Cam Mellor’s Big Board of Top 300 Players for the 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is upon us, and so are the final rankings of the top 300 players for the marquee event. With evaluations finalized, we’re left with the clearest picture of the best players in this class. Below, you’ll find the top prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft and the overall Top 300 Big Board, as ranked by yours truly — PFN’s Senior NFL Draft Director.

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top five players

Again, these are individualized rankings. They factor into the PFN Top 300 Consensus Big Board, but they are not mirrored in any sense. There are players that I am higher on than most, and I’m lower on others. For any specific player questions, feel free to reach out via Twitter (@CamMellor) or in the comments below.

Before we get to the whole list, here are my top five players for the 2022 NFL Draft. Then, we’ll get to the top 300 players on my entire big board for the class.

1) Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

As a Florida State alum, it’s tough not to root for Jermaine Johnson II. It’s even tougher not to root for him as an analyst of the sport and the draft. Johnson has tremendous potential and upside. He’s got an amazing motor and is incredibly dependable. This is just the person we’re talking about at this point, as we haven’t even gotten into his on-field traits.

Johnson’s ferocious motor is the first thing that jumps off the screen. He has an excellent get-off at the line of scrimmage and understands the assignment in front of him in terms of which lineman is his. He’ll bend the edge if necessary, bull rush smaller tackles, or stunt with near-perfection. There isn’t anything that he does that isn’t at an elite or near-elite level. And Johnson’s just scratching the surface of that on-field ability.

2) Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Safeties shouldn’t be able to close space as quickly as Kyle Hamilton does. They shouldn’t be able to have the range Hamilton has either. He presents a rare combination of size and speed as he flies around to the football in coverage similar to Derwin James. Also like James, Hamilton can play a variety of positions, including covering slot receivers and either strong or free safety.

Hamilton’s ability isn’t coveted by teams at the top of the draft, and he likely won’t be the first player nor the first defensive player selected. However, that’s not an indictment of his talent or ability on the football field. Safeties aren’t valued at the top of the draft in today’s NFL, but Hamilton would be the one to break the mold if I were drafting for a team at the top.

3) Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

There is violence in Ikem Ekwonu‘s game. Just throw on any highlight you can find. He’ll plant the opposing defender in the ground quickly or push them so far away from the play they can’t even hear the whistle. Ekwonu is violent yet technically sound. It’s hard to remember that he was once considered a guard prospect.

Ekwonu held his own against a gauntlet of pass rushers off the edge this past season. In fact, the claim could be made that his ability to protect his quarterback afforded NC State their underrated offensive season in 2021. He’s a stalwart in pass protection and perhaps the best run blocker we’ve seen in some time.

4) Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

A lockdown cornerback in every sense of the word, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is my top CB in this class — and he has been for some time. As good as some other cornerbacks in this class are, not one left college without allowing a touchdown in coverage except Gardner.

His blend of recovery speed and first step, as well as his oily hips and terrific catch-point skills, made him not just a true lockdown cornerback at Cincinnati but a perfect fit in the NFL. Additionally, Gardner owns the mentality of a true CB1. He knows he’s better than the receiver in front of him, and very soon, the receiver will know the same.

5) Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

An athletically gifted talent, Kayvon Thibodeaux has long since been the top player in this draft class. Though he doesn’t land at No. 1 on my board, he’s got all the tools to dramatically change an NFL defense. His run defense is top-notch, as his football IQ allows him to bank on his athleticism. He commits to making a play and makes it no matter what.

Then, there’s his bread and butter — his pass rushing. Thibodeaux is a master of his craft. With a bevy of moves, plenty of the proverbial bend, and a terrific combination of hand/foot movement and speed, Thibodeaux is the complete package off the edge. Stand him up or put him in a three-point stance — it won’t matter. He just wins.

[Author’s Note: David Ojabo was formally the No. 1 player on my big board, as the talented edge rusher from Michigan checked all the boxes. After suffering an unfortunate Achilles injury during Michigan’s Pro Day, Ojabo has naturally slipped in the rankings. I’d be remiss if I did not mention his place on my top board, as I still feel Ojabo will have the best career of any player available in the 2022 NFL Draft if he’s given a clean bill of health upon his return.]

2022 NFL Draft Big Board

Now, to the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board. Remember that my board is ever-evolving. Check back here frequently, as adjustments will be made all the way up to the 2022 NFL Draft.