TPB Top 100: Quell’s Top 100 Draft Player Rankings (1.0)

Well ladies and gentlemen, the NFL season has run it’s course and a champion has at last been crowned. Congratulations to the Los Angeles Rams for earning the most coveted prize in the business; the 32nd pick in the upcoming NFL Draft! Oh, wait…

#Rams GM Les Snead showed up to today's Super Bowl parade wearing a 'F*** them picks' t-shirt.

Legend.

(📸 @KaraHenderson) pic.twitter.com/XG5V1qH5wi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 16, 2022

Well, at least they got a nice shiny trophy that has eluded the franchise for the last 22 years and the city of Los Angeles since Super Bowl 14. In the meantime, while the Rams and Bengals were busy competing to see who will be crowned the league’s best, the rest of the league had already shifted its attention to the off-season.

Each head coaching opening across the league has been filled, news has begun to trickle in, in terms of potential moves some teams will make, and of course everyone’s favorite time of the year — draft season.

We see some of you are late to the draft party, which means you’ve missed a significant amount of opportunities to get a good view of some of the classes’ best prospects go head to head.

Guys like Jermaine Johnson (Florida State), Boye Mafe (Minnesota), and Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) stole the show during Senior Bowl week, while quarterbacks such as Jack Coan and Skylar Thompson impressed during the East-West Shrine Bowl a few weeks back. So with padded competition finished and the combine just a few days away, we’ve got some idle time on our hands.

Well, the guys over here at The Philly Blitz got you covered; here’s a look at Mar’Quell’s top 100 Big Board—pre-combine.

1. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

There is a conversation to be had about positional value that we will have again with Tyler Linderbaum. You have to be a special player for a team to be willing to spend a top 10ish type of selection on a safety. There are much better things that a team can spend top tier draft capital on than a player who is most impactful based on alignments and how he is deployed. However, not only is Kyle Hamilton a special player but by my accounts he is the best player in this class. There is no limit as to how you can use a prospect of this magnitude; the first thing that jumps off the screen about Hamilton is his versatility. Has reps being used as the cornerback playing the flats in Cover 2 (see ‘19 vs New Mexico), can operate as both the robber and center field safety in Cover 1 looks, and even has some nickel and linebacker reps to his name. A true jack of all trades — which when you take in account his massive 6-foot-4 and estimated 220 pound frame makes it all the more impressive.

A nose for the football with eight career interceptions and 16 pass deflections since his arrival in South Bend, Hamilton is comfortable both hip to hip looking away from the ball and reacting to the receiver, as well as when he’s just reading the quarterbacks eyes. He covers so much ground both through the air as seen by the world famous interception (‘21 vs Florida State) or versus the run shooting the A Gap from about 12 yards away (‘20 vs. Clemson). Whoever selects Hamilton is getting a phenomenal all-around football player who is sure to make an impact from day one and offer the right defensive coordinator the perfect chess piece.

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Between the Nebraska tape and the Ohio State tape from this past season, it was really hard not to rank Hutchinson as the top player in this class. A true blue blood, Hutchison is the son of former Michigan legend Chris Hutchinson (‘89-‘92), yes that’s right THE Chris Hutchinson that beat Ohio State four times, was named the MVP of the ‘92 season; as well as Big Ten Defensive linemen of the year, and most famously instead of going to the league decided to become a doctor. Like his father, Hutchinson plays with a motor that runs nonstop and a love for the game that you can’t teach.

The single season sack leader in Michigan history following his 14 sack output this season, Hutchinson has multiple reps where he has opposing tackles in the couch position watching their quarterback get pummeled. His ability to translate speed to power is second to none in this class; now don’t let that fool you to thinking he’s some super freak speed rusher like his teammate David Ojabo, but Hutchinson does not lack any of the traits you’d look for in the ideal 4-3 edge prospect. A versatile piece that has experience at every position of the DL. A former four star recruit as talented as Hutchinson is, the best trait he features is his high character qualities; he was awarded as the Lott IMPACT award winner; which goes to the best defensive player on the field and in character.

3. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

When it comes to the offensive tackles everyone seems to have their preference, well this is mine. A three year starter who began his career at left guard and then right tackle before making the transition to a blindside protector this past season (40 games started — 2,070 career snaps). At a generous 6-foot-6 and an estimated 360 pounds, the former IMG Academy five star is a huge problem. No really, good luck trying to move this kid! Probably better suited for a power/gap scheme given his frame, wingspan, and run blocking prowess. Neal is a handful at the point of attack, he’s bigger than you and he knows it. Has to win the first move in pass protection — has a questionable base for his size , but also moves better than you would anticipate for someone his size. His best trait is his well timed and violent hand usage, including a punch that often stops players in their tracks — once again due to his incredible length. There are some concerns about his massive frame, which is usually a plus for teams but some may want to work to keep him in this size area; rumored to have lost 15 pounds heading into this past season which was noticeable in his mobility from year to year.

4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Thibodeaux is probably the most intriguing prospect in the class; a three year starter from South Central Los Angeles, CA — the world has had an eye for Thibs since his sophomore season at Oaks Christian High School. The same year that he was named LA City Section Division I Defensive linemen of the year. A scholar both on the field, he averaged a 3.8 GPA at Oaks Christian and was last noted publicly with a 3.31 at Oregon (2020), the kid has his head on right and knows what he wants for himself. The question is — is that football? Much has been made of his interest outside of football, including the partnership he has with Nike owner Phil Knight, thus questioning his commitment to the game. This isn’t to say Thibs doesn’t love football because he clearly does, it’s just a matter of if both feet are in the water. Well you can question his commitment but you surely can’t question his talent, easily a top 5 player in the class based on floor and ceiling.

A highly productive player, he had 35.5 career tackles for loss and 19 career sacks. The former five star recruit has an array of pass rushing moves, has a high level first step, and the uncanny ability to convert speed to power. Would love to see him add a secondary plan of attack as all of his moves seem to be a bit too reliant on his athletic abilities, could clean up hand usage; shows flashes of elite qualities but inconsistent. High level bend, gets lower than limbo. He has the talent and potential to be one of the leagues best, but him doing so is all up to him.

5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Ekwonu has a lot of first names he could go by, there’s what we know him as in Ikem. Then there’s the nickname his coach gave him; Ickey because he looked like former Bengals running back Ickey Woods. There’s his given name Ikemefuna, which means “My effort will not be in vain.” Which was exactly the case for the former three star recruit from Charlotte, NC. Ekwonu stayed in state for college, becoming a three year starter in Raleigh at left tackle and also has a lot of experience at guard (200 snaps played). I think he feels more comfortable at tackle as he was clearly a better blocker when solidified to one position this past season.

Ekwonu is a freak of nature, a selfish part of me is desperate to see him land with in a wide zone scheme (New York Jets at four please) due to his out of this world lateral mobility (‘21 vs Clemson). Probably the best run blocker in the class, he’s just a just flat out nasty, led the team with 50 pancake blocks in ‘20— will finish the play and finish a defender with it (‘21 vs North Carolina); Scorpion would be proud. At 6-foot-4 and a estimated 320 pounds, Ekwonu has ideal length for which is noticeable during the point of attack. Is okay in pass protection, is always looking for trash to clean up. That said, he has some mechanical things to clean up in terms of pass sets that could get him in trouble in the league but has athletic abilities to make up for up.

6. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

A former Wide receiver in high school until about midway through his junior year at Martin Luther King High (Detroit, MI), Gardner wasn’t as highly touted as he is now. The former 3 star recruit is a long and slinky cornerback who’s physicality is on full display when you watch the tape. At 6-foot-2, Gardner offers production in both man and zone coverage. Would prefer to see him in a predominately press/zone scheme — his long frame often allows him to disrupt releases at the LOS, as well as be more aggressive in coverage because he absolutely ruins passing windows with his disruption radius. Probably the most consistent cornerback in the entire country, Gardner hasn’t allowed a touchdown in… well ever. No concerns about the level of competition here as we saw him have no problems handling NFL level receiver in the CFB Playoffs.

A willing tackler which is probably what puts him over the top as a prospect. Said this last year about Jaycee Horn and while Gardner isn’t quite Horn; both play the position with the aggression and swagger it deserves to be played with. Speaking of swagger, to family and those closest to him he’s Ahmad, but to the rest of the world he Sauce. But why?

“That’s something my little league coach gave me when i was about six years old. So I was just an elusive running back and he just gave me the name, it stuck with me all the way until now. So, you know? That’s what everybody know me as,” Gardner said in an interview with PFF.

7. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

So do you all remember earlier during the Kyle Hamilton talk when we said positional value goes a long way in the NFL, especially during draft season? Well here is a perfect example; in terms of pure talent Linderbaum might actually be a top 5/10 prospect in this class. A three star recruit and former defensive tackle (where Linderbaum actually began his career at Iowa), Linderbaum was a multi sport athlete in baseball, track, and you guessed it; wrestling.

While Linderbaum isn’t quite positionally versatile, the work he does at center is next to none. Despite the questions surrounding his size during a recent interview Linderbaum flat out addressed the elephant in the room: “I’m 6’3, 290 pounds” said the two year starter. Of course while size may be a concern many can’t help but find the comparison between Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and the latter. That’s to no surprise, however, as the parallels are quite obvious; outside of being a late attendee to the position party, Linderbaum displays high level football IQ — has a deep understanding of blocking assignments and communicated well on the field. With his elite level lateral mobility, good synchronization with hands and feet, and magnets for hands Linderbaum may be considered a scheme specific prospect and is sure to excel in a zone blocking oriented scheme. Either way he’s a damned good player.

That said as we mentioned Linderbaum is exclusively a center and that position doesn’t rank very high on the positional value chart despite its on the field importance. Which means that because of positional value there could potentially be a case where a teams ends up with a top ten talent selecting at the back end of day one or early day two. Well one mans trash is another mans treasure; or in this case center.

8. Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

The 15th ranked player in the 2019 recruiting class out of Humble, Texas; Kenyon Green is anything but humble on the field — a people mover! Knows his guy, finds his guy. Not a super athlete but has an ability to get to the second level and get the job done when he gets there. Has some tape at tackle vs (left) Alabama and (right) Kent State, wouldn’t necessarily play him there but he played well for what it’s worth. Another dancing bear in the passing game, has really good relationship with hands and feet; claws for hands and turns it into a bit of a two step (‘21 LSU). As much as I like what I see in pass pro I must admit it’s a bit inconsistent. Now in the run game, Green. Gets. Nasty.

As I said, he’s a people mover; a fiery guy that looks like a snow plower at the point of attack. Is a day one starter in this league and looks to be in line for a long career; best guard in the class.

9. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

There has been and will be a lot of speculation over this prospect since draft season began. I get it, there are legit concerns with his abilities to be a full time edge player whether it be his length or the stiffness, and change of direction. With that said, he has been a very productive football player since his freshman season which speaks volumes given the fact that he only began playing football back in 2014.

Karlaftis’ motor runs super high, you are never able to take a play off vs him. Has a very good understanding of pass rushing which shows in his hand usage and affective ability to resort to a multitude of counter moves. Very good abilities to translate speed to power (see ‘21 vs Notre Dame). High quality first step explosion and straight line speed.

10. Derek Stingley Jr. , CB, LSU

A really tough eval; one of the toughest in the entire class. Following his freshman season, there was a legit conversation to be had that if he was draft eligible, Stingley could’ve been the first player selected that year. And for good reason.

He has a lot of high quality tape against NFL level wide receivers in each of the past three draft classes that season. Clearly the talent is there but over the last few seasons between injuries and a decline in productions there have been some questions raised about a prospect ones touted as the unanimous CB1.

It doesn’t help that Stingley doesn’t seem to be very interested in tackling which brings aboard questions of his physicality playing a major role in his ranking decline. His development trajectory reminds me a lot of one of his LSU brethren; Tre’Davious White. An elite level freshman year (Stingley probably has the edge in that category) followed by two seasons of questionable play but the tape shown in year one was so good that it’s quite possible this prospect was more interested in protecting his stock than anything, which in turn led to the opposite. That said when he’s at his best this might be the best CB prospect evaluated in a few years.

11. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Another position that is a more of a pick your poison kind of thing, well I take the cover guy. The conversation of Dean vs. Lloyd is as hard as it gets when it comes to draft season. Now with the way the league is trending, the age of the three down linebacker is changing.

Sure, it’s fine to dial up some pressures and get your guys on the second level after the quarterbacks; sadly for many the reigning defending champions are the Los Angeles Rams — and Matt Stafford was an absolute murder against the blitz (89.1 expected points added vs the blitz), as was Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott. So clearly you have to find a way to take away targets for these quarterbacks in order to be successful.

Insert the 5th year junior from Chula Vista, CA — a former safety, Lloyd made the transition to full time LB at Utah and has made an impact, specifically in the passing game where his history as a DB shows up. He has the versatility to line up as each of the LB positions, while making an impact as a rusher from both spots. Overall just a really good athlete, shows some stiffness when changing direction but has a general understanding for his depth in zone drops and makes plays when in position. Could be Micah Parson-esque with his usage; has reps as EDGE (‘21 vs Oregon:1). A physical player with good tackling technique (‘21 vs. USC). With 43 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and 15 career sacks; Lloyd is the total package of a modern day linebacker. His specific LB position has yet to be determined and will probably base on fit but has shown abilities to be a three down player either way.

12. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

A four year contributor out of The Ohio State University, Olave burst on the scene with his almost out of nowhere performance against Michigan back in ‘18; with guys like Paris Campbell, Terry McLauren, and Johnny Dixon set to move on, Olave set the tone for what was to come during his time in Columbus. He became next in line for wide receiver coach Brian Hartline’s #Zone6 group. During this time he logged in over 2,700 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns (including a career high 13 this past season), on 175 career receptions.

A smooth operator, Olave is an absolute technician when it comes to route running; best in the class. Knows how to manipulate defensive backs and their angles, has legit stop on the dime abilities, does not know what a false step is. His hands are as reliable as they come, elite level short area quickness (‘21 vs. Michigan State), and creates separation with ease. He’s predominantly known for his deep routes (‘20 vs Clemson) but oh baby, he is the total package.

Personally, I believe Chris Olave is the most complete and most NFL ready receiver in the class hints why he’s my WR1. Much will be made about the spacing that Ryan Day and the Ohio State offense creates for receivers and how he won’t be afforded that luxury at the next level, still Olave is your guy. That said he probably won’t be the first WR off the board or maybe even the second — he’s such a safe pick that he’s almost too safe, doesn’t offer the same upside as some of the other guys in the class but is almost guaranteed to be a productive WR2 no matter the system.

13. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The big fella! He may be big but the kid has some moves to him. Heard some compare him to AJ Brown but I see more Mike Williams to him with a little more explosiveness. Doesn’t look too fast when he’s moving (Alshon Jeffery vibes) but baby… the kid has some juice (‘21 vs Alabama). Arkansas used him as a bit of a swish army knife — hello Deebo Samuel (38 career rushes — 222 yards, 1 TD) especially as a senior. A three year starter, through his sophomore season with seven career touchdowns and 820 yards had shown flashes of greatness, but his senior season is what put him over the top; 66 receptions, 1100+ yards, and 11 touchdowns was the one that established him as one of the top two targets in this class.

A super versatile prospect, Burks lined up across the entirety of the offense — x receiver, running back, slot, wherever they could get the ball in his hands was the plan. And why not? At 6’3 and 220lbs Burks is just hell to bring to the ground and with this size it’s no reason that should change at the next level. Me personally, he’s an X receiver with an occasional break in character to keep a defense honest but on the outside is where he gets his work done. I’m not quite sure about his abilities to beat the press consistently without trying to power through a defender.

At his size he should be able too but because of his consistent alignment differential there’s some concern here. There’s no such thing as a 50/50 ball with him — more like 75/25, has an elite catch radius. Definitely a WR1 in the league, has some developing to do but the athleticism might be too much to pass up on for some teams.

14. Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson

The former number two cornerback prospect in the country and five star recruit, Andrew Booth Jr. is probably the most underrated cornerback in this class. He does a good job disguising his techniques; tries to never show his hand pre snap as to what coverage he’s playing (‘21 vs Virginia). He has some really out of control interceptions that show off phenomenal ball skills, tracking abilities, and athleticism. Speaking of athleticism, he’s a freak of an athlete man. Can recover from awkward positions.

An ever aggressive tackler, isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to make a tackle; would like to see him have a better form — often times he has his head down and lunges at the ball carrier. A predominately zone cover corner (as Clemson plays A LOT of zone) shows a good understanding of leverage, is a very reactionary prospect, and understands what he’s seeing a lot of the time (‘21 vs Georgia). Think he’ll be ultra successful in a Seahawks-esque Cover 3 scheme. That said, he gets the job done in man coverage as well — shows really good anticipation and smooth movement that allows him to stay near his target.

15. Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

Often overshadowed both literally and figuratively by his massive teammate along the defensive line, Wyatt is probably the most all around, consistent, and down right safest pick of the interior defensive line group. A four year contributor (played in at least 8 games in all four seasons) that has quality reps against both the run and pass. Uber athletic for his size, you even see reps of him as the spy against Bryce Young in the National Championship game (a really good rep I might add, shows off his motor) and on numerous other occasions (see ‘21 vs Kentucky).

He presents a ton of upside, especially given he’s coming off his best season to date. The combine can help do him some justice as there are some questions surrounding his expected length, although Wyatt’s functional strength is one of his better traits. May not be the prettiest selection but as the water to Dan Lanning’s defensive Kool-Aid, Wyatt is due for a productive career.

16. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The best pass protecting tackle in this class as far as I’m concerned — and why wouldn’t he be? A two year starter coming from Mike Leach’s air raid system, Cross made significant strides allowing only 16 pressures on a whopping 719 pass protection reps ( per PFF) this past season. A prospect that continues to improve with due time — heading into his senior season at Laurel High School (Mississippi) Cross was a three star recruit. Yet by season’s end ESPN had him ranked as a four star, while Rivals and 24/7 Sports had him as high as a five star recruit.

As a redshirt freshman, Cross allowed 44 pressures on 574 pass blocking reps but as we mentioned bought that number down significantly this past season. With only 22 career starts, carries average experience. Reminds me of a dancing bear when you watch him engage into and hold off defenders. Cross has a really solid base, very rare you see him bullied; can give up some ground as he works to get himself into position but settles in very well. He understands hand placement; he understood the message when coaches told him to get underneath their pads. A legit mauler in the RPO and screen game, but carries some questions as a run blocker. More of a phone booth blocker in the running game, not much functional athleticism to get him out into space. Certainly couldn’t see him playing in a wide zone scheme. Best fits in a pass happy offense as a bookend LT who offers a quarterback high quality protection along the blindside.

17. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The pride of Texas football powerhouse Lake Travis High School and a top 15 recruit nationally, let’s just say expectations were through the roof for Garrett Wilson as he arrived in Columbus being dubbed as the next superstar receiver from #Zone6. Well, not only did the former five star recruit not disappoint, but it didn’t take him long to impress either.

Of course, everyone remembers the astonishing reception in the CFB Playoff game against Clemson as a freshman (the photo above), but that was only a taste of things to come. Racking up over 2200 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in three seasons, Wilson is a legit chain mover. He’ll dominate from the short (‘21 vs Akron) and intermediate area with his ability to separate from defenders (‘21 vs Oregon).

The kid deserves a 7/11 sponsorship because he’s literally always open, while he isn’t necessarily the most polished route runner he just knows leverage. Even when he’s not ‘open’ he’s open as stated by that reception against Clemson, but also has another vs. Michigan where clearly the better athlete won and he was the better athlete. Operated mostly from the slot during his time at Ohio State but has shown abilities to play and win successfully from the outside. At times, he suffers a cases of the drops. He’s listed with six on the year according to PFF, but I’d attribute a few of those to focus drops; wanting to gain YAC before making the catch. Ideally Wilson is a high level WR2/fringe WR1 at the next level — has some things you’d like to see him improve on but has shown to have a high ceiling. As Buckeyes WR Coach Brian Hartline stated about him when he was a freshman ‘Garrett Wilson is not even close to scratching the surface.”

18. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

I’m not a big fan of this quarterback class just like many of us, but someone has to be QB1 right? For a while I was locked in with a certain quarterback from Cincinnati as the potential QB1, but then the Senior Bowl came around. There was a lot of up and down play and many could make the argument the winner was Matt Coral for not attending in the first place. Yet with all the chatter surrounding passers, the redshirt senior from Liberty was the one that caught the eye of everyone. Such a polarizing prospect, is he ready to come in and contribute from day one? Probably not — he’s raw. But just about every Saturday he stepped foot on the field it was clear he was the best athlete on it.

Of course, you have a few concerning decisions like him forcing the ball into coverage unwarranted (‘21 vs Syracuse). So yeah decision making isn’t ideal at times and the accuracy can be a bit spotty but you have to remember, Willis doesn’t have the luxury of playing beside NFL level prospect like a lot of the better prospects. Many give a pass to Sam Howell because he was forced to perform in an offense that loss three NFL caliber prospects well Willis had none. So when you evaluate Willis it’s critical to get a grasp of his traits and Willis shows quality control on an offense for the level of talent he plays with, processes a Jalen Hurts-esque skill set with a JaMarcus Russell level arm. I don’t like to use him as a comparison because you can’t really identify development trajectory but you can’t help but see the parallels with early Josh Allen. Again Willis is raw so that’s a long shot at this moment, but it’s easy to fall in love with his traits. You just have to understand you’re dealing with a project (cater to your quarterback!) but then again so are most of the guys in this class. Willis just has the most upside.

19. DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

The former number 16 overall recruit in the nation (number 2 DT) of the 2019 class, Leal is… well different. You see DeMarvin Leal is a really good football player (hints the reason he was ranked so high), he has the versatility to lineup at any position at any gap across the defensive line. Nose tackle? Maybe. 5 tech? This personally is where I think he will make his money in the league. Want to put him at the 4i right over on the outside shoulder of the guard? Leal can get it done. He’s a quality pass rusher who often knows how he what’s to go about his plan of attack. Can be Brandon Graham-esque with how he can create pressure but not come away with sacks. In the run game he’s interesting to say the least; would like to see him be quicker in read and react situations. Sounds like the ideal prospect right? Well, as I said good football player. But the problem with Leal is, well he’s so versatile that he doesn’t necessarily have a home on the field.

All of the stuff we discuss works in college, but once you reach the next level, offensive linemen are bigger and faster than the previous. And at 6-foot-4 and an estimated 290 pounds there are certainly some questions as to how Leal will hold up at the next level. I often say it’s better to be 75/75 than 50/50; meaning being good at a lot of things is good enough to get you on the the field at some point or another especially with the direction the game is headed. However, in order to stay on the field you have to offer a team some sort of idea of how they can use you on a consistent basis and Leal just doesn’t offer that. I believe Leal have to been placed in a system that fines ways to create matchups for defensive linemen from play to play or a team with at least one other high level DL to reach his true potential.

20. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

He has all of the traits in the world! Listed as 6-foot-5 and an estimated 250 pounds , Ojabo’s ceiling is through the roof. A prospect who only began playing football in just his junior year of high school, there is so much to like about the prospect, yet so much left to be desired. It was clear that Michigan didn’t trust him much when faced with heavy run fit situations, which brings questions about his abilities to be an early down player at this point in his development.

A sponge, despite not having played much football (only 14 career games played) Ojabo had the opportunity to see a multitude of quality NFL pass rushing prospects before he got his shot, which shows in his 11 sacks on the season (had none coming into the season). His blend of size and speed off the edge is sure to excite some GM’s; it’s almost laughable how good his first step explosion is and he loses none of that explosiveness when moving laterally down the LOS. A high risk high reward player that if all goes right could become a consistent double digit sack player.