Kiper's new Big Board for the 2022 NFL draft: My favorite prospects and best at every position
How good is this quarterback class, and is there a clear top edge rusher? Mel Kiper updates his rankings ahead of the college football season.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Class: JuniorFirst game: vs. Fresno State on Saturday
Could 2022 be a year in which a non-quarterback goes No. 1? It hasn't happened since 2017, when the Browns took Myles Garrett. (And they had the No. 1 pick the following year, too.) Thibodeaux, who was the No. 1-ranked high school recruit in 2019, is an elite pass-rushing talent with the quickness and bend to get double-digit sacks annually at the next level. He had nine sacks as a true freshman in 2019, and he had three sacks and 9.5 total tackles for loss in seven games last season.
2. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Class: Third-year sophomoreFirst game: vs. Tulane on Saturday
The Heisman Trophy favorite had a rough start in 2020 -- keep in mind that he didn't get a full spring as the starter after he sat for a season behind Kyler Murray -- but was electric down the stretch, throwing 15 touchdown passes and two interceptions in the Sooners' final seven games. That included four total touchdowns (three through the air) while averaging 10.8 yards per attempt against Florida in a Cotton Bowl blowout. Rattler has a big arm and can also beat teams with his legs, though he'd much rather sit in the pocket and dice up defenses.
QB #1 - Rattler
FB/HB #1 - Hall
FB/HB #2 - Willis
TE #7 - Stonger
G #9 - Hayes
DE #7 - Thomas
DT #4 - Winfrey
OLB #5 - Bonitto
K #2 - Brkic
