My evaluation process is about 90% complete heading into the NFL scouting combine.
I've been watching these players since high school for the most part. What I've seen on the field makes up the bulk of my analysis, but the draft process usually illuminates some useful pearls of wisdom.
So it's probably a good time to update the ol' big board.
Part of my weekly mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season's draft class, and which teams they'd match up well with considering the draft order. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I was the fourth most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print according to The Huddle Report. I'm tied for seventh overall (out of 133) over the past five years.
My big board is an attempt to discern who the best players in this draft class actually are.
Here's my updated 2022 NFL draft Big Board:
1. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame, Jr.
Hamilton is a hybrid playmaker who combines the versatility of Isaiah Simmons with instincts that are reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
2. Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan, Sr.
Hutchinson’s season was shades of Chase Young’s 2019 dominant campaign, culminating in him finishing second in the Heisman voting. He’s a high-floor prospect who wins with technique and strength.
3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon, Jr.
Thibodeaux is a top-tier athlete who wins with speed and has shown surprising coverage versatility. His ceiling is massively high, but it might take a few years for his technique and toolbox to catch up to his talent.
4. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama, Jr.
Neal improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both left and right tackle. The potential top-overall pick doesn’t plan to work out at the combine, so teams will have to wait until Alabama’s Pro Day on March 30 to see the physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) in action.
5. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah, Sr.
Lloyd can rush the passer (he had seven sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season. There are shades of Micah Parsons here.
6. Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State, So.
Ekwonu was the most dominant run-blocking tackle in the Power-5 conferences this season — it really wasn’t close — and I envision him thriving at tackle or guard in the NFL.
7. George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue, Jr.
Karlaftis has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the nation during his three seasons in West Lafayette. His inside-outside versatility, overwhelming power and special athleticism could make him a star at the next level.
8. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati, Jr.
Gardner made it through the playoff loss to Alabama unscathed. He finished his collegiate career with 1,100-plus snaps with nine interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed.
9. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa, Jr.
The Rimington Trophy winner and unanimous All-American won’t go this high in the draft because of positional value, but he’s one of the best all-around players in this draft class. The future All-Pro center was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball and football.
10. Drake London, WR, USC, Jr.
London led the nation in contested catches with 19 and he only played eight games after his season ended with a broken ankle. His size, athleticism, route-running and flair for the spectacular catch will make him a problem for defensive coordinators in the NFL.
11. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU, Jr.
Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it’s in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since. A Lisfranc injury that required surgery will keep him from working out in Indianapolis, but he should be ready for LSU’s Pro Day on April 6.
12. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State, So.
Cross is a powerful blocker who can do damage at the second level in the run game with premium athleticism and his target-lock awareness. He developed into a dominant pass protector this season and could end up cracking the top-10 in April if he shows out in Indy as expected.
13. Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State, Sr.
Johnson is capable of being three-down player as a potentially elite run defender and dominant pass rusher.
14. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Williams is a home run hitter with game-breaking speed. He’s also a weapon on special teams, as a returner — he returned two kicks for touchdowns in 2021 — and in coverage. He was in the mix to be the first wide receiver drafted before he tore his ACL in the national championship game.
15. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington, Jr.
McDuffie plays bigger than his 5-11 frame. He’s one of the surest tacklers at the position in this draft class and his instincts are elite.
16. Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
Walker offers premium versatility and immense power. He is an elite run defender, but will need to sharpen his technique to become a more consistent pass rusher.
17. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas, Jr.
You’re not going to find a better combination of size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and speed at wide receiver in this class. Burks is a vertical threat, but also features immense YAC ability — he broke 15 tackles on 66 receptions this season.
18. David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan, Jr.
After playing only 26 snaps for the Wolverines before his junior year, Ojabo was a revelation this season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles.
19. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State, Jr.
Wilson can threaten a defense at every level, but will need to improve against physical press corners.
20. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia, Sr.
At 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, the Outland and Bednarik trophy winner is an immovable object who could anchor a run defense for years to come, but he’ll have to address his stamina.
21. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia, Jr.
The Butkus Award winner is undersized, sure, but he’s also a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field.
22. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State, Sr.
It’s rare you find a route technician with reliable hands who can also run this fast. He might have snuck into the first round had he left school last year and it wouldn’t surprise me if he cracks the top 20 in April.
23. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn, Sr.
McCreary simply doesn’t allow much separation and he’s battle-tested out of the SEC. He’s capable of thriving in man and zone.
24. David Bell, WR Purdue, Jr.
Bell’s route-running is advanced and his YAC ability should make him an impact player early in his career.
25. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M, Jr.
This former five-star recruit can play either guard or tackle at a high level — Green made starts at every single offensive line position except center this season.
26. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington, Jr.
Gordon is an aggressive, uber-athlete who showed significant development in his technique this season.
27. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan, So.
Moore’s elite agility makes him a nightmare in the open field, but he’s even more difficult to bring down if a defender gets their hands on him — he broke a FBS-high 26 tackles last year.
28. Logan Hall, DT, Houston, Jr.
Hall features the ideal frame (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) of an edge defender to go along with impressive athleticism and explosive power, but he lined up often on the interior for the Cougars. His bull-rush and swim move are nightmares for opposing offensive linemen.
29. Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College, Sr.
This team captain has thrived at left tackle and guard, but he projects as an impact interior lineman in the NFL — Johnson even practiced at center during Senior Bowl week and looked good.
30. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan, Jr.
Hill features a mix of athleticism, intelligence and instincts that will enable him to play every position in the defensive backfield. He will need to tamp down his tendency to gamble.
31. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia, Sr.
Wyatt was dominant at the Senior Bowl. His first step is as good as it gets in this draft class. His explosiveness and agility are elite for his size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds).
32. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss, Jr.
Corral is slightly undersized, but he’s a NFL-caliber playmaker with genuine arm talent. His X-rays were negative after he injured his ankle in a loss to Baylor in the Sugar Bowl, but the injury will keep him from throwing at the combine. He’ll be a “full-go” for his pro day on March 23.
33. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan, Sr.
The former tight end turned tackle graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Raimann allowed zero pressures over his last six games.
34. Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma, Sr.
Winfrey was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl, and I expect his athleticism to shine at the combine.
35. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa, Sr.
Penning finished tied for 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting, an award given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS. He faced superior competition in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and didn’t flinch.
36. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State, Sr.
Dotson features the game-breaking speed to beat defenses at all three levels and is good against press coverage despite his size (5-11, 185). He has very good hands and is a very capable blocker.
37. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida, Jr.
Elam is a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don’t see in the same toolkit.
38. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati, Sr.
Ridder is the most pro-ready signal-caller in the draft. He’s a field general with solid anticipation, a good arm and is athletic enough to make plays outside of the pocket while also being a weapon in the run game. Coaching should be able to help refine his technique in the NFL and help improve some fixable accuracy issues.
39. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky, Sr.
Kinnard is a mauler who happens to be a gifted athlete as well. You won’t find many 6-foot-5, 345-pounders who move and change direction like he does.
40. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State, Sr.
Brisker is a polished, physical playmaker with few holes in his game.
41. Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State, Sr.
Shakir is one of the best route-runners in this draft, with excellent hands and is a threat after the catch.
42. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson, Jr.
Booth’s ball skills enable him to thrive while playing in press or off coverage. He exhibits physicality in defending the run, but needs to sharpen his tackling technique.
43. Cameron Thomas, Edge, San Diego State, Jr.
Thomas was the most dominant pass rusher in college football this side of Ann Arbor. He racked up an FBS-leading 77 pressures this season and finished sixth with 29 run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
44. Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama, Sr.
Mathis was the emotional leader of the Crimson Tide. He has the ability to play all three downs, contributing as a pass rusher and a run defender from various spots along the defensive line.
45. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh, Sr.
The Heisman finalist is most dangerous outside of the pocket when he goes off script. Pickett has good size, overall athleticism and solid arm talent, but needs to work on his anticipation throws and his comfort within the pocket.
46. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State, Jr.
The Walter Camp National Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award winner features legit home run speed, but doesn’t shy away from contact either. He led all of college football with 89 broken tackles this past season, according to Pro Football Focus. Walker will need to develop as a pass protector to maximize his potential.
47. Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati, Sr.
The 2021 Jim Thorpe Award winner (best defensive back) gets overshadowed by “Sauce” Gardner, but he held his own against Alabama too. Bryant excels in man coverage, and thrives at consistently eliminating the deep ball.
48. Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut, Sr.
Jones is a space-eating (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) nose tackle, but there’s potential for more. He produced 25 pressures from the interior on the season and played well at the Senior Bowl.
49. Drake Jackson, Edge, USC, Jr.
Jackson can play in space or rush the passer off the edge. He has another level that could be unlocked with NFL weight training and coaching.
50. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State, Jr.
The two-time All-American has the size and skills — Hall is very capable in pass pro — to be a three-down back. His 800 collegiate touches will concern some scouts.
51. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State, Jr.
Petit-Frere was the top tackle in the 2018 recruiting class. He features all the physical tools required to play left tackle in the NFL.
52. George Pickens, WR, Georgia, So.
Pickens is big (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and strong with an impressive catch radius. There aren’t many one-on-one battles he won’t win. Off-field and durability concerns could hurt his draft stock.
53. Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota, Sr.
Mafe’s immense pass-rush repertoire was on display in Mobile. He’s tenacious off-the-line.
54. Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma, Jr.
Bonitto is slightly undersized for an edge defender, but he’s a dynamic pass rusher and relentless in his pursuit of running backs. He’s capable in coverage as well.
55. Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming, Sr.
Muma is the best tackler in this draft class. Defensive coordinators covet his size/speed combo at the MIKE linebacker position in the NFL.
56. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State, Sr.
Watson is no longer “under the radar” after he was one of the top performers in Mobile. He’s a vertical threat and a very impressive run blocker.
57. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State, Sr.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound tight end had a highly-productive senior season — 1,121 yards on 90 receptions — and showcased significant blocking prowess along the way.
58. Christian Harris, LB, Alabama, Jr.
Harris finished off a very productive season with his top individual performance coming in the national championship game against Georgia. He had seven tackles (four tackles for loss) and three sacks. There are limitations in coverage.
59. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M, Jr.
Spiller has prototypical size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) for a workhorse and sure-hands out of the backfield (74 receptions in three seasons). He has excellent vision and showcases solid elusiveness.
60. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State, Sr.
Lucas is an average athlete, but his size (6-foot-7, 320 pounds), hands and intelligence make him one of the more pro-ready prospects at the position.
61. Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati, Jr.
Sanders features great speed and explosiveness off the edge to enter the league as a designated pass rusher. He’ll need to add some muscle and fine tune his focus to become an impact run defender.
62. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina, Jr.
Howell possesses impressive arm talent and proved he is a legitimate threat as a runner this season despite failing to meet big expectations.
63. Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama, Sr.
Tolbert has proven to be one of the best big-play threats in the nation. According to Pro Football Focus, his 16 deep receptions ranked fifth in all of college football in 2021. He has reliable hands, catches contested balls and is a reliable blocker in the run game.
64. James Cook, RB, Georgia, Sr.
The Bulldogs' 14 participants at the combine are three more than second-place Alabama and Oklahoma. Dalvin’s brother is a modern pass-catching back, who is a home-run hitter once he gets into the open field.
65. Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin, Jr.
A big linebacker (6-foot-2, 261 pounds) who is relatively light on his feet, Chenal needs refinement in coverage, but his size and speed, combined with his instincts against the run, will likely see him get selected on day two of the draft.
66. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty, Sr.
Willis’ dynamic mobility and strong arm were certainly on display in Mobile, but there are serious accuracy/consistency issues that will need to be ironed out in the NFL.
67. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky, Jr.
Robinson is a prototypical slot receiver who makes big things happen when he has the ball in his hands. He transferred from Nebraska and produced 1,334 yards on 104 receptions and seven touchdowns his first season in the SEC.
68. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame, So.
Williams is a tough runner despite his smaller frame (5-foot-9, 195 pounds) and a very good route-runner with good hands. He’s also excellent in pass protection. The only real issue is his size.
69. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson, Jr.
Ross’ freshman season screamed future first-rounder — he led the Tigers with 46 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns — but then he missed the entire 2020 season due to a congenital fusion condition of his neck and spine that required surgery. He returned to an anemic pass offense in 2021 that wasn’t able to truly showcase his skill set, which means a good performance in Indy would go a long ways in rehabilitating his draft stock.
70. Josh Paschal, DL, Kentucky, Sr.
Paschal is a strong, powerful edge defender who is an asset against the run, but can slide inside on passing downs to help disrupt the pocket. He was also a three-time captain for the Wildcats.
71. Damone Clark, LB, LSU, Sr.
Clark’s size (6-foot-4, 240 pounds), athleticism and versatility (he can play all three linebacker spots) stand out. He has all the tools and physicality to become an elite run defender, but will need to improve in coverage.
72 Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA, Sr.
Woolen is a big corner (6-foot-3) who will likely run in the 4.3s at the combine.
73. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M, Jr.
Wydermyer has elite size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) and move skills for his position, especially after the catch.
74. Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State, Sr.
Ebiketie excels at converting speed to power when rushing the passer. He’s more technician than elite athlete though.
75. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama, Jr.
If he hadn’t tore his ACL in December, Metchie was likely a borderline first-rounder. He’s a savvy, productive speedster — 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns — who can be utilized across all formations.
76. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor, Sr.
Pitre will be an immediate contributor on special teams, but he’s flashed in coverage, against the run and as a pass rusher.
77. Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State, Jr.
The former five-star recruit needs to fine tune his tackling technique, but his combination of size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), athleticism and coverage skills is impressive.
78. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M, Jr.
Leal features inside-outside versatility and explosiveness, but will need to work on becoming an asset against the run after not taking a step forward his junior season. His immense potential never fully materialized in college.
79. Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia, Sr.
Salyer was a solid tackle for the National Champion Bulldogs, but his athletic traits and size suggest a move inside will help maximize his potential in the NFL.
80. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia, Sr.
Kendrick was a three-year starter for Clemson before transferring to Athens. He’s an asset against the run and thrives in man or zone coverage. Kendrick is vulnerable to receivers with top-end speed, but who isn’t?
81. Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State, Sr.
Anderson is a converted running back and quarterback, who is sushi raw at linebacker, but his athleticism pops every time you see him. He absolutely dominated at the FCS level and was impressive at the Senior Bowl.
82. Dylan Parham, OL, Memphis, Sr.
Parham is a four-year starter with 51 starts at both guard spots and right tackle. He’s slightly undersized (6-foot-2, 310 pounds), but his mobility, core strength and competitive toughness makes him a solid investment. A possible transition to center may be the long-term solution.
83. Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA, Jr.
Philips was the biggest star of the Shrine Bowl and virtually uncoverable throughout the week. His size (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) dictates he’ll primarily play in the slot at the next level, but his exceptional hands and route-running capabilities should make him a contributor day one.
84. Marcus Jones, CB, Houston, Sr.
Jones is a 5-foot-8 corner who projects to be a slot defender in the NFL who will thrive in man coverage. The bonus is he could develop into an elite return-man — Jones finished his collegiate career with nine combined punt and kickoff touchdowns.
85. Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida, Sr.
The powerful runner helped his cause in a major way by showcasing some solid hands out of the backfield and dominating in pass protection during Senior Bowl practices.
86. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina, Sr.
Likely’s 1,513 receiving yards since 2020 are the most by a tight end in college football. The under-recruited former wide receiver had five touchdowns of at least 50 yards during his collegiate career.
87. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada, Jr.
Strong features good height (6-foot-3) and size (225 pounds) for the position (especially for this draft class), with accuracy at all three levels and above average arm strength. Below-average athleticism and durability concerns will hinder his draft stock.
88. Quay Walker, LB, Georgia, Sr.
Walker is a competent run defender, but he shines against the pass with an excellent understanding for zone coverage.
89. Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina, Sr.
Enagbare is an explosive pass rusher with powerful hands, but hasn’t offered much against the run.
90. Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama, Sr.
The former No. 1 overall recruit is a big, physical corner who thrives in man-to-man press coverage. He suffered a foot injury in the SEC Championship Game that ended his season and he will be a 24-year-old rookie.
91. Sam Williams, Edge, Mississippi, Sr.
Williams is a powerful, athletic edge rusher who wins more consistently on the interior. He had a highly productive senior season in the SEC, with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, but off-field concerns remain.
92. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati, Sr.
Beavers is a true SAM (strong side) linebacker. At 6-foot-4, 252 pounds, Beavers is capable of erasing tight ends in coverage. There’s pass rush upside here as well.
93. Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State, Sr.
Kolar’s height (6-foot-6) and leaping ability make him an obvious red zone, 50/50 ball target.
94. Zachary Carter, DL, Florida, Sr.
Carter is a tweener (6-foot-3, 285 pounds) who played inside and out for the Gators, while contributing against the pass and run. His upside at the next level resides in rushing the passer.
95. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota, Sr.
Faalele anchored one of the best offensive lines in the nation this season. He’s a massive man — 6-foot-9, 379 pounds — who is relatively new to the sport. He grew up playing basketball and rugby in Australia. He learned football in 2016 so there’s a lot of clay to mold.
96. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia, Jr.
Cine is a thumper who punishes running backs, but his coverage skills could use some polish.
97. Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana, Sr.
Mitchell is an athletic, aggressive lineman with experience at both tackle positions, who excels in the run game.
98. Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State, Sr.
Garrett is a prototypical 3-technique tackle with a quick first step and the ability to penetrate from the interior.
99. Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State, Sr.
Diesch allowed multiple pressures only once last season and allowed only seven all year long. Overall, he needs to improve his functional strength in pass protection to continue his success in the NFL, but his athleticism and size (6-foot-7, 300 pounds) are solid building blocks for a potential starting left tackle.
100. Cole Turner, TE, Nevada, Sr.
Turner is a converted wide receiver who ranked top five in the nation among tight ends in catches, yards and touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.
Just missed: Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin, Sr.; Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State, So.; Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State, Jr.; Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky, Sr.; Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa, So.; Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon, Jr.; Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State, Sr.; Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma, Jr.; Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State, Sr.
