2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 250 Prospects

The 2022 NFL Draft is upon us, and for each of the 32 teams, their final NFL Draft big board is set. While every franchise has their own theory on drafting talent, the common goal is to trust the final evaluations by sticking to the players at or near the top of your board.

This year, I had five top-10 grades in Aidan Hutchinson, Evan Neal, Ikem Ekownu, Travon Walker and Kyle Hamilton. However, Ekwonu, Walker, and Hamilton garnered borderline top-10 grades, which shows that this was not the ideal year to have a top-10 selection.

In all, my top 25 players had first-round or borderline first-round grades, and my top 79 athletes had a top-100 grade. Those numbers are much closer to the norm, if not even being on the high side.

The deepest position on my 2022 NFL Draft big board was the wide receivers, with 33 making the cut, while the top defensive position was the linebackers with 30. Only eight quarterbacks made the list, though several small-school prospects just narrowly missed out.

It’s been an entertaining pre-draft process, and now it’s time to sit back and watch our favorite teams and prospects remind us that football is inching closer.

1-50 | 51-150 | 151-250

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 Prospects

1. Aidan Hutchinson DL Michigan

The top player on my final big board, Aidan Hutchinson displays exceptional burst off the snap that he converts to power to either control his man or force them off balance. He’s versatile enough to line up on the edge or shaded inside the tackle in base defenses and can rush the passer from any alignment.

Hutchinson’s skill set allows him to be scheme versatile, and his motor will shine in any role. While he has always been an active presence against the run, he broke out in 2021 thanks to a slim-downed frame that unlocked another gear, as well as a much more technical approach as a pass rusher.

2. Evan Neal OT Alabama

Evan Neal is one of only two players that garners a true top-ten grade for me, though each of my next three prospects drew borderline grades in that range. He is a polished prospect that has worked hard to make the most of his elite size, length, and athleticism.

While I believe Neal can be one of the top right tackles in the NFL, he proved he has the lateral movement to hold up on the blindside last fall. His pad level will occasionally get too high, and I’d like to see him consistently lock on and sustain blocks. Still, this guy has elevated his game each year at Alabama, and I expect nothing different in the league.

That positional flexibility should put him high on every team’s board, as he could upgrade any roster at one of four positions along the offensive line. He has the imposing power and desire to move bodies in a gap scheme, and the mobility and natural instincts to thrive in zone concepts as well.

4. Travon Walker DL Georgia

Travon Walker has as much upside as anyone in this class, but much of that was handcuffed by Georgia’s scheme. With that being said, there is some risk in his projection, unless a team wants to play him as an interior-shaded end, which he did at a high level for the Bulldogs.

Still, that wouldn’t be taking advantage of his elite combination of size, length, and athleticism, and I wonder what might have been had he followed Jermaine Johnson’s path and left Georgia for a chance to play on the edge regularly. In a class that isn’t as crowded at the top of the board, it makes sense why Jacksonville might swing for the fences with Walker.

5. Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is one of the safer picks in this class as a disciplined, instinctive safety who is always around the action. Still, his draft stock is a bit polarizing, considering his position and the skill set he brings to the table.

I’ve had some questions about how versatile he will be in coverage for some time, and while I’m not jumping off his bandwagon over his workout numbers, they do justify my concerns. With the speed of the game increasing in the NFL, who does he cover, and if he’s destined to play primarily in zone coverage, can he handle single-high responsibilities?

However, put him in the box regularly, and he can shine. Not everyone values that role the same, but in the right defense, Hamilton is an impact player.

6. Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE Oregon

Questions about Kayvon Thibodeaux’s growth in three years at Oregon have been joined by reports that his image may mean more to him than the game. Still, few in this class can match his potential on the football field, as Thibodeaux has the kind of burst and torso flexibility to make life miserable for opposing linemen.

His best position may be standing up as a linebacker on the edge, as space can help him leverage bigger players that would have better luck firing off and driving him as a natural defensive end. There are a lot of similarities between his skill set and Robert Quinn’s, who has managed to thrive in the NFL with a leaner build.

7. Derek Stingley CB LSU

Derek Stingley is a smooth athlete thanks to his exceptional feet and hips, and he shows the kind of patience at the line of scrimmage that comes from being confident in his ability to recover. The injury questions will factor into where he ultimately winds up, and there are some toughness issues that need to be addressed as well.

Still, no corner in this class is more capable of thriving in a man-heavy coverage scheme that requires both off and press alignments. Stingley also has impressive ball skills, thanks to his ability to track the ball and snatch it away from his frame.

8. Devin Lloyd LB Utah

Three-down versatility sets premium players apart at the linebacker position, and that is what Devin Lloyd has become at Utah. While he has always had a nose for the ball against the run, Lloyd took his game to another level with his improvements on passing downs.

He is lauded for his commitment to watching film, and it was apparent that he set his mind on being a three-down player before 2021. His feet were more active, and his initial burst in coverage started to mimic his explosive first step against the run. It’s one thing to be a jack of all trades and another to be capable of playing at a high level in all scenarios. Lloyd has entrenched himself in the latter category.

9. Charles Cross OT Mississippi State

While Charles Cross is ranked a little further down than Neal and Ekwonu, no one in this class is more ready to protect the quarterback’s blindside than the former Rebel. He’s such a smooth athlete who can shift his weight to mirror any opponent on the edge.

I love his awareness and patience in pass protection, which weren’t necessarily strengths of his game a year ago. His hands are active and stubborn, and while he may not have the power to manhandle his opponents like the other two I mentioned, there is room on his frame and lower half to continue to get stronger.

10. Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati

While Stingley is the more versatile player in man coverage, teams that primarily walk their corners up to the line of scrimmage are going to value Sauce Gardner higher. He is a tall, long-armed corner with light feet and loose hips that allow him to transition from his pedal with ease.

He may not have the natural twitch of Stingley, but he is smart and plays with a competitive edge that is contagious. Gardner may need to get a little stronger as his presence at the line is more of a nuisance than a disruptor, but he’s ready to be a star in a press-man scheme.

11. Drake London WR USC

A well-above-average route runner with size is a dangerous combination in an NFL offense. There is a lot to like about Drake London, but his ability to run crisp routes at 6’4” and nearly 220 pounds is rare. Sure, some of the smaller top receivers are quicker in and out of their breaks, but to be as quick as he is at his size is why he caught so many balls when everyone in the stadium knew what was going to happen.

His ability to track the football and adjust his body with little effort is also exceptional, and I honestly see a leaner version of Michael Thomas in his better days in New Orleans. If that ankle is 100 percent for his rookie year, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him challenge Jaylen Waddle’s rookie receptions record.

12. Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State

The best way to describe Garrett Wilson is elusive. He is one of those players that scouts refer to as “phone booth” players because they are difficult to get your hands on, even in tight spaces. He wins early in his route and stacks defensive backs well to be an extremely reliable option in timing-dependent designs.

Not many receivers can attack all three levels of the field from the slot and perimeter, and Wilson has the potential to be that if he improves his play strength to deal with more physical corners. He was one of the most polished players at any position in this class.

13. Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum is one of the better centers I’ve evaluated in some time as an athletic, technical blocker with the desire to finish every rep. He’s got a high football IQ that will help elevate the play of those around him, and his instincts for angles and positioning are top-notch.

Bigger defensive tackles will challenge him, as he has arms on the shorter side while his playing weight is right around 300 pounds. Still, he’s extremely quick off the snap and can get into his opponent before they are ready to deal with him.

14. Devonte Wyatt DT Georgia

Devonte Wyatt is one of several impressive defensive linemen that made life easy for the linebackers on Georgia’s National Championship defense. While that system did little for Walker’s draft stock and a spot-on match for Jordan Davis, Wyatt was kind of in the middle.

Wyatt had the power to hold up in Georgia’s scheme, but it did cover up his most impressive trait. Wyatt can fire off the ball in elite fashion for a guy that is nearly 310 pounds, and his best fit is as a one-gap penetrator. Not only does his burst off the snap make him dangerous, but his effort to work down the line and pursue when he’s free is special. There will be a domestic incident from his past that teams will try to get to the bottom of, but charges were dropped.

15. Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa

Trevor Penning is a player that could very well find his way into the top ten if Neal, Ekwonu, and Cross come off the board quickly. While he shows flashes of good technique on tape, playing at a lower level made it easy to get by with his physical gifts, and those complacent tendencies showed up at the Senior Bowl.

He has a nasty temperament for the position, but no one routinely manhandles opponents in the NFL. He needs to be more consistent with his pad level, balance, and angles, and overall, Penning needs to play with better discipline. Still, you can’t teach his combination of size, length, and athleticism, and his competitive edge is always dialed in.

16. Jordan Davis DT Georgia

Not every team will value Jordan Davis this high, as he is a massive nose that clogs up the middle to make running the football difficult. His ability to pursue plays to the sideline is also a sight for a guy 341 pounds.

While Davis will probably never be more than a pocket pusher in the passing game, he has the size and length to disrupt passing lanes when he is put in those scenarios. He will also need to clean up a few inconsistencies with his hands and eyes to be a two-gap player in the NFL. Still, whoever drafts him can plug him in as a base nose tackle on day one.

17. Jermaine Johnson EDGE Florida State

What an embarrassment of riches Georgia once had, considering Jermaine Johnson played two seasons with the Bulldogs. Had he finished his career in Athens, he’d be my fourth Georgia defensive lineman in the top 17, and they have a trio of linebackers that should also hear their name called in the top 100.

While Johnson is a little stiff, he has the size, length, and strength to be a productive NFL edge defender. He can play too tall at times, but he converts solid burst off the snap into power that ends with heavy hands. He is a complete defender at the position, capable of impacting the run and pass whether he’s standing up or has his hand on the ground.

18. Jameson Williams WR Alabama

There would be an interesting debate for the top receiver spot had Jameson Williams not torn his ACL in the National Championship. His play speed is special, and at just under 6’2”, Williams is a dangerous deep threat. He tracks the ball well and naturally extends his hands to it at the catch point.

Still, he needs to continue to round out as a receiver, which is likely the source of why he was blocked by guys like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave on Ohio State’s depth chart. While he has the ability to sink his hips and accelerate quickly out of breaks, he doesn’t leverage his opponents with proper angles.

Williams also has some diva in him and needs to do his best to contain it to avoid focus lapses. However, if healthy, he will be a big-play machine in the NFL.

19. George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue

George Karlaftis is a ball of intensity that ignites with a solid burst off the snap and ends at the point of contact with violent hands. Because of that, he tends to terrorize opposing blockers in both the run and passing game, despite having only average length.

Like Johnson, he doesn’t have the flexibility to easily alter his attack routes, but his power makes that kind of agility expendable. His motor revs hot non-stop, and when his technique and football IQ take the next step, we should see a disruptive edge defender.

20. Chris Olave WR Ohio State

I have compared Chris Olave to a smaller version of Justin Jefferson, with the big difference being Jefferson’s superior play strength. Olave is a silky-smooth athlete, but he must get stronger to improve his ability at the catch point and with the ball in his hands.

Still, he is a polished route-runner who rarely takes a false step on the football field, and his body control and focus make him a reliable target when open. While he may never be an ideal option in the slot, he can attack all three levels from the perimeter.

21. Arnold Ebiketie EDGE Penn State

Arnold Ebiketie is one of the most explosive pass rushers in this class, and there are scenarios where I could see teams targeting a fluid edge rusher like him over guys like Johnson and Karlaftis. Still, there are times when his length and athleticism are the sole reasons he gets results, and his technique needs to further develop, particularly with his handwork.

Also, while the length is terrific, I’m not sure how much stronger he will get at just over 6’2” and 250 pounds. His best position should be standing up as a linebacker in an odd-man front or a hybrid scheme.

22. Daxton Hill S Michigan

Modern offenses have forced defensive coordinators to develop their defensive schemes, and Daxton Hill is tailormade for a safety in today’s nickel packages. Not only does he have the range and instincts to be a threat as a single-high option, but Hill also has the length and twitch to match up in the slot.

There is room to add strength to his frame, as he is built like an average cornerback. Still, he is aggressive when he has the ball in his crosshairs and has never missed a game at Michigan due to injury. Defensive coordinators will be happy to add his versatile skill set to their defensive scheme.

23. Andrew Booth CB Clemson

Andrew Booth is one of the more polarizing players in this class, as one of the most fluid athletes in the class with several red flags in his evaluation. For starters, Booth plays with a ton of aggression, and it can get him into trouble, both with his jam and in coverage. Still, that same aggression is evident in some of his best reps.

He’s also had his fair share of injuries and can sometimes allow his emotions to get the best of him. However, he’s not that far behind Stingley with his twitchy athleticism and tracks the ball like a receiver with soft hands at the catch point. Man-heavy coverage schemes will love him, though there is still room to develop to live up to his potential.

24. Kaiir Elam CB Florida

If Booth isn’t far behind Stingley as a twitchy cover corner, Elam is the same to Gardner as a guy who thrives in press-man. His size and length aren’t quite up to par with Gardner’s, but they are both good enough to give receivers issues.

He’s not overly twitchy, and there are times when his awareness is an issue, both with the ball in the air and diagnosing routes early in the rep. However, his competitive nature is evident on tape, and his work ethic makes it tough to bet against him.

25. Treylon Burks WR Arkansas

Treylon Burks is an ideal weapon in today’s NFL as a guy that can impact that game from various alignments. As a receiver, his play strength, body control, and focus make him adept at bringing in contested catches. He may never be as polished as Wilson or Olave, but he brings a lot to the table.

Teams can also maximize his value in the slot on gadget plays (screens, reverses, shallow crossers), where he turns into a running back once the ball is in his hands. Considering he’s nearly the same size as Najee Harris, Burks can line up in the backfield too, and did so on occasion at Arkansas.

26. Trey McDuffie CB Washington

Trent McDuffie is the next in a rich history of Washington defensive backs that thrive in their cover-two scheme. He has terrific eyes in coverage and isn’t afraid to mix things up at the point of attack.

He lined up on the perimeter and in the slot for the Huskies, and his best fit may be as a three-down slot player that is more of a hybrid-safety role. McDuffie is smart, scheme-versatile, and a technically-savvy athlete that should be a day-one contributor in the league.

27. Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh

Kenny Pickett doesn’t possess the same awe-inspiring traits as the other quarterbacks on this list, but he is the most consistent with his footwork, throwing mechanics, and eyes. He’s got an arm that is good enough to make any NFL throw, and he’s an underrated athlete once he escapes the pocket.

He routinely makes good decisions with the football and displays terrific accuracy. Concerns over his hand size have tempered a bit, as his double-jointed thumbs make the measurements seem worse than they are in reality. Pickett has also proven comfortable wearing a glove.

28. Nakobe Dean LB Georgia

In 2021, Nakobe Dean was one of the best defenders in college football thanks to his terrific instincts that consistently had him a step ahead of everyone else on the field. He’s quick to react and physical at the point of attack.

However, Dean is not tall, nor does he have long arms. He’s a good athlete but not an exceptional one, and while he was outstanding for Georgia, he was also playing in front of a defensive line loaded with NFL talent. There will be some questions about his three-down availability, but he’s an alpha in the defensive huddle, which will make him hard to take off the field.

29. Malik Willis QB Liberty

As the physical phenom of this quarterback class, Willis has tremendous arm strength with a tight spiral that explodes off his hand. He is also a strong athlete with a similar build to Jalen Hurts, though the Auburn transfer may be more explosive than Hurts in the open field.

Still, Willis has work to do to be a franchise quarterback. He must be more consistent with his feet and balance, and his pocket presence is still developing. Willis has to do a better job of keeping his eyes downfield, and his processing needs to speed up as well. However, Willis is a humble, hard-working kid, and if a team is patient with him, he can develop into a star.

30. Zion Johnson OL Boston College

Zion Johnson is the most technically sound offensive lineman in my top 100 and one of the most versatile. It starts with his physique. At just under 6’3” and 314 pounds, Johnson doesn’t have much bad weight on his frame.

His feet are quick and active, which, combined with his core strength, allows him to mirror with ease in pass protection. Johnson’s hands also have good pop and a stubborn nature when the initial strike doesn’t latch on. He’s played both tackle spots and left guard in college, but the interior will be his home in the NFL.

31. Matt Corral QB Ole Miss

If Willis has the most upside of the quarterbacks and Pickett is the safest, Corral has the best combination of a high ceiling and high floor. He’s got excellent mobility and arm strength, and he cleaned up his decision-making this past season.

Corral makes some of the more challenging throws NFL evaluators are looking for, requiring anticipation, ball placement, and touch. There will be some concerns over his durability, thanks to his injury history and slender frame. If Corral can keep his emotions from getting too high and continue to speed up the way he processes the game, he can be a franchise quarterback.

32. Perrion Winfrey DT Oklahoma

There is a lot to like about Winfrey’s game, as he is a violent, high-motor player capable of single-handedly shutting down drives. The guy fires off the snap with impressive burst, and he may have some of the strongest hands in the class.

The biggest knock for me is his focus, though his effort never waivers. However, there are times that I think he gets locked in on the battle with the blocker, and it compromises his ability to get in on the play. Still, the energy he plays with is infectious, and he can wreak havoc on all three downs.

33. Jahan Dotson WR Penn State

Jahan Dotson’s size will likely limit him to the slot, but he’s one of the more explosive players in this class, whether it’s in his routes or with the ball in his hands. His ability to change direction with ease will get him the initial separation necessary to be an early option for quarterbacks.

He’s got soft hands, and his focus doesn’t waver in traffic. Still, Dotson may need to add bulk to handle the punishment that comes with working over the middle. Not every team values slot receivers the same, but Dotson can be a day-one contributor for those with a need.

34. Sam Howell QB North Carolina

Like Willis, Sam Howell has plenty of physical traits to make you think he can be a franchise quarterback. His arm strength is terrific, as is his mobility. Still, he lacks consistency with his feet and throwing mechanics, which causes his accuracy to suffer.

There are also spells where his decision-making can be an issue, and while he did a nice job cleaning up some of these areas in Mobile, I also thought he was a bit conservative with his throws. However, Howell has impressed with some of his interviews, and with more consistency, he can be a starter in the league.

35. Travis Jones DT UConn

I could see Travis Jones slipping into the first round if a team is looking for a run-stuffing nose tackle. Jones’ size and power stand out in the run game, and while surprising burst off the snap, he is a bit one-dimensional against the pass.

He was constantly a threat to push his opponent backward in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl, but that’s all he offers rushing the passer. Still, he will be paid to stop the run. Jones can reset the line of scrimmage with his punch and leg drive, and his 34-inch arms make it difficult for his opponents to latch on. I see a lot of similarities between him and A’Shawn Robinson.

36. Kenyon Green OL Texas A&M

There is a lot to like about Kenyon Green, but several concerns as well. While he started 35 games and showed the versatility to play four positions along the offensive line at Texas A&M, I would like to see a more polished product heading into the NFL.

He’s inconsistent with his technique, and his hands and balance are often the source of his struggles, making him a magnet for flags. There is also a knee injury that could cause a slide into day two, but outside of that, his issues are correctable with coaching. What can’t be coached is his combination of size, length, and power.

37. George Pickens WR Georgia

If not for an ACL injury last spring, George Pickens would likely be in the mix for the top receiver in this class and possibly even a top-10 grade. Before the injury, his size and smooth athleticism mimicked former Bulldog A.J. Green, and I think he is a more complete route-runner than Green was coming out.

The explosion, body control, and ability to accelerate in and out of his breaks are impressive for a receiver that stands 6’3”, and his ball skills are exceptional when his focus is dialed in. There will be questions about some character concerns, as his emotions can get the best of him. Still, he can be a number-one target if he’s healthy and focused.

38. Bernhard Raimann OL Central Michigan

Bernhard Raimann has tons of potential, but he’s only been playing football since high school and just moved to the offensive line two years ago. Still, there is a lot to love about prospects with his combination of size and athleticism. There were occasional flashes of the player he can be in the Senior Bowl practices, but also a lot of teaching moments.

Like many players his size, he tends to get too high, and there are times he doesn’t show enough patience in pass protection. However, he’s an easy mover for his size, and his hands are much more technical than you’d think based on his inexperience. Some teams may prefer Raimann at guard because of his arm length, but his tall frame and athleticism fit well at tackle.

39. Trey McBride TE Colorado State

Trey McBride’s terrific combination of athleticism, size, and strength helped solidify his status as the top tight end in this class. At Colorado State, McBride paired good acceleration and feet to consistently get open in his routes, leading to him finishing 13th in the nation with 90 receptions.

He was the Rams’ leading pass-catcher each of the past two seasons and is also a willing blocker who shows surprising pop in his hands. Still, what makes McBride special is his physical nature, and it’s all over the tape as a blocker, receiver, and runner after the catch.

40. Chad Muma LB Wyoming

Chad Muma has been a steady riser up my board dating back to the fall, and he is now parked in the 40th slot. His instincts and play speed are fun to watch on tape, and they helped him lead the nation in tackles with 142 in 2021.

Muma sees the game well, and that finally started to show up on passing downs last fall, as he picked off three passes and batted down three more. His average arm length works against him taking on blocks, but the guy competes at a high level on every rep. Look for him to go higher than his former teammate Logan Wilson who Cincinnati took in the third round two years ago.

41. DeMarvin Leal DL Texas A&M

DeMarvin Leal has seen his stock dip after his workouts resulted in less-than-desirable numbers across the board. While the tape shows a better athlete, his flexibility to play almost anywhere on the defensive front was part of what had scouts so intrigued by him.

With the speed of the game dialing up a notch in the NFL, I’m not sure I still believe he can be a consistent threat on the edge, and his best spot may be as an end in an odd-man front where his strong hands and lateral mobility can shine. Leal should also be able to kick further inside and rush to the passer in nickel packages.

42. Lewis Cine S Georgia

Despite quite a few Georgia defenders being ranked higher on this list, it was Cine who led the best defense in the country in tackles. The guy plays like a heat-seeking missile that takes proper angles to the ball that end with a violent strike.

He may not be able to match up in coverage like some of the other safeties on this list, but I do believe he has the range to cover ground on the back end in zone responsibilities. Like Hamilton, some teams may not value his skill set as high as others, which could lead to a slide. Still, in the right defense, Cine can have an immediate impact.

43. David Ojabo EDGE Michigan

If not for an Achilles tear during his Pro Day, we’d be talking about David Ojabo as a top-10 candidate. Unfortunately, Aidan Hutchinson’s partner in crime will probably have to wait until day two to hear his name called.

Still, Ojabo had a breakout season that had many calling him one of the more explosive and technically-diverse edge rushers in this class. With the torso flexibility and acceleration to win the corner, I thought his play strength was the only area that really needed to improve to make him a Pro Bowl-caliber edge defender. Now, someone will have to wait a year before they can finish developing his already impressive skill set.

44. Breece Hall RB Iowa State

Breece Hall runs with the same kind of contact balance and subtle lateral quickness that we saw from David Montgomery coming out of Iowa State. He’s got the vision and patience to thrive in most zone-blocking schemes, though I’m not sure his tap shows the same burst and acceleration he showed at the combine.

While he does have the size and durability to be a workhorse in the run game, his passing-down ability is not nearly as competent. Still, he’s my favorite to be the first back off the board.

45. Jalen Pitre S Baylor

While a safety like Cine could slide because of his skill set at the safety position, Pitre’s could help him come off the board higher than expected. He’s an instinctive safety that is capable of putting up high tackle numbers no matter where he is aligned.

He also proved to be a capable option in the slot, and some envision him playing there on a regular basis. No matter where a team lines him up, you can be sure he will compete his tail off while also camping out in the film room to better himself.

46. Boye Mafe EDGE Minnesota

Boye Mafe is one of the bigger risk/reward options in this class, thanks to his exceptional athletic traits. He explodes off the ball with the ability to sink and accelerate around the corner for sacks. Over time, I believe he can also develop the techniques to take advantage of his lateral agility and length, giving him some of the highest upside of any edge rusher in this class.

As a run defender, he is still very much a project as someone who seemed lost at times on the field. Reps and technique will be essential to making him an every-down player, but even if he doesn’t get beyond the label of pass-rush specialist, Mafe can be a game-changer.

47. Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati

I might be lower on Desmond Ridder than most, but the accuracy issues and slender build have to be worrisome for anyone that has watched him play. I love his competitive spirit and composure in the pocket, and he’s one of the better passers in this class on the move.

However, he and Corral both suffer from letting their competitive nature get the best of them when things like checking the ball down, throwing it away, or getting on the ground are the right decision. Ridder can make plays with his feet, and if he can clean up the timing and accuracy issues that were present throughout his time at Cincinnati, I can see him being a starter in the league.

48. Christian Watson WR North Dakota State

It’s not always easy to evaluate an FCS prospect’s physical traits. Still, Watson backed up his terrific tape with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, and he has kept that momentum throughout the pre-draft process. His size and speed are a combination that teams will find difficult to pass on come draft night, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come off the board on the first day.

Watson may never be a great route-runner, but there is room for him to grow into a competent one with his athleticism. However, part of that task will require improving his play strength and release off the line. Still, the tools are there to be molded into a top-three target on a roster.

49. Kyler Gordon CB Washington

Kyler Gordon is another player whose athleticism and upward developmental trajectory could result in him going higher than my ranking. He’s explosive and changes direction with ease, and like most Washington corners, Gordon is experienced in man and zone coverage.

I’m not sure if he processes what he sees as quickly as McDuffie, which is understandable considering he only started one year. Still, he’s aggressive and physical, and Gordon can even be a day-one contributor on special teams while he continues to hone his craft.

50. Skyy Moore WR Western Michigan

Skyy Moore is another player that could be described as an offensive weapon at the next level. He’s got a solid build for a shorter receiver, with outstanding initial burst and change-of-direction skill. At just under 5’10”, Moore may not be the biggest guy, but his long arms and body control give him a bigger catch radius than you’d think.

While his skill set warrants more than just a typical slot role, there will be routes that aren’t suited for his height. He needs to continue to develop as a route-runner, and gadget concepts will certainly be part of his NFL role.