NFL COMBINE

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

The 2022 NFL combine is in the books, and now NFL fans play the waiting game while 32 teams rack their brains to discuss who fits their future the best. Here is a breakdown of the top 5 prospects on the offensive and defensive side of the ball from what we saw. I’ll look at how these players fared in certain events and what team would suit them best. To be clear, this is in no particular order, and it is based primarily on how they performed at the combine, meaning it does not necessarily indicate they will be a top 5 pick on offense or defence.

Source (Background Photo): AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Here is a look at the top 5 combine performers on offense:

1. Kenny Pickett- QB- University of Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh quarterback had a fantastic 2021 campaign showing confidence and a ton of composure well beyond his years en route to being named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy that year.

The 23-year-old native of New Jersey did not disappoint with NFL scouts and coaches present running the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.73 seconds, which is a league of running quarterbacks is pretty impressive, not to mention the fact he had a vertical jump of 33.5.

His speed and ability to get out of pressure will serve him well, as there were a ton of prospects at this year’s combine who were lightning quick.

By most people’s estimation, Pickett is the most pro-ready QB prospect in the 2022 draft class, hitting receivers in stride brilliantly, and showing a ton of confidence during his workouts.

Best suited team- Pittsburgh Steelers

Someone needs to fill the shoes of Big Ben, who called it a career, and while it may be a tall order for Pickett to go out and be that guy right away, there is no reason why this organization shouldn’t take a chance on him, and groom him into the next star pivot for this team.

2. Ickey Ekownu- Offensive Tackle- North Carolina State

Standing 6’4” and 320 pounds, there is plenty to like about this o-lineman, who despite his size, can really move.

He was one of 12 offensive linemen who ran a sub-5.0-second time in the 40-yard dash, coming in at 4.93.

Ekwonu is strong, nasty and is capable of striking fear in onrushing defensive linemen and rock-solid at his position

Best suited team- Jacksonville Jaguars

Doug Pederson has made it a point to put as much help and support around Trevor Lawrence, who was sacked 32 times in his rookie season while throwing 17 interceptions mainly because outside of Cam Robinson the Clemson star did not have the protection he needed.

Ekwonu can also open up holes for the Jags running game, as the team from Duval County are likely to feed James Robinson and Travis Etienne a lot.

3. Chris Olave- Wide Receiver- Ohio State

Olave showed during his college days that he is dependable and sure-handed while being quite the deep threat for the Buckeyes.

This California native was projected as a late first-rounder or early-round-two pick, but he has turned many heads with what he showed at the combine.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39, ran crisp routes while acing the go-route drill.

Best suited team- New York Jets

The Jets got their quarterback of the future in the previous draft, but Zach Wilson could use a big target who can catch passes in clutch situations.

Olave could change how opposing teams defend New York next season.

4. Garrett Wilson- Wide Receiver- Ohio State

Not to be outdone, Olave’s teammate at Ohio State is likely to be a high draft choice for teams in need of a pass catcher.

Wilson is smart, with solid hands, runs great routes, and can be dangerous when it comes to gaining yards after the catch.

He ran the 40-yard dash at 4.38, while also making some highlight-reel grabs and showing some precise footwork.

Best suited team- Cleveland Browns

After making the playoffs in 2020, the Browns took a step back last season, finishing below 500. Donovan Peoples-Jones was their top receiver at 587 yards, not nearly enough support for a talented pivot like Baker Mayfield.

Jarvis Landry becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2023, but given his potential cap hit of around $16 million, they may want to deal with him, which would leave a spot open for Wilson.

5. Charles Cross- Offensive tackle- Mississippi State

With a powerful upper body, this 307-pounder showed strong hands and agility at the combine events.

He played primarily at left tackle in college, but he is versatile enough to move to the right side if they need him there.

Cross ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds and scored a 91 on the Next Gen Stats.

His stunt-pickup drills were sharp, while he was consistent in all the drills and had some strong pass protection.

Best suited team- Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has developed quickly into a fine young quarterback, but he was hurried plenty last season, and Cross could add depth to that position.

The Chargers suffered some depleting injuries at that position last season as Bryan Bulaga, and Oday Aboushi missed plenty of time on the disabled list.

Here is a look at the top five performers on defence:

1. Jordan Davis- Defensive Tackle- Georgia

Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds, not bad for a guy weighing 341 pounds.

That was the fastest time someone over 310 pounds had run that event since 2003, but Davis was far from finished there.

His mobility was fantastic, showing tremendous explosion when changing direction while having fluid hips and he was light on his feet.

His athleticism and power should enable him to be selected relatively high in the 2022 draft.

Best suited team- Detroit Lions

The Lions have some decent pass rushers on their roster at the moment, but no one with the potential to dominate an o-line quite like Davis.

Fresh off winning a national title, Davis could be just what Detroit needs.

2. Aidan Hutchinson- Defensive End- Michigan

This Michigan man is projected to be either the top or near the top of the draft class.

Whether or not the Jaguars choose him first is another story, but the 2021 First-Team All-Big Ten player did not disappoint at the combine.

His 40-yard dash was anything but spectacular at 4.74 seconds, but everything else was what we had expected and more.

His technical skills, quick hands, and accurate and decisive pass-rushing are drawing comparisons to current NFL star Joey Bosa.

His Next Gen Stats score ended with a 93 score, with solid body control and athleticism.

Best suited team- Houston Texans

The Texans were a mess last season, struggling to get much pressure upfront and allowing a ton of yards through the air.

Not only can Hutchinson help their pass rush, but he can also plug some holes, enabling them to slow down the run, which was a trouble spot for them in 2021, allowing 142.2 yards per game.

3. Travon Walker- Edge Rusher- Georgia

This athletic freak weighs 275 pounds, but he moved as though he was 20 or 30 pounds lighter at the combine.

He ran the 40 in 4.51 with a 35 ½ inch vertical leap, so look for him to have his share of knockdowns in this league.

He looked perfectly natural running pass covering drills and did a good job tracking and catching the ball without difficulty.

Best suited team- Denver Broncos

Denver made a big splash in acquiring Russell Wilson, but they are thin on the defensive side.

Losing Von Miller was a devastating blow to this team last year, as they allowed over 5,000 yards of total offense.

4. Kayvon Thibodeaux- Edge- Oregon

This man is off the charts good in terms of athletic ability at 6’4” and 254 pounds.

He showed at the combine tremendous closing speed, running a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash, with a bench press of 27.

He is underrated for his power and is also an explosive pass rusher, capable of covering a ton of ground.

Best-suited team- Houston Texans

Like Hutchinson, Thibodeaux is also expected to go pretty high in the draft, although there are rumblings that he might drop slightly even though his combine performance was as advertised.

He has a ton of talent and strength to help this Houston team.

5. Kyle Hamilton- Safety- Notre Dame

He may be the best player of the entire draft class regardless of position.

Whoever lands him will be getting a unique talent.

He had the highest NextG Gen Stats score among safeties at 90, running the 40 in 4.59 seconds.

Hamilton completed some excellent reps at the combine, had a spring in his step, did well at the spin-around drills, and showed amazing backpedaling speed.

Best-suited team- Philadelphia Eagles

Rodney McLeod and Anthony Harris are set to become free agents, and neither of them is supreme playmakers at their position.

The Eagles did well to contain opposing passing attacks last season, but they were missing a game-breaker who can change the momentum of a contest.

Hamilton is that type of player who can disguise coverage brilliantly and make some game-changing plays.

Final Thought

If there was one theme at this year’s combine, it was speed, as this was the fastest combine in NFL history.

There is a ton of talent in this year’s class, and perhaps the beauty of the 2022 draft will be that there is no unquestioned number one pick like there was a year ago.

We will see who goes where and there is a lot to talk about between now and April 28.