2022 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive End

1/15/22: Thibodeaux recorded 49 tackles, seven sacks, one pass batted and two forced fumbles in 2021, but he also spent much of the year dealing a balky ankle. He missed a few games with the ankle injury and decided to skip Oregon's bowl game in favor of draft preparation. Thibodeaux was productive in 2021 despite playing at less than 100 percent and teams sending a steady amount of extra blocking his direction or moving plays away from him. Team sources say Thibodeaux is worthy of being a high first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and feel he could be a Khalil Mack-type rusher in the NFL.

7/10/21: Thibodeaux recorded 32 tackles, three sacks and three passes batted in 2020. He had a superb freshman season for the Ducks, doing an excellent job of getting after the quarterback and totaling nine sacks, 35 tackles, a forced fumble and three passes batted. It would help Thibodeaux (6-5, 242) to gain more strength, as he will need more weight to hold up as a run defender and to shed blocks from NFL offensive linemen. He has plenty of time to add weight and grow stronger over the next year.

1/15/22: In 2021, Hutchinson had 62 tackles, 14 sacks, three passes batted, a fumble recovered and two forced fumbles - another one was mistakenly given to a teammate. He was a steady pass rusher and a big presence for the Wolverines defense. Even with extra attention, Hutchinson was a consistent force to get after the quarterback, and Hutchinson helped teammate David Ojabo have a breakout season across from him.

Here's how a team's director of player personnel summarized Hutchinson, "I think he's a good athlete with speed and a pretty good get-off. I'm concerned with strength. He really doesn't want that smoke as a run defender. He wants to with suddenness and athletic ability as a run defender, moving and slanting. Hutchinson has issues holding up at point of attack. He's sufficient vs. the run because he can find it and can win with quicks and athletic ability. But when they run right at him, it's alarming."

7/10/21: Hutchinson was excellent to open 2020, collecting 13 tackles and a pass batted before going down with an ankle fracture that required surgery. He broke out as a sophomore for the Wolverines as a tough defender who flashed pass-rush ability. In 2019, he had 68 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Hutchinson has good size for the next level in that he could be a base end in a 4-3 or a 3-4 five-technique defensive end. Improving his pass-rush production would help Hutchinson, but he is a phenomenal run defender who flashes an ability to get to the quarterback. He is quick at the point of attack and causes a lot of disruption behind the line of scrimmage.

1/15/22: In 2021, Karlaftis had 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles. He is an interesting player because team sources say he shows some ability as a pass rusher, including functional strength to get off blocks, but that does not translate to defending the run, where he needs to get stronger for the NFL.

7/10/21: Karlaftis recorded four tackles and two sacks in 2020 while missing time with a leg injury. He broke out for the Boilermakers in 2019, totaling 7.5 sacks with 54 tackles in his debut. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has the upside to get better.

1/15/22: With Aidan Hutchinson commanding a lot of attention, Ojabo broke out in 2021, recording 35 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes defended. There is no doubt that Ojabo is very fast off the edge with the ability to bend underneath offensive tackles. Ojabo could stand to get better as a run defender for the NFL. He is a 1-year wonder who could find his best fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1/15/22: Johnson totaled 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2021. He made big plays in run defense and the pass rush. Johnson was a high-effort player for the Seminoles, making a lot of stops in the ground game along with putting steady pressure on the quarterback.

7/10/21: In 2020, Johnson was part of a loaded group of edge rushers at Georgia. Azeez Ojulari was the featured defender, while Johnson, Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith rotated for snaps. Anderson and Johnson both flashed, with Johnson recording four sacks and 14 tackles in backup duty. With Anderson and Smith returning to the Bulldogs, Johnson transferred to Florida State. Some NFL scouts gave Johnson a high projection on their preseason watch list. Johnson has good size and speed off the edge.

1/15/22: Scouts were buzzing about Walker in the early going of the 2021 season, and he really helped move himself up boards for the 2022 NFL Draft. The junior put together an impressive 2021, including a big performance against Clemson in the season opener. On the year, he had 34 tackles and five sacks. Team sources say Walker is big, athletic and speed. They feel is a well-rounded defender with a lot of upside. The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder has the size to set the edge and is quick off the ball. Don't be surprised if Walker is a riser throughout the 2022 NFL Draft process.

1/15/22: In 2021, Jackson totaled 37 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and an interception. He came up with some clutch plays in USC's comeback win over Washington State. Jackson showed pass-rushing talent off the edge and played hard. USC hurt his production by moving him around, playing him somewhat at outside linebacker, dropping him into coverage, and reducing his pass-rushing opportunities.

7/10/21: Jackson played well in 2020, recording 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception. He was more disruptive than the numbers illustrate. Jackson (6-4, 275) had an impressive debut for the Trojans in 2019. He showed some pass-rush potential alongside quality size and speed. With his skill set, Jackson has the upside to improve his production as he gains more experience.

1/15/22: Hall broke out for the Cougars in 2021, showing length, strength, quickness, and athleticism to set the edge. On the year, he had 47 tackles and six sacks. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has the strength to set the edge in the ground game and has the length to play 3-4 five-technique defensive end. Hall looks like the rare five-technique prospect who is capable of putting pressure on the quarterback. He is a riser who could go in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.

7/10/21: Hall was listed as a defensive tackle on NFL teams' preseason watch list, but at his current size, he would have to move to defensive end in the NFL. Hall has good length and speed, but he is too light to line up every down on the inside. With his skill set taking on easy competition, Hall needs to produce more in 2021.

1/15/22: Some in the media are projecting Thomas in the first round, but team sources said they don't have him that high. They feel he could have issues with strength holding up against inside runs, and they say Thomas is not overly twitchy or explosive. On the other hand, he was very productive in 2021, recording 71 tackles, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Thomas had four sacks in 2020 and 5.5 in 2019. Thomas has wisely accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl.

1/15/22: Team sources rave about McDonald's pass-rush ability and his natural skills at getting after the quarterback. He is fast and athletic, allowing him to shoot past blockers and put steady heat on the signal-caller. NFL teams, however, say McDonald is terrible versus the run and even bad opponents can destroy him in the ground game. Hence, he might be more of a designated pass rusher as a pro. McDonald totaled 36 tackles, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2021. He recorded 10.5 sacks and 33 tackles in 2020 after recording six sacks in 2019.

1/15/22: Teams sources say Williams would be a first- or second-round pick if it weren't for significant character concerns. They say that his tape and skill set are superb, but the off-the-field issues could push him down into the mid-rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams was phenomenal in 2021 and one of the best defensive lineman in the nation. He had 57 tackles, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one pass defended on the year.

7/10/21: Williams had a solid 2020 season, showing run-stuffing skills and some ability to play in pass coverage. For the second straight year, Williams showed blitzing ability as well. He looks like a potential three-down starter in the NFL. Williams did a nice job of blitzing the quarterback off the edge in 2019, and he showed some nice ability to put pressure on the signal-caller. Similar to teammate Lakia Henry, Williams is a junior college product who could be better in his third season with Ole Miss.

1/15/22: Ebiketie played well for the Nittany Lions in 2021, picking up 62 tackles, 9.5 sacks and two forced fumble. He was impactful in Penn State's close wins over Wisconsin and Auburn. Ebiketie has size limitations for the NFL, but some team sources have compared him to Yannick Ngakoue.

7/10/21: Ebiketie impressed NFL advance scouts with his 2020 performance while playing for the Temple Owls. He totaled 42 tackles with four sacks. For the NFL, Ebiketie is undersized to be a defensive end and probably would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1/15/22: Sanders had a quality year for Bearcats even though he did not produce a big stat line. He totaled 41 tackles, 2.5 sacks and six passes broken up in 2021.

7/10/21: In 2020 Sanders was a dangerous edge rusher for the Bearcats, notching seven sacks with 31 tackles and five passes batted. He had 40 tackles and four sacks in 2019. Sanders has speed and athleticism on the edge, but he needs to get stronger and fill out his frame. His best fit in the NFL could be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1/15/22: Smith started 2021 well, was not as good in the back half of the season, but finished better with two quality games in the college football playoff. He had 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 55 tackles in 2021. Smith has illustrated he still needs more development for the NFL. Team sources say they like Smith's quickness and how hard he plays, but they feel he needs to get stronger and bigger for the NFL. Therefore, returning for his senior year could be the best move for Smith's development as a player and his draft grade.

7/10/21: In 2020, Smith recorded 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He flashed ability as an underclassman and should improve as he gains experience. Smith has the ability to take on a bigger role as a pass rusher and run defender in 2021.

1/15/22: In 2021, Barno had 35 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was not as tenacious as a pass rusher. Barno must get stronger because his run defense is a real liability entering the NFL.

7/10/21: Barno has some serious speed with a frame to get bigger as he ages in the NFL. Barno broke out in 2020, recording 6.5 sacks with 43 tackles, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. He could be even better now that he has a year of experience, and NFL advance scouts were impressed with his 2020 tape.

1/15/22: Clemons recorded 32 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2021. He was a tough defender for the Aggies. Half of his sacks came in one game versus LSU. Team sources say Clemons could be a third- or fourth-round pick who develops into being a starter in the NFL. He is a well-rounded base end who can hold his ground against the run and rush the passer.

7/10/21: Clemson played well for the Aggies in 2020, showing some ability to get after the quarterback. He could rise as a senior if he can leverage his experience to build off his four-sack junior year. Clemons has quality size with some quickness and athleticism on the edge.

1/15/22: In 2021, Engabare had 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two passes batted. He played well for the Gamecocks.

7/10/21: Enagbare started to make his presence felt as a sophomore, but showed real improvement as a pass rusher during his junior season. He totaled six sacks, three forced fumbles and 30 tackles for 2020. In 2021, it would help him to continue to improve as a rusher while adding strength to be a tougher run defender.

1/15/22: Gunter was solid for Coastal Carolina in 2021, but it would have helped him to have a more productive season. He totaled 35 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass batted.

7/10/21: Over the past two seasons, Gunter was a dangerous edge rusher for the Chanticleers. He broke out in 2018 with 49 tackles and five sacks, but transferred to N.C. State after the season. Gunter was forced to sit out the 2019 season before transferring back to Coastal Carolina for 2020. In 2020, he was even better than his sophomore year, recording 58 tackles with 6.5 sacks, one interception, one pass defended and a tremendous six forced fumbles. Gunter has quality size to be an edge defender in the NFL.

1/15/22: Smith had a slow start to the 2021 season, and his lack of pass-rush pressure really hurt Ohio State against Oregon and Minnesota. Smith started playing better afterward, including putting up a big game against Penn State. He didn't do enough in 2021 to be a riser and build momentum for the 2022 NFL Draft.

7/10/21: In limited action because of a lot of cancellations in 2020, Smith was solid. He started slowly, but he was coming alive in the final regular-season games for Ohio State. He made the right decision for his player development to go back to the Buckeyes for 2021. Smith needs to become a more consistent pass rusher this coming season.

1/15/22: Cox recorded 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks and four passes battedr in 2021. Almost half of his sacks came versus Florida State, but Cox ended the year with 7.5 sacks over the final four games. He plays hard and shows the ability to power rush with heavy hands. While Cox has improved from 2020, he should probably go back to Florida for his senior year and work on his pass-rushing moves before heading to the NFL.

7/10/21: Cox recorded 41 tackles, four sacks and two passes broken up in 2020, but he played better than the numbers indicate. Cox possesses a great skill set with size, speed and athleticism off the edge. He has a lot of ability to become an early-round prospect.

1/15/22: Malone had 94 tackles, nine sacks, four passes defended and four forced fumbles in 2021.

7/10/21: Malone was a dangerous quarterback hunter over the past three seasons for the Hilltoppers. Along with getting after the quarterback, Malone was a solid pursuit run defender, providing a lot of tackles for his defense. In the NFL, Malone could be too undersized to play defensive end and might be better off as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1/15/22: Gaye recorded 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks over six games in 2021 before going out for the season with an injury that required surgery. He should return to college to put together a healthy season before going to the NFL.

7/10/21: Gaye has never put together a big season of production, but he has an excellent skill set and could break out in 2021. In 2020, he recorded 32 tackles with two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Some of the NFL advance scouts have a high preseason projection on Gaye.

1/15/22: Paschal was solid for Kentucky in 2021. He had impressive games against Florida and Georgia. Paschal is a tough run defender who can contribute some pass rush. Gaining weight and moving inside to three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense could be his best hope to have an NFL career. In 2021, Paschal had 52 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble.

7/10/21: Paschal was a tough competitor in the ground game in 2020, but he did not produce much in the pass rush. He was wise to go back to school. Paschal needs to improve his pass-rush production as a senior. He could be a tweener defensive tackle/end, and he should probably gain weight to play on the inside as a pro.

Paschal does have a thick build with strength for a defensive end. He flashed more pass-rush ability in 2019 and 2017. Paschal lost his 2018 season to fighting malignant melanoma, but after beating cancer, he returned to the field in 2019 to put together a quality year for Kentucky.

1/15/22: VanValkenburg is a sleeper defensive end who could be a nice value on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. While he may not become a starter, he has the potential to be a quality rotational backup. In 2021, he totaled 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He had 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2020. VanValkenburg played very well to close out the 2021 season, impressing in the bowl game versus Kentucky.

1/15/22: Chambers played well in 2021, creating a buzz in the scouting community. He totaled 9.5 sacks, 52 tackles, four forced fumbles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and three passes batted on the year. Chambers recorded five sacks in 2019 and 4.5 sacks in 2018 playing at University of Houston. Playing well at an all-star game could help Chambers climb.

1/15/22: Thomas was unimpressive in 2021 despite having some really good talent next to him on the inside of the Clemson line in the early going of the year. On the year, Thomas had 21 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended.

7/10/21: Thomas contributed somewhat in the pass rush in 2020, but he did not produce well in run defense. He follows a trend of undersized edge rushers from Clemson that includes the likes of Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson. Thomas was buried on the depth chart behind Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant prior to 2019. Thomas could be better in 2021 now that he has more starting experience.

1/15/22: Thomas played well for Oklahoma in 2021, getting after the quarterback. He notched 38 tackles, seven sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles on the year. Some team sources said they have Thomas graded on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft as a potential backup in the NFL.

7/10/21: Thomas enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, racking up 8.5 sacks with 32 tackles, 13 for a loss, two passes defended and one forced fumble. It was a big jump from his underclassmen years as a backup. Thomas has quality size to him to go along with speed and athleticism. Now that he has a year of experience, Thomas could be even better in 2021 and rise for the 2022 NFL Draft.

1/15/22: Tisdale recorded eight tackles and zero sacks in 2021 from playing over four games before going out for the season in early October. He needed to show more pass-rushing talent.

7/10/21: Tisdale is a big defensive end who is a tough run defender at the point of attack. He has good strength and length to set the edge, but he needs to improve his pass-rush production dramatically as a senior in order to rise for the 2022 NFL Draft.

1/15/22: Stills recorded 36 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2021. He was a good defender for West Virginia.

7/10/21: Stills showed pass rush potential in 2019 when he recorded seven sacks for the Mountaineers. In 2020, he improved as a run defender, upping his stops from 23 to 35, but his pass rush was not as good with only two sacks on the season. Stills needs to improve in both phases to rise for the 2022 NFL Draft.

1/15/22: Anthony was playing well for LSU and on his way to a good season, but he suffered a non-contact knee injury versus Central Michigan that ended his 2021 season. The sixth-year senior might be better off taking a medical redshirt and returning to LSU.

7/10/21: Anthony was a backup in 2018 and 2019 before earning playing time as a junior in 2020. He totaled 5.5 sacks with 24 tackles in a solid debut. Anthony will need to increase his pass-rush production and show improvement as a run defender to rise. He should benefit in 2021 from Ali Gaye commanding attention across from him.

1/15/22: Johnson was a dangerous pass rusher for Texas A&M in 2021, recording 8.5 sacks and 31 tackles. He is very undersized for the NFL, however, making him look like a backup who might fit only as a designated pass rusher. Team sources say Johnson beat up on some bad tackles and really struggled against Alabama left tackle Evan Neal. They don't see freaky traits of speed and explosion to make up for Johnson's lack of size.

7/10/21: Johnson flashed some pass-rush ability in 2020, but he also illustrated limitations in the ground game. He could be more of a backup designated pass-rusher in the NFL. Johnson was wise to go back to school and improve before going to the next level.

Johnson contributed some pass rush in previous years, so he could rise now that he has some starting experience, plus he has a good end in Michael Clemons drawing attention on the other side. Johnson's best fit in the NFL could come as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1/15/22: Robinson only recorded 28 tackles in 2021, but he flashed some pass-rush ability by recording 4.5 sacks. He has accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

1/15/22: Charlton was decent for Mississippi State in 2021 with 35 tackles and four sacks.

7/10/21: Charlton was a solid defender for Central Florida in 2020. He decided to transfer to Mississippi State after the season. Charlton has the ability to be a capable edge defender, but needs to get stronger. He also has to up his pass-rush production with the Bulldogs.

1/15/22: Butler was productive in 2021, notching 49 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass batted.

7/10/21: Butler put together quality production in his three games of 2020. He was wise to go back to school for the 2021 season. Butler had a solid sophomore season, and that landed him on the radar for the NFL advance scouts. Butler needs to improve his pass-rush production and grow stronger for the next level.

1/15/22: Anderson was charged with rape and turned himself into the police. He has vehemently denied the accusation, but there is also another allegation from years ago that surfaced. If Anderson is exonerated, he could return to being an early-round pick, but right now, it looks like his pro football career could be over before it ever started.

In speaking to multiple team sources who said they had spoken to recent Georgia staffers and recent former teammates of Anderson, all of them have reported they were surprised and didn't believe he was that kind of guy. He had the reputation of being a good guy and teammate. As Deshaun Watson and others have proven, however, nobody knows for sure what people will do privately. Some team sources are wondering about the timing as the incident occurred the night before the Georgia game versus Florida. Sources are wondering why Anderson was at home and not at the team hotel. They wonder and question if he snuck out after curfew and bed check, so Anderson's situation is a huge mess for his draft stock. If he is innocent, this could be a situation like La'el Collins', where a first-round talent becomes a late-round steal.

In 2021, Anderson totaled 32 tackles and five sacks despite limited opportunities. He was a dynamic pass rusher and showed improved run defense. Anderson looked significantly better against the run in the games against Arkansas and Kentucky. Early on, WalterFootball.com caught up with a director of college scouting from a playoff team that is one of the best drafting teams in the NFL, and here is what they had to say about Anderson prior to the off-the-field trouble:

"Talk about holding a guy back; Georgia is definitely doing that. You're correct in his get-off being reminiscent of Von Miller at Texas A&M. Anderson should be a top-10 or top-15 pick if he keeps playing like he did against Clemson.

"He's only 230 pounds and really struggles to add weight because of a high metabolism. That's why Georgia says they don't start him. [Shrug emoji]"

A director of player personnel sent the following on Anderson earlier in the year: "I think he's a first-rounder; I haven't done enough tape to finalize how high, but he has all the traits."

Not all evaluators were high on Anderson because of him being a backup and rotational player. Here is what one area scout said about Anderson around the same time, "I think he goes in the first, but I wouldn't take him in the first because of his run defense and he's just a designated pass rusher. He is a freak athlete though and a special pass rusher. He is going to be freak at the combine and pro day. I wouldn't take a guy that high that isn't a three-down starter, but someone will take him up there though."

7/10/21: Some NFL advance scouts had Anderson with the highest preseason grade of any player on their preseason watch list. That tells you a lot about what they think of Anderson's skill set considering he enters his senior year having only been a rotational player and never having been a three-down starter. In 2020 as a part-time designated pass rusher, Anderson was tremendous at putting heat on the quarterback, collecting 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass batted. He only recorded 14 tackles for the season, however, because Azeez Ojulari played over him on run downs.

Anderson is tremendous pass rusher who produces quarterback pressure at an insane rate. Anderson looks like a bolt of lightning off the ball with his amazing first-step. Off the snap, it is as if he has been shot out of cannon as he explodes upfield with shocking speed. On top of being very fast, Anderson shows an uncanny ability to bend his long frame. The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder needs to get stronger and improve his run defense for the NFL, but he looks like he has the potential to be a lethal pass rusher who produces some big sack totals and makes a lot of game-changing plays to limit passing attacks.