NFL Draft

Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton will forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft. 

Hamilton announced his decision on Twitter, adding that he will skip the Fighting Irish's appearance in the Fiesta Bowl to prepare for the draft:

Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams followed Hamilton's announcement with a decision of his own:

Hamilton had an interesting junior season. He was regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, but a knee injury cut his season short on Oct. 23. In just seven regular-season games, however, he still posted 34 tackles (two for loss), three interceptions and four passes defended.

Despite his short year, he was still a Bednarik Award finalist:

That left Hamilton with an interesting question: Would he return for Notre Dame's bowl  game, or would he try to avoid the possibility of future injury and keep his draft stock intact?

Hamilton chose the latter.

At 6'4" and 220 pounds, he is an imposing force at the safety position. On a Nov. 10 big board for ESPN.com, Mel Kiper Jr. had him listed as the No. 2 player in the 2022 NFL draft class, noting that "Hamilton has the size to move up to the line of scrimmage and help in the running game and the speed and range to cover pass-catchers out of the slot." Kiper added, "He's exactly what NFL teams want in their first-round safeties."

And on Nov. 16, ESPN's Todd McShay listed Hamilton as his No. 4 prospect in the 2022 NFL draft class, calling him "a nightmare matchup for offenses."

"He has great size and closing burst while playing all over the defense," McShay continued. "You'll see him line up deep in coverage, over the slot and even at linebacker. Hamilton can blanket tight ends, and with solid ball skills and an ability to read the QB, he will make plays."

So it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Hamilton is headed to the NFL. He seems like a lock to be a top-10 pick, and potentially even a top-five selection. 

USC wide receiver Drake London has declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

The 6'5", 210-pound junior out of Moorpark, California, dominated the 2021 campaign with 88 catches, 1,084 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He amassed 130 or more yards in six of eight games.

London's season ended abruptly after he suffered a fractured right ankle upon being hit while scoring a six-yard touchdown during the second quarter of a 41-34 win over Arizona on Oct. 30. Medical personnel placed an air cast around his ankle before London was carted off the field.

NFL draft analyst Matt Miller provided an update two days later.

London also reached out to his fans that day on Twitter:

There simply wasn't a better wideout in college football over the first two months of the season, as Pro Football Focus noted:

The B/R NFL Scouting Department recognizes London's talents as well, listing him as the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 wideout in the 2022 NFL draft class.

London's athleticism has enabled him to find success in other sports. He notably played basketball during his freshman year at USC, one season after averaging 29.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists for Moorpark High School during his senior campaign.

Now he'll look to light up the NFL on Sundays.

While players such as J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins have departed the Houston Texans organization over the last year, one NFL draft prospect has said he would love to play for the franchise despite the uncertainty surrounding the club. 

Michigan star defensive end Aiden Hutchinson, who could possibly be the top pick in the 2022 draft, said he'd be happy to join the Texans if they picked him during an appearance on The Wheelhouse with Jake Asman, Cody Stoots, & Brad Kellner on ESPN 97.5 (h/t ProFootballTalk).

“When I got off the airplane, it felt right,” said Hutchinson, who was in Houston for the Lombardi Award announcement. “I can’t lie to you: Just the air, the atmosphere, the vibes, Houston is a good place to be. If they draft me, I’d love to play for the Texans.”

The Lombardi Award is awarded to the best lineman in college football. Hutchinson won the award over Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum and Iowa State linebacker Mike Rose.

The 21-year-old had an incredible 2021 season, recording 13.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 15 tackles for loss and 55 tackles. He was also named a Heisman Trophy finalist for his efforts this year and will get the opportunity to increase his draft stock even further when Michigan meets Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. 

The Texans currently have the No. 3 selection in the 2022 draft. However, it's unclear what the franchise might be planning to do with that pick. Houston has several areas it needs to address over the offseason, including quarterback, the offensive line and the secondary. 

Regardless, though, Hutchinson appears to be the team's best option. This year's quarterback class isn't as great as it was in 2021, and Hutchinson has been viewed as one of the best pass rushers in college football over the past few seasons, so the Texans can't go wrong drafting him. 

However, if Hutchinson is off the board when the Texans are on the clock, Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux or Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal could also be great options. 

In addition to the Texans, Hutchinson, who grew up in Plymouth, Michigan, says he would not be opposed to playing for the Detroit Lions. Though, he did mention he grew up a New England Patriots fan.

“You know, growing up, it was hard being a Lions fan. Lions have been struggling for a while. I actually grew up a Patriots fan with Tom Brady and stuff like that. So, I never really loved the Lions too much. But, hey, if they pick me, they’re getting it all.”

The Lions currently have the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft.  

If he were eligible, Alabama star Bryce Young would be the first quarterback off the board in the 2022 NFL draft in the eyes of one NFC scouting director.

"He’s improved each week," the director said to The MMQB's Albert Breer. "Mature player who doesn’t force the ball, seems to take what the defense gives him. He’s good in-rhythm and shows the ability to make plays off script. Accuracy and arm strength are very good. He can anticipate and is improving his consistency."

The official also said Young, who can't enter the draft until 2023, may have a better resume than Alabama's last two starting quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, because he "has carried the offense at times this year" and hasn't benefited from the same type of supporting cast his predecessors had.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky agreed with the general assessment, comparing him to Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers:

While that's all obviously high praise of the sophomore signal-caller, his status with relation to the 2022 class might also be a reflection of who is draft-eligible.

On the most recent big board for Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Dept., Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder was the highest-ranked quarterback at No. 22. Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett (No. 30) and Ole Miss' Matt Corral (No. 50) were the only others in the top 50.

No quarterback fell down draft boards more than Spencer Rattler. The Oklahoma star was a preseason Heisman Trophy contender and a candidate for the No. 1 pick. Instead, he lost his starting job to Caleb Williams and entered the transfer portal.

North Carolina star Sam Howell and Liberty star Malik Willis didn't fare much better as they watched their stock slide throughout this season.

That's to take nothing away from Young. He has thrown for 4,322 yards, 43 touchowns and four interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes.

As the scouting director alluded to, Young put up those big numbers without having any of DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III or Jerry Jeudy catching passes. Jameson Williams and John Metchie are a dynamic tandem but somewhat below the ridiculous high standard the Crimson Tide set over the last few years.

Rattler is a bit of a wild card because his outlook can change drastically if he enjoys a bounce-back year at another school. But when the experts begin to compile their 2023 mock drafts, Young will almost certainly occupy the No. 1 spot.

Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

Though Thibodeaux did not mention his status for Oregon's Alamo Bowl game against Oklahoma, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the star defender will not participate in the contest.

The 20-year-old amassed 49 total tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles in 10 games for the Ducks in 2021. He earned those numbers despite missing two-plus games with a left ankle sprain and playing limited reps upon his return against Arizona on Sept. 25.

Many analysts consider the 6'5", 258-pound Thibodeaux to be the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2022.

The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. He received a grade of 9.4 out of 10. Only three other players received grades of 9.0 or higher, and no others above 9.1. Derrik Klassen, also of Football Outsiders and Oddschecker, ranked Thibodeaux as the best speed rusher in the draft.

The NFL Mock Draft Database also lists Thibodeaux as the No. 1 overall prospect on its consensus big board.

The South Los Angeles, California native was at his best in a 34-31 win against UCLA on Oct. 23, when he amassed nine tackles (eight solo, 4.5 for a loss) and two sacks.

He can single-handedly change a game on a dime at his best, such as when he forced this sack and fumble that eventually led to a touchdown in a season-opening 31-24 win over Fresno State on Sept. 4:

Now he'll likely do the same for another team on Sundays.

This year's NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Las Vegas.

Based on early projections, Thibodeaux's wait to hear his name called may not be more than the 10 minutes on the draft clock after the team holding the No. 1 overall pick opens the proceedings.

ESPN draft guru Todd McShay released his updated big board for the 2022 NFL draft on Monday, with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson taking over the top spot in his rankings. 

He was followed by the previous No. 1 player, Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton in the top five. 

On Hutchinson, McVay wrote that he "plays a powerful game and is truly relentless in pursuit," adding that he has "fast eyes and locates the ball really well. I also like his inside move, and his ability to line up on either side and drop in coverage will be valuable to NFL teams. The senior can stack blockers at the point of attack and has active hands."

That has translated to 14 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a Big Ten title and a berth in the College Football Playoff, where Georgia awaits. He also jumped from No. 5 on McShay's previous big board to the top overall spot. 

Hutchinson displaced Thibodeaux, though only by one spot. McShay called the Oregon defensive end a "phenomenal pass-rusher" who gets "a good push on blockers" and "shows solid initial quickness and closing speed."

McShay believes Thibodeaux is versatile and athletic enough to switch to a 3-4 outside linebacker role in the NFL if called upon to do so. 

Defensive players dominate McShay's top 10, with only Neal, Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross and Alabama wideout Jameson Williams representing the offensive side of the ball atop his rankings. 

From there, however, wideouts litter the list, with Ohio State's Garrett Wilson (11) and Chris Olave (14), USC's Drake London (12), Penn State's Jahan Dotson (20) and Arkansas Treylon Burks (27) joining Williams in the top 32. 

As for quarterbacks, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett (15) is the top-ranked player at the position according to McShay, followed by Ole Miss' Matt Corral (16), Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner (21) and Liberty's Malik Willis (24). For quarterback-needy teams drafting in the top 10, selecting a quarterback that early will likely be considered a reach.  

Without any clear top choice at quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft class, insiders believe no one at the position will be taken inside the top 10.

ESPN's Adam Schefter provided the latest breakdown Sunday:

EJ Manuel was the only first-round quarterback in the 2013 draft after being selected No. 16 overall by the Buffalo Bills.

In the last draft, each of the first three picks were quarterbacks, and five players at the position were selected in the top 15.

ESPN's Todd McShay listed Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett as the top quarterback in the 2022 class in his latest big board, although the signal-caller ranked just 14th overall.

Malik Willis of Liberty and Matt Corral of Ole Miss are the other top players at the position as the college football season comes to an end.

The 2022 class is full of top prospects at other positions, especially at pass-rusher, including Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson.

They could help improve the rosters of teams that drafted their quarterbacks of the future in recent years, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and potentially the New York Giants.

There are still organizations that need help under center, including the Detroit Lions, who are projected to land the No. 1 overall selection and have gone 0-10-1 with Jared Goff primarily as their starter.

Teams like the Lions will be forced to decide whether to reach for a quarterback or fill other needs at the top of the draft.