NFL Next Gen Stats names seven 'Can't-Miss' 2022 Draft prospects

For months now, there has been debate over the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, with analysts and scouts going to bat for their favorite prospects. The first round will take place on Thursday night, with franchises revealing who they think are some of the best in the draft class.

NFL Next Gen Stats has weighed in on the conversation, naming seven different players they consider “can’t-miss” throughout the draft process. Five of them come on the line of scrimmage, with the presumed No. 1 overall pick, Aidan Hutchinson, being included. Only one offensive skill position player makes the cut as well.

Here is the full list from NFL Next Gen Stats.

• Iowa State RB Breece Hall
• Iowa OC Tyler Linderbaum
• Michigan edge Aidan Hutchinson
• Alabama OT Evan Neal
• Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner
• Oregon edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
• North Carolina State OT Ikem Ekwonu

This exercise has been run over the past two seasons by NFL Next Gen Stats, with the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year eventually being part of the group. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase won the award, while Washington Commanders edge Chase Young and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons were all considered can’t-miss prospects.

Especially since it’s a weaker quarterback class this season, one of the offensive linemen could have a real shot of winning the award. As for the defensive players, Gardner will have the opportunity to get early playing time, no matter where he goes. Both edge rushers could put up big sack numbers and find themselves with the end-of-season award too.

Of the seven, six are expected to be selected on Thursday night and consider themselves NFL first-round draft picks. Hall is the only one expected to go later but it’s not because of his ability. Running backs have begun to slide down draft boards, no matter their talent, over recent years. Whoever picks Hall will be getting an elite player.

Hutchinson has been the No. 1 overall pick for a few months now after having a breakout season with Michigan. He ended up at the Heisman Trophy ceremony, being a rare defensive player to appear in New York City. Now, he will be looking to become the first defensive player to be taken with the top spot since 2017, when Myles Garrett was picked by the Cleveland Browns. Four straight quarterbacks have been selected No. 1 overall and the streak seems keen to be broken.