2022 NFL Draft: An early look at the top-25 prospects this year

2022 NFL Draft prospect rankings:

16. Charles Cross – OT – Mississippi State

A two-year starter at left tackle for the Bulldogs, Cross has proven himself as a capable and effective blindside protector against some of the better SEC pass rushers. The long, athletic lineman was a relative unknown entering 2021 play but has catapulted himself into the first round with his excellent play on the outside this season.

17. Devin Lloyd – LB – Utah

Seemingly out of nowhere, Utah’s Devin Lloyd has emerged as one of the biggest defensive playmakers in the 2022 NFL Draft. With six sacks and three interceptions, Lloyd has been a true difference-maker for the number 16 team in the country. He’s long and instinctive with tremendous closing speed. Lloyd has a great chance to be the first linebacker taken and start on the inside right away.

18. David Ojabo – EDGE – Michigan

Along with his teammate Hutchinson, Ojabo has had a spectacular impact on this Michigan team and propelled them into the College Football Playoff in 2021. He’s a quick-twitch rusher with good bendability off the edge and impressive closing speed. Ojabo reminds me of Ravens’ rookie pass rusher Odafe Oweh, and I expect a similar impact at the next level.

19. Kenny Pickett – QB – Pittsburgh

A potential 4th or 5th rounder entering the 2021 college season, Kenny Pickett may have helped himself more than any other player these past few months. An accurate, cerebral passer with underrated athleticism, Pickett has a chance to come off the board in the top-15 of this draft as the most proven QB prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.

20. Matt Corral – QB – Mississippi

In such a polarizing class of quarterbacks, Matt Corral may carry the most upside of the entire group. He’s a player that has stepped up in the biggest games for the Rebels and should start sooner than later in the NFL. He’s mobile, intelligent, and experienced and should hear his name on day one of the 2022 NFL Draft.