NFL Draft: Edge Rushers Aiden Hutchinson, George Karlaftis, Others

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There is nonstop talk about the receivers but there is one position that will take over in the first round and isn’t receiver. The edge rushers will see their names called more frequently than anyone else and there are several reasons why. Teams that need dominant defensive line help must turn to the 2022 NFL draft to invigorate the line. Here are the biggest names to pay attention to and bring to the table.

Aiden Hutchinson– Defensive End- Michigan

If you want a J.J. Watt-like presence on your defense, Hutchinson is the edge rusher you want. There is no such thing as reaching on a pure power rusher like this guy. He has multiple tools that spell doom for an offensive lineman. Hutchinson should be the first edge rusher off the board as early as the second or third overall pick. He employs pure power and some speed as well. He is the game wrecker that defensive coordinators love. He totaled 14 sacks last season. Hutchinson is a scary edge threat.

George Karlaftis- Defensive End- Purdue

Karlaftis plays similar to Hutchinson. He’s another power rusher who is also quick on his feet. He spent a lot of time in the backfield which is exactly what defensive coordinators want to hear. He shows great open-field tackle technique that should work well for him in the NFL. Once he locks in on you, it’s too late because you’re not going to get yards.

Kayvon Thibodeaux-Defensive End-Oregon

Many have Thibodeaux being the first edge rusher off the board but with the rise of Hutchinson, that talk could soon be an afterthought. However, Thibodeaux is lightning fast and has a Danielle Hunter-like presence on the defensive line. He won’t overpower any offensive lineman but he will win matchups with his finesse moves and speed. Quarterbacks simply can not evade Thibodeaux in time. Within three to four seconds, the quarterback is already going down. Thibodeaux is outstanding at disrupting the timing between a quarterback and receiver. With more defensive coordinators emphasizing speed on defense, Thibodeaux should be a top-ten pick.

David Ojabo- Defensive End-Michigan

Ojabo is a matter of finesse moves. He utilizes a spin move that offensive linemen simply can’t counter. From that point, it’s an easy path to quarterback because Ojabo is extremely fast. He will tally a lot of sacks in the NFL with little difficulty.

Jermaine Johnson- Defensive End-Florida State

Johnson is an absolute bully against offensive linemen. With his pure strength, he pushes offensive lineman back a yard or two. He has a massive muscular frame and for someone of his size, he brings a whole lot of speed to the table. Normally, Johnson would be a top ten pick with questions asked but this is such a deep class, he’s a late first-round steal in the making. He proved he can win against double teams by offensive lineman as well.

Boye Mafe- Defensive End-Minnesota

Mafe is one of the scariest defensive ends you’ll see play on Sundays. He’s not as fast as Johnson or Thibodeaux but he has other ways to make plays. The first thing that jumps out on film is his frame and length. It’s nearly impossible to move Mafe around. While he’s not a burner, his closing speed is really good. He shows excellent tackle technique as well. I am really looking forward to seeing what he will do in the NFL.

Myjai Sanders- Defensive End- Cincinnati

Sanders has good power and some closing speed but the numbers prove one thing: he needs to develop more as a pass rusher and generate more sacks. With some refinement and better coaching, he could prove to be a great asset to a defensive line. He’s not as physically overpowering and consistent as Hutchinson or Karlaftis, but he has potential.

Kingsley Enagbar- Defensive End-South Carolina

Enagbar is massive and agile, two things you look for in a defensive end. He needs to get a quicker jump off the line of scrimmage but he’s going to be a problem for offensive lineman. His closing speed isn’t bad at all but it’s something Enagbar can improve upon.