The group of EDGE defenders in the 2022 NFL Draft is absolutely stacked. But who comes out on top in this closely-contested group? Is the top EDGE one of Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson, or do challengers like Jermaine Johnson II, Travon Walker, and David Ojabo have a chance at taking the crown?
2022 NFL Draft: Jermaine Johnson II finishes as the top EDGE defender
It was a close race — perhaps emblematic of how inseparable the talents at the top truly are. But in the end, Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II came away as the top EDGE on our final PFN Consensus 2022 NFL Draft Big Board.
Several other prospects came close. Thibodeaux, Hutchinson, Ojabo, Walker, and Purdue’s George Karlaftis all came in the top 16. Thibodeaux and Hutchinson, meanwhile, cracked the top 10. But at the end of the process, it came down to variance and maximum rankings.
Hutchinson had the highest variance among the top EDGE defenders in the 2022 NFL Draft. His highest ranking among PFN draft analysts was second overall. At his lowest, however, he fell outside the top 20. Thibodeaux had less variance — every analyst had him in the top 10 — but the difference was Johnson being ranked as the top overall player on two boards.
Jermaine Johnson II has an all-encompassing skill set at EDGE
There are arguments for other players to be the top EDGE in the 2022 NFL Draft, but few prospects at the position have the well-rounded profile that Johnson does. Johnson has excellent size at 6’4 5/8″, 254 pounds, with 34″ arms. He’s also a great athlete, having run a 4.58 at the NFL Combine, with a 10-yard split in the 95th-percentile.
Beyond the physical traits, it’s hard to poke holes in Johnson’s game. The Florida State EDGE has good burst and twitch off the line, and he plays with a hot motor. His hands are fast, violent, and powerful, and he already has a working arsenal of moves. Johnson has excellent power capacity thanks to his burst and length, and he also sets the edge extremely well.
Bend is one of the few questions on Johnson’s scouting report, but one could argue he has more bend than both Hutchinson and Thibodeaux. Johnson can roll his hips through the apex, and he shows off good ankle flexion for his size. Every way you spin it, Johnson has all the traits needed to be a dynamic edge rusher at the next level. And his two-phase ability only compounds his appeal. Johnson’s one of the safest defenders in this class, and he also has a very high ceiling.
Johnson rode his high-end traits to a dominant 2021 campaign with the Seminoles. In 12 games, he amassed 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles.
Remaining EDGE rankings at the top
2) Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
3) Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
4) David Ojabo, Michigan
5) Travon Walker, Georgia