Building an NFL draft board is a work in progress throughout the offseason. The NFL combine is always a significant step towards completing the process, and as players work through their pro days, the final touches can be put on the board.
With roughly a month to go in the draft process, here’s how my top 32 prospects look right now. These rankings are based on my personal estimation of each player’s value, based on the assumption each prospect lands in an offensive/defensive scheme suited to his skill set.
2022 NFL Mock Draft From Ryan McCrystal | 2022 NFL Mock Draft From Brendan Donahue
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Thibodeaux has the rare traits you can’t teach and is capable of wrecking plays on his own off the edge. If he reaches his peak, he can be a Myles Garrett or Khalil Mack-like pass rusher who forces the offense to alter its game plan.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Thiboeadux could be considered a finesse pass rusher, and most elite pass rushers incorporate an element of power into their game that Thibodeaux doesn’t quite have yet. Off the field, Thibodeaux has gained a reputation as a “me-first” player, who may be more focused on building his brand than football.
Good team fits: Giants, Seahawks, Jets, Falcons
2. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Gardner is an immediate starter as an outside cornerback, with an elite combination of length and speed. His skillset is perfectly suited for press-man coverage. Few cornerbacks have entered the league with a longer track record of dominance at the college level.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Like many young cornerbacks, Gardner took advantage of the college rules which allow for more physical play by defensive backs. He’ll need to learn to back off a little in the pros. The level of competition is a minor concern, though he fit right in lining up against Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Good team fits: Giants, Jets, Vikings, Eagles
3. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Hutchinson is a well-rounded edge defender, who is ready to start immediately and will contribute equally against the run and as a pass rusher.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
A lack of elite traits sets a slightly lower ceiling than a more flashy athlete like Thibodeaux. He’ll need to win with power and technique more than speed against more athletic NFL tackles.
Good team fits: Jaguars, Lions, Texans, Giants
4. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Wilson played in the slot and on the outside and dominated wherever he lined up. He has the pure speed to stretch the field and create after the catch, and the elite tracking ability and body control to win contested battles.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Wilson lacks ideal size, and was not regularly tested by press coverage. Certain cornerbacks who trust their speed enough to challenge him in press coverage may be able to contain him.
Good team fits: Jets, Falcons, Giants, Eagles, Cowboys
5. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Hamilton’s blend of speed and size gives him the tools to play in the box or in a traditional free safety role. His elite range makes him valuable against the run and also allows him to cover a ton of ground in the deep secondary.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Is he too tall? Taller defensive backs lack the agility to stick with smaller, quicker receivers. It’s usually not hard for the offense to manipulate these matchups, and we’ve seen few successful defensive backs at Hamilton’s height as a result.
Good team fits: Lions, Texans, Falcons, Vikings, Eagles
6. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Olave dominated on the outside at Ohio State, but you could probably line him up anywhere and he’ll find success. Receivers with Olave’s athleticism, who have also mastered the art of route-running, are safe bets at an otherwise volatile position.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Olave lacks ideal size and strength and it shows when competing for contested catches. He’ll need to consistently create separation to win in the NFL.
Good team fits: Falcons, Commanders, Ravens, Saints, Eagles, Steelers
7. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Cross has the length, strength, and athleticism of a prototypical left tackle. He’s proven himself on an island against the best the SEC has to offer and should be able to immediately hold his own against the league’s elite athletes on the edge.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Mike Leach’s offense didn’t create a ton of opportunities for Cross to show off his skills in traditional pass protection. Regardless of where he lands, he’ll need to adjust to a new scheme that requires more from its offensive linemen.
Good team fits: Giants, Panthers, Texans, Saints
8. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ekwonu looks like a guard but moves like a tackle, and could excel in either role. He’d be an ideal fit in a power-run scheme, as his strength is his combination of balance and power.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have the quickness to recover against faster edge rushers? Ekwonu’s worst reps were typically when a defender beat him off the snap and he was unable to recover. Since he wasn’t challenged by many high-end pass rushers in the ACC, we may see more of that in the NFL.
Good team fits: Jets, Giants, Panthers
9. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
If you’re looking for a bigger version of Deebo Samuel, Burks is your guy. He’s a running back with the ball in his hands, but also has the size/speed combination to stretch the field. Based on his experience at Arkansas, he should make a smooth transition to the league as a slot receiver.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Burks’s route tree at Arkansas did not include much work at the intermediate level. If he’s playing in the slot, that shouldn’t be an issue, but if he’s asked to play on the outside, expect a bit of a learning curve.
Good team fits: Jets, Eagles, Packers, Cowboys, Steelers
10. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
As a true freshman in 2019, Stingley was a dominant outside corner who could be trusted on an island. That type of performance from an 18-year-old in the SEC sets sky-high expectations. He has a rare combination of strength and speed for the position and should be a fit in any scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
After that dominant freshman year, it’s been all downhill 一 due to both general performance and some injuries mixed in. Teams will understandably have some concerns about a player who is two years removed from his best performance. Stingley also lacks ideal length and doesn’t make enough plays on the ball to be considered a ball hawk.
Good team fits: Jets, Vikings, Eagles
11. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Karlaftis is a powerful and relentless edge rusher who should make an immediate impact. His active hands and array of pass rush moves make life difficult for opposing linemen and should allow him to smoothly transition to the pros.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Without elite length or athleticism, it’s reasonable to question how well his pass rush production will translate to the pros. His run game production has never matched his pass rush performance 一 no one in the Big Ten was afraid to run at him.
Good team fits: Vikings, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Bills
12. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Elam has the length, athleticism, and physical style of play to step right into a starting role as a press corner. His ability to locate and play the ball stands out as a skill that should immediately translate to the pro game.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He relies heavily on a physical style of play which drew a lot of flags in the SEC and will draw even more in the NFL. It may take some time for Elam to tweak his style.
Good team fits: Patriots, Bills, Saints, Ravens
13. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Lloyd has the combination of size and versatility most teams prefer in top-tier linebacker prospects. Though he primarily played an off-ball linebacker role, Lloyd has the size, and some proven production on blitzes, to also line up the edge.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Lloyd may lack the elite athleticism to handle coverage assignments against the game’s top pass-catching tight ends. So unless teams are excited about his potential to play on the edge, he may be viewed as a two-down linebacker by some.
Good team fits: Jets, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Seahawks
14. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Neal clearly has the strength and length to excel as an NFL offensive tackle. Once he latches on to a defender, it’s over 一 he’s strong enough to shut down most any counter move. He switched to a new position each year at Alabama, but probably fits best as a right tackle in a power-run scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Despite starting for three years at Alabama, he still hasn’t performed at a consistent level. He needs help against the top-tier athletes on the edge, as he just doesn’t have the quickness in space to stay in front of them.
Good team fits: Jets, Texans, Giants, Panthers
15. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Few players can match Dean’s elite range and closing speed. Although he’ll never play on the edge, his timing and speed make him a dangerous weapon on blitzes.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He’s tiny. Some teams simply don’t want a defensive back-sized linebacker. Dean’s coverage skills have also never reached the level you’d expect given his athleticism.
Good team fits: Seahawks, Patriots, Cowboys, Ravens
16. Drake London, WR, USC
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
London is a big outside receiver with reliable hands and an ability to compete for contested catches. His size also allows him to be dangerous after the catch, frequently breaking weak tackle attempts from defensive backs. Prior to 2021, London primarily played in the slot, so his versatility will add to his value.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
London was not regularly tested against top-tier cornerback talent in the Pac-12. So while he created some separation in college due to his route technique, will he be able to do so in the NFL? He won’t win with speed and he’ll benefit from fewer missteps by corners than in the Pac-12.
Good team fits: Falcons, Commanders, Cardinals, Packers, Chiefs, Titans
17. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
In the right system, Linderbaum is a plug-and-play center who should start for the next 10-15 years. His technique is virtually flawless 一 it’s hard to find reps in pass protection where his hands aren’t perfectly placed. Zone-blocking teams 一 which make up most of the league these days 一 should love him.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
There aren’t a ton of offensive linemen under 300 pounds these days. Iowa’s strength and conditioning program has always helped churn out NFL-ready linemen, so if he hasn’t bulked up yet, he probably won’t. His 31” arms don’t help either. His size may not meet minimum thresholds for some teams.
Good team fits: Eagles, Bengals, Falcons, Bears
18. Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
You can’t teach size, so Jones will be highly regarded by any team looking for a big, physical interior lineman. However, he’s more than just a space-eating nose tackle, and has proven to have enough burst to make an impact as a pass rusher. Additionally, he’s proven to have the stamina to stay on the field as a three-down player, unlike many nose tackles.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Jones will make more of a pass rush impact than most nose tackles, but he probably lacks the athleticism to ever be considered a serious threat in that role. Certain schemes want more pass rush production from the interior, so he may be viewed as a two-down player.
Good team fits: Chiefs, Cowboys, Titans, Bills, Ravens
19. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Brisker has a versatile skill set and experience in multiple roles in Penn State’s secondary. His range and ability to read the quarterback probably make him a better fit in the deep secondary, but he also played well primarily lining up in the box in 2021.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
In order to play in the box, Brisker needs to be a more reliable tackler in the run game.
Good team fits: Jets, Chiefs, Commanders, Texans
20. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Raimann is a former tight end with just two years of experience at tackle 一 but don’t call him a project. He’s as technically sound as most prospects and proved his ability to handle top competition against Missouri and LSU in 2021. Like most converted tight ends, his athleticism in space is his best quality.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He’ll turn 25 years old in September. If anyone has doubts about his ability to contribute immediately, he probably isn’t on their radar in the first or second round.
Good team fits: Packers, Texans, Chargers, Saints, Steelers
21. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ojabo is a flashy edge rusher who wins with speed. At worst, he’ll be a valuable asset as a pass rush specialist.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Although his injury did not factor into these rankings, Ojabo suffered a torn Achilles at his pro day. With his rookie year availability in doubt, certain teams in need of immediate production won’t consider him with a first-round pick. Ojabo is also a one-year wonder, having barely seen the field prior to 2021 一 and when he did get on the field, he greatly benefitted from playing opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If he’s your best pass rusher, can he replicate that production while attracting more attention from the offense?
Good team fits: Cardinals, Buccaneers, Packers, Jaguars, Lions
22. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
McCreary excelled as an outside corner in his one season under defensive coordinator Derek Mason in 2021 一 the same coach who help elevate Richard Sherman’s game in his final season at Stanford. With experience and production in man coverage, McCreary should be ready for a starting role as a rookie.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Prior to 2021, McCreary’s performance was ordinary. So was he just a product of Mason’s defensive system? Some teams may also knock him down or remove him from boards due to his size and lack of ideal length, while others may view him as a slot-only option for those reasons.
Good team fits: Buccaneers, Chiefs, Patriots, Bills
23. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Williams is a pure deep threat who will run by just about any defensive back if they take a misstep. He’s the type of receiver who alters the way defenses line up because almost any cornerback opposite him will need help over the top.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he be more than just a deep threat? Williams almost exclusively wins with speed, and doesn’t bring much else to the table. He’s tall, but skinny and doesn’t consistently win contested battles. He’ll need to become a more well-rounded weapon to excel as the primary threat in an offense.
Good team fits: Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, Chiefs
24. Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Walker lined up all over the Georgia defensive line 一 often on the edge on early downs and slid inside on passing downs. With a nice blend of size and athleticism, that versatility can be an incredibly valuable piece for a defensive coordinator who likes to vary his looks.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he consistently win as a pass rusher on the edge? Walker is a safe prospect due to his versatility, but teams expect high-level pass rush production from first-round edge rushers. Walker has not proven that ability yet, so some teams may be cautious to not over-invest in a prospect who may be a valuable role player more than a true difference-maker.
Good team fits: Lions, Falcons, Ravens, Jets
25. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Pitre is a traditional strong safety, who almost exclusively has lined up in the box and in coverage in the slot. He’s a highly intelligent player who mastered a key role in Dave Aranda’s defense, and it shows by his ability to anticipate play development versus both the run and pass. His performance in Aranda’s scheme was reminiscent of early-career Tyrann Mathieu.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Like Mathieu, Pitre is undersized for a role in the box. And while size never slowed down Mathieu, it can be difficult to identify those outliers and some teams will simply avoid the gamble. His lack of experience in the deep secondary also raises some doubts about his versatility.
Good team fits: Chiefs, Cowboys, Bengals, Dolphins
26. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Penning looks like an ideal fit in a power-run scheme, though his athletic testing indicates he could play in any system. It’s rare to find anyone with his size and movement skills 一 think Nate Solder in his prime.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Level of competition is the most obvious concern. Penning had a chance to prove himself against Iowa State last season, but the results were mixed. He’ll also need to prove he can play with leverage 一 a common struggle for taller linemen, and it was occasionally an issue in that game against Iowa State.
Good team fits: Titans, Ravens, Seahawks, Steelers
27. Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Johnson is an immediate starter at guard, and among the safest prospects in this class due to reliable fundamentals and football intelligence. He’s rarely caught out of position and his experience in a pro-style, zone-heavy blocking scheme bodes well for a smooth transition to the NFL.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
It’s tough to pinpoint a glaring weakness in Johnson’s game, but he also lacks elite traits in any one area. Teams who don’t consider him worthy of a first-round pick may simply believe his ceiling isn’t worth such a strong investment, even if he has a safe floor.
Good team fits: Steelers, Chargers, Cowboys
28. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Jackson is an athletic edge rusher, who wins with a quick first step and is capable of dominating one-on-one matchups with slow-footed tackles. At worst, he’ll immediately provide value as a pass rush specialist in sub-packages.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have the strength to be a three-down defender? Teams can run at Jackson and not worry about him wrecking the play 一 he just doesn’t have the power to hold up at the point of attack right now.
Good team fits: Browns, Titans, Lions, Seahawks
29. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Green is a scheme-versatile prospect, who started games at every position except center for the Aggies. A power-run offense might view him as a right tackle, other schemes may see him as a better fit at guard.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Pass protection is still a work in progress for Green, possibly because he shifted around so often in college. He can be slow to react to stunts/twists or delayed blitzes. Mediocre athletic testing numbers from the combine may also raise concern for teams who seek out certain athleticism thresholds.
Good team fits: Steelers, Chargers, Bears, Titans
30. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Cine is a ball-hawk in the deep secondary and should start immediately at free safety. He’s a reliable tackler in the open field and adds value as a last line of defense against the run. Given the rise in the use of two-high safety looks in the league, there should be no shortage of suitors for his services.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Although he has some experience playing in the box, he lacks the strength to excel in that role against the run. Cine is probably limited to playing in the deep secondary on the majority of his snaps.
Good team fits: Seahawks, Chiefs, Bears, Texans
31. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Johnson has potential to develop into a premier pass rusher. As a rookie, he’ll likely make the most impact with his speed rush, but he has the traits to emerge as a well-rounded lineman who excels in all phases of the game.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Johnson will be a 23-year-old rookie with only one year of starting experience, having played a reserve role at Georgia prior to transferring to Florida State. One-year wonders who blossomed at the age of 22 don’t exactly have a great track record in the NFL 一 though he was competing for snaps on two-deep loaded with NFL prospects at Georgia. Certain teams won’t have strong interest in an older prospect who likely doesn’t offer much immediate value.
Good team fits: Vikings, Falcons, Cardinals, Eagles
32. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ebiketie can provide immediate value as a pass rusher who wins with a strong burst and quick and powerful hands. His pass rush technique is among the most refined in this draft class.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Ebiketie doesn’t have the rare traits to set an elite ceiling for his production in the pros. His lack of dominant strength hinders his ability to hold up against the run.
Good team fits: Falcons, Lions, Packers, Giant
33. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Gordon has experience on the outside and the slot in a zone-heavy scheme and should be considered an immediate starter in a similar scheme in the pros. His ability to locate and play the ball sets a high ceiling for his production in the right system.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
With moderate athleticism and size, Gordon probably can’t be trusted on an island in man coverage. His placement on draft boards could have a wide range depending on the defensive scheme for each team.
Good team fits: Bengals, Eagles, Seahawks, Buccaneers
34. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Booth is a former five-star prospect who flashed elite tools at Clemson. His movements are smooth and quick, and while he’s mostly played outside, he has the skills for a slot role as well.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Despite the talent, Booth never lived up to expectations on a consistent basis. He tends to rely on his athleticism to recover from mistakes, but that didn’t consistently work in the ACC and it won’t work in the NFL. He may struggle to contribute initially, so he’ll be more attractive to teams with the depth to be patient in his development.
Good team fits: Bengals, Bills, Vikings, Patriots
35. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Dotson excelled wherever he lined up at Penn State. He’ll be a natural fit in the slot, where his crisp routes and reliable hands will allow him to excel. Despite his modest size, he’s shown an ability to compete with bigger cornerbacks on the outside and deserves a shot in that role as well.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
If he’s limited to a slot role, his modest speed and inconsistent production after the catch could limit his production.
Good team fits: Chiefs, Packers, Bears, Patriots, Commanders, Titans
36. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
There probably isn’t a better run defender in this draft class than Wyatt. On early downs, he’ll be an immediate asset and has the ability to contribute from any spot on the interior defensive line.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he contribute as a pass rusher? Wyatt was regularly pulled off the field on passing downs and he’s never shown a knack for getting consistent pressure on the quarterback. He’ll also be a 24-year-old rookie.
Good team fits: Ravens, Seahawks, Cowboys, Buccaneers
37. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
In spurts, Davis can be a Vita Vea-like force on the interior defensive line. There just aren’t many humans with his combination of size and athleticism. He can be a space-eating nose tackle, but also has the short-area burst to potentially develop into a quality pass-rusher.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have the discipline to stay in shape? Davis couldn’t stay on the field at Georgia, rarely playing more than 30-35 snaps in a game and showed signs of wearing down when he did. Georgia took him off the field on passing downs, so we have limited information on what he can contribute there. If he’s only a two-down space-eater, there’s not much value in that role in today’s game.
Good team fits: Ravens, Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs
38. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Moore is a quick, elusive slot receiver who can create instant separation with his release off the snap. He’s the type of playmaker you want to create touches for in space.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Western Michigan mostly used Moore on underneath routes, so we haven’t seen a full route tree from him and his ability to stretch the field is unknown. As an undersized receiver, he’s already at a disadvantage as a field-stretcher, so perhaps that will never be a part of his game.
Good team fits: Bears, Packers, Bills, Commanders
39. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
In a zone-heavy scheme, McDuffie could potentially start immediately on the outside, but he’ll also be a candidate to shift inside to cover the slot.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
McDuffie has limited experience in man coverage and probably lacks the size to play at a high level in a man-coverage scheme on the outside. He may be viewed as a slot-only cornerback by certain teams. He’s also shown limited ability to make plays on the ball 一 which is unlikely to improve significantly given his size concerns.
Good team fits: Buccaneers, Commanders, Bears, Jets
40. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ridder made substantial strides as a passer in 2021, most notably in his downfield accuracy. He checks all the boxes in terms of mobility, arm strength, and accuracy and the Cincinnati coaching staff speaks highly of his leadership skills.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Early in his career, Ridder was often a liability in the Cincinnati offense and he didn’t display the accuracy necessary to excel in the NFL until his senior year. So is his boost in accuracy sustainable or was it simply enhanced by his experience relative to his competition and his offensive line providing plenty of time in the pocket? We probably can’t answer that question until he’s tested against NFL competition.
Good team fits: Falcons, Seahawks, Lions, Steelers, Panthers
41. Marcus Jones, CB/KR/PR, Houston
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Although he played on the outside in college, the diminutive Jones will likely be shifted inside to a role in slot coverage in the pros. He’s exceptionally quick, and could be an ideal corner to line up over speedy slot receivers who try to win with quick separation. Jones’s most immediate impact, however, will be as a return specialist 一 he’s among the best to enter the draft in recent years.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
At his size (5’8”, 185 pounds) it won’t be hard for some offenses to create mismatches in coverage. His measurements won’t meet the minimum requirements some teams look for, so he’ll be viewed as a return specialist only by those franchises.
Good team fits: Bills, Vikings, Buccaneers, Patriots
42. Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Mathis is a versatile interior lineman who can serve as a space-eating nose tackle, or make an impact as a pass rusher from the three-tech spot. He’s at his best against the run, and his technical approach and anticipation skills make him a great fit for two-gap schemes.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He’s not the best athlete, even for an interior lineman, so some teams may view him as strictly an early-down run defender, which would limit his value.
Good team fits: Browns, Ravens, Raiders, Vikings
43. Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Taylor-Britt is a scheme-versatile outside cornerback, but also played safety early in his career and it shows in his game. He’s physical in coverage and won’t shy away from matchups with bigger receivers on the outside. He’ll also be an asset in run support.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Physical cornerbacks sometimes have a tough transition as they adjust to NFL rules, and that definitely applies to Taylor-Britt. Multiple knee surgeries, including one to repair a torn ACL, are also a red flag.
Good team fits: Patriots, Raiders, Broncos, Vikings, Ravens
44. Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Rhyan played left tackle at UCLA and probably has the athleticism and length to stay at tackle. He also has the strength to play guard, and some teams may prefer to move him inside where his athleticism relative to interior linemen would be considered elite.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
As a tackle, Rhyan’s ability to handle speed rushers off the edge is the biggest concern, and if he struggles it may necessitate a shift to guard. If he does shift to guard, he’s on the taller side for the position and will need to prove he can play with the necessary leverage to handle interior pass-rushers.
Good team fits: Bears, 49ers, Dolphins, Raiders,
45. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Hall is an all-around weapon who can pound between the tackles, bounce runs the outside, and contribute in the passing game. He’s proven capable of handling a heavy workload and should be a candidate for the same feature-back role in the NFL.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Hall struggles to create something from nothing. When a play is blown up at the line of scrimmage, he’s rarely going to salvage it. With already 800 touches and over 2,000 career snaps under his belt, he’s not entering the league as fresh as some young running backs.
Good team fits: Falcons, Bills, Cardinals, Dolphins
46. Cade Otton, TE, Washington
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Otton is a big target who excels at creating separation on short and intermediate routes and finding soft spots in zone coverage 一 exactly what you want from your tight end. He also has a Rob Gronkowski-like quality to his game, in the sense that he moves well for his size and is surprisingly dangerous after the catch. He’s among the most reliable run-blockers at his position in this class.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He isn’t the all-around athlete that many teams look for in tight ends and probably won’t stretch the field on a regular basis.
Good team fits: Browns, Bengals, Giants, Titans
47. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Pickens is a possession receiver on the outside who wins with size, ball skills, and an ability to win in contested situations. He has enough speed to stretch the field and will be a weapon in the red zone.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Poor quarterback play and injuries limited what Pickens was able to show in college. There were flashes of elite production, but estimating his ceiling requires more guesswork than with most prospects, especially after he returned in 2021, clearly still limited by his recovery from a torn ACL.
Good team fits: Commanders, Bears, Titans, Packers, Saints
48. Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Smith played left tackle at Tulsa and has the length to stay there. His strength as a run blocker would also make him an excellent fit at guard. Power run teams will undoubtedly be excited about his potential in their system.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Smith lacks the discipline to be trusted out of the gates as a rookie. When the going gets tough, Smith grabs on for dear life 一 and draws a flag. He also hasn’t faced a ton of top competition, making it harder to bet on a smooth transition to the league.
Good team fits: Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Texans
49. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Pickett is an efficient passer in the pocket with solid accuracy to all levels of the field. When he leaves the pocket, he’s a viable threat to take off running and he’s also able to maintain his throwing accuracy on the move. With this mix of skills, he should be capable of handling any type of offensive system.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he handle pressure in the NFL? Pickett has a tendency to hold the ball too long and has issues making quick decisions when the pocket collapses, and that has the potential to be a fatal flaw.
Good team fits: Seahawks, Steelers, Saints, Commanders
50. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Mafe is an explosive athlete on the edge and was used as a situational pass-rusher at Minnesota. He primarily wins with speed, and has the skill set to fly off the edge and quickly blow up plays in the backfield.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He’ll be a 24-year-old rookie and has never been an every-down player. He lacks the anticipation skills to be an asset against the run, and Minnesota often elected to keep him off the field on early downs. Teams may be cautious not to over-invest in a situational player who’s a little old to be considered a long-term project.
Good team fits: Cardinals, Cowboys, Browns, Chargers