Ultimately, he opted to return to the Bearcats for his senior season. Oklahoma has quite a few eligible defensive linemen in the 2022 NFL Draft. If Anderson is exonerated, he could return to being an early-round pick, but right now, it looks like he would be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent until his legal situation is resolved. 4/27/22: Some in the media are projecting Thomas in the first round, but team sources said they don't have him that high. 1. Hall has good length and speed, but he is too light to line up every down on the inside. San Francisco received an additional third-round selection and another 2023 third-round selection when Miami hired 49ers offensive coordinator. As a result, he returns to Michigan for the 2021 season. The draft also saw a record nine draft-day trades with first-round picks, which resulted in less than half of the first round selections being made by the teams that initially owned them. 7/10/21: Thibodeaux recorded 32 tackles, three sacks and three passes batted in 2020. Clemons has quality size with some quickness and athleticism on the edge. 4/27/22: Anthony was playing well for LSU and on his way to a good season, but he suffered a non-contact knee injury versus Central Michigan that ended his 2021 season. 2022 NFL Draft: The top 11 interior defensive linemen Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West. Hutchinson has been the most dominating pass-rusher in college football during the 2021 season and easily outperformed the presumptive top p Thibodeaux has out-of-this-world athletic ability and as a result, is in the running for being the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 7/10/21: Tisdale is a big defensive end who is a tough run defender at the point of attack. PFF has three Commanders ranked in the top 101, and the top-ranked Washington player will surprise you. 28 in rushing . Lets take a look. Paschal lost his 2018 season to fighting malignant melanoma, but after beating cancer, he returned to the field in 2019 to put together a quality year for Kentucky. If he continues on an upward curve with all those attributes, he will comfortably end up as one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. Paschal earned 15 tackles for loss on the year and proved to be a menace for opposing offensive linemen. From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. $$ Pure WalterFootball with no advertisements for $7.99 a month. That's why Georgia says they don't start him. Similar to teammate Lakia Henry, Williams is a junior college product who could be better in his third season with Ole Miss. With strong, precise hands, Enagbare can maximize his length and combat extensions. You dont earn 14 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, and take home Heisman runner-up honors on accident. He was more disruptive than the numbers illustrate. In 2020, he was even better than his sophomore year, recording 58 tackles with 6.5 sacks, one interception, one pass defended and a tremendous six forced fumbles. 7/10/21: In 2020 Sanders was a dangerous edge rusher for the Bearcats, notching seven sacks with 31 tackles and five passes batted. Alongside the release of that big board, new positional rankings have also been compiled. With his production, its no surprise that Thomas brings a constant motor from start to finish. Perhaps they got addicted to the catch radius of 2021 first-round tight end Kyle Pitts and preferred London as the . Rookie defensive end Amar Barno put together a solid start to his professional career in his debut season in 2022. Additionally, OLB Nik Bonitto is one of the best at his position. 2023 NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings. Ojabo has the speed and strength to be a tough battle for pro offensive tackles. He is a massive man even by the . Addison thrived catching passes from . Hutchinson has good size for the next level in that he could be a base end in a 4-3 or a 3-4 five-technique defensive end. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has the upside to get better. 154 overall: Conner is the selection", "Browns acquire WR Amari Cooper in trade with Cowboys", "Sources: Vikes ship Ngakoue to Ravens for picks", "Jaguars agree to trade DE Yannick Ngakoue to Vikings", "2022 NFL Draft: Jaguars Pick Up Future 4th Round Pick in Trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers", "New England Patriots acquire WR DeVante Parker in trade with Miami Dolphins", "New York Jets trade LB Avery Williamson to Pittsburgh Steelers", "Raiders OT Trent Brown expected to be traded to Patriots", "Raiders trade No. He totaled 42 tackles with four sacks. 1. 0:29. There is no doubt that Ojabo is very fast off the edge with the ability to bend underneath offensive tackles. Five Georgia defensive players were also taken during the first round, the most from an individual school in a draft. Pre-Snap Reads 2/28: 2023 NFL Draft could prove to be most . Projecting for defensive end roles in the NFL, the top defensive end in the 2022 NFL Draft isnt Hutchinson or Karlaftis. The 2022 NFL Combine's 40-yard dash is a chance for some defensive linemen to really improve their stock. What makes the top prospects stand out, though? Team sources say Johnson beat up on some bad tackles and really struggled against Alabama left tackle Evan Neal. The first round will take place on Thursday, with rounds two and three on Friday and the last four on Saturday. 4/27/22: VanValkenburg is a sleeper defensive end who could be a nice value on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Hutchinson can be successful across the line due to his size and length. Throw in his stellar run defense, and youre looking at a tremendous three-down player. 98), outside linebacker Baron Browning (2021, No. 7/10/21: Thomas enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, racking up 8.5 sacks with 32 tackles, 13 for a loss, two passes defended and one forced fumble. The Coastal Carolina defensive end also led the nation with 6 forced fumbles in 2020. Defensive Line Rankings 2022 NFL Draft Home Positions DL ALL QUARTERBACK RUNNING BACK WIDE RECEIVER TIGHT END OFFENSIVE LINE DEFENSIVE LINE EDGE LINEBACKER DEFENSIVE BACK #1 RANKED - SCOUTING REPORT 97 Aidan Hutchinson POSITION RANK #1 OUR RATING 94.8 DE All Scouts Average Overall Rank 2.7 All Scouts Average Position Rank 1 Height Feet 6-7 He was wise to go back to school. 1-5. Paris Johnson Jr. - Ohio State. Team sources view Hutchinson as being a safe pick to be a solid pro, but they don't see huge upside. Hes still raw from a hand usage standpoint, and the way Georgia used Walker, he was rarely rushing the edge in a pure defensive end role. Hes one of the larger players on this list, standing around 64, 282 pounds. He did not impress at the Senior Bowl, but he had an excellent combine with an ultra-fast 40-yard dash. In 2021, it would help him to continue to improve as a rusher while adding strength to be a tougher run defender. [Shrug emoji]", A director of player personnel sent the following on Anderson earlier in the year: "I think he's a first-rounder; I haven't done enough tape to finalize how high, but he has all the traits. Thibodeaux was productive in 2021 despite playing at less than 100 percent and teams sending a steady amount of extra blocking his direction or moving plays away from him. In our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that's exactly what happens as both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions bolster the edge of their lines at No. Gunter was forced to sit out the 2019 season before transferring back to Coastal Carolina for 2020. For teams that like length and high-motor rushers, Enagbare fits the bill. Meanwhile, he flashed further defensive disruption with 5 pass breakups. Enagbare should become one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class with another season of profound performances under his belt. Hutchinson plays upright a lot. He further helped himself with an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl. ___ The second day of the NFL draft ended appropriately with another wide receiver being selected. Last season, in his first opportunity to be the dominant leader of the defensive line, he secured only 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. 2022 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings 1. He looks like a potential three-down starter in the NFL. Hes incredibly explosive, demonstrates excellent body movement, and exhibits tremendous play speed. His best fit in the NFL could be as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Also, PFF strangely leaves off two players who should be in anyone's top 101 players. For purposes of schematic differentiation, projected stand-up rushers such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and David Ojabo were listed in our outside linebacker rankings. He has massive upside as a pass rusher with Hall is an amazing athlete possessing an elite combination of strength, height, long arms, and ridiculous speed as well as change Cameron Thomas is rocketing up draft boards at the moment and with good reason, he's athletic with an incredible set of pass-rushi Mafe Boye has been rocketing up draft boards since his impressive Senior Bowl outing. A top-five finisher in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting seven consecutive seasons, Donald also already has a Super Bowl championship -- along with 6.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits in 10 . The 2022 NFL Draft is chock full of pass-rushing talent at the top of the class and deep into Day 2. He has great strength, violent hands, and a relentless motor. He wants to with suddenness and athletic ability as a run defender, moving and slanting. The top group of defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft is full of different player types, and South Carolinas Kingsley Enagbare is just one example. 1 overall pick when the Jacksonville Jaguars arrive on the clock in late April. Charlton has the ability to be a capable edge defender, but needs to get stronger. Instead, its Florida States Jermaine Johnson II. Hunter, who has posted at least 12.5 sacks in three of his first six seasons appeared in just seven contests last season after tearing his pectoral muscle. Nick Suss. INDIANAPOLIS - The 2023 NFL draft shapes up as a referendum on bigger-than-average edge rushers. Whichever kind of defensive end you project a prospect to be, power and play strength are fairly important elements of success at the next level. Now which teams will regret it? 4/27/22: Johnson totaled 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2021. Anderson is tremendous pass rusher who produces quarterback pressure at an insane rate. 94: Kansas City New England Carolina, No. Paschal is a tough run defender who can contribute some pass rush. Off the snap, it is as if he has been shot out of cannon as he explodes upfield with shocking speed. Smith needs to become a more consistent pass rusher this coming season. In Perrion Winfrey, they have one of the best defensive tackles in the 2022 class. Explosive, physical, and strong, Thomas has the size and length that will leave NFL teams drooling this fall. He broke out as a sophomore for the Wolverines as a tough defender who flashed pass-rush ability. 38", "Colts trade down in the second round of NFL Draft with Vikings", "Browns trade down from No. They think he is safe pick to turn into a solid, if unspectacular, pro. Given his height and weight, however, Ebiketie is not a good fit as a hand-in-the-ground base end for a 4-3 defense. ", Not all evaluators were high on Anderson because of him being a backup and rotational player. There were many talented defensive linemen in the 2021 NFL draft, but the 2022. Some team sources view him as a mid-first-rounder while others think he belongs late in Round 1. Hes a chess piece and a disruptor all in one. 7/10/21: Thomas contributed somewhat in the pass rush in 2020, but he did not produce well in run defense. 6", "Philadelphia Eagles trade QB Carson Wentz to Indianapolis Colts for two draft picks", "Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints shake up first round of 2022 NFL draft with multipick trade", "Packers trading Davante Adams to Raiders; WR signing 5-year, $141.25M deal", "Ravens trade WR Marquise Brown to Cardinals for first-round draft pick", "49ers Make Blockbuster Pre-Draft Trade Up to No. The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. Thibodeaux is the top defensive end and is also widely regarded as one of the top players in the entire 2022 NFL Draft class. 39 min read Last year saw tight end Kyle Pitts, termed the "unicorn" in many circles, come off the board. He has excellent size at 65 and 258 pounds, with incredible length. 7/10/21: Over the past two seasons, Gunter was a dangerous edge rusher for the Chanticleers. 4/27/22: Scouts were buzzing about Walker in the early going of the 2021 season, and he really helped move himself up boards for the 2022 NFL Draft. Like the edge rushers group of the 2022 NFL Draft, the interior defensive linemen are extremely deep and versatile. While Thibodeaux was solid, he didn't dominate on the field and he also showed a poor motor with taking plays off consistently. [1], The league awarded the draft to Las Vegas on April 23, 2020 after the Raiders officially relocated to Las Vegas. Now that he has a year of experience, Thomas could be even better in 2021 and rise for the 2022 NFL Draft. The hype comes on the back of a sensational first season at the FBS level. Punctuated by a year on the sidelines in 2019, Gunter racked up 14 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 2018, followed by 12.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last fall. A look at the Steelers 2022 NFL Draft Class. Williams was phenomenal in 2021 and one of the best defensive lineman in the nation. Affectionately named The Grecian Goliath by our own Oliver Hodgkinson, George Karlaftis is a superb power rusher whose ability to generate point-of-contact force inspires awe. With Aidan Hutchinson commanding a lot of attention, Ojabo broke out in 2021, recording 35 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes defended. Although Zach Harrison may not be cut from the same cloth as Chase Young and the Bosa brothers, he can still be one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. He broke out for the Boilermakers in 2019, totaling 7.5 sacks with 54 tackles in his debut. His ability to pass rush both inside and outside offers intriguing versatility. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has the strength to set the edge in the ground game and has the length to play 3-4 five-technique defensive end. They feel he could add 10 pounds and be a speedy defensive tackle like DeForest Buckner, or drop 10 pounds and be a standup outside linebacker, or stay as is and be solid base end like Cam Jordan. Enagbare creates power out of his frame while possessing excellent length. BIO 1 He has ideal size to play as a versatile defender in the trenches for Belichick, even if he's not a freaky athlete. Top Defensive Ends 2022 NFL Draft 2022 NFL Draft - Top Defensive Ends (5-Technique DT) Most Recent Update: 4/27/2022 7:00 PM EST Position/Conference Rankings WR-S DL 1-TECH DL 3-TECH DL 5-TECH ILB KICKER BIG-12 AAC M-WEST C-USA SUN BELT 2021 RANKINGS 2020 RANKINGS Rank O/A Chng Player/School Ht/Wt Elig. However, it presents a list of prospects to watch out for in the 2021 college football season. Hill to Cincinnati Bengals for OL Billy Price", "Green Bay Packers trade CB Ka'Dar Hollman to Houston Texans", "Falcons make it official, trade for tight end Lee Smith", "Ravens Trade for Tight End Josh Oliver, a Former Third-Round Pick", "Rams ship CB Aqib Talib, fifth-rounder to Dolphins", "Patriots reportedly trade for Dolphins receiver Isaiah Ford", "Panthers put Troy Pride Jr. on IR, trade Greg Little", "Patriots Make Roster Moves to Reach 53-Man Roster Limit; Acquire OL Yasir Durant in a Trade with Kansas City", "Bills agree to acquire quarterback Case Keenum in trade with Browns", "Titans trade first-round pick Isaiah Wilson to Dolphins", "Short-handed Denver Broncos send draft choice to Minnesota Vikings for Stephen Weatherly", "Chargers trade #254, #255 to Bears for 2023 6th-round pick", "The NFL draft was just another wild night in Vegas. Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? Some team sources said they have Thomas graded on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft as a potential backup in the NFL. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. At 64, 267 pounds, Thomas is more of a power rusher, but hes shown he can employ hand moves at the apex and stack counters. Zachary Carter isnt lacking in either of those departments. In 2021, Thomas put up 71 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. Very tricky thing to do is first weed out guys that are defensive ends in college that will be 3-4 OLB's in college. Ohio State running back Miyan Williams (3) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr.. Copyright 2019-2023. Its close between all of them, but Johnson arguably has the most well-rounded skill set. VanValkenburg played very well to close out the 2021 season, impressing in the bowl game versus Kentucky. Super informed fan? The top 2022 Defensive End prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. 7/10/21: Clemson played well for the Aggies in 2020, showing some ability to get after the quarterback. The Ohio State Buckeyes have a rich recent history of sending defensive line talent to the NFL. It's part of a significant overhaul of a defense that allowed 27.5 points per game a season ago (31st in the NFL), plus ranked just No. The versatile DE has the physicality to play multiple positions along the defensive line. Team sources say Clemons could be a third- or fourth-round pick who develops into being a starter in the NFL. Throughout the 2020 campaign, Sanders showed improved hand usage at the line of scrimmage. These are the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a riser who could go in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. His agility emphasized by a fantastic 6.73 three-cone doesnt always show up in full capacity on tape, but his leverage may have something to do with that. 2022 NFL Draft - 4-3 Defensive End Rankings. SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. He has some quickness, strength, and athleticism that was illustrated with good workouts. No one mistakes Enagbare for being a speed rusher, but the former Gamecock does have an enticing skill set with his length, play strength, and bend capacity. 4/27/22: Paschal was a difference maker once again for Kentucky in 2021. 42. After sending Tarron Jackson to the NFL just months ago, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have the potential to send another pass rusher to the pros. He could be more of a backup designated pass-rusher in the NFL. Thomas has quality size to him to go along with speed and athleticism. He had 40 tackles and four sacks in 2019. 5 pick in 2022 draft NFL+ X Players Only Combine Presented by NOBULL Matthew Judon and Devin White join host Rhett Lewis for. He started slowly, but he was coming alive in the final regular-season games for Ohio State. [2], Draft activities were held around two main locations on the Las Vegas Strip; invited players walked a red carpet stage constructed on the man-made lake in front of the Bellagio and its fountains. Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft in April, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks recently released his top five draft-eligible defensive ends. Multiple team sources who said they had spoken to recent Georgia staffers and recent former teammates of Anderson all reported those around the Bulldogs program were surprised and didn't believe he was that kind of guy. His 4.53 40-yard dash, 38 vertical, and 125 broad jump are all reflections of his elite athleticism. Nashville Tennessean. During the Senior Bowl game, Mafe was impossible to block, and it was a glimpse of what he can become in the NFL. 7/10/21: Paschal was a tough competitor in the ground game in 2020, but he did not produce much in the pass rush. In 2021, VanValkenburg totaled 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Similar to Karlaftis, dont be fooled into thinking that size only equals power. 4/27/22: Smith had a slow start to the 2021 season, and his lack of pass-rush pressure really hurt Ohio State against Oregon and Minnesota. USC hurt his production by moving him around, playing him somewhat at outside linebacker, dropping him into coverage, and reducing his pass-rushing opportunities. BIO 1 18 -- Travon Walker Georgia 6'5" 272 JR 105) and tight end Greg Dulcich (2022 . Team sources say Thibodeaux is worthy of being a high first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and feel he has the upside to possibly be a Khalil Mack-type rusher at the next level. However, his stock is rapidly on the rise, with the potential to elevate himself into first-round contention. . He was not as tenacious as a pass rusher. He doesnt have an elite get-off, but he possesses a good sense of timing around the edge. Some sources say that Johnson's football character is worse than Kayvon Thibodeaux, and that played a role in Johnson leaving Georgia. They will gather on the field for the first time when the team holds their rookie minicamp May 13-15. 7/10/21: Charlton was a solid defender for Central Florida in 2020. Johnson checked off the athleticism box at the 2022 NFL Combine, when he ran a 4.58 and had a 125 broad jump at 64 5/8 and 254 pounds. 2022 NFL Mock Draft: A Debate Over the Best Defensive End Might Kayvon Thibodeaux not be the best defensive prospect in the upcoming draft class? 2022 NFL Mock Draft Defensive End Rankings: Travon Walker, Georgia Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State George Karlaftis, Purdue By Oliver Hodgkinson August 27, 2021 Jump Around This Article Click to show 126: Las Vegas Minnesota Las Vegas, No. The draft concluded with rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30. 2. He's sufficient versus the run because he can find it and can win with quicks and athletic ability. After a relatively disappointing defensive draft last April in terms of first-round pass rushers, the top of the 2022 NFL Draft could feature multiple defensive ends. Furthermore, Karlaftis has the ability to play both inside and out, making him extremely versatile. Its not much of a surprise, especially after seeing how Walker fared at the NFL Combine. He possesses a delightful change-of-direction ability, remarkable lateral agility, and, to top it off, he has excellent play speed. Gaye racked up 9.5 tackles for loss with 2 sacks and a forced fumble last fall. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan BIG BOARD RANK: 1 Best of Defensive Backs | 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Top 10 Defensive Ends in the 2022 NFL Draft | 6-10, Kayvon Thibodeaux and David Ojabo were listed in our outside linebacker rankings, projected to be the No. . He had a decent week of practice at the Senior Bowl. [17] Seven picks were awarded for the 2022 draft pursuant to the resolution. The top-ranked Commander is defensive end Montez Sweat, who ranks No. On top of being very fast, Anderson shows an uncanny ability to bend his long frame. Azeez Ojulari was the featured defender, while Johnson, Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith rotated for snaps. 4/27/22: In 2021, Engabare had 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two passes batted. Walker has the size to set the edge and is quick off the ball. He could be even better now that he has a year of experience, and NFL advance scouts were impressed with his 2020 tape. Multiple NFL team sources say there isn't a significant difference between Johnson and top-10 picks like Aidan Hutchinson. The NFL advance scouts listed Mafe as an outside linebacker, but at his size, he could grow into being a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. And Isaiah Thomas also finds himself on the list of top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here is what one area scout said about Anderson around the same time, "I think he goes in the first, but I wouldn't take him in the first because of his run defense and he's just a designated pass rusher. 166: Arizona Philadelphia Houston Chicago Cincinnati, No. He needed to show more pass-rushing talent. Williams did a nice job of blitzing the quarterback off the edge in 2019, and he showed some nice ability to put pressure on the signal-caller. After his impressive practices in Mobile, more team evaluators think Johnson will go late in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The first five selections were defensive players, the second-most taken at the start of a draft after the six in 1991. Find out where your favorite Position stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Teams are worried, however, about how much Thibodeaux loves football and the focus he has on "his brand." when the Browns took defensive end Myles Garrett, in which a QB isn't the first player off the board. On the contrary, he is deceptively athletic for his size. Powerful, yet surprisingly agile for his size, he also plays the game with competitive toughness. In-depth prospect rankings with linked reports and all updated player information. Barno broke out in 2020, recording 6.5 sacks with 43 tackles, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. 7/10/21: Mafe played well in the shortened 2020 season, totaling 27 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two passes batted. Before the 2022 college football season began, Jordan Addison and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were viewed as the two best wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. All Rights Reserved. For the second straight year, Williams showed blitzing ability as well. Quietly productive as a freshman, Gunter has been defensively dominant in the rest of his college football seasons. Apr 15, 2022, 4:52pm ET in NFL News Top 10 Best defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft Teams in need of a dynamic edge rusher are going to have plenty of opportunities to fill that role as the 2022 NFL Draft is loaded with top defensive ends. The Grecian Goliath measures in at 64 and 275 pounds and is one of the strongest defensive ends in this upcoming class. Nik Bonitto is one of the drafts best outside linebackers. Perrion Winfrey is one of the top defensive tackles on the board. He is quick at the point of attack and causes a lot of disruption behind the line of scrimmage. At 63 3/4, 261 pounds, Mafe has the frame density, explosiveness, speed, and the bend to sink below the corner.