Drafting the Best: 5 NFL Draft Prospects You Should Know About This 2022

A lot has happened in the NFL as of late. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendric Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent made for an incredible halftime performance. And, of course, the dust has finally settled with the Los Angeles Rams beating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. 

With such an exciting moment in the NFL, it can get very easy to get distracted from another exciting football avenue: The NFL Draft. Now that Football season is over, the upcoming NFL draft is closing in.

The NFL Draft will see aspiring collegiate standouts to get into the big league. These future stars will undergo many physical tests, such as the Draft Combine. These players will show off their physical attributes and skills to further impress NFL team scouts in the Draft Combine. Let’s get a peek at who the best players are in this year’s NFL Draft:

Aidan Hutchinson – Michigan

Aidan Hutchinson from the Michigan Wolverines is a physical specimen to behold. Although the Heisman Winner odds weren’t in favor of Hutchinson, he is projected to be the number one pick in this year’s draft. Edged out by Bryce Young for the Heisman Trophy, Hutchinson won’t be returning to the Wolverines as he’s already announced going pro.

With good physicality and skills, Hutchinson is one of the tallest in the draft standing at 6’6 and weighing 265 pounds. Known as the best edge defender in college football, NFL teams will surely prize the defensive capabilities that Aidan Hutchinson will provide. 

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Oregon

Kayvon Thibodeaux, who plays as a defensive end for the Oregon Ducks, is closing in on the gap against Hutchinson for the number one pick in the draft. In fact, other boards and experts are taking Thibodeaux for their 1st pick. Standing at 6’5 and weighing in at 258 pounds, Kayvon is the perfect addition to any team that’s lacking in defense.

In high school, Thibodeaux had a total of 152 sacks and eight forced fumbles, making him the second-best sophomore in the country back in 2019. His defensive play also made it possible for him to be named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2019. Thibodeaux will continue to provide stellar defense in the pro leagues as he will forgo his senior year and declare for the draft.

Kyle Hamilton – Notre Dame

Defense is making quite a statement this year as another top prospect is a safety. Officially starting as a backup safety to Alohi Gilam and Jalen Elliot, he recently took over as a starter in 2020. He recorded 63 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception from there. For his efforts, Hamilton was named to the first-team All-ACC in 2020.

For a 6’4, 220-pound safety, NFL teams will find value in his unusual skill set for his position. While some boards have Kyle Hamilton at the number five pick, the majority say that he will land in the 1st-3rd picks. Teams will have a good addition in the safety position if they draft Notre Dame’s biggest stars in Kyle Hamilton.

Derek Stingley Jr. – LSU

Early in his playing career, Derek Stingley Jr. was named the Louisiana Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2019. He was also a 5-star recruit. Many legit ranking sites also had Stingley Jr. at the top of his class. Weighing 195 pounds and measuring at the height of 6’1, Derek began his first year at LSU as a starter.

As a freshman for the LSU Tigers, he led the SEC with a total of 6 interceptions. He also defended against 15 passes. He was named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press for his skill and play. He also earned All-American honors from credible sports media networks, such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and USA Today. 

Evan Neal – Alabama

Enough of defense; let’s get a bit of offense in this list. With offensive tackle Evan Neal, teams lacking in that department will value his skillset. Known for his physical prowess, Evan Neal can easily protect your quarterback. In his career with Alabama, Neal played left guard when he was a freshman. He switched to the right tackle position in his sophomore year and finally called it a college career at left tackle. 

Measuring at 6’7 and weighing in at 350+ pounds, players on the opposing team will find it hard to go through Neal. Aside from his big frame, Evan Neal has a unique movement for a player his size. Experts have Evan Neal at the 4th or 5th pick. Whatever pick he lands, he’ll be sure to give a big boost for the team that drafts him.

Conclusion

The Super Bowl has finally concluded, and the Rams are victorious. Although the action is winding down in the NFL, fans should look forward to this year’s NFL Draft. With over 150 players wanting to make it to the big league, the spots are limited, and getting drafted can be challenging. The five players mentioned above are some of the best in this year’s deep, talented draft pool.

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