2022: Edge Defenders

Travon Walker–EDGE–Georgia–6’5”-272–Top 15–96

So big, so strong, so fast. Walker checks every box for an elite prospect, except on field production. He’s got long enough 35.5” arms, 4.51 second 40 speed, and ran a sub 7 second 3 cone drill which surprised me because he doesn’t look that agile on the field. Not a pure edge rusher, Walker has the size and tools to be a terrific 3-4 DE in the Cam Jordan mold. Interviews are going to be huge for him because he needs to convince teams that he loves football and will continue to develop. Travon has JJ Watt level tools, if he can match that work ethic then he should become the best pro player from this draft class.

Jordan Davis–DT–Georgia–6’6”-341–Top 20–95

I know he’s not an edge player, but I don’t want to create a whole page for one prospect. But if there was a guy in this draft that could take up the space, it’s Jordan Davis. What a freak athlete at his size. You do not see human beings like this often. He’s huge! And he’s fast as hell! Davis sent ripples through the internet when he clocked a ridiculous 4.78 second 40 yard dash. I’m more impressed with the short area burst on film that allows him to split double teams and close the gap on ball carriers. Jordan can be a weapon at the next level if a coordinator chooses to unleash him. I would like to see what he can do away from the nose tackle position, but at that spot he is an instant double team and middle linebackers will love the freedom he affords them. I think Akiem Hicks is the natural comparison, Jordan has more burst, but Hicks has more lateral ability and has learned to play with great leverage.

Aidan Hutchinson–EDGE–Michigan–6’7”-260–Top 5–94

The hype machine is working overtime for this kid. Betting favorite to go 1st overall (at the time of this writing) but no one is gaga about him. Solid player with not much flash in his game. He comes across too cocky for my liking and I think going 1st overall wouldn’t do much to help with that. Short 32” arms for such a tall guy and only ran a 4.74 in the 40. He did have a tremendous 6.73 in the 3 cone. At the end of the day, he looks like a Bud Dupree level player and not T.J. Watt, in my book that equates to the second half of the 1st round and not a top 5 prospect. But in a weak draft class, he’ll bump right up.

Jermaine Johnson–EDGE–Florida State–6’5”-254–Top 20–94

The stopwatch and measuring tape love this kid. He’s right down the checklist of size, speed, length, and ability on the edge. Johnson went from a JUCO player to Georgia and finally played for the Seminoles earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. He is balanced against run and pass, and does not particularly stand out in either area but is solid in both. I see shades of Dante Fowler with more size, which is a compliment by the way.

Kayvon Thibodeaux–EDGE–Oregon–6’4”-254–Top 10–94

Here’s the best player in the draft. Kayvon was the top rated player going into the 2021 season and the only thing holding him back from going at the top of this draft is off-field questions. And there are lots of them, it seems like no one that meets him likes him. Effort level is inconsistent on the field and pair that with character concerns and you’ve got a bad recipe. He’s got Shaq Barrett/Khalil Mack level talent, but if I’m a betting man, he’ll have a career closer to Sheldon Richardson.

George Karlaftis–EDGE–Purdue–6’4”-266–2nd–92

True 4-3 defensive end prospect with polish. Didn’t run the 40 at the combine, but I would expect him to come in in the mid 4.7’s. Getting lots of comparisons to Ryan Kerrigan which I definitely see, Karlaftis plays the run better but doesn’t have the same pass rush polish. I would compare George to A.J. Epenesa from the Bills, with Jared Allen upside.

David Ojabo–EDGE–Michigan–6’4”-250–2nd–87

True traits player that generated splash plays opposite Hutchinson last fall. Ojabo was a fast riser up draft boards and the best thing that happened for his draft stock was the rookie success of Odafe Oweh, another Big 10 edge product with great measurables and lack of collegiate production. Ojabo really flashes on tape and honestly he has a higher upside than Hutchinson. If Ojabo didn’t tear his achilles at his pro day I have no doubt he would’ve been a 1st round pick. But with that recovery time and the need to develop his game from raw to professional, his best impact won’t come until the 2024 season most likely. That moves him to the second for me. This kid needs to call Cam Akers’ trainer stat and get on that 6 month recovery regiment.