As we approach the 2022 NFL draft, it’s time to start putting the finishing touches on our draft boards.
I released and updated my top 50 prospects in this year’s draft class. Now let’s dig a little deeper at a few key positions. Last week, we looked at the top 10 cornerbacks.
Here are my top 12 edge rushers in this year’s draft. 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.
All stats are from Sports Info Solutions, unless otherwise noted.
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.
Key Fact to Know about Kayvon Thibodeaux
Generated a 19% pressure rate in 2021, the second-highest rate among edge-rushers in this draft class.
Good team fits: Giants, Seahawks, Jets, Falcons
2. 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.
Key Fact to Know about Aidan Hutchinson
Generated 13 quarterback pressures against Ohio State in 2021 (25.5% pressure rate).
Good team fits: Jaguars, Lions, Texans, Giants
3. 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.
Key Fact to Know about George Karlaftis
As a true freshman in 2019, Karlaftis generated a 16.2% pressure rate, sixth in the Big Ten, and matched that performance (16.7%) in 2021.
Good team fits: Vikings, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Bills
4. 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?
Key Fact to Know about David Ojabo
On third and 5 or more yards to go, Ojabo generated a 20.2% pressure rate last season.
Good team fits: Cardinals, Buccaneers, Packers, Jaguars, Lions
5. 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 sliding 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.
Key Fact to Know about Travon Walker
Excluding his snaps on the interior defensive line, Walker generated a 9.1% pressure rate last season.
Good team fits: Lions, Falcons, Ravens, Jets
6. 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.
Key Fact to Know about Drake Jackson
Led the Pac-12 with a 21.8% pressure rate on non-blitzes, narrowly edging out Thibodeaux (20.3%).
Good team fits: Browns, Titans, Lions, Seahawks
7. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Johnson has the 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.
Key Fact to Know about Jermaine Johnson
Against Jacksonville State (FCS school) and Boston College (ranked 113th in pressure rate allowed), Johnson generated a 21.4% pressure rate 一 against everyone else: 10.8%.
Good team fits: Vikings, Falcons, Cardinals, Eagles
8. 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.
Key Fact to Know about Arnold Ebiketie
Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 6% of pass-rush snaps.
Good team fits: Falcons, Lions, Packers, Giants
9. 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.
Key Fact to Know about Boye Mafe
Generated a 23.4% pressure rate on third downs.
Good team fits: Cardinals, Cowboys, Browns, Chargers
10. Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Williams is an explosive athlete who should immediately find a role as a pass-rush specialist. He also played the interior offensive line occasionally on passing downs, giving him some versatility.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
While at Ole Miss, Williams was arrested on felony sexual battery charges, which were later dropped. Obviously, teams will investigate further and try to learn more about his character. On the field, his production against the run is lacking and he may be limited to playing on passing downs.
Key Fact to Know about Sam Williams
Generated a 19.8% pressure rate on third downs.
Good team fits: Bears, Chiefs, Cowboys, Rams, Seahawks
11. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Enagbare has the ideal blend of length and strength to be a three-down defender on the edge. His upper-body strength is obvious, and he excels at converting speed to power. Despite his mediocre testing numbers, his production in the SEC can’t be ignored.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
The combine hurt Enagbare’s stock, as his testing numbers fell far below anyone else in the top tiers of edge-rushers. He lacks the elite burst most top-tier pass-rushers possess, and will need to rely heavily on technique and strength.
Key Fact to Know about Kingsley Enagbare
Finished second in SEC with 19.0% pressure rate in 2021.
Good team fits: Packers, Lions, Giants, Colts, Ravens
12. Alex Wright, EDGE, UAB
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Wright dominated lesser competition with an exciting blend of size and athleticism. He has the length and burst to play on the edge, but also has enough strength to potentially shift inside on passing downs.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Wright was too big, long and athletic to be contained in Conference USA, and his raw traits allowed him to win without a refined skill set. It may take him a year or two to develop a better plan of attack as a pass-rusher and a wide array of moves.
Key Fact to Know about Alex Wright
Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 10% of pass-rush snaps, the second-highest rate in this year’s draft class.
Good team fits: Lions, Browns, Texans, Falcons