Mel Kiper shakes up big board for 2022 NFL Draft after Week 4 of college football
ESPN’s NFL draft expert Mel Kiper has updated his 2022 big board following a wild Week 4 across college football. With this year’s class of quarterbacks failing to make a strong case, it appears defense could reign supreme at the top of next year’s draft.
Here is an updated look at who Mel Kiper likes at the top of his 2022 NFL draft big board following Week Four.
2022 NFL draft big board
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Previously: 1
2. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Previously: 5
3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Previously: 3
4. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Previously: 4
5. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Previously: 13
6. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Previously: NR
7. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Previously: 6
8. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Previously: NR
9. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Previously: 10
10. Drake London, WR, USC
Previously: 20
11. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Previously: NR
12. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Previously: 14
13. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Previously: NR
14. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Previously: NR
15. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Previously: 15
16. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Previously: NR
17. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Previously: NR
18. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Previously: 12
19. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Previously: 21
20. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Previously: NR
21. Adam Anderson, OLB, Georgia
Previously: 16
22. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Previously: NR
23. Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State
Previously: NR
24. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Previously: 19
25. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Previously: 2
Big risers
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross headlines a group of incoming players on Mel Kiper’s Week 4 big board. The No. 6 overall prospect is the highest ranked of the 10 new names in the top 25.
Other big names jumping into the top 25 include Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (No. 8), Utah linebacker Devin Llyod (No. 11) and Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis (No. 13).
Kiper has also added some lesser-known college stars, including Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning (No. 14) and Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum (No. 16), both offensive linemen.
Big fallers
With 10 new names on the list comes the fall of 10 others. This early in the evaluation process there is no need for concern as players fluctuate up and down based on individual and team performance throughout the early portion of the season. As the national rankings have proven, little is known about the outcome of the 2021 season, and it could take a while to sort out the top tier.
The big name here is Spencer Rattler. The Oklahoma quarterback has been a staple at the top of 2022 boards since he was in high school, but inconsistent play continues in year three as fans begin to ask questions. How he responds to the boos and chants for backup Caleb Williams could be the difference in a top 10 pick or a return to school for Rattler.
Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks also tumbled from No. 12 to No. 18, perhaps at no fault of his own. The dynamic offensive threat has impressed on one of the country’s top teams but has been surpassed on the board by Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, USC’s Drake London and Ohio State’s Chris Olave.