Top 100 Big Board

My one and only 2022 NFL Draft Big Board is here. Truth be told - I’m ready to move on to 2023 ;)

But here I’ll list my top 100 players with a few notes sprinkled in along the way. One thing I can promise you is that I don’t hate your favorite draft prospect - I just have a different opinion on them than you do. And that’s ok. We all see the game differently and even though we may disagree on where a player should be ranked we all love the game and love the draft. Let’s use these big boards as a means to have respectful conversations about the draft and the players in it.

Or you can crap all over it - I already got your click! Share it here:

1. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Hutchinson appears to be the consensus No. 1 overall pick in this draft and his blend of burst, strength and bend warrant all the praise. In fact, Hutchinson posted a 9.86 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) which puts him in the top 20 out of all edge rushers from 1987-2022. 

Also, Hutchinson has the “high-motor” or “scrappy” and “never takes plays off” traits as well. 

2. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal has the chance to be a franchise changing left tackle. His size is literally hard to overlook but Neal’s ability to move with fluid hips and footwork are going to surprise even the top NFL pass rushers. Neal was also a three-year starter at Alabama and has played both right and left tackle. 

3. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

One of the biggest risers in this year's draft has been Ekwonu. At the start of the season I thought Ekwonu might be the best guard in this class - and I guess he still could be - but he has proven that he can play tackle in the NFL and may be the first tackle selected. One trait that I love about Ekwonu is that he has great length (34 inch arms) in pass protection but plays with amazing leverage in the run game. Ekwonu is going to find success in the NFL - even if he does play guard. 

4. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

There is a lot of buzz about Kyle Hamilton falling in the draft. Here’s the truth - the NFL was never as high on Hamilton as draft Twitter or draft fans. For some reason, and I don’t understand it or agree with it, the NFL does not value safeties in the top 10 of the NFL draft. We’ve seen numerous safeties drastically change a defense but the pros still doubt them. I don’t think Hamilton will go top 10 but that won’t stop me from putting him in my top five. Standing at 6’4”, Hamilton is a dream matchup for the modern tight end but can also come downhill and play the run. There aren’t many holes in Hamilton’s game - and he game speed is good too. 

5. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

I’m gonna go ahead and pat myself on the back for this one. I’ve loved Sauce Gardner since his freshman year at Cincinnati, but I will admit, even I didn’t think Sauce would be a top five player. But, when you’re 6’3” and run a 4.41 you’re going to get some attention. And that’s exactly what happened here. The measurables and times made a lot of people take a closer look at his tape and people were wowed when they did. Gardner posted nine career interceptions at Cincy but also has great hands at the line of scrimmage and in the air. Gardner comes in slightly ahead of Derek Stingley for me. 

Ok, now I’m really going to get crazy!