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Mel Kiper ranks Top 10 edge rushers on 2022 NFL Draft big board

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•01/30/22•

Jonathan Wagner

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David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the 2022 NFL Draft, which is set to take place in late April. When it comes to EDGE rushers, there are a couple that are likely to be among the very first picks. ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper has revealed his list of the top ten EDGE rushers on his 2022 NFL Draft big board.

Kiper’s top EDGE rushers in NFL Draft

  1. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Wolverines
  2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Ducks
  3. Travon Walker, Georgia Bulldogs
  4. George Karlaftis, Purdue Boilermakers
  5. Cameron Thomas, San Diego State Aztecs
  6. Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State Seminoles
  7. Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati Bearcats
  8. Sam Williams, Ole Miss Rebels
  9. Micheal Clemons, Texas A&M Aggies
  10. Amare Barno, Virginia Tech Hokies
  11. Josh Paschal, Kentucky Wildcats

There will be multiple EDGE rushers taken within the first few picks

Entering the season, Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux was viewed as the top prospect in the 2022 draft class. But Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson had a monster season, one that saw him as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Now, Hutchinson is right there in the mix for the top overall selection, and he has surpassed Thibodeaux for many experts.

In addition to being the top EDGE rushers, Hutchinson and Thibodeaux also come in as the first and second ranked overall prospects in Kiper’s rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Regardless of who is selected first, Hutchinson and Thibodeaux will likely be top five selections come draft night. Georgia’s Travon Walker and Purdue’s George Karlaftis are also likely to be selected in the first round. Walker and Karlaftis have seen a wide range of projections between in mid-to-late first round, and even as high as the top ten.

Thomas and Johnson are two other options that could potentially slide into the back end of the first round. If not, they will almost certainly be early Day 2 selections. Sanders is another player that should be taken early on Day 2. Williams, Clemons, Barno, and Paschal should all also see their names taken at some point on Day 2, or at the very worst early on Day 3.

The 2022 NFL Draft will take place in Las Vegas from April 28-30.