The 2022 NFL Draft is drawing ever-closer, but who are the prospects to keep an eye on?
It's a draft light on top-end quarterbacks, but filled to the brim with pass-protectors, pass-rushers and wide receivers.
WWL Radio's Mike Detillier has you covered. Scroll below for the top 90 names on his board following the 2022 NFL Combine.
1. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Evan was a 5-star recruit coming out of the Florida high school ranks and he is one huge man out on the field. The 6-7, 335 pounder has started at left guard, right tackle and left tackle for the Tide. Tremendous in-line run blocker who gets a strong initial surge off the snap and he shows off his prep wrestling background with his ability to control his opponent at the point of attack. Neal is a much-improved pass blocker and technician in sliding pass-rushers off to the outer edge.
2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
The Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Award winner had a tremendous 2021 season. Aidan has a non-stop motor and he has great instincts to diagnose plays. He was unblockable at times against both the run and as a pass-rusher. Hutch recorded 58 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, had 12 QB hurries and forced 2 fumbles in 2021. Aidan knows how to use his arms and hands so effectively to fight off would-be blockers and gain penetration into the backfield.
3. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
It is rare to see a safety go at the top end of a draft, but Kyle Hamilton is that type of safety. Hamilton is a king-sized 6-4, 220 pounds and was a dominant force for the Irish. Hamilton recorded 138 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions and 16 pass deflections during his Irish career. He comes up the seam fast in run support and can be an impact player against both the run and pass. Kyle has first-rate athletic range, he is quick to diagnose plays and has fast make-up skills when he’s playing deep in the secondary.
4. Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State
Ikem has started at both left guard and left tackle for the Wolfpack and is a tremendous run blocker. Ekwonu just dominates defenders at the point of attack with physicality and power. The 6-4, 318 pound standout showed great improvement with his pass-blocking skills and technique in 2021.
5. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Thibodeaux is a freakish athlete with great speed and edge explosion. He has a tremendous initial step up the field and rare closing speed in the backfield. Kayvon also does a good job in run support and has excellent range going sideline to sideline. Thibodeaux needs to work on using his arms and hands better at the point of attack, and develop a fuller arsenal of moves and countermoves to beat his opponent, but he is very gifted. Despite often facing double teams he recorded 35.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks during his time at Oregon. His inconsistent play/effort may see him get downgraded on some teams’ boards.
6. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Gardner, a 6-3, 190 pound speedster has excellent match-up skills, great length/size and first-rate recovery speed. The AAC Defensive Player of the Year tracks the football quickly in flight, his length and speed lets him get to balls most CBs just dream about and he plays the ball like a wide receiver.
7. Travon Walker, DE/DT, Georgia
The 6-5, 280 pounder didn’t get all the ink he deserved on an ultra-talented Bulldog defense, but he is super quick off the snap, knows how to use his arms and hands well to get off would-be blockers and first-rate football instincts. His pass-rush potential and versatility make Travon a very intriguing prospect.
8. Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
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Stingley has great athletic genes with his grandfather, Darryl, being a first- round pick out of Purdue as a wide receiver to the New England Patriots. His dad, Derek, was a standout baseball player and former Arena League football player. One of the best athletes to ever enter LSU, Derek dominated as a true freshman in 2019. The past two seasons have featured some inconsistent moments and nagging injuries. But he’s a 5-star talent with great length, has excellent size, match-up skills and track sprinter-type speed. Health and durability concerns are the negatives on Stingley.
9. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross was the top-rated prep player in the state of Mississippi coming out of high school. He has started the past two seasons for State and developed into one of the elite pass-protectors in college football. Cross, a 6-4 ¾, 315 pounder has quick feet, sets up fast and he has really upgraded the use of his arms and hands to control a defender at the point of attack.
10. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Lloyd, 6-2.5, 230 pounds, was a 1st-team All-American and a magnet to the football in 2021. The 2021 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year racked up 43 tackles for loss in college. In 2021 he registered 106 tackles, 8 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 4 interceptions. He’s simple a smart, tough football player who can really run the field.
11. Jermaine Johnson II, DE/OLB, Florida State
Johnson, a transfer from Georgia, became one of the top edge rushers in college football in 2021. The 6-4.5, 255 pound ACC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 70 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and 12 QB hurries in 2021. His edge quickness and speed will be very inviting to NFL teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
12. David Ojabo, DE/OLB, Michigan
Ojabo was born in Nigeria and his family moved to Scotland before heading to the United States. He’s a hybrid player with excellent edge-rushing skills and very good instincts to track down running plays. The 6-4, 250 pounder was a former prep sprint champion and can eat up ground fast. He recorded 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, forced 5 fumbles and deflected 3 passess in 2021.
13. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Pickett reminds me so much of what I saw at Alabama from Mac Jones, who was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in last year’s draft. The 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm winner passed for 4,319 yards, completed 67.2% of his throws and had 42 touchdown passes against just 7 interceptions in 2021. He’s a smart, accurate, poised passer who has good touch with his short to medium range throws. The 6-3.5, 220 pounder is also more nimble than you might think outside the pocket.
14. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Dean, a 5-star player from the Mississippi high school ranks, has lived up to his lofty prep credentials. The 2021 Butkus Award winner is a heat-seeking missile and a great team leader. He racked up 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions for the Bulldogs in 2021. Dean’s style of play and defensive playmaking skills reminds me of a lot of former Jets/Saints LB Jonathan Vilma.
15. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Penning, a 6-7, 325 pound behemoth, was a prep standout in football, basketball and he threw the shot put and discus. He’s a massive lineman who has played both left and right tackle in college. Penning is an excellent in-line run blocker, he has a lengthy wingspan and he has really upgraded his pass-blocking techniques.
16. Drake London, WR, USC
London, a former prep basketball standout, became a big-time threat on short to intermediate throws in 2021 for the Trojans. The 6-4, 215 pounder caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and 7 TDs before going down with a fractured ankle. He is a nightmare matchup for cornerbacks and knows how to use his big body and long arms to box-out defenders downfield. Drake has strong hands, excellent leaping ability and timing with the ball in flight.
17. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Davis is a mammoth in the middle (6-6, 340 pounds) and a force against the run. Jordan is physical and forklifts interior players back into the lap of the QB. He’s just a remarkable athlete for such a huge man, but Davis must watch his weight and continue to work on his conditioning. Still, he is quite a player controlling the inside of the trenches.
18. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Watching Wilson is like watching Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) when he was at LSU. Garrett is a very good route-runner, comes out of his cuts and breaks with ease and has a speed gear in space. The former Texas prep standout caught 143 passes, averaging 15.5 yards per catch, and scored 23 TDs for the Buckeyes in his college career.
19. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Williams, a former 300-meter hurdles champion in Missouri, caught just 15 passes in his first two seasons with Ohio State. The speedster transferred to Alabama and developed into the most feared wide receiver in college football. He caught 68 passes for 1,445 yards, averaged an eye-popping 21.4 yards per catch and scored 15 TDs. Williams has sprinter speed, eases into and out of his cuts and breaks with little wasted motion and is a terror in the open field. Jameson is also a dynamite return man who averaged 37.4 yards per runback in 2021 and brought two back for scores.
*Williams would be the clear-cut top wide receiver in the 2022 draft, but his injury in the National Championship game and knee surgery due to a torn ACL will make him a bit of a wild-card
20. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL/C, Iowa
It is rare to have a center rated this high, but the Iowa standout is that good. Linderbaum is smart, technically sound and very athletic for a big man. Oh, and he is one tough hombre inside. The 6-2.5, 290 pound center does a terrific job adjusting to movement up front and picking up interior blitzes.
21. George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The 6-3.5, 270 pounder came to America from Greece at age 13. He’s an excellent athlete with a non-stop motor and he is a first-rate technician at using his arms and hands to fend off blockers. Karlaftis doesn’t have great length, but he is powerful at the point of attack, quick to diagnose what is breaking down in front of him and is an all-out player on every snap.
22. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Wyatt is another underrated player from an ultra- talented Bulldog defense. The former JUCO transfer is a huge man on the interior with elite quickness off the snap. He has learned how to use his arms and hands well to get off would-be blockers and causes havoc inside. For a 6-3, 310 pounder I really like the consistent inside push he gets in the pass-rush.
23. Malik Willis. QB, Liberty
There are some inconsistencies in Willis’ overall game, but he has a nice over the top delivery. Malik is dangerous as a runner and passer and he can get the ball in tight spots down the field. He will need some work on reading/recognizing different coverages better from within the pocket and has some erratic moments as a passer. Still, Willis is very gifted, a hard worker and wasn’t exactly playing with a star-studded group around him.
24. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Burks is the highest-rated wide receiver I have ever graded coming out of Arkansas. The former 5-star recruit, who also excelled in basketball in high school, has great size, another speed gear out in the open and big, very strong hands to help make contested catches. The 6-2, 228 pounder caught 146 passes for 2,399 yards, averaging 16.4 yards per catch, along with 18 TDs during his career at Arkansas.
25. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The 6-0, 190 pounder has been quite the effective force as a receiver for the Buckeyes. The sure-handed end caught 175 passes for 2,702 yards, averaging 15.4 yards per catch, along with 35 TDs at Ohio State. Olave is a terrific route runner, he comes out of his cuts and breaks sharply and he is elusive in the open field.
26. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
The gunslinger from the California high school ranks has developed into the perfect “fit” QB for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. Matt is very accurate on the short to intermediate throws and has completed 70.9% and 68.3% of his throws the past two seasons. He cut down on his interceptions in 2021 (just 4 compared to 14 in 2020). People will question his arm strength, but that is overblown – he has plenty enough arm strength – and he is a playmaker with his legs. The ability to extend a play is highly valued at the NFL level, and Corral’s excellent touch and toughness in the pocket could have several teams taking a long look.
27. Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
The 6-0, 195 pounder is the perfect athlete to play safety in the NFL. He comes up the field quickly in run support, he matches up well in man coverage and can also be a top centerfielder. Hill has also been an effective blitzer off the edge. His ability to hold up at nickel-corner will enhance his draft stock.
28. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Booth is an excellent man-to-man defender who is quick in the hips. He finds the football quickly in flight and he has first- rate closing speed. Booth is an aggressive defender and plays the ball in flight like it is being thrown to him.
29. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Despite a tough season at Washington, McDuffie was a very consistent performer and was a force on defense. Trent has excellent coverage technique, he reacts quickly to WR moves can plant and drive hard to the football. He’s just a super-intelligent player, technically sound, very smooth and athletic.
30. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The 5-11, 200 pound corner was a three-sport standout in high school (basketball, track and football). He displays excellent coverage technique, does a good job re-routing WRs with his arms and hands and has good ball skills with the football in flight. Gordon’s football intelligence, speed and coverage skills are impressive.
31. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Raimann is a giant of a man but moves like a tight end on the field. The former wide receiver transitioned to tight end before ultimately landing at OT. He’s very athletic, has good movement skills and first- rate balance. Raimann needs to get stronger in the lower body but he can really move for a 6-6, 310 pounder. He gets high marks from his college coaches for his work ethic and desire to play at the highest level.
32. Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
The 6-3.5, 318 pound lineman started at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle for the Aggies, but he mainly played left guard in college. Green is a physical player at the point of attack and a tremendous run-blocker. He’s bettered his pass-blocking skills and technique, and his versatility is a major plus.
33. Travis Jones, DT, UConn
Man alive, I really like Travis Jones. He is a thickly built interior player who is powerful in the lower-body and he simply collapses the interior rushing lanes. Travis needs a little work with his pass-rush techniques, but he explodes off the snap for such a large man and already is a good interior pass-rusher.
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34. Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota
Mafe was not a dominant player in college, but he has outstanding foot speed and quickness. He gets off the snap in a flash and is relentless in pursuit. The pass-rush potential for Boye (6-4, 260) is at the top rung of the ladder.
35. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Cine is fast, strong, and comes up the seam in a flash. He’s a noted hard-hitter and sure tackler. His foot speed and quickness, along with improved pass-coverage technique, have really aided his pass coverage skills.
36. Zion Johnson, IOL/C, Boston College
Zion mainly played guard in college (while also drawing time at left tackle), but he could project best to the center spot in the NFL. He’s a well-built interior player who is strong in the lower body, gets a hard push with his drive blocks and is an impressive pass blocker too.
37. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Most college teams stayed away from Elam in 2021. The Gator standout is a well-built, lengthy cornerback with very good ball skills. Elam is tall and matches up well against the taller ends in pro football. He also possesses excellent recovery speed. Kaiir needs to upgrade his open-field tackling, but he comes up the seam quickly in run support and has excellent match-up skills downfield.
38. Tyler Smith, OT/IOL, Tulsa
Smith is super athletic for such a large man (6-4.5, 327 pounds) and he is a devastating run-blocker. He’s very powerful at the point of attack. Tyler needs some work with his pass-blocking skills and hand usage, but he is a super talented big man up front.
39. Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
I saw Christian play in high school as a wide receiver and safety at University Lab in Baton Rouge. Harris (6-0 ¼, 227) is a very instinctive player who rarely takes a false step. Harris is a very smart player who can cover at linebacker.
40. Quay Walker, OLB, Georgia
Bulldog coaches rave about his footspeed, length and his ability to get off would-be blockers. He’s a disruptive presence coming off the edge. Walker has also improved his pass coverage skills.
41. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
Pitre played all over the defensive board for the Bears and is very good in run support. He’s a sure open-field tackler and matches up well in one-on-one coverage. Jalen is a very heady player who gets high marks from his coaches for his intelligence and leadership.
42. Arnold Ebiketie, DE/OLB, Penn State
The former Temple standout really played big for the Nittany Lions in 2021. Arnold’s speed/quickness off the edge are impressive and he runs the field like a defensive back.
43. DeMarvin Leal, DE/DT, Texas A&M
Leal is versatile, hard to move off his spot and he has very good athletic skills. He’s quick to diagnose what is breaking down on the field and he is a strong interior pass rusher.
44. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Howell came into the 2021 season as the top-rated prospect at QB, but with new pieces offensively his consistency suffered. Howell has a strong arm, he moves well outside the pocket to buy time and also as a runner, and he can get the ball in tight windows downfield. His setup and over-the-top mechanics will quickly catch your eye.
45. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
I really like McCreary’s physical nature. He does not let one bad play change his strong mental attitude on the next snap. He possesses excellent recovery speed and runs step for step with WRs downfield.
46. Logan Hall, DE/DT, Houston
Hall is an outstanding athlete who is versatile. He’s quick off the snap and has good football instincts. The Cougar defensive lineman has really improved at using his arms and hands to come off would-be blockers.
47. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Greg is a great competitor. He understands how to get separation from defenders and is a sure-handed target downfield. Greg knows how to use his 6-4, 242 pound frame to the fullest as a blocker and receiver.
48. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
49. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
50. Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
51. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
52. Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State
53. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
54. Kenny Walker II, RB, Michigan State
55. Damone Clark, LB, LSU
56. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
57. Troy Anderson, LB/OLB, Montana State
58. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
59. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
60. Jalen Tolbert, WR, S. Alabama
61. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
62. Chad Muma, LB/OLB, Wyoming
63. Drake Jackson, DE/OLB, USC
64. Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
65. Kingsley Enagbare, DE, South Carolina
66. Sean Rhyan, OT/IOL, UCLA
67. Darian Kinnard, OT/IOL, Kentucky
68. David Bell, WR, Purdue
69. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
70. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
71. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
72. Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
73. Jamaree Salyer, OT/IOL, Georgia
74. Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
75. Darrian Beavers, OLB, Cincinnati
76. Myjai Sanders, DE, Cincinnati
77. Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
78. Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
79. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
80. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
81. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
82. Christian Watkins, WR, North Dakota State
83. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
84. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
85. Nik Bonitto, OLB, Oklahoma
86. Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
87. Joshua Williams, CB,Fayetteville State
88. Cole Strange, IOL, Tennessee-Chattanooga
89. Sam Williams, DE/OLB, Mississippi
90. JT Woods, S, Baylor
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