NFL DRAFT PASS RUSHERS LOOK TO GO FIRST IN

Ralph Russo, the lead college football writer for The Associated Press, gives his take on the players to watch in the 2022 NFL Draft. He expects defensive ends to be among the top picks and dominate the first-round selections along with offensive linemen

DE • AIDAN HUTCHINSON,

6-6, 265 pounds, Michigan

Strengths: Relentless and efficient pass rusher with a good combination of technique and an assortment of moves.

Weaknesses: Overall athleticism is a notch below some elite pass rushers who have gone in the top five in recent years like the Bosa brothers.

Fact: The Heisman Trophy runnerup last season is the son of former Michigan defensive lineman and team captain Chris Hutchinson.

Could be off the board by: Odds on favorite to the first overall pick, but far

from a lock.

CB • AHMAD GARDNER,

6-2, 190, Cincinnati Strengths: Tall, longarmed and fast. Moves his lanky frame smoothly and plays aggressively at the line of scrimmage.

Weaknesses: Not a lot of power in his game and he can get grabby, but the corner nicknamed Sauce was the definition of lockdown.

Fact: Did not allow a TD reception in his three-year college career.

Could be off the board by: No. 2 overall is not out of the question.

DE •

TRAVON WALKER,

6-5, 275, Georgia Strengths: Speed and athleticism for his size and build are prototypical and he could probably add some weight without losing much of what makes him special.

Weaknesses: Pass-rush technique needs work.

Fact: One-year starter whose production (13 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks) was just OK playing as part of a deep rotation at Georgia.

Could be off the board by: Top five with first overall potential.

DE •

KAYVON THIBODEAUX, 6-5, 258, Oregon Strengths:

Pounces past blockers to make plays in the backfield with uncanny burst and length. Weaknesses: Long, lean build doesn’t lend itself to adding weight.

Fact: Former five-star recruit seemed destined to be a first overall draft pick after freshman season, but between injuries and a shortened pandemic season he never put together a full dominant year.

Could be off the board by: Thibodeaux could slip out of the top five, but probably not far.

OT •

IKEM EKWONU,

6-4, 310, North Carolina State

Strengths: Light on his feet and able to lock up defenders with his long arms. Scores high marks for leadership and likeability off the field.

Weaknesses: Can get a little too aggressive — 10 penalties in his career — but it comes with a desirable toughness.

Fact: Nicknamed Ickey after former Bengals running back Ickey Woods by a youth football coach.

Could be off the board by: Maybe he gets past pick 10, but top five is more likely.

OT • EVAN NEAL,

6-7, 335, Alabama Strengths: Remarkable combination of size and explosive athleticism.

Weaknesses: Balance and sustaining blocks need to become more consistent, but as long as he keeps his weight in check there is a lot to like.

Fact: Started 40 games and missed only one in his three-year career, which ended as an AP All-American.

Could be off the board by: Neal and Ekwonu should be 1-2 among O-linemen. Just depends on what order.

QB •

KENNY PICKETT,

6-3, 217, Pittsburgh Strengths: Throws with good anticipation and seems to process quickly. Good athlete with a solid arm.

Weaknesses: This is not a draft with elite QB prospects, but Pickett is probably the safest bet to become a productive starter with perhaps a relatively low ceiling.

Fact: A fifth season of college football turned Pickett into a first-round draft pick after setting Pitt records for passing yards (12,303) and total touchdowns (102).

Could be off the board by: Pickett originally committed to Temple (then coached by

Matt Rhule out of high school). Rhule’s Carolina Panthers select No. 6 and could use a QB.

WR •

GARRETT WILSON, 5-11, 185, Ohio State Strengths:

Highly skilled at tracking the flight of the ball. Works the sideline adeptly with excellent footwork and has speed and precision to run away from defenders.

Weaknesses: On the lean side.

Fact: Playing with other star receivers limited his production, but he caught 23 touchdown passes in 33 career games with 19 starts.

Could be off the board by: Potential to be the first receiver off the board and a top10 pick in a draft loaded with talented pass

catchers.