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.