2016 - The Rams had pick #15 going into that draft and the Titans had the #1 pick.
2 Likes
For now, it has to be Thibodeaux or Hamilton. Wish we could get both.
1) Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton continues to be the No. 1 player on our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. The 6’4″, 214-pound defensive playmaker defies logic with his exceptional athleticism and insane playmaking ability. Hamilton possesses elite length, exceptional football intelligence, and ferociousness as a tackler. Additionally, his 3 interceptions have helped ensure that Notre Dame has just one loss through Week 5 despite otherwise giving up big plays on defense.
2) Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has all the attributes required to be a star in the NFL. He possesses phenomenal size, speed, explosion, and agility. While he is lean at 250 pounds with a 6’5″ frame, he isn’t lacking in strength as demonstrated multiple times this season. Labeling him as a pass rusher is somewhat unfair, however. Thibodeaux is equally as aggressive and successful against the run.
3) Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
If Bryce Young ends the season with the Heisman Trophy in his cabinet, he should consider making a replica and presenting it to his left tackle. At 6’7″ and 360 pounds, it isn’t difficult to notice Evan Neal on the football field. Yet, it’s his performances that are catching the eye rather than his imposing physical appearance. Versatile, strong, and as nasty as they come, Neal cements his stock as the OT1 of our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board week in, week out.
4) DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
Athletic, versatile, and strong, DeMarvin Leal has all the attributes of a first-round selection. Furthermore, his ability to play across the defensive line makes him a highly valuable prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft class. There’s a reason why the Texas A&M DL makes the top 10 of our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board — he’s that good. Leal has been a dominant force for a poor Aggies team to start the season.
5) Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Ever since his incredible freshman campaign, Derek Stingley Jr. has been tabbed as the CB1 of the 2022 class. There is no doubting his ridiculous ball skills, remarkable athleticism, and physical ability in all phases of the game. While those aspects of his game are alluring, and he remains the CB1 on our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, injury and some eye-catching lapses this season mean he can’t be inked into the spot just yet.
6) Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
While Clemson has faltered and fallen out of the AP Top 25, Andrew Booth Jr. continues to consolidate his credentials as one of the best cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft . Fast, fluid, and full of energy, he’s as athletic as any player on the field. Booth also possesses incredible ball skills and is responsible for some of the most insane interceptions and pass breakups in college football in the past couple of years. So far this season, he’s improved the mental aspect of his game — one of the negative elements of his summer scouting report.
7) Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green has all the attributes of an elite guard and possesses versatility that will prove valuable at the next level. Green’s played at multiple spots on the line for Texas A&M, opening this season at right tackle before shifting back inside. He has impressive power and a ridiculous anchor in pass protection. Meanwhile, Green has the vicious mauler mentality that makes him a dangerous run blocker. From stance to snap and beyond, Green is a phenomenal prospect.
8) George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The Purdue pass rusher puts the “big” in big defensive end. At 6’4″ and 270 pounds, George Karlaftis is one of the more physically imposing presences in college football. He has the size, strength, and schematic versatility that should make him a valuable commodity in the 2022 NFL Draft class. The “Grecian Goliath” may not dominate the box score. Nevertheless, believe us when we say he’ s been dominant to start the year.
9) Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
In a competitive CB class, Florida’s Kaiir Elam has the skill set to be one of the best. At 6’2″ and 196 pounds, he has exceptional size. But Elam combines that with impressive functional length and exceptional athletic ability. Although he was caught wrong-footed in the Alabama game, he’s been impressive so far in the SEC and has the ball skills to be a lockdown corner at the next level.
10) Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
Although it’s ill-advised to speak in absolutes, there isn’t a better center prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft class than Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum . As Iowa has emerged as one of the top teams in the nation, Linderbaum has been the centerpiece of their success. Strong and speedy out of his stance and onto the second level, Linderbaum has football intelligence to keep his head on a swivel while being a reliable snapper of the ball.
11) Drake Jackson, OLB, USC
A 275-pound DE as a freshman, Drake Jackson played as a 255-pound OLB last season. At both positions (and at both weights), the USC pass rusher has demonstrated exceptional athleticism and play speed. Jackson has shown the ability to rush the passer both from the inside and around the outside track. If he can improve his tackling technique, Jackson should put up a monster statistical season on his way to being one of the first pass rushers selected. He already has 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble through Week 5.
12) Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The WR position is the most contentious on our consensus 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. While my friend, colleague, and fellow Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings favors Garrett Wilson, I’m firmly in the Chris Olave camp. There’s no denying that the Ohio State wide receivers are the cream of the crop in the class. However, for me, Olave’s game-changing speed gives him an advantage in the race for WR1.
13) Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Through five games of the 2021 season, Aidan Hutchinson already has more sacks than the rest of his Michigan career combined . Allow that to sink in for a second. Then consider that some of the more disruptive elements of his game don’t show up in the box score. Hutchinson has been phenomenal, with the ability to disrupt from any alignment given his length, strength, and flexibility. Furthermore, that disruption comes both as a pass rusher and against the run. He continues to be the biggest riser on our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board.
14) Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
There truly is little to separate Garrett Wilson from his Ohio State teammate. In truth, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the two WRs selected with consecutive picks next spring. While Olave’s track speed gives him the advantage for me, there’s no doubting that Wilson is a superior contested-catch connoisseur. Wilson is also able to create separation with crisp route-running ability.
15) Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Liberty QB Malik Willis continues to be the QB1 on our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. The dangerous dual-threat has all the attributes that you look for in a modern-day QB. Willis possesses an absolute cannon for an arm, and he’s arguably the best running QB in all of college football. While some prospects have confirmed the negative elements of their summer scouting report, Willis has shown improved accuracy and decision-making so far this season.
16) Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
There aren’t many defensive backs in the nation that have allowed 0 touchdowns this season. And yet, Ahmad Gardner hasn’t given up a TD in his entire career. A lengthy, athletic playmaker, the Cincinnati cornerback has an explosiveness that is only matched by his football intelligence and competitive ferocity. A snazzy nickname does not make an elite corner, but “Sauce” definitely has the goods to back it up.
17) Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
UCLA offensive tackle Sean Rhyan continues to soar up our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. It’s difficult to argue against the Bruins having one of the best offensive lines in the nation right now, and Rhyan is the cornerstone of it. Possessing exceptional size, strength, and a savage disposition that often results with his opponent in the dirt, Rhyan has the makings of a first-round prospect.
18) Ikem Ekwonu, OG, NC State
The epitome of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Ikem Ekwonu ‘s smiling bespectacled exterior belies a violent and deadly offensive lineman. An old-school mauler, he does his best work in the phone booth that is the interior OL. His high school wrestling experience allows him to dominate in the run game. While NC State has committed to playing him at left tackle, increasing his versatility, he should be considered an elite guard prospect.
19) Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
A summer scouting favorite, Charles Cross leaps up our consensus 2022 NFL Draft Big Board following his successful start. A lean, mean, OT machine, Cross plays the game with the necessary nastiness to succeed in the NFL. Pass protection isn’t passive, and Cross can’t be accused of passiveness in his game. The Mississippi State OT is as athletic as he is aggressive — a combination that should see him be one of the first offensive tackles selected in April.
20) Drake London, WR, USC
There is no other word to describe Drake London than “uncommon.” The USC WR has ridiculous size at 6’5″, which gives him a natural advantage as a red-zone or boundary threat. However, he also has comes with deceptive athleticism that he uses to be a dangerous after-the-catch threat. Through Week 5, London leads the nation in receiving yards, with the second-most receiving yards per game.
21) Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
There’s a reason why Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy this season. Put simply, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the nation , and by proxy, one of the best in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Corral possesses incredible arm talent — note talent , not strength — and is as good at creating outside the pocket as anyone whose surname isn’t Willis. One of the big areas for development ahead of the season was cutting down on turnover-worthy plays. Corral has 0 interceptions through Week 5.
22) Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
If you want the perfect example of what Treylon Burks brings to the football field, turn on the game tape from the Texas A&M and Georgia Southern game, and prepare to be amazed. A physical mismatch at 6’3″ and 225 pounds, Burks has deceptive speed and athleticism that allows him to create yardage out of nowhere (in addition to being a contested-catch nightmare). He needs to display more concentration as a catcher, with several concerning drops for a man with ridiculous hand size and strength.
23) Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Athletic, strong, and equally adept in pass protection and run blocking, Nicholas Petit-Frere is quickly becoming one of the best offensive tackles in the nation. Having switched from right tackle to left tackle this season, he offers valuable versatility, which puts another tick in his NFL Draft stock box. Yet, it’s the seamless nature of that switch that has impressed us. There’s no reason to believe that the Ohio State tackle can’t be a first-round selection next spring.
24) Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis continues his ascent up our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. The Georgia defensive tackle has been a monster this season. The 6’6″, 340-pound nose tackle eats up double teams for breakfast, leaving his teammates to feast through the gaps created on the offensive line. He epitomizes the phrase “two on me, somebody’s free.” Furthermore, Davis continues to demonstrate the pass-rush production that had been absent from his summer scouting report.
25) Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Isaiah Spiller continues to be the RB1 on our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. His combination of toughness, exceptional vision, contact balance, and quick feet allow him to be dominant between both the tackles and outside. Through Week 5, he’s averaging 6.5 yards per carry — more than any previous season in his career. Despite the dismal nature of the Aggies’ passing game, Spiller has been able to flash the ability as a receiver that was my main concern from his summer scouting report.
and then he either stays in college or punts to the next years draft. I realize money talks but good lord at some point people will just want to stop coming here.
You want a difference-maker at or near the top of the draft; a guy that’s just a cut above even the good players in the NFL at his position. When you watch that Rams’ defense, watch Aaron Donald. Watch Jalen Ramsey. Those are the kinds of players I’m talking about.
Jeff Okudah wasn’t that at all, at any point. Man, that pick still pisses me off.
These two, however, might be.
All true.
also true - there was not a guy like that available to us at pick 3
*Justin Herbert has entered the chat.
I mean, the Chargers were smart enough to pick him up high. Somebody in their organization saw something that others didn’t see.
he was taken well after us, which proves several other teams missed as well, including the Bengals.
Herbert is the obvious choice…with hindsight. IF they knew Matt wasn’t gonna be on the roster, it is flagrantly obvious that you take Herbert. In this conversation, if feel like you are trying to convince us that Quinn is a moron.
We already know that. 
We took Jefe, the Giants took some random OT because they couldn’t trade down, the Dolphins took Tua because they are idiots and then the Chargers took Herbert. The Panthers took Derrick Brown right after that…who was in consideration for our pick at 3.
And my point is, it wasn’t hindsight by the Chargers.
We need a front office that identifies future greatness better.
Okudah had none of the attributes of a 3rd overall pick. Despite the idiotic punditry. (Who are doing it again with Stingley Jr. – who I’d argue is more physically gifted but who seems to have quit on his college team.)
Yup - sounds about right
I believe the Chargers were picking whatever QB was left there for them, Tua or Herbert. It worked out better than they dared hoped for.
1 Like
It’s interesting you say that, as my wife and I were just discussing yesterday about the challenge Holmes is going to have convincing the RIGHT type of free agents to come to the Lions.
after watching the game with a more critical eye there’s such a dearth of talent it’s disheartening. BUT I do think about the amount of people that are on IR and I feel 5% less disheartened 
2 Likes
I’m sick of the lions front office turning down picks and resources to get their guy… trade back, get more picks, the more swings you take the better chance you have of getting a hit. We could move back and end up with 3 first rounders. 3 shots at elite talent. And with the current state of our roster, those 3 could be entirely bpa
1 Like
Tua is and will continue to be better than Fields. Bank on it.
Jeff Okudah was lights out in 2019. Absolutely lights out. It appears it may not work out but he was outstanding as a Junior.
I think its better to just stay put and make your picks, than try to get a bunch or random shots at players.
1 Like
I haven’t given up on Okudah. I know its easy to as he never played great and now the injury, but I still think he’s got a chance to come back strong in probably 2023 (by the time he gets all the way back)
1 Like
I didn’t know Okudah was going to be the bust he is, but it seemed like another safe reach pick by the Lions. They did this over and over. The guy didn’t even have an impressive combine. I guess they were afraid to take a QB because of Stafford. Despite never winning the division or a playoff game with him. How did that work out?
I still think he’s got a chance to become a top flight Safety. Not sure he can return from that injury and be an elite CB though.