High Low Sports: Kelcey's NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board

Kelcey Coyne’s 2022 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board

Created by Kelcey Coyne, co-host of the High Low Sports Podcast (@krcoyne or @High_Low_Sports)

Last year we decided to do a joint Big Board, we came away with a ton of success, with at least 40 of our top 50 ending up in the first two rounds of last year’s NFL Draft! However, we’re competitive, and we do differ in the importance of a few positions that are heavy in this year’s NFL Draft. Make sure to check out DJ’s Big Board if you haven’t had the chance. Now it’s time to see who’s in, and who’s out of my Top 50 Big Board for the 2022 NFL Draft!

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Last time we saw a natural EDGE like Thibodeaux was Clowney coming out of South Carolina. Like Clowney, we’ve had years to pick apart his game and now the only things left to complain about are his conditioning and whether he takes plays off, or his “ego”. Unlike Clowney though, this is the best pass rusher in this NFL Draft. Don’t think too hard on this one team.
Pro Comparison: Brian Orakpo

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

A gym rat and it came to show this last season as after his knee injury in 2020, he came back with a vengeance. He’s still got work to do, especially if a team asks him to slide into a zone, however, he has the ability to excel at the next level once he understands the scheme and learns to recognize run blocks.
Pro Comparison: TJ Watt

3. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Best overall Tackle, he is so good at both pass pro and run blocking it’s hard to say what is better. He’s an athletic freak who can sometimes seem aloof, but that’s just because not many players have challenged him before. His biggest tests have really come in practice up until UGA this year. Really if he slides it’s going to be a shame.
Pro Comparison: Marcus McNeil

4. Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Generational Safety, he does it all, and the only gripe is that he is slightly slow. He will fit best in a two-high safety scheme that occasionally rolls Hamilton to the box. The injury is nothing to worry about long-term according to reports, so with that said, if he’s there and you don’t have your stalwart at Safety, sprint this card to the table.
Pro Comparison: Kam Chancellor’s Size and Earl Thomas’s ball skills

5. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

This Sauce is sweet with a whole lot of smoke. Not only did Gardner hold his own against Bama in the playoffs, he still never gave up a TD in his ENTIRE career at CB. That’s insane. He’s a top 5 self-made prospect. He’s what happens when you shut out the noise and put the work in. Maybe his biggest issue is will he stay at CB his entire career or slide to Safety at some point?
Pro Comparison: Rod Woodson

6. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Best run blocker in the NFL Draft class, quick feet, strong and handsy, great power transfer from hips to hands. Clamps and holds on without holding. Fantastic climbing levels. Will destroy anyone in his way in the open field. Sometimes wreckless, and definitely needs some improvement on pass pro technique, but maybe the highest ceiling in the NFL Draft.
Pro Comparison: Lane Johnson

7. Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

Best interior lineman in this NFL Draft, great snaps, excellent getting into his block after the snap, explosive hips, smooth climbing up levels to block, excellent footwork, and most importantly keeps his hands inside! The biggest gripe is he’s slightly underweight, and big-nose tackles could take advantage.
Pro Comparison: Peak Jeff Saturday

8. Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

Intelligent, big, and a great base, that’s what is making Zion Johnson a mover on a lot of big boards in this NFL Draft. Seamlessly transitioned to Guard this year, and with his explosive hips and amazing hands, it’s no wonder why. Other than an odd pre-snap stance, there’s not much to dislike about this guy.
Pro Comparison: Larry Warford

9. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Possibly the best athlete in this NFL draft. Don’t believe me, just watch the Michigan playoff game. Nakobe Dean is slightly small but plays bigger than his pads, he will fly to the ball and with his above-average read and reactions, he tends to make it there to prevent issues for his defense. If he doesn’t get fooled by play action he has the ability to drop into a zone and make plays on the ball and is physical and fast enough to match up with most pass-catching TEs.
Pro Comparison: Karlos Dansby

10. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

In my eyes the most complete receiver in the draft. Had it not been for a miscommunication he would’ve had two game-winning TDs over Clemson in back-to-back seasons. He glides through gears and through his cuts like he’s on a gyroball. His excellent body control and elite adjustments mean even bad balls are catchable. The biggest question I have is his strength against bigger DBs and that’s really it.
Pro Comparison: Stefon Diggs

11. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Despite the late injury, Williams far and away exceeded anyone’s expectations of him. His elite speed and great separation give him the ability to have great RAC every chance he gets. He has great hands and uses them to his advantage to go along with his excellent catch radius. It’ll, unfortunately, be a few months before we see Williams with the ACL injury, but given the upside, we’ll see a team pull the trigger on him early.
Pro Comparison: Jerry Jeudy

12. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Fast, stays on the route, and gets great separation on his deep routes. Garrett Wilson made himself a threat the last year on a deep WR core in Columbus. His strong hands, and ability to go up and get it remind me of Adam Thielen, and if he can do that in the NFL Wilson will have no problem excelling. Will just need to fix his route drifts mostly and then you’ll see Wilson with the ability to run away from stronger guys.
Pro Comparison: Adam Thielen

13. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Versatile, stat sheet stuffer at LB. Will range from sideline to sideline making tackles. Thumps blockers and ball carriers equally. Can guard some TEs and does well in zone. He will need to work on his scheme recognition, and his pursuit angles, but someone is going to be very happy with one of the better LBs in this year’s NFL Draft
Pro Comparison: Zach Cunningham

14. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The man, the myth, the combine legend. Grading a perfect 10 on the Relative Athlete Scale, Jordan Davis shocked the world this last year. Rightfully so, no man this size should do what he did. Purely a run stopper right now, but that’s okay because he demands double and triple teams so your defense is immediately 2-3 men up on the pursuit. Davis will continue to evolve and given the right location, he could do so with some great pass rushers around him to let him develop a pass rush game.
Pro Comparison: Linval Joseph

15. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

The Wild Thing, Matt Corral is my most NFL-ready QB in this NFL Draft. He played for Kiffin who asks his QBs to read the entire field and throw to some insanely athletic WRs against some future NFL DBs. Matt Corral not only did that, but he also did it at a high level, as he was a Heisman front runner through much of the last year before an ankle injury derailed his production. Still a bit of a gunslinger at times, and somehow struggles throwing it short, Corral does have some work to do, but hopefully whoever drafts him doesn’t leave him to the wolves.
Pro Comparison: Matt Stafford

16. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Malik is a QB who is an athlete, not an athlete who is a QB. What I mean is if you grade him purely off of QB categories, he’s still a top 5 QB in this NFL Draft. Add in his ability to throw off an off-balance platform, escape the pocket, and gash defenses with his feet, and instantly that makes him a top 2 QB, with the ability to be the best of the group. Still needs to work on touch, and his pocket presence lacks, but Malik has shown he’s a hard worker and has reinvented himself since he left Auburn for Liberty.
Pro Comparison: Randall Cunningham

17. Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU

Unfortunately, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Derek Stingley play a full season, and when he did, well let’s just say he was a top 5 player in this NFL Draft. Unfortunately, after two seasons and only 10 games and an injury, we’re left wondering if his heart is still in it. We know the talents there, it’s just up to Derek to show that he still wants it.
Pro Comparison: Charles Woodson

18. Drake London, WR, Southern Cal

Drake is a big-bodied receiver who knows how to play above the rim. He has the ability to box out defenders on slants and stick routes. While also gliding over the top of them on fades and around them on back-shoulder throws. Really has the chance to be the best receiver from this draft, but will have to fall to a spot that doesn’t try and run him in crazy route sets. Keep it simple and London’s bells will ring as he scores TD after TD for you.
Pro Comparison: Keyshawn Johnson

19. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Karlaftis is only this low, because of the standout performances from the previous season by the guys ahead of him. He’s an NFL starter today and has an eerily similar strength and weakness set as a guy previously out of Wisconsin that knows a thing or two about being overlooked.
Pro Comparison: Early JJ Watt

20. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Great in pass protection, great hand placement, and once his clamps are in place, you’re not getting free. Cross has made himself into a top 20 prospect, and it’s because he can do a lot for you. Not only is he great in pass protection, but he’s also slightly above average in his run blocking, especially if he gets the opportunity to advance to the second level. Does need to improve his reach blocks, and issues with holding though.
Pro Comparison: Ryan Clady

21. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Good luck getting away from McCreary if he draws your name. He’s an irritant in press coverage, and probably knows what you had for lunch yesterday. Will suffocate vertical routes, and beat up on smaller receivers. On top of that, he’s not afraid to help out in the run game and is a more than capable tackler. Still, McCreary does struggle with his footwork at times, and he’s not the smoothest at flipping his hips, and taller receivers will give him an issue. But he proved against two of my top 5 WRs in this class that he can lock up anyone for most of the game.
Pro Comparison: Jamel Dean

22. Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson

Fitting his last name is Booth, as he will lock you up as if you were stuck in a phone booth. He is ultra agile and will press you until the whistle blows. Great in both zone and man. Will make plays any chance he’s given. Tends to try and jump routes too often and loses coverage. Stays high when tackling, and bites on quality route fakes. It’s interesting watching him tackle in open field, but definitely not a strong suit.
Pro Comparison: Trevon Diggs

23. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

The best overall RB in this year’s draft. He can run and catch the ball. He has more one-handed catches than his other receivers had catches it felt like this last season. He can score from anywhere, is great at setting up defenders, and trusts his blockers. He is a powerful finisher and as mentioned before excellent hands in the receiving game. Does struggle trying to be too agile, needs touches to get into a rhythm, possible over usage already.
Pro Comparison: Le’veon Bell

24. Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

Thick lower half, with great leverage and hand placement in run blocking. Consistent quality when he can pull and lead block. He finishes his blocks and does better in pass pro when helping in protection rather than 1-on-1. Tries to overreach, and gets beat occasionally. He has trouble with holding and needs to improve technique in pass protection.
Pro Comparison: Chance Wormack

25. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Everyone’s darling following the combine. Shooting up boards left and right. However, people forget I’ve always ranked him in the top 30. He’s that gifted physically and had a good season this last year. Just not great enough to be a project in the first 15 picks. Will he probably get drafted on an overreach? Yes. Will it likely work out? Probably. The biggest issue on Walker is he needs a big interior DL and struggles with a high pad level. Otherwise, his speed and power are a threat every play.
Pro Comparison: Cameron Wake

26. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

Nik Bonitto finished top 5 in every field drill at the NFL Draft Combine this year. He popped off the screen when he was on the field in Norman, and don’t be surprised if he’s the athletic pass rusher that makes noise next year like Micah Parsons did this last season. He’s quick, has great hands, great pursuit angles, and is slippery when blockers try and slide to him. He does have issues playing small, and struggles holding the edge every time. However, look for Bonitto to be a noisemaker this NFL season.
Pro Comparison: Micah Parsons

27. Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, FSU

A former UGA player who transferred to FSU this last season, Jermaine Johnson definitely took full advantage of the transfer. He was one of the only bright spots for FSU, and his leverage and great length are a big reason why. He’s still a bit inconsistent against the run and will lose outside leverage on occasion. However, his physical prowess can make up for some of those issues until the technique catches up.
Pro Comparison: Preston Smith

28. John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

You all must’ve forgotten about Metchie. This was the number 1 WR coming into the season and had it not been for the insane numbers Jameson Williams put up, and the horrible ACL injury, Metchie would still be number 1. But let’s not get it twisted, his route running, YAC, ball tracking, and natural ability to find an open lane for his QB to throw the ball make him a top 5 WR still. Post-injury he’ll need to fix his issues with drifting on slants, and not always catching it with his hands, however, he has another 3 months of rehab before that, and I already believe he’s quietly working on the hands issue.
Pro Comparison: Amari Cooper

29. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Physical, big, and able to shut down a variety of rushes. He will finish at least 30% of his blocks on the ground in a pancake. Has incredible torque, and his clamps are second to none. Does struggle against smaller quicker EDGE rushers who drop the shoulder extra low. Also, only an average run blocker at this point could use work on his footwork climbing to the next level.
Pro Comparison: Tyron Smith

30. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Walker is a workhorse back, plain and simple. He finds the lanes when there are none, he has fast feet in tight quarters, and is a one cut and go running back. He has a plus speed burst that can get him to the corner, and once he’s there he will punish anyone with a powerful finish. Walker is a bit jerky in his run style, so it’s not smooth. He struggles to trust his blockers, leading to fewer big runs than he should’ve had. Also struggles in the passing game and pass protection.
Pro Comparison: Maurice Jones-Drew

31. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Really one of the unsung heroes of Georgia’s National Championship performance. He’s got huge pop off the line and is quick laterally. Wyatt’s rip move is elite and partnered with his elite vision is a large reason he is able to shed blockers and make tackles in the backfield. He does tend to drop his helmet at contact and needs to develop more than just a rip move, however, Wyatt does have the potential to have one of the better careers of these UGA defenders.
Pro Comparison: Kenny Clark

32. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

With a family full of athletes, is it any surprise Kenny Pickett is a dual-threat in the pocket? With questions about his hand size, he’s offset that issue with the glove on the throwing hand. He can read the entire field and has great recognition and decision-making. With plus velocity, no window seems too small for Pickett. Let’s not forget if you lose contain, he will gash you for a big scramble. Pickett does struggle with happy feet due to some years of bad blocking, and his poor footwork can lead to issues with accuracy. Also needs to work on that intermediate touch into the holes in the zone.
Pro Comparison: Doug Flutie (playstyle)

33. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

McDuffie is another in a long line of Washington DBs that will have a good NFL career. He’s aggressive, a space invader if you will. He’s patient and doesn’t make the first mistake or the last mistake. His ability to close out allows him to bait QBs into making throws and he takes advantage of that. He is a bit smaller, so he’ll struggle in the trail position. Also, bigger-bodied receivers will be able to play above the rim on him in the RedZone if he loses position.
Pro Comparison: Jaire Alexander

34. Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia

Versatile OL who can be emergency anything on the line. With his wide frame and calm hands, there’s no reason Salyer was great at every position. His feet keep working during the block, and his hands are locked in early, allowing him to slow nearly any pass rusher. However, his proportions lead to him being off-balance. He also tends to stand straight up when he was anchoring the tackle spot. Will also need to work on that anchor if he does get deployed as a tackle.
Pro Comparison: Richie Incognito

35. Darian Kinnard, OG, Kentucky

A Redwood tree is playing in the NFL. That’s what I can best relate Darian Kinnard to. A big tackle converting inside to a Guard makes for an interesting player. He’s got huge arm length advantages, great torque in the hips, and is amazingly physical with a great anchor. However, he struggles with a strong pass rush punch and tends to get his hands caught on the outside. He struggles with his footwork and will definitely need to improve the technique for double teams and work-up blocks.
Pro Comparison: Shawn Andrews

36. Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

This guy might surprise many. He was technically the 6th best Georgia defensive player this last year. However, if you know, UGA doesn’t just hand out the #7 to just any LB on the team. The engine that could is how I describe Quay Walker, he’s quick to recognize and react, he has the speed to be the first contact, and because of his hustle, he is always near the ball. On top of that, he’s a safe tackler in space, when he’s not over-pursuing the run. Struggles with climbing blockers, and more importantly, if a big blocker gets the inside position, Quay will be out of the play.
Pro Comparison: Anthony Walker Jr.

37. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Ojabo should be higher on this list, unfortunately, his ill-timed Achilles injury during his pro day, had him slide down a bit. While still raw, Ojabo has shown his natural abilities in the pass rush, he has great speed around the edge, a smooth spin move, and is a strip-sack specialist. Ojabo is also what I can only describe as oddly diverse in his pass rush, whether it be intentional or because of his rawness, his ability to change the timing and moves at will really mess with blockers. Unfortunately, he’s deficient in the run game, as he struggles to recognize plays, and bigger blockers really give him fits. Once healed though, Ojabo should prove a value pick to whichever team snags him.
Pro Comparison: Cliff Avril

38. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

With smooth hips and staying low through traffic, Isaiah Spiller is a top-notch RB. He’s patient in allowing blocks to form and can read the right hole even before it’s fully open. Has great vision allowing him to truly use his lateral mobility to its fullest. Also a surprisingly good pass blocker. Does struggle getting into and staying in a rhythm. Spiller also has a tendency to stay in evasion mode for too long, causing him to get pushed backward at the end of plays. Finally, he does need to work on protecting the ball more, especially through traffic, as he struggles with fumbles, especially as the game wears on.
Pro Comparison: Rashaad Penny

39. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Ridder is a great athlete, and he starts out his career with a high floor. He commands a huddle and can galvanize a team. His above-average pocket awareness keeps him clean, allowing him to stay patient, and his above-average mobility lets him escape if there is pressure. Ridder does struggle with the speed in which he makes decisions though, sometimes holding the ball longer than necessary and also struggles to throw to players open due to the lack of zip on his ball.
Pro Comparison: Alex Smith

40. Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky

A small-time QB who struggled to make a name for himself in high school, however, by the time he left WKU, he broke numerous national records for passers. He’s a pure pocket passer. Recognizes coverage pre-snap well. Has great pocket awareness when avoiding rushers. His Deep Ball is something to behold as he can drop it in a bucket or deliver a laser over the top. Zappe is slightly small for a QB, he struggles with multiple reads on opposite sides of the field. Finally, his footwork needs to be improved.
Pro Comparison: Jason Campbell (playstyle)

41. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

Ebiketie has worked his way into a lot of people’s minds this NFL Draft season. His ability to shut down gaps, with his active hands and disciplined eyes are just part of the reason. Add in the incredibly hard initial pop and Ebiketie starts making you wonder if you aren’t looking at a darling in the draft. Don’t worry though, it’s not all sunshine and daisies. Ebiketie does struggle inside, and that’s partly due to a lower half that needs more to it. Also, he struggles to keep a quality pad level, and often gets taken advantage of on cutbacks and counters.
Pro Comparison: Ziggy Ansah

42. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

The sky is the limit for Skyy Moore. He possesses an above-average release, with excellent footwork, and strong hands. Similar to Dotson in a lot of ways statistically which is why they are so close. The edge was given because Skyy Moore not only excels over the middle, he presents a great target for his QBs. With that said, Skyy Moore does struggle to keep speed, and with average speed to begin with, it’s not helpful to have to slow down. This is evident in any RAC situation on comeback routes or routes where last-second adjustments are made.
Pro Comparison: Golden Tate

43. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Jahan Dotson is one of the best receivers in this draft, unfortunately, there are a ton of great receivers in this draft, so someone has to slide. First off, Dotson’s acceleration is excellent, he is smooth in and out of breaks. Jahan has a habit of making acrobatic catches with his strong hands. He’s able to get to the high point and play above his height on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Dotson’s problems come over the middle of the field. Often times he loses his footing on routes.
Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Sanders

44. Lewis Cine, Safety, Georgia

Did you hear that? That’s the sound of Lewis Cine flying down on some poor running back whose QB left him out to dry. Cine flew up the Safety rankings with his performances for Kirby Smart’s National Championship Defense. Cine roams his center field zone very well, and he flies to the ball every opportunity he gets. He’s quick and eager to address and crash on the run. However, he struggles in man coverage. Needs to add a bit of size to his frame. Finally bigger receivers and tight ends that Cine is tasked with guarding will have a field day.
Pro Comparison: Anthony Harris

45. Jaquan Brisker, Safety, Penn State

Brisker played most of 2022 injured, however, let’s not forget he was a preseason favorite to be drafted at number 2 for safeties in this class. It’s no wonder when you see the tape. Smooth hips, with no wasted movements, are the first thing you notice. Followed by the pop at contact whether that be against ball carriers or wannabe blockers. Finally his ability to play in the box as well as play deep center field has defensive coaches salivating at the chess games they could play. However, he does find himself getting caught taking the wrong angles of pursuit when his eyes stay too long in the backfield. This also leads to climbing blockers landing their blocks in those situations.
Pro Comparison: Justin Reid

46. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Bernhard Raimann is a fun prospect, unfortunately, a prospect that is possibly the rawest in this draft. However, it’s his upside that has teams salivating. The former tight end shows great footwork and quickness. Holds his edge exceptionally well. Raimann has great recovery on outside-in pass rush moves thanks to those fluid hips he possesses. As I mentioned though, he’s raw, everything is practiced and predictable. He struggles to stop the pass rush in its tracks, and up against a more technically savvy rusher he can get beat.
Pro Comparison: Jordan Mailata

47. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Trey McBride is the most complete TE in this NFL Draft class. He blocks above average, he is great at catching in traffic. Most importantly when he catches the football, he looks like a natural runner with the ball, able to add important YAC. However, he struggles with his footwork. Is a below-average zone blocker, and his top speed limits him really separating down the seam.
Pro Comparison: Dawson Knox

48. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Kaiir Elam is a wild card. He’s the ideal size for a corner in the NFL. He drives well on short routes and is above average in zone coverage. However, he’s basically useless against the run due to his poor eye discipline. He ends up slow on deeper routes and struggles to track the man and the ball. He’s got some work to do but has all the tools at his disposal to make it work.
Pro Comparison: Jaylon Johnson

49. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

Versatile EDGE that can stand up or put his hand in the dirt, fluid hips to move through counters, or slip into coverage. Enagbare also has the game-changing speed to catch a ball carrier from behind or slip into the flats late to interrupt a dump-off pass or split the blocking of a screen. Kingsley is an undersized EDGE. He’s very much so a raw prospect and is really limited to pass-rushing situations coming out of this NFL Draft. However, give him time to figure it out and he’ll be making an impact before you know it.
Pro Comparison: Corey Lemonier

50. Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

Troy Andersen is Mr. Do-It-All in this NFL Draft. From QB to RB to LB, and even the occasional Nickel Corner. Andersen’s time in Billings showed his elite-tier athleticism. Don’t believe me? He scored a perfect 10 on the Relative Athletic Score, the only LB to do so. Add to his athleticism, his ability to ID plays, and cover sideline to sideline in the passing game, and Troy Andersen sneaks his way into my top 50. However, he will need to build some size, and his instincts aren’t quite there. Also, he’ll need to commit to filling gaps in the run game if he’s truly going to be successful
Pro Comparison: Mike Vrabel

High Low Sports: Kelcey’s NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board