He's sufficient versus the run because he can find it and can win with quicks and athletic ability. 7/10/21: In limited action because of a lot of cancellations in 2020, Smith was solid. From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. His ability to pass rush both inside and outside offers intriguing versatility. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has the upside to get better. He is a freak athlete though and a special pass rusher. video. His natural instincts to go for the strip sack are phenomenal. 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. The Tennessee Titans ' defensive needs aren't as obvious as . The top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft; The most pressing need for each NFC East team; A Big 12 corner who will turn heads at the NFL Combine; And much more; Taking a look at Christian Watson. With Josh Sweat signing his 3-year, $40 million extension and soon-to-be 34-year old Brandon Graham coming off a ruptured Achilles, it makes sense to target another edge rusher within the first two days of the draft. He made big plays in run defense and the pass rush. Mafe can still work on his instincts and hand usage, but the traits are all there. He was listed over 280 pounds in college, but at the NFL Combine, he measured in at 62 5/8, 268 pounds. He has one of the highest floors in this DE class and a fairly high ceiling. 1-5. The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. 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. 145", "Roster Move: Bears trade Miller to Texans", "2022 NFL draft: Bills trade up in Round 5, select WR Khalil Shakir", "Texans trade up, pick Stanford DL Thomas Booker in fifth round", "Eagles trade two 2021 draft picks to Washington Football Team for one 2022 pick", "No. At 63 3/4, 258 pounds, with near 35 arms, Enagbare has an impressive physical profile. Here's a closer look. 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. Oklahoma has quite a few eligible defensive linemen in the 2022 NFL Draft. 1? Best of defensive ends | 2022 NFL Scouting Combine Watch the highlights of the defensive end, EDGE rusher group at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. 126: Las Vegas Minnesota Las Vegas, No. Hes demonstrated that he can win with pure size, strength, and hand violence. As a result, Sanders enters the 2022 NFL Draft cycle as one of the top defensive ends in the class. With some analysts predicting big things for LSU this season (admittedly, Im not one of them), Gaye could be the riser in this defensive end class. 7/10/21: In 2020 Sanders was a dangerous edge rusher for the Bearcats, notching seven sacks with 31 tackles and five passes batted. Here's how a team's director of player personnel summarized Hutchinson, "I think he's a good athlete with speed and a pretty good get-off. Despite not having a standout defensive prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tyreke Smith joins Harrison to give the Buckeyes two of the top 10 defensive ends in the class. In addition, it further increases his value as one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. For the second straight year, Williams showed blitzing ability as well. The sixth-round pick in this past April's NFL Draft played in nine games for the Carolina Panthers over the course of the year, totaling nine total tackles, with eight solo stops, and finishing the season with two total sacks to . There's also a lot of talent on the defensive line, although many of the big names will likely go in Round 1. He started slowly, but he was coming alive in the final regular-season games for Ohio State. The 2022 NFL Draft was the 87th edition of the National Football League's annual draft and was held from April 28-30, 2022, at the Caesars Forum on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. Mafe's best fit might come as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Meanwhile, he flashed further defensive disruption with 5 pass breakups. 2022 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings 1. 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. 2. Similar to teammate Lakia Henry, Williams is a junior college product who could be better in his third season with Ole Miss. hes a force off the edge who wins with strength, quick feet, and ability to read the game. Given his size, the assumption is that Karlaftis wins with strength alone. Thomas could be better in 2021 now that he has more starting experience. 122, select RB Zamir White", "Defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. selected after Raiders trade up to No. I wouldn't take a guy that high that isn't a three-down starter, but someone will take him up there though.". Half of his sacks came in one game versus LSU. He also brings a violent disposition with his hands. A number of NFL sources have Walker graded higher than Aidan Hutchinson. Having made little impact in his first three seasons with the Sooners, Thomas exploded into life during his redshirt junior campaign. 4/27/22: Johnson totaled 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2021. NFL Mock Draft 2023: Seahawks take surprise defensive lineman One expected pick at 5th, and then one out of nowhere at 20th overall. Anderson should be a top-10 or top-15 pick if he keeps playing like he did against Clemson. 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. Super informed fan? There is no doubt that Ojabo is very fast off the edge with the ability to bend underneath offensive tackles. On the year, Thomas collected 21 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended. Azeez Ojulari was the featured defender, while Johnson, Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith rotated for snaps. USC hurt his production by moving him around, playing him somewhat at outside linebacker, dropping him into coverage, and reducing his pass-rushing opportunities. Boye Mafe, Minnesota; Malik Vann, Cincinnati; Jordan Strachan, South Carolina; Ochaun Mathis, TCU; Will McDonald, Iowa State, Anthony Richardson Combine Results: Florida Star Makes Case for QB1, Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Combine Hand Size Results: Notable Quarterback Measurements and More, 2023 NFL Combine Risers: Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, and Brian Branch Perform Well. The first round will take place on Thursday, with rounds two and three on Friday and the last four on Saturday. Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? Along with the 1972 and 2000 drafts, it marked the third time defensive players were the first two picks after the first three picks in the previous year's draft were quarterbacks. He is a riser who could go in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. 1. 7/10/21: Charlton was a solid defender for Central Florida in 2020. That versatility, in a way, could make him more coveted. 2022 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive End *Walt taking 2014 and 2018 Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates. He has excellent size at 65 and 258 pounds, with incredible length. 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. 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. Additionally, OLB Nik Bonitto is one of the best at his position. 7/10/21: Thibodeaux recorded 32 tackles, three sacks and three passes batted in 2020. Five Georgia defensive players were also taken during the first round, the most from an individual school in a draft. . Boye Mafe will be a 24-year-old rookie, but regardless of age, his sheer upside should have teams jumping to the podium in the top 50. Like Sanders above him, Kingsley Enagbare returned to school despite receiving significant interest in the previous draft cycle. He did not impress at the Senior Bowl, but he had an excellent combine with an ultra-fast 40-yard dash. 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. "He's only 230 pounds and really struggles to add weight because of a high metabolism. The Grecian Goliath measures in at 64 and 275 pounds and is one of the strongest defensive ends in this upcoming class. In 2019, he had 68 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. But if he plays with a hand in the dirt at the NFL level, it could help him attain better leverage, while maximizing his athletic traits. 4/27/22: Tisdale recorded eight tackles and zero sacks in 2021 from playing over four games before going out for the season in early October. Paschal does have a thick build with strength for a defensive end. 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. Quietly productive as a freshman, Gunter has been defensively dominant in the rest of his college football seasons. 164: New England Las Vegas LA Rams, No. In 2021, Thomas put up 71 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. Ever since his explosive freshman season when the college football world was introduced to Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Oregon DE has been earmarked to be at the top of the 2022 NFL Draft. 7/10/21: Enagbare started to make his presence felt as a sophomore, but showed real improvement as a pass rusher during his junior season. BIO 1 4/27/22: Clemons recorded 32 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2021. 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. 4/27/22: Mafe collected 34 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2021. Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? 24 in passing yards allowed (4,160) and No. The top 2022 Defensive End prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. On top of his size and power, Karlaftis has an underrated finesse element. He was not as tenacious as a pass rusher. NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft. He showed some pass-rush potential alongside quality size and speed. 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. 2022 NFL Draft l Day 2 ends with yet another receiver picked By The Associated Press April 29, 2022 LAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on the NFL draft. He has plenty of time to add weight and grow stronger over the next year. 4/27/22: In 2021, Hutchinson recorded 62 tackles, 14 sacks, three passes batted, a fumble recovered and two forced fumbles - another one was mistakenly given to a teammate. Although a confluence of circumstances ensured that 2020 was a disappointing affair, theres every reason to believe that Karlaftis can recapture the freshman form that catapulted him into national attention. There were many talented defensive linemen in the 2021 NFL draft, but the 2022. In 2021, it would help him to continue to improve as a rusher while adding strength to be a tougher run defender. Best of Defensive Backs | 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft. They wonder and question if he snuck out after curfew and bed check, so Anderson's situation is a huge mess for his draft stock. . NFL Draft picks 2022: Complete list, results, selections of Round 1. . The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder needs to get stronger and improve his run defense for the NFL, but he looks like he has the potential to be a lethal pass rusher who produces some big sack totals and makes a lot of game-changing plays to limit passing attacks. Powerful, yet surprisingly agile for his size, he also plays the game with competitive toughness. Carter was very productive for the Gators this past season and flashed numerous times at the Senior Bowl in early February. New York may not have many more big free-agent signings in store, but it will get to add some talented young players during the 2022 NFL draft, which is set for April 28-30. There is a deep group of defensive backs, and we know that the New York Giants will be in the market for back-end help, specifically at cornerback, a position widely regarded as deep in this year . 4/27/22: Tragedy struck for Ojabo when he tore his Achilles during Michigan's pro-day workout. 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. With his production, its no surprise that Thomas brings a constant motor from start to finish. The draft concluded with rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30. He flashed more pass-rush ability in 2019 and 2017. Find out where your favorite Position stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. In the months between the end of the NFL Draft and the start of the college football season, weve poured over hours of tape to compile our top defensive ends for the 2022 cycle. He should benefit in 2021 from Ali Gaye commanding attention across from him. PFF has three Commanders ranked in the top 101, and the top-ranked Washington player will surprise you. Moreover, he accounted for 60% of South Carolinas forced fumbles. 38: Carolina NY Jets NY Giants Atlanta, No. While some NFL Draft prospects will ascend during the 2021 college football season, Myjai Sanders is carrying momentum from the previous campaign. He has everything you Davis surprisingly gave up the chance to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, but given his impressive play of late, it looks like to have be Travon Walker is a prospect who is still a better athlete than a football player. We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. Mar 04, 2023. The 2022 NFL Draft is now in the books, and the Steelers selected five offensive players and two defensive players to add to the mix. Hall helped himself with a quality week at the Senior Bowl. Last season alone, he neared 100 pass-coverage reps, using his length and athletic ability to add another dimension to his threat as a pass rusher. Copyright 2019-2023. If Harrison showcases those more consistently while adding a more explosive presence, he will cement his place as one of the best pass rushers in the class. He could be a tweener defensive tackle/end, and he should probably gain weight to play on the inside as a pro. 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, Analysis QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OTs. Let's take a look at some of their best options in the 2023 NFL draft. Aidan Hutchinson goes first overall in 2022 NFL Mock Draft Who among Aidan Hutchinson, George Karlaftis, and Jermaine Johnson II takes the top spot? . 120: New Orleans Washington Carolina, No. 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. Also, PFF strangely leaves off two players who should be in anyone's top 101 players. He had a decent week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He is a massive man even by the . Williams was phenomenal in 2021 and one of the best defensive lineman in the nation. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Enagbare should become one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class with another season of profound performances under his belt. But beyond that athleticism, Johnson is a technician with strong and powerful hands. In 2019, Gaye was playing football for the junior college program Garden City. The defensive linemen in the 2022 NFL draft class may be one of the best classes in recent years. 7/10/21: Over the past two seasons, Gunter was a dangerous edge rusher for the Chanticleers. He broke out as a sophomore for the Wolverines as a tough defender who flashed pass-rush ability. He could be more of a backup designated pass-rusher in the NFL. He can be more consistent there, but Karlaftis has the tools to eventually be one of the top defensive ends from the 2022 NFL Draft class. However, it presents a list of prospects to watch out for in the 2021 college football season. Henderson to Panthers for TE Dan Arnold", "TRADE ALERT: Broncos trade their 75th overall selection to the Houston Texans for their 80th and 162nd overall picks", "New Orleans Saints complete trade with Houston Texans for CB Bradley Roby", "Miami Dolphins trade up to take Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg", "Falcons trade QB Matt Ryan to Colts for 2022 third-round pick", "2022 NFL Draft: Titans end Malik Willis' slide at No. He was a good defender for West Virginia. Pro Football Network, LLC. 7/10/21: Stills showed pass rush potential in 2019 when he recorded seven sacks for the Mountaineers. These picks are in addition to, and have no impact on, the standard 32 compensatory selections. 4/27/22: Teams sources say Williams would be a first- or second-round pick if it weren't for significant character concerns that could cause him to go undrafted. Defensive End Rankings 2022 NFL Draft Home Positions DE 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 The versatile DE has the physicality to play multiple positions along the defensive line. While Jackson was highly regarded in scouting circles, Jeffrey Gunter has the potential to be even better as one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. Ferguson is a durable and experienced tight end, playing in 47 . As Deshaun Watson and others have proven, however, nobody knows for sure what people will do privately. If Mafe were taller and had more length, he would have a better shot at being first-round pick. If he is there in the early third round for the Broncos, he is one of a handful of guys who merit strong consideration with their back-to-back selections. Tall, strong, and long, Gunter plays the game with a relentless motor. Its reasonable to expect that his playing weight could be over 270 in the NFL. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. 7/10/21: Jackson played well in 2020, recording 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception. You're correct in his get-off being reminiscent of Von Miller at Texas A&M. He follows a trend of undersized edge rushers from Clemson that includes the likes of Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press) Looking. Yet, theres no doubting his ability as a ferocious pass rusher. 105) and tight end Greg Dulcich (2022 . Thomas had four sacks in 2020 and 5.5 in 2019. In 2021, Anderson totaled 32 tackles and five sacks despite limited opportunities. Anderson looked significantly better against the run in the games against Arkansas and Kentucky. 7/10/21: Hall was listed as a defensive tackle on NFL teams' preseason watch list, but at his current size, he would have to move to defensive end in the NFL. The NFL Combine is the first week of March and it will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 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. He notched 38 tackles, seven sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles on the year. 4/27/22: Charlton was decent for Mississippi State in 2021 with 35 tackles and four sacks. Ojabo has the speed and strength to be a tough battle for pro offensive tackles. Heres a look at the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. 126", "2021 NFL Draft trade tracker: Full details of every move", "Texans acquire Brandin Cooks in trade with Rams", "Full details of the Trinity Benson trade between the Lions and Broncos", "Chiefs trade up with Seahawks for Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard at pick No. 154: Washington Philadelphia Jacksonville, "Giants trade 11th draft pick to Chicago Bears", "End Of An Era: Seahawks Trade Russell Wilson To Denver Broncos", "New York Jets trade Jamal Adams to Seattle Seahawks, get two first-round picks", "2022 NFL draft trade tracker: Every deal for a first-round pick", "Browns trade for Texans QB Deshaun Watson in deal that includes three first-round picks", "Sources: Fins deal No. The junior put together an impressive 2021, including a number of games against good opponents in which he wreaked havoc. He made the right decision for his player development to go back to the Buckeyes for 2021. ** - denotes 2024 prospect. Barno must get stronger because his run defense is a real liability entering the NFL. Is Aidan Hutchinson No. With Chase Young out for almost all of the season, Sweat was the Commanders . 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. If production is a pre-requisite for you at edge rusher, then youll like Cameron Thomas. It starts with insane athletic traits. Clemons has quality size with some quickness and athleticism on the edge. Jackson showed pass-rushing talent off the edge and played hard. He was a tough defender for the Aggies. Prospects No. ", Not all evaluators were high on Anderson because of him being a backup and rotational player. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. Kayvon Thibodeaux *, Oregon 3. 29: San Francisco Miami Kansas City New England, No. And at his peak, Walker can be a game-wrecker. Ebiketie has size limitations for the NFL, but some team sources have compared him to Yannick Ngakoue. Top Edge Rushers 2022 NFL Draft 2022 NFL Draft - Top Edge Rushers Most Recent Update: 4/27/2022 7:00 PM EST Position/Conference Rankings OT RB-C WR-S EDGE DL 1-TECH DL 3-TECH DL 5-TECH OLB ILB SAFETY CB KICKER PUNTER SEC ACC BIG-10 BIG-12 PAC-12 AAC M-WEST MAC C-USA SUN BELT 2021 RANKINGS 2020 RANKINGS Rank O/A Chng Player/School Ht/Wt Elig. Hes a chess piece and a disruptor all in one. SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. 98), outside linebacker Baron Browning (2021, No. With that size, hes not the highest-tier athlete, but Carter still brings good burst, and his power capacity helps elevate his game. George Karlaftis *, Purdue 6.. Johnson does get hurt with teams giving him bad marks for football character and have concerns about dealing with him. 2022 NFL Draft: DL Dominique Robinson, Miami (OH), Round 5, Pick 174 Bears Draft Report Brought to you by Bears draft defensive end Dominique Robinson Apr 30, 2022 at 02:30 PM Larry Mayer Bears Senior Writer RELATED: Stay up-to-date with all the Bears' draft picks with ChicagoBears.com's Draft Tracker. Team sources say Clemons could be a third- or fourth-round pick who develops into being a starter in the NFL. 0:00. 7/10/21: Malone was a dangerous quarterback hunter over the past three seasons for the Hilltoppers. Get ready for the 2023 NFL Draft with positional and big board rankings from the team at The NFL Draft Bible. The NFL will absolutely love Gayes size and football smarts. Team sources say Johnson beat up on some bad tackles and really struggled against Alabama left tackle Evan Neal. 7/10/21: Paschal was a tough competitor in the ground game in 2020, but he did not produce much in the pass rush. That's why Georgia says they don't start him. Strengths From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends that can rush . Johnson contributed some pass rush in previous years, so he could rise now that he has some starting experience, plus he has a good end in Michael Clemons drawing attention on the other side. His 4.53 40-yard dash, 38 vertical, and 125 broad jump are all reflections of his elite athleticism. These are the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. He isn't George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. Josh Paschal shouldve been able to register the backfield as a private domicile given how often he lived there this past season for Kentucky. 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. DJ Dale, Alabama HT: 6025 WT: 300 4-star (0.9076) Super Junior from Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, AL) Phidarian Mathis, Alabama, 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. 39 min read Last year saw tight end Kyle Pitts, termed the "unicorn" in many circles, come off the board. As a result, he returns to Michigan for the 2021 season. Its not much of a surprise, especially after seeing how Walker fared at the NFL Combine. Anderson is tremendous pass rusher who produces quarterback pressure at an insane rate. Walkers athleticism is legitimately otherworldly, and on tape, his power is just as potent. Hutchinson has been the most dominating pass-rusher in college football during the 2021 season and easily outperformed the presump 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 George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. Johnson's best fit in the NFL could come as a 3-4 outside linebacker. At 65, he has stellar height for the position. 7/10/21: Barno has some serious speed with a frame to get bigger as he ages in the NFL. Yet, he has the tools to be a big EDGE as well for teams who like to move their linemen around and exploit matchups. Led all NFL media in draft rumor accuracy in '15 , '16 , '17 , '18 , '20 , and '21 Led all NFL media in correct picks for the 2017 and 2019 NFL Drafts This was after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 NFL Draft, originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, to take place remotely via video conferencing. 4/27/22: In 2021, Jackson totaled 37 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and an interception. 7/10/21: Johnson flashed some pass-rush ability in 2020, but he also illustrated limitations in the ground game. Anderson and Johnson both flashed, with Johnson recording four sacks and 14 tackles in backup duty. Of course, his monster 2021 campaign inflated those values. Alongside the release of that big board, new positional rankings have also been compiled. He had 57 tackles, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one pass defended on the year. Additionally, Paschal received outstanding marks from teams for his football, locker room leadership, and off-the-field intangibles. Multiple sources from around the league say that Thibodeaux does not love football, wears on his teammates, and is focused on himself above all else. Thomas was buried on the depth chart behind Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant prior to 2019. He could conceivably play as a 3-4 defensive end or a 3-technique in a base 4-3 scheme. He wants to with suddenness and athletic ability as a run defender, moving and slanting. However, his stock is rapidly on the rise, with the potential to elevate himself into first-round contention. Sanders has speed and athleticism on the edge, but he needs to get stronger and fill out his frame. Stills needs to improve in both phases to rise for the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a consensus first-rounder prior to the injury. Smith needs to become a more consistent pass rusher this coming season. Mafe had a career season at Minnesota in 2021 and followed it up with a stellar showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He also flashes the agility to redirect to the inside or sink his hips while running the loop on the outside. With the 2022 NFL Draft fast approaching, who are the top defensive ends in the class?