We're entering the second half of the 2021 college football season, giving us a solid base of recent tape to look at for the 2022 NFL draft's top prospects. As with any year, we've already seen plenty of movement on the draft board. Look no further than the quarterback class, which has had massive shuffling since the preseason. Four QBs made the following rankings, but the two who were Nos. 1 and 2 overall in August -- Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell -- aren't among them.
Of course, there is still a lot of road ahead until the draft. Two more months of college play will be followed by showcase events, the scouting combine, interviews and pro days. But we are starting to get an idea of the talent that will be available to NFL teams when the clock starts ticking on Round 1 in April.
So as the calendar gets ready to flip to November, I ranked my top 32 prospects for the 2022 class right now. Defense dominates the top five here, but eight pass-catchers are in the top-32 mix. Let's dive in, starting with a potential franchise cornerstone off the edge.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are via Scouts Inc.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250 | Grade: 94
Thibodeaux is a phenomenal pass-rusher with great speed and size. He gets a good push on blockers, and he shows solid initial quickness and closing speed. Thibodeaux is effective dipping-and-ripping, but he also displays a strong inside move. Against the run, he locates the ball and then stacks and sheds blockers, often making plays in the backfield. He could use a little more work as a hands fighter, but there is no doubt that he is the top edge prospect in the class. Through five games, he has 4.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles. Thibodeaux showed just how dominant he can be in Saturday's win against UCLA, posting 2.0 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a QB hurry. Lastly, he is versatile enough to convert to 3-4 outside linebacker or even occasionally kick inside to rush the passer.
2. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195 | Grade: 94
Stingley burst onto the scene with six interceptions as a freshman in 2019. The numbers weren't as eye-popping last season, and he hasn't had a single interception in 10 games over the past two years, but he still has all the tools to be a truly dominant shutdown cornerback in the NFL. He is long, fast and physical, but his versatility is key. Stingley can play press-man, off-coverage, free safety and the overhang position. A bonus: Stingley also has experience returning punts. In three games this season, he has 3.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble. Stingley is out indefinitely right now after getting a procedure done on his injured foot.
3. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama*
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 350 | Grade: 93
Neal has played all over the Alabama line, starting at guard as a freshman before sliding to right tackle in 2020 and finally left tackle this season. He mirrors and slides really well, and speed rushers struggle to get around his long frame. On run blocks, Neal excels with a quick first step and excellent angles. He shows range at the second level, which makes him perfect for a zone-blocking scheme. He also delivers blocks with power, though he is still developing his balance. His awareness stands out -- he can locate blitzes, twists and stunts and seal off the pass rush. Neal can get in trouble occasionally lunging, but his skill set makes him an easy plug-and-play in the NFL. He has allowed just two pressures and zero sacks in seven games this season.
4. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 219 | Grade: 93
Hamilton is a nightmare matchup for offenses. He has great size and closing burst while playing all over the defense. You'll see him line up deep in coverage, over the slot and even at linebacker. Hamilton can blanket tight ends, and with solid ball skills and an ability to read the QB, he will make plays. He has three interceptions in seven games this year, along with 34 tackles and four passes broken up. Against the run, Hamilton can fill the alley, but he will need to work on his angles to avoid missing tackles. Hamilton injured his knee last weekend and will miss at least one game.
5. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 269 | Grade: 92
Hutchinson was in the Day 2 conversation last fall before fracturing his right leg in November and opting for another year at Michigan. Now he's right in the Round 1 mix for 2022. He plays a powerful game and is truly relentless in pursuit. Hutchinson also has fast eyes and locates the ball really well. He has 6.0 sacks (tied for 14th in the country) and a forced fumble this season for the Wolverines.
6. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215 | Grade: 92
Willis is terrific at extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield outside the pocket. His off-platform throws have plenty of "wow" factor, as he gets the ball out from various release points with velocity and hits tight windows. An Auburn transfer, Willis has thrown for 1,679 yards this season, with 17 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. His completion percentage (66.1%) and yards per completion (9.2) have both improved from last season, but he has taken 28 sacks in 2021. On the ground, Willis has 647 yards and another nine touchdowns. He got back on track on Saturday against North Texas after back-to-back three-INT games in mid-October, and I'm looking forward to seeing him against Ole Miss in early November.
Taysir Mack is wide open as Kenny Pickett throws a go-ahead touchdown pass for Pittsburgh before halftime.
7. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Grade: 92
Cross has long arms, good agility and solid quickness for a 310-pound left tackle. He's a natural knee-bender with great balance and the mirror-and-slide skills to handle double moves and speed rushers. Cross is a patient pass blocker and can pick up blitzes and other defensive line disguises. On run-blocking plays, Cross has strong angles and above-average range, but he needs to develop his lower-body strength and push. He has allowed three pressures and a sack this season, but he sees more pass-blocking snaps than most collegiate linemen in the Bulldogs' scheme. His 366 pass-block snaps are tied for fifth in the FBS.
8. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Grade: 92
Wilson accelerates off the line and immediately puts defensive backs on their heels. He will drop his weight at the top of his route stem, and he is extremely sudden in and out of his breaks. Wilson occasionally is a body-catcher, but I've also seen him make plenty of difficult catches away from his frame and in traffic, controlling his body and adjusting to off-target throws. There is big-play ability, too, thanks to elite speed and acceleration. He tracks the deep ball well, and while he isn't going to elude many defenders laterally, he turns up field and hits the second gear so swiftly that he is trouble after the catch. Wilson has 36 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns this season.
9. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 290 | Grade: 91
Leal's versatility will be valuable in the NFL. He can win as an inside pass-rusher thanks to a quick first step, an ability to penetrate gaps and solid closing speed. But he can also use his speed-to-power, length and awareness to get it done off the edge -- though he lacks the top-end speed to consistently get pressure outside. His range against the run is impressive, and he disengages quickly to make plays. Leal has 5.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and two QB hurries in eight games this season.
10. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 | Grade: 91
Olave's ball skills are excellent, and there is plenty of speed in his game. His route running stands out, as he explodes off the line and creates separation vertically. He always seems to have a plan. I'd like to see him get stronger, but Olave is an extremely talented receiver prospect. He has 32 catches for 518 yards and eight touchdowns (tied for fifth in the country) this season. Consider this: Olave has 100-plus yards and multiple touchdowns in three of his six games this season.
11. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 193 | Grade: 91
Elam is instinctive and aggressive. He has loads of top-end speed (he ran track in high school), great closing burst and excellent awareness in coverage, and he is able to play in press, zone or off-man. Elam follows the ball well when it's in the air, and his on-ball production is solid. He has an interception and three passes broken up this season, and his 13 pass breakups in 2020 tied for the fourth most in the country.
12. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 184 | Grade: 91
Dotson is a bit undersized, but his suddenness, speed and route craftiness make him a dangerous offensive weapon. He is lightning quick in and out of his breaks, but he always seems to be in control. His tape is smooth, and his routes are sharp. Despite a smaller catch radius, his ball skills are terrific, and he will pluck the ball on the run and/or adjust to throws with excellent body control. Dotson can challenge vertically, too, but he doesn't have the size to win many 50-50 balls. If he does win, he has the field vision and wheels to produce after the catch. Dotson has 49 catches for 563 yards and six touchdowns this season, and he has at least five receptions in all seven games.
13. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 340 | Grade: 91
Davis is a massive 3-4 nose tackle, but he has experience as a traditional defensive tackle in a 4-3, too. He has power and will bull-rush blockers back into their quarterback. But he is more of a disrupter than a finisher -- he has just 1.5 sacks in seven games -- and lacks first-step quickness and redirect ability. Against the run, Davis does a great job with gap control and is a true space eater. Good luck moving him off his spot. Watching his tape, the thing that jumps out is how often he requires double-team attention.
14. Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 225 | Grade: 90
Dean is an off-ball linebacker who has good speed, suddenness, range and instincts. He can match up with running backs in coverage, but he can also go sideline to sideline in run defense. Dean will make a lot of plays in pursuit, closing on ball carriers and wrapping up on tackles. His improvement as a blitzer this season has been impressive, too. He can locate gaps and close on the QB. Dean shows an excellent motor on every single down. In 2021, Dean has 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss and an interception.
15. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315 | Grade: 90
Petit-Frere has heavy hands, and he will often knock defenders off balance and even sometimes to the ground with his power. But he is also very quick and shows body control in pass protection. He has not given up a single sack over four seasons (including one redshirt year) at Ohio State, and he has allowed pressure on seven of 518 career pass-block snaps.
16. Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235 | Grade: 90
Lloyd is a versatile linebacker who moves like a safety -- he played there in high school. He has the quickness, strength and balance to slip blocks, but there is room for improvement there. Lloyd is rangy and closes well in pursuit. He will oftentimes spy quarterbacks. When turned loose as a pass-rusher, he is an effective hands fighter, and he can win against running backs when hitting an inside hole. Lloyd's 68 tackles are tied for 18th in the country -- he averages nearly 10 per game -- and his 13.0 tackles for loss rank second. But he also has 5.0 sacks, two interceptions and three passes broken up.
17. George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270 | Grade: 89
Karlaftis played just three games in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19, but he is healthy this season, registering 3.0 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble-return TD in seven games. He wins with power, holding his own at the point of attack and showing good stopping power. Karlaftis gets a good push as a power rusher and then falls inside when he is even with the QB. He has shown an ability to make an impact as an inside rusher as well.
18. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225 | Grade: 89
Burks doesn't have a ton of speed, and he won't burn defensive backs off the line of scrimmage. But he is a savvy route runner who knows how to find the soft spots in zone coverage and use his frame to generate late separation. But what puts Burks in the top 20? His ball skills. He can pluck on the run with his oversized hands and does an outstanding job with body control to haul in deep passes or off-target throws. Burks is also effective after the catch, transitioning upfield, showing good vision and breaking tackles along the way. His 717 receiving yards are No. 10 in the nation, while his seven touchdown catches are tied for 12th.
19. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 255 | Grade: 89
Wydermyer has been used primarily as a Y tight end with the Aggies, but he's certainly also effective flexed outside or as an in-line blocker. He is a crisp route runner for a 6-foot-5 pass-catcher, and he gets separation at the top of his stem by using his quickness and frame. Wydermyer has a wide catch radius, showing solid body control both on throws over his head and deep balls. When it comes to blocking, he is at his best in small areas, showing enough strength to sustain. He has 353 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season.
20. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 290 | Grade: 89
Linderbaum is an effective zone blocker with great foot speed and range, and he is a solid combo blocker at the second level. At 290 pounds, he is a little on the smaller side, but he flashes good finishing power and anchors well for his size. But there is some room for improvement when it comes to staying square and in front of defenders.
21. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200 | Grade: 89
Corral is a big riser of the quarterback class this season. He has improved as a pocket passer and decision-maker in 2021, but those are still work-in-progress areas. His 7.5% off-target percentage ranked in the top 10 in the country, but his completion percentage has actually slipped from 70.9% last year to 67.6% this season. He is tough and mobile in the pocket, and he has a nice quick release, getting the ball out on quick-game throws and leading receivers into extra yardage. Corral has 1,913 passing yards and 15 touchdown passes this season, and he notably has just one interception after throwing 14 of them last season. His run-game ability is also playing a big part: He has 474 yards on the ground along with nine scores. He rushed for 195 yards in a mid-October win over Tennessee.
22. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195 | Grade: 88
Booth excels in press coverage and does a nice job of turning to locate the ball when running with a receiver. His balance and quick feet are plus traits, and he has a smooth pedal off the line of scrimmage. But while his recognition skills are solid in zone looks, I think he overreacts to receivers' initial moves at times in man coverage. Booth had a pair of interceptions in 2020 but has yet to haul one in during the 2021 season, despite a pair of pass breakups.
23. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 188 | Grade: 87
Receivers have a hard time getting off the line against Gardner. He is tall and long, and he smoothers coverage underneath. Gardner has strong recognition ability in zone, is an adequate wrap-up tackler and flashes playmaking skill. He has two interceptions so far in 2021. One concern: He plays almost too physical sometimes.
24. Drake London, WR, USC*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210 | Grade: 87
London is a big target who is versatile enough to operate out wide or in the slot. He has great contact balance, terrific body control and solid hands. London has the speed to threaten vertically, will make plays in traffic over the middle and is smooth in and out of his breaks. I really like his ability to find the soft spots in zone looks. His 79 catches and 1,003 receiving yards are both No. 2 in the country, and he has found the end zone five times. Six of his seven games have seen him hit 130-plus receiving yards this season.
25. Brandon Smith, ILB, Penn State*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 241 | Grade: 87
Smith has ideal size for his position and carries his 241-pound frame well. He shows solid take-on ability, and he can quickly disengage with his sudden and powerful upper body. In run support, he is fast and rangy, making plays in backside pursuit. But he tends to come in a little hot as a tackler at times, missing wrap-up opportunities as a result. He is very good in zone coverage, and his speed and size allow him to match up with most tight ends and running backs -- but he has struggled tracking the ball when trailing the pass-catcher. In short, Smith is a work in progress, but he is consistently one of the fastest players on the field for Penn State. More experience will put him in line to make a big NFL impact. In seven games, Smith has 44 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble.
26. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195 | Grade: 86
Metchie is a polished route runner. He's so smooth in and out of his breaks, and his lower-body flexibility -- which allows him to make sharp cuts and gear down on defenders -- is very impressive. Metchie can set up cornerbacks in man coverage with double moves and shoulder fakes. He locates soft spots in zone looks, and he is adept in working back to the quarterback when things break down. He plucks the ball on the run and transitions upfield for extra yardage. But one thing that really stands out is his competitiveness, which shows up in his willingness to lay a block on a defender. Metchie isn't a burner, but he has a large toolbox of skills, which has helped him to 601 receiving yards and five end-zone trips this season.
27. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220 | Grade: 86
Pickett has really come on this season, currently sitting third in the country in Total QBR (88.1). His 2,236 passing yards are ninth, and his 23 passing TDs are tied for fourth. He has just one interception over seven games. His arm strength and pocket mobility are average areas in his game, but his toughness in the pocket, fast eyes on progressions and awareness in holding the safety stand out. His decision-making is improving after back-to-back seasons with 13-to-9 TD-INT ratios. And Pickett flashes some second-reaction ability, too, scrambling when he needs to create.
28. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 189 | Grade: 86
If Williams and Metchie both go in Round 1, it'd be the third straight year that Alabama has produced a pair of Day 1 receivers. That's extraordinary. Of course, Williams hasn't been in Tuscaloosa for his entire college career, transferring out of Ohio State before this season. He is a big-play threat with elite speed and shiftiness as a ball carrier. When he plucks on the run, he accelerates away from defenders. Williams is still working through the nuances of route running, and he can occasionally be a body catcher, but he tracks and adjusts to balls in the air well. Williams has 710 receiving yards, six touchdowns and is averaging 20.3 yards per catch through eight games.
29. Adam Anderson, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 230 | Grade: 86
Anderson's speed off the edge is exceptional; he plays with explosion. He has great first-step quickness and snap in his hands, getting in and out of blocks. In run defense, Anderson is at his best when turned loose in pursuit. Anderson will need to continue to get stronger, though. He gets engulfed too often; his speed-to-power moves stall out, and he doesn't have the lower-body power to make a big impact against the run. He will likely start as a pass rush specialist in the NFL before developing into an every-down player with versatility. Anderson has 4.5 sacks in seven games this season.
30. Zion Johnson, OT/G, Boston College
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 316 | Grade: 86
Johnson has experience at guard and tackle, and he will prove versatile in the NFL, too, with the foot speed, range and balance to excel in zone-blocking schemes. I wouldn't classify him as a consistent mauler, but he is smooth getting set and tends to stay in front of his assignments as a pass protector. His technique could use some refining, and he'll need to improve his ability to anchor at the point of attack. On 376 snaps this season, Johnson hasn't allowed any sacks or pressures and has just one blown run block.
31. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Grade: 86
At his best in press-man coverage, McCreary can reroute receivers with his length and quick feet. He does get in some trouble when receivers make sharp cuts, and his run support needs to improve, but his ball skills and length lead to plays on the ball. His eight passes defended, including a pair of interceptions, are tied for 13th in the nation. NFL teams that play a lot of press will want to take a look at McCreary's tape.
32. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215 | Grade: 86
Ridder has been consistent over four seasons with Cincinnati. He currently has 1,620 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes -- plus three more rushing scores -- and three interceptions for the 7-0 Bearcats. He can extend plays with his feet and shows good zip on his throws thanks to a very strong arm. He gets through his progressions well, though he presses at times and forces throws. Ridder is tough in the pocket, too, but he takes a lot of big hits. He needs to get the ball out quicker, and his ball placement is still improving.