushing yards with 14 more scores. He has a live arm and puts zip on his throws, and he can also take off and run from the pocket. Check out the placement on this 41-yard TD throw. Willis is only a one-year starter, but he and the Flames have a few legit opponents on their 2021 schedule — including games at Syracuse and Ole Miss — and I can’t wait to watch them.
0:35
Malik Willis throws a dime to Demario Douglas for a 41-yard score, extending the Flames’ lead to 28-0.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 255 | Class: Junior
Jackson needs to be more consistent and keep developing pass-rush moves, but this ranking is all about potential. He is extremely talented — he needs a big 2021 to solidify himself as one of the best edge rushers in this class. Jackson had two sacks in six games last season, but both sacks came in the same game. He didn’t affect games like I think he can. He did have 5.5 sacks as a freshman in 2019, but I want to see more this season.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 232 | Class: Junior
Burks is a big receiver with good speed who has played almost exclusively out of the slot in two seasons for the Razorbacks. Of his 51 catches last season, 38 came when he was lined up in the slot, and all seven of his touchdowns were from the slot. I want to see Arkansas diversify Burks’ routes and give him more shots on deep balls. He’s a fun player to watch.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 270 | Class: Senior
Enagbare is another edge rusher to watch in this class. He had six sacks — including two strip sacks — in eight games last season, after he had 3.5 in 2019. He can bend the edge and beat offensive tackles, which is why I think he’s a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. But with NFL teams becoming more multiple, Enagbare likely will be asked to put his hand in the dirt and play end. He’s a really solid player.
HT: 6-0 | WT: 195 | Class: Junior
Booth had a great 2020 season, though he was overshadowed a little bit by fellow corner Derion Kendrick, who was named first-team All-ACC to Booth’s second-team All-ACC. Watching the tape, though, I think you could make the case that Booth had a better season than Kendrick. He shut down wideouts, picking off two passes and breaking up four more. With Kendrick now off the team, Booth is the Tigers’ clear No. 1 defensive back, and I’ll be watching his 2021 season closely.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 225 | Class: Junior
The third Aggie in my top 25, Spiller is an explosive and tough runner who had 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He had 651 yards after first contact, which ranked seventh in the FBS and was only 60 yards behind the total for first-round pick Najee Harris. And Spiller did that on 63 fewer carries than Harris. Spiller needs to improve as a pass-catcher, however; he dropped four passes on 27 targets.
HT: 6-0 | WT: 195 | Class: Junior
Alabama has had a heck of a run on first-round wideouts, and Metchie could be next in line. Last season, he caught 55 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns for one of the best offenses in college football history. He played both outside and in the slot and was tremendous with the ball in his hands, averaging 6.6 yards after the catch per reception. Metchie will get his chance to be Bama’s No. 1 receiver in 2021.
HT: 6-6 | WT: 265 | Class: Junior
Harrison has a massive frame, though his production hasn’t quite lived up to his talent — yet. He has 5.5 sacks and 9.5 total tackles for loss in two seasons at Ohio State. Harrison has double-digit sack potential and should be one of the Big Ten’s best edge rushers this season.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 325 | Class: Junior
Ekwonu started 19 games at tackle and guard over the past two seasons, and he’s expected to play left tackle in 2021. I see his NFL future at guard, though. Ekwonu is a dominant run-blocker and should excel inside at the next level. He allowed far too many sacks last season — eight, according to tracking from ESPN Stats & Information — and I want to see him improve in his pass sets in 2021.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 188 | Class: Junior
A long corner with good ball skills, Gardner has six interceptions (two pick-sixes) in two seasons at Cincinnati. He competes hard and gets his hands on passes; he ranked ninth in the FBS last season in forced incompletion percentage (30.6%). Gardner is also a willing tackler, with 59 in his career. I have Saturday, Oct. 2, circled on my calendar, as that’s when Gardner and the Bearcats travel to play Notre Dame.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 188 | Class: Senior
Olave made the surprising decision to return to school, and I think he made the right call. It was a loaded 2021 class of receivers, and he likely would have been a Day 2 pick. Now he can keep developing at Ohio State and try to be the No. 1 wideout off the board. Olave played both outside and in the slot last season, catching 50 passes for 729 yards and seven scores. He ranked 12 in the FBS in yards per route run (3.2), as he was targeted often by Justin Fields on vertical throws. Olave should easily crack 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
Rankings at every position for the 2022 NFL draft
Quarterbacks
1. Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
2. Sam Howell, North Carolina
3. Malik Willis, Liberty
4. Carson Strong, Nevada
5. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
6. Kedon Slovis, USC
7. JT Daniels, Georgia
8. Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
9. Jayden Daniels, Arizona State
10. Emory Jones, Florida
This is another strong class, and I expect a lot of movement in the top 10 by the time we get to next April. The 6-foot-4 Strong completed 70.1% of his passes and threw only four picks in 2020. Ridder took a big step forward as a passer last season, and he also rushed for more than 1,800 yards over the past three seasons. Daniels ranked seventh in QBR last season, one spot ahead of Trevor Lawrence.
0:26
Cole Turner catches Carson Strong’s pass then discards a defender as he makes his way up the sideline to score a 50-yard touchdown to put Nevada ahead of Wyoming 14-6.
Running backs
1. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
2. Breece Hall, Iowa State
3. Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
4. Tyler Goodson, Iowa
5. Leddie Brown, West Virginia
6. Rachaad White, Arizona State
7. Jerrion Ealy, Mississippi
8. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
9. Zamir White, Georgia
10. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma
Hall is fun to watch, as he breaks tackles with ease. He rushed for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Brown showed some receiving skills in 2020, catching 31 passes. Brooks opted out of last season, but he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019.
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma
2. Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
3. Ryan Bowman, Washington
4. Clay Moss, Weber State
5. Zander Horvath, Purdue
6. Giovanni Fauolo Sr., UNLV
7. John Chenal, Wisconsin
8. Ben Miles, Kansas
9. Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
10. Houston Heimuli, Stanford
Yes, that’s the Sooners with the top two here. Hall and Willis are both used as hybrid players who line up in multiple positions, including as lead blockers. Bowman plays defensive end for the Huskies, but I’m doing some projecting here — if he wants to make an NFL roster, he could have some value as a traditional fullback. Think Patrick Ricard, who made the move for the Ravens.
Wide receivers
1. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
2. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
3. John Metchie III, Alabama
4. Chris Olave, Ohio State
5. Drake London, USC
6. George Pickens, Georgia
7. Jahan Dotson, Penn State
8. Justyn Ross, Clemson
9. Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
10. David Bell, Purdue
Pickens is a really good player, but he tore his ACL in March and it’s not clear how much he’ll play in 2021. Ross missed all of last season with a spinal condition, but he has first-round potential if he can stay healthy.
Tight ends
1. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M
2. Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama
3. Cade Otton, Washington
4. Austin Stogner, Oklahoma
5. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
6. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
7. Trey McBride, Colorado State
8. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
9. James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
10. Braden Galloway, Clemson
Wydermyer had 46 catches and six touchdowns last season, and he lined up as a slot receiver at times. Kolar makes tough catches look easy; he had seven scores and averaged 13.4 yards per reception a year ago.
0:27
Kellen Mond throws a bullet to Jalen Wydermyer, who hauls in the one-hander and gets the first down.
Offensive tackles
1. Evan Neal, Alabama
2. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
3. Charles Cross, Mississippi State
4. Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
5. Zion Nelson, Miami (FL)
6. Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
7. Thayer Munford, Ohio State
8. Rasheed Walker, Penn State
9. Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
10. Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
Nelson took a big leap forward as a pass-blocker last season, but I want to see him do it again in 2021. Morris, a five-star prospect out of high school, transferred from Tennessee to Oklahoma in January and is expected to start at left tackle for the Sooners.
Guards
1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
2. Dohnovan West, Arizona State
3. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia
4. Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama
5. Ed Ingram, LSU
6. Cade Mays, Tennessee
7. Logan Bruss, Wisconsin
8. Cody Ince, Iowa
9. Justin Shaffer, Georgia
10. Zion Johnson, Boston College
West could move to center for the Sun Devils after spending the past two seasons at guard. Ingram is outstanding as a run-blocker.
Centers
1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
2. Nick Ford, Utah
3. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
4. Grant Gibson, NC State
5. Michael Maietti, Missouri
6. James Empey, BYU
7. Doug Kramer, Illinois
8. Chris Owens, Alabama
9. Colin Newell, Iowa State
10. Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech
I thought Linderbaum could have been a second-round pick if he had entered the 2021 draft. Patterson has started at center for the Fighting Irish the past two seasons, but he could move to guard or tackle this season.
Defensive ends
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
2. DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
3. George Karlaftis, Purdue
4. Zach Harrison, Ohio State
5. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
6. Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
7. Tyreke Smith, Ohio State
8. Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
9. Scott Patchan, Colorado State
10. Xavier Thomas, Clemson
Hutchinson’s 2020 season ended during the Wolverines’ third game after he suffered a leg injury. Eboigbe didn’t have any sacks last season, but he has a high ceiling. Patchan had 5.5 sacks last season.
Defensive tackles
1. Haskell Garrett, Ohio State
2. Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma
3. Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
4. Tyler Davis, Clemson
5. Jordan Davis, Georgia
6. Taron Vincent, Ohio State
7. Thomas Booker, Stanford
8. Jermayne Lole, Arizona State
9. DJ Dale, Alabama
10. Kobie Whiteside, Missouri
Garrett had four tackles for loss last season, but I think he can be even better in 2021. Winfrey is stellar against the run and has some upside as an interior pass-rusher.
Inside linebackers
1. Christian Harris, Alabama
2. Owen Pappoe, Auburn
3. Devin Lloyd, Utah
4. Henry To’o To’o, Alabama
5. Payton Wilson, NC State
6. Nakobe Dean, Georgia
7. Ventrell Miller, Florida
8. Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M
9. Quay Walker, Georgia
10. Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
To’o To’o transferred to Alabama earlier this month after leading Tennessee in tackles last season (76). Wilson is an all-around player, as he had 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two picks last season.
0:36
Notre Dame QB Ian Book tries to find TE Michael Mayer, but Alabama LB Christian Harris jumps in front for the interception.
Outside linebackers
1. Drake Jackson, USC
2. Kingsley “J.J.” Enagbare, South Carolina
3. Adam Anderson, Georgia
4. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
5. Boye Mafe, Minnesota
6. Brenton Cox Jr., Florida
7. Mike Jones Jr., LSU
8. Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
9. Christopher Allen, Alabama
10. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
Anderson had 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season. Bonitto is a speed rusher who had eight sacks in 2020. Tupuola-Fetui tore his Achilles last month and will likely miss the 2021 season, but I wanted to include him here.
Cornerbacks
1. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
2. Kaiir Elam, Florida
3. Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
4. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
5. Roger McCreary, Auburn
6. Trent McDuffie, Washington
7. Tiawan Mullen, Indiana
8. Mykael Wright, Oregon
9. Sevyn Banks, Ohio State
10. Josh Jobe, Alabama
McCreary broke up 18 passes and picked off four throws over the past three seasons. Mullen had three picks and added 3.5 sacks last season. Jobe had 11 pass breakups.
Safeties
1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
2. Tykee Smith, Georgia
3. Daxton Hill, Michigan
4. Jalen Catalon, Arkansas
5. Jordan Battle, Alabama
6. Brandon Joseph, Northwestern
7. Tre Sterling, Oklahoma State
8. Bubba Bolden, Miami (FL)
9. Lewis Cine, Georgia
10. Kolby Harvell-Peel, Oklahoma State
Smith transferred to Georgia from West Virginia. Hill has stellar physical traits, but I want to see him affect games more. Joseph tied for the FBS lead with six interceptions.
0:34
Charlie Brewer’s pass is intercepted by Tykee Smith, and West Virginia answers with a rushing touchdown to win the game in double overtime.
Kickers and Punters
1. Cade York, K, LSU
2. Gabe Brkic, K, Oklahoma
3. Jake Camarda, P, Georgia
4. Will Reichard, K, Alabama
5. Adam Korsak, P, Rutgers
6. Austin McNamara, P, Texas Tech
7. Lou Hedley, P, Miami (FL)
8. Jake Oldroyd, K, BYU
9. Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
10. Blake Hayes, P, Illinois
York has a strong leg; he made 6 of 7 kicks from 50-plus yards last season. Camarda averaged 46.6 yards per punt.
Long-snappers
1. Damon Johnson, USC
2. Ethan Tabel, Illinois
3. Austin Spiewak, Iowa
4. Keegan Markgraf, Utah
5. Cal Adomitis, Pitt
6. John Taylor, Duke
Two long-snappers were drafted in 2021. Did you really expect me to get to 10 here? I’ll keep studying.