Aidan Hutchinson narrowly beats out Kayvon Thibodeaux for the top spot in the 2022 NFL draft rankings, which feature close calls at several other key spots.
The 2022 NFL draft might be short on star power, but it’s long on fodder for debate.
With the first round kicking off Thursday, uncertainty still reigns for an event that often has taken shape by this point of the calendar. Part of the mystery might stem from the wide discrepancy on opinions regarding even the best players in this year’s draft.
USA TODAY Sports has compiled its annual ranking of the top 50 players in this year’s draft. One note: The list is a reflection of perceived value, not expected draft slot. Some players – including Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, among others – didn’t make the cut despite their expected landing on Day 1 or early Day 2.
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Without further delay, here’s this year’s top 50:
1. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
He doesn’t resemble many of the other top defensive end prospects in recent years, but Hutchinson didn’t become a Heisman Trophy runner-up by solely relying on a relentless approach. The 6-7, 250-pounder explodes off the edge and deftly converts speed to power, even if he’s not as long or pliable as some might desire. Hutchinson’s counters and ability to stack and shed blockers mean he is seldom neutralized, making him a more advanced player than many one-note edge rushers his age. Even if he doesn’t become a truly transcendent talent, he should become a highly effective disruptor who can be a defensive building block for years to come.
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Perhaps he should be listed as 1A, as Thibodeaux received extensive consideration for the top spot and isn’t far behind Hutchinson, if at all. A blur off the snap, the 6-4, 254-pound edge rusher can get an offensive tackle out of sorts in a hurry. Where Hutchinson holds the advantage is in each player’s pass-rush plan; Thibodeaux is frequently without an answer when he doesn’t beat opponents out of the gate. Developing his hand usage and counters could set Thibodeaux up to unleash the game-wrecking form he showed in bursts throughout his time at Oregon.
3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
If not for a Lisfranc injury that sidelined him for all but three games in 2021, Stingley Jr. might receive more widespread recognition as one of the most promising cornerback prospects in some time. The 6-0, 190-pounder pairs elite press-man coverage skills with the speed and playmaking flair to make any quarterback hesitate at throwing his way. Staying healthy and improving as a tackler should put him on the path toward becoming a lockdown defender.
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4. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
You don’t keep the nickname “Sauce” as a collegiate cornerback without repeatedly shutting down opponents, which is precisely what Gardner did throughout his prolific career. The two-time All-American never conceded a touchdown in coverage and smothered receivers so effectively that many quarterbacks looked to avoid testing him at all. At 6-3 and 190 pounds with long strides, Gardner is exactly what teams look for in a press-man corner. An adjustment period might be required as he adapts to facing stronger receivers while reining in a physical approach that could produce holding penalties, but Gardner doesn’t seem like a prospect to bet against.
5. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Safeties rarely garner consideration for top-10 selections, but perhaps Hamilton shouldn’t be boxed in by his position. A 6-4, 220-pound chess piece who can erase parts of the passing game with his range and ability to match up with tight ends, the do-it-all defender presents extensive value beyond just one role. The degree to which he derails opponents’ game plans might depend on the creativity of his next coaching staff.
6. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The 6-8, 337-pound frame alone makes Neal stand out, but his appeal doesn’t rest solely in his physique. Neal packs a punch as a run blocker and is far more flexible than one would expect. Balance issues were the primary source of his missteps at Alabama, but he otherwise has the trappings of a potential cornerstone left tackle.
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7. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Of all this year’s offensive linemen, “Ickey” has the highlight reel most likely to go viral, as he made a name for himself with mauling blocks on the move in the run game. His significant strides last year as a pass protector, however, are likely what vaulted him into consideration to be the first blocker off the board. There’s more progress to be made in this area, though, as savvy pass rushers will take advantage of his underdeveloped pass sets and occasional lack of discipline.
8. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross was not initially viewed by many in the pre-draft process as being on par with Neal and Ekwonu, but his draft spot should ultimately highlight that he’s right in the same class as the other two standout left tackles. Astute and quick-footed as a pass protector, the 6-5, 307-pounder is ahead of the curve in his patience and hand usage. Bulking up a bit should aid him against more powerful edge rushers and in the run game, where he’s short on experience.
9. Drake London, WR, USC
Get the ball anywhere close to London’s range and watch him go get it. While that might seem like a dicey proposition to some cautious quarterbacks and coaches, the 6-4, 219-pound receiver has proven himself to be a trustworthy target who channels his basketball days by boxing out defenders and reeling in lobs. What separates him from other big-bodied pass catchers, however, are his fluidity and flexibility, allowing him to make sharp cuts and threaten defenses at every level. London will have to use that entire package to answer questions about whether he can consistently create separation, but more nuance with his routes will allow him to unlock new aspects of his game.
10. Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
Though lacking the flash of the top pass rushers expected to go in the top five picks, Johnson possesses plenty of traits that should draw teams to him in the top half of the first round. The 6-5, 254-pound Georgia transfer utilizes his length and lateral agility to put himself in position to make plays in the backfield. His expertise in stopping the run should further bolster his standing.
11. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
An off-ball linebacker built more like a strong safety (5-11, 229 pounds) might be a tough sell for many teams in the first round. Dean, however, shouldn’t be reduced to merely his physique. Above all, he urgently finds the ball on almost every down with unparalleled speed and processing. Dean also can squeeze past blockers as a blitzer and stick with running backs and tight ends all around the field in coverage. While he will have to learn how to operate under control and avoid being engulfed by offensive linemen, Dean looks like an emerging staple of a defense.
12. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Don’t be dissuaded by the 5-11, 193-pound frame or short arms. McDuffie still brings the requisite physical profile to drape NFL receivers in coverage. More importantly, he has a PhD-level understanding of the position that will make him a fast favorite of his future defensive coordinator.
13. George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Built for another era, Karlaftis likes to overwhelm offensive linemen rather than run around them. The 6-4, 266-pound edge rusher is a load for any blocker to handle, as he will try to uproot anyone in his path to the quarterback and won’t relent after initial contact. Despite his suboptimal length for a defensive end and somewhat rigid approach, Karlaftis should create consistent pressure and fluster opponents with his forcefulness.
14. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Certifiable deep speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash), polished route running and reliable hands make Olave well suited for the modern passing game. While he doesn’t bring much to the table as a threat after the catch, he’s otherwise on track to be a high-level contributor very early in his pro career.
15. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
If not for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the national championship game, Williams likely would have been the front-runner to be the first pass catcher selected. Even after the injury, it doesn’t seem prudent to doubt the 6-2, 179-pound targ