Oregon Football: Top 8 early prospects for 2022 NFL Draft

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EUGENE, OREGON – MAY 01: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks on in the third quarter during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium on May 01, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The most popular choice for the top overall prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft has been Kayvon Thibodeaux. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both have Thibodeaux atop their big boards and it would almost be shocking at this point to see anyone else selected with that No. 1 pick, depending on whether the first pick needs a quarterback.

Thibodeaux was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2019 class and has lived up to the hype ever since.

As a freshman, he had 35 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. In about half the games as a sophomore, he recorded 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He is a monster at the end position and will be the top edge rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft class. He already looks the part of the next star defensive end in the NFL.

With his 6-5, 250-pound athletic frame at the end spot, he is a nightmare for opposing tackles and can even stand up as a linebacker.

Kiper likened him to a Jadeveon Clowney or Myles Garrett type of talent.

I think he could be even better.

Next. Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2021 season. dark

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