A new set of Big Board rankings ahead of the 2022 NFL draft brings more change. What's up with this quarterback class? As we get closer to April's draft, there are still a lot of unknowns about the signal-callers at the top.
I can tell you that I'm not alone in that thought, as people inside the NFL feel the same way. There hasn't been a quarterback who has stood head and shoulders above the rest in this class, unlike in the past two years when Trevor Lawrence was the wire-to-wire No. 1 prospect and Joe Burrow emerged as an elite prospect with one of the greatest seasons in college football history. So while I have a new top-ranked quarterback in these rankings, there's still a lot to be evaluated for the rest of the season and during the pre-draft process. One thing is for sure: There isn't likely to be a consensus No. 1, clear-cut QB for 2022 on which all 32 teams can agree.
Below is my list of the best 25 prospects overall, along with my top 10 prospects at every position. A couple of notes on my rankings, which should sound familiar:
There is a lot of projection involved, particularly for my top 25. Many of these prospects have started only a handful of games, and so I'm not yet writing up detailed scouting reports. I expect many of them to be stronger, faster and better as we get closer to next April's draft, so I'll adjust my rankings as we get closer to it.
Heights and weights are based on what we have from schools; we don't get official numbers until the 2022 combine next March.
Jump to: Position rankings
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Previously: 1
After missing a few games because of an ankle injury he suffered in the season opener, Thibodeaux has been a menace the past two games. In Saturday's win at UCLA, he had a strip-sack, another sack and nine total tackles. Against Cal the week before, he had a sack and 10 total pressures. Thibodeaux, the No. 1-ranked high school recruit in 2019, is an elite pass-rushing talent with the quickness and bend to get double-digit sacks annually at the next level. He had nine sacks as a true freshman in 2019, and he had three more and 9.5 total tackles for loss in seven games last season.
2. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
HT: 6-4 | WT: 219 | Previously: 2
Hamilton left in in the first quarter of Saturday's win over USC, and coach Brian Kelly said afterward that the star safety has a right knee injury that will now cause him to miss the upcoming game against North Carolina. Notre Dame needs Hamilton, one of the most versatile defenders in the country. He had two interceptions against Florida State and added another in the win over Purdue. He now has eight in his career since 2019. Hamilton has the size to move up to the line of scrimmage and help in the run game -- he ranks second on the team with 34 total tackles -- and the speed and range to cover pass-catchers out of the slot. He's exactly what NFL teams want in their first-round safeties.
3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
HT: 6-1 | WT: 195 | Previously: 3
I wrote a little about Stingley and his ceiling last month, and he's the top corner in this class even though he hasn't been consistently great since 2019 (and now is dealing with a foot injury that has kept him out for more than a month). This ranking is all about his upside. His freshman film, when he was one of the best players on LSU's national title team, is tremendous. He didn't play as well last season, but that can mostly be attributed to the entire LSU defense being dreadful. He has shown that he can lock down SEC receivers. There are going to be questions about his up-and-down play, but NFL teams will see more good tape than bad and draft him based on his ceiling.
4. Drake London, WR, USC
HT: 6-5 | WT: 210 | Previously: 10
USC's season has gone sideways on the way to a 3-4 start, but no one can blame London. He has been targeted an FBS-high 110 times, catching 79 passes (second in FBS) for 1,003 yards (second) and five touchdowns (39th). He's averaging 11 catches and 144 yards per game. London, who played on the USC basketball team in 2019-20, towers over Pac-12 defenders, and he can outleap just about any corner. He had 72 catches for 1,069 yards and eight touchdowns from 2019 to 2020. I've noticed a few drops this season -- he has five after just one the previous two seasons -- but he does have soft hands and a huge catch radius. London is fun to watch.
5. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
HT: 6-7 | WT: 360 | Previously: 4
Neal is another prospect I mentioned in my mailbag in September. He's an elite left tackle prospect with a massive frame and stellar physical traits. Check out this clip of him showing off those skills. Neal started at right tackle last season and was Bama's starting left guard as a freshman in 2019. He moved over to the left side this season, taking over for first-round pick Alex Leatherwood. He is the complete package, excelling as a run-blocker and also in moving his feet as a pass-protector.
6. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
HT: 6-6 | WT: 265 | Previously: 5
In the preseason, I led off my write-up on the Michigan edge rusher with "I think Hutchinson could have a big year." Well, that's what he's doing. He has six sacks and a forced fumble, showing powerful moves and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. His 18.6% pressure percentage ranks third in the country. He looks outstanding. Hutchinson played only 144 defensive snaps last season before he injured his leg against Indiana and had to have surgery; the Michigan defense cratered after he was hurt. He was outstanding as a sophomore in 2019, putting up 4.5 sacks and creating havoc in the backfield (10.5 total tackles for loss).
7. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
HT: 6-5 | WT: 310 | Previously: 6
Cross has taken the next step. He has allowed just one sack and three pressures this season. He was dominant against a good LSU front last month and more than held his own against the mega-talented Alabama defense. He stalemates edge rushers. Cross has long arms and good feet, and his coaches rave about his work ethic and attention to detail. He showed potential last season, his first as a starter, but he's also asked to do a lot in Mike Leach's offense, and so he had some poor pass-blocking reps. He allowed five sacks and 13 pressures on 556 pass blocks in 2020. Based on his 2021 tape so far, I see a top-10 pick, but he needs to finish the season strong.
8. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
HT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Previously: 11
Lloyd has been incredibly impressive for the Utes, filling the stat sheet each week. He has 69 total tackles and has added four sacks, 10 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He penetrates past linemen at the snap, but Utah also uses him often in coverage, showing off his range as an off-ball linebacker. Lloyd was used more as a pass-rusher in 2019, racking up 6.5 sacks. He has 12.5 for his career. The versatility stands out as a major plus. I've been really impressed by his 2021 tape, and he has a chance to be a first-round linebacker next spring.
Sean Clifford heaves the ball downfield, and Jahan Dotson outjumps three Illinois defenders to haul it in.
9. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
HT: 6-7 | WT: 321 | Previously: 14
Penning destroys edge rushers at the FCS level. He's consistently dominant in both the run and pass game. "Rugged" is the word I'd use to describe his game. And though he's not playing against NFL-caliber players every week, I think he has a chance to be an elite guy. He has played mostly at left tackle for the Panthers, who had 2021 third-rounder Spencer Brown on the right side from 2017 to 2019. Penning has flashed more than Brown did.
10. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
HT: 6-4 | WT: 290 | Previously: 7
Leal is one of my favorite prospects in this class, a versatile defensive lineman who could play in any defense at the next level. I like his potential as an interior penetrator a little more than I do as an edge rusher, and he has the frame to put on a few more pounds. But he plays incredibly hard and is always in the right spot. Leal has 5.5 sacks this season after getting 2.5 last season, when he also had a forced fumble and an interception off Alabama's Mac Jones. He ranks fourth on the team with 35 total tackles.
11. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
HT: 6-2 | WT: 185 | Previously: NR
Williams made my list of potential first-round sleepers a week ago, and he just keeps getting better. He's averaging 20.3 yards per reception and ranks ninth in the country with 353 yards after the catch. He can take the top off the defense with his speed, and he has shown that he can track the ball and adjust while it's in the air. Watch him on this 76-yard score against Mississippi State. Williams has been Alabama's best receiver this season, and I didn't expect the Ohio State transfer to have such an immediate impact. Plus, he has two kickoff return touchdowns.
12. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
HT: 6-3 | WT: 290 | Previously: 16
Linderbaum is one of the best center prospects in recent memory. He can do everything, and he excels as a puller to either side. He's a fantastic run blocker. He doesn't have many weaknesses. He allowed just one sack in the 2019 and 2020 seasons combined. He has allowed two this season, but I'm still huge fan of his game and upside regardless.
13. Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia
HT: 6-0 | WT: 225 | Previously: NR
I picked Dean earlier this month as a rising prospect to watch, after he was tremendous in the Bulldogs' 37-0 shutout of Arkansas. He's the leader of one of the best defenses in recent college football history. Georgia is allowing an FBS-best 3.6 yards per play and has allowed only a single rushing score all season. It is also allowing only 145 passing yards per game, which ranks second behind Washington. Dean runs sideline to sideline to blow up plays and is a sure tackler once he finds the ball carrier. He has 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks -- he's a great blitzer -- and an interception this season.
14. Kingsley 'JJ' Enagbare, OLB, South Carolina
HT: 6-4 | WT: 265 | Previously: NR
Enagbare made my way-too-early Big Board back in May, but I wanted to see more from him the past few weeks. He has put on a show recently, racking up 18 QB pressures in his past three games, including 10 against Troy. He now has 4.5 sacks on the season and 15 for his college career. Enagbare is likely to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level, where he can showcase his ability to bend the edge and glide by offensive tackles. NFL teams always crave edge rushers, so Enagbare could keep rising.
15. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
HT: 6-3 | WT: 220 | Previously: NR
Pickett is making a leap not unlike Joe Burrow's from two seasons ago. After his impressive performance against Clemson, I'm ready to put him on my Big Board. The fifth-year senior has been tremendous this season, completing 68.9% of his passes with 23 touchdowns and just one interception. He ranks third in the country in QBR (88.1). He has 18 career rushing touchdowns. Pickett was up and down the past two seasons, throwing 18 picks and averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. He's up to 9.2 this season. He is accurate to all three levels of the field, has shown patience in taking the checkdown throws when necessary and has good zip on his throws. Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple has done a great job with Pickett's development.
Now, he has started 43 games in his Pitt career, so NFL teams will like that he has experience. (The last first-rounder with that many starts was Baker Mayfield with 46.) But Pickett dealt with an ankle injury in an up-and-down 2020 season, so scouts and execs are going to have to be comfortable with his improvement and believe that he's an improved quarterback. The signs are there, and his ability to use his legs to maneuver the pocket and scramble when he has to is underrated. I really like Pickett's 2021 tape. In a quarterback class that is far from settled, he's my new No. 1 guy.
16. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
HT: 5-11 | WT: 184 | Previously: 8
Dotson is an explosive wideout having a great season. He had an incredible leaping catch against Illinois over the weekend, and look how open he is on this 49-yard touchdown against Wisconsin. Plus, check out Penn State's first offensive play against Villanova, a 52-yard strike to Dotson in which he showed acceleration at the catch. While he had a few drops in 2019 and 2020, he hasn't dropped any of his 78 targets this season. He has 49 catches for 563 yards and six scores, though he hasn't scored in the Nittany Lions' back-to-back losses.
Desmond Ridder throws a 31-yard touchdown pass to Josh Whyle to tie the game.
17. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
HT: 6-5 | WT: 315 | Previously: 17
Petit-Frere hasn't allowed a single sack in his Buckeyes career. Seriously. He has allowed only two total pressures this season. After starting on the right side last season, he has proved to be just as steady and consistent at left tackle this season. A former five-star recruit, Petit-Frere just keeps improving.
18. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
HT: 6-0 | WT: 193 | Previously: 9
Wilson played mostly out of the slot last season, catching 43 passes and averaging almost 17 yards per reception, but he has done most of his damage outside in 2021. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands and can run away from defenders after the catch. Here he is doing that against a Minnesota defensive back for a 56-yard score. Ohio State's offense has taken off over the past few games -- the Buckeyes have scored 50-plus points in four straight -- and Wilson has 36 total catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns this season. His versatility will help at the next level, too. He and Chris Olave form one of the best wideout tandems in the country.
19. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
HT: 6-0 | WT: 190 | Previously: 19
As I wrote in my preseason Big Board, I really liked McCreary's tape after watching more of Auburn this past summer. He is fundamentally sound, instinctive and has nice size. He can cover and help against the run. He got beat a few times last season, but he has been more consistent so far this season. He has added two more interceptions -- including this pick-six -- after having three in 2020. McCreary is as "safe" a pick as it gets this far out from the draft.
20. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
HT: 6-0 | WT: 200 | Previously: 20
I went deeper on Corral's upside last month and wrote about what I liked about his game earlier this month. He has been incredibly impressive this season, throwing 15 touchdown passes and one interception. He has also ran for nine scores, and he had 195 yards on a whopping 30 carries in the win over Tennessee. Corral ranks fourth in the FBS in QBR (89.3). He's not the biggest quarterback, but he has touch and accuracy and a good-enough arm. He doesn't crater under pressure. If he can avoid the disaster games that he had last season -- 11 combined interceptions in two games against LSU and Arkansas -- he's going to be in the first-round mix.
21. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
HT: 6-1 | WT: 188 | Previously: 12
Ohio State's pass-catching group is one of the best in the country, which means Olave and Wilson don't have huge counting stats. I'm not worried; just turn on the tape and watch Olave get open. I wrote in May that he could have been a Day 2 pick had he entered the 2021 draft, and now he has a chance to be the No. 1 wideout in 2022. He's one of the best deep threats in this class -- he averaged 15.0 air yards per target from 2018 to 2020 -- and is an improved route runner with stellar hands. Those air yards per target have dropped a little bit (14.2), but he has 204 yards after the catch, already surpassing his 2020 total (181). He can make defenders look silly in coverage and with the ball in his hands. Olave has eight receiving touchdowns this season, giving him 30 for his career.
Treylon Burks hauls it in for an 18-yard receiving touchdown.
22. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
HT: 6-9 | WT: 380 | Previously: 22
Yes, you read his height and weight correctly. Faalele is massive; Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy pointed out his rare measurables over the summer. He is extremely agile for his size, which is particularly noteworthy because he started playing football in only 2017, when he moved from Australia and joined the IMG Academy. Faalele started 19 games at right tackle for the Golden Gophers in 2018 and 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season. He's back now and is playing extremely well. I've been impressed with his ability to move his feet in pass protection, and he's a better pass-blocker than he is run-blocker at this point. The comp I've made for him is to Alejandro Villanueva, another 6-foot-9 tackle who has carved out a nice career, but Faalele has more than 80 pounds on Villanueva. There's a lot to like about his ceiling.
23. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
HT: 6-3 | WT: 232 | Previously: 18
I wrote about Burks recently, as he tore up Texas A&M and gave the Aggies' defensive backs fits. Check out his speed on this 85-yard touchdown catch. He has a big catch radius and can play inside or outside, though he's doing most of his damage out of the slot. He has 42 catches for 717 yards with seven touchdowns. He also had seven scores a year ago. Concentration drops are definitely an issue, but he's going to battle for the top wideout spot in a deep class. I want to see how he tests at the NFL combine next March.
24. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
HT: 6-2 | WT: 195 | Previously: NR
Elam sprained his knee earlier this season and missed a few games, but he has been good when he has played. His 2020 tape is inconsistent -- he got beat for a couple long touchdowns -- but in five games in 2021 he has allowed just 42 receiving yards as the closest defender in coverage. That's an average of 3.5 yards per attempt in his direction. Elam has long arms and good instincts; he has six career picks. He can play press coverage and lock up wideouts.
25. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
HT: 6-4 | WT: 215 | Previously: NR
I wrote about Ridder after the Bearkats' big win over Notre Dame, and he still makes a few head-scratching throws every game. Check out this interception against Navy. What was he thinking there? Overall, though, Ridder has improved this season, throwing 15 touchdown passes and three picks while completing 63.6% of his throws. His counting stats won't wow you, but he has the arm talent and mobility that put him in the first-round conversation. Like Pickett, Ridder has started more than 40 college games, and so I'd like to see him have better ball placement on tight-window throws at this point. He's not the perfect prospect, but he does have upside.
Rankings at every position for the 2022 NFL draft
Quarterbacks
1. Kenny Pickett, Pitt
2. Matt Corral, Ole Miss
3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
4. Malik Willis, Liberty
5. Sam Howell, North Carolina
6. Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
7. Carson Strong, Nevada
8. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
9. Tanner McKee, Stanford
10. Jayden Daniels, Arizona State
You'll notice that Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler has been removed. It's tough to keep him in the top 10 when he's not playing. I think he's likely to transfer, play elsewhere in 2022 and enter the 2023 draft.
Running backs
1. Breece Hall, Iowa State
2. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
3. D'vonte Price, Florida International
4. Pierre Strong Jr., South Dakota State
5. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
6. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
7. Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama
8. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
9. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
10. Tyler Goodson, Iowa
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma
2. Tanner Conner, Idaho State
3. Connor Heyward, Michigan State
4. Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
5. Case Hatch, Arizona State
6. Sean Dykes, Memphis
7. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland
8. Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
9. Roger Carter, Georgia State
10. Clint Ratkovich, Northern Illinois
Wide receivers
1. Drake London, USC
2. Jameson Williams, Alabama
3. Jahan Dotson, Penn State
4. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
5. Chris Olave, Ohio State
6. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
7. David Bell, Purdue
8. George Pickens, Georgia
9. Jalen Tolbert, Southern Alabama
10. John Metchie III, Alabama
10A. Justyn Ross, Clemson
Jordan Battle gets up for the interception and returns it 40 yards for a pick-six.
Tight ends
1. Trey McBride, Colorado State
2. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M
3. Cade Otton, Washington
4. Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama
5. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
6. Cole Turner, Nevada
7. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina
8. Teagan Quitoriano, Oregon State
9. Will Mallory, Miami (Florida)
10. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
10A. James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
Offensive tackles
1. Evan Neal, Alabama
2. Charles Cross, Mississippi State
3. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
4. Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State
5. Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
6. Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
7. Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
8. Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
9. Abraham Lucas, Washington State
10. Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
Guards
1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
2. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
3. Sean Rhyan, UCLA
4. Zion Johnson, Boston College
5. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia
6. Thayer Munford, Ohio State
7. Logan Bruss, Wisconsin
8. Andrew Vorhees, USC
9. Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
10. Ed Ingram, LSU
10A. Ja'Tyre Carter, Southern
10B. Dylan Parham Memphis
Centers
1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
2. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
3. Dohnovan West, Arizona State
4. Alex Forsyth, Oregon
5. Grant Gibson, NC State
6. Zach Tom, Wake Forest
7. Alec Lindstrom, Boston College
8. Nick Ford, Utah
9. Doug Kramer, Illinois
10. Michael Maietti, Missouri
Defensive ends
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
2. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
3. Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
3. George Karlaftis, Purdue
5. Logan Hall, Houston
6. Travon Walker, Georgia
7. Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State
8. Josh Paschal, Kentucky
9. Sam Williams, Ole Miss
10. Zach Harrison, Ohio State
10A. Ali Gaye, LSU
Defensive tackles
1. DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
2. Jordan Davis, Georgia
3. Eyioma Uwazurike, Iowa State
4. Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
5. Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma
6. Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
7. Travis Jones, Connecticut
8. Haskell Garrett, Ohio State
9. Zachary Carter, Florida
10. Thomas Booker, Stanford
10A. PJ Mustipher, Penn State
Inside linebackers
1. Devin Lloyd, Utah
2. Nakobe Dean, Georgia
3. Christian Harris, Alabama
4. Jack Campbell, Iowa
5. Damone Clark, LSU
6. Channing Tindall, Georgia
7. Mike Rose, Iowa State
8. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
9. Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
10. Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
10A. Ventrell Miller, Florida
Outside linebackers
1. Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
2. Adam Anderson, Georgia
3. Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
4. Brandon Smith, Penn State
5. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
6. Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
7. Boye Mafe, Minnesota
8. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
9. Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M
10. Drake Jackson, USC
10A. Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati
Cornerbacks
1. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
2. Roger McCreary, Auburn
3. Kaiir Elam, Florida
4. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
5. Josh Jobe, Alabama
6. Trent McDuffie, Washington
7. Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
8. Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
9. Riley Moss, Iowa
10. Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska
Safeties
1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
2. Daxton Hill, Michigan
3. Jalen Catalon, Arkansas
4. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
5. Lewis Cine, Georgia
6. Jordan Battle, Alabama
7. Jalen Pitre, Baylor
8. Verone McKinley III, Oregon
9. Nick Cross, Maryland
10. Bryan Cook, Cincinnati
Kickers and punters
1. Cade York, LSU (K)
2. Ryan Wright, Tulane (P)
3. Jordan Stout, Penn State (P)
4. Matt Araiza, San Diego State (P)
5. Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma (K)
6. Jake Camarda, Georgia (P)
7. Adam Korsak, Rutgers (P)
8. Cameron Dicker, Texas (P)
9. Ryan Stonehouse, Colorado State (P)
10. Blake Hayes, Illinois (P)
Long-snappers
1. Damon Johnson, USC
2. Cal Adomitis, Pitt
3. Jordan Silver, Arkansas
4. Keegan Markgraf, Utah
5. John Taylor, Duke
6. Ethan Tabel, Illinois
7. Ross Reiter, Colorado State
8. Billy Taylor, Rutger
9. Justin Mader, Texas
10. Karsten Battles, Oregon