2022 NFL Draft: Pro comparison for all 32 picks in Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
New York Giants pick No. 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: Josh Allen
Every year, some player falls due to teams overthinking them. That’s what happened with Kayvon Thibodeaux who might be the best EDGE in this class despite being the third off the board. As for his NFL comp, Josh Allen of the Jags is a player to look at.
They’re both 6-5 and around 260-pounds and each has the athleticism to play with their hand in the dirt on a four-man line as well as in a stand-up role as an outside linebacker who can get after the quarterback.
Carolina Panthers pick No. 6: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State: Jason peters
This one might be a little bit of a cheat since we are looking for active players but Jason Peters was in the NFL during the 2021 season, as a member of the Chicago Bears. He still also has not technically retired, so we can use him as a pro comp for North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu.
Peters and Ekwonu are both 6-foot-4 and each has long, powerful arms capable of holding off their defender. Ekwonu also plays with a bit of a mean streak but is known as a leader in the locker room — and Peters has been a leader which has allowed him to be one of the longest-tenured players in the league.
New York Giants pick No. 7: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: Jordan Mailata
When you look at Evan Neal one thing stands out — his massive size. Listed at 6-foot-7 and a half and 337-pounds, he’s built similar to Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles who stands in at 6-8 and 346-pounds. Known as a “bodyguard” on the field, Mailata just turned his play into a massive $64 million extension this offseason.
Neal is more technically sound coming out of college but the two share similar power and size making this the best comparison.
For the Giants, they will likely play him at right tackle with Andrew Thomas at left. This was a heck of a night for the G-Men.
Atlanta Falcons pick No. 8: Drake London, WR, USC: Mike Williams
The first wide receiver off the board was Drake London from USC who had 88 receptions in just eight games last season. He’s a huge target that can go up and take the ball away, which is the same style of play Mile Williams of the Chargers has. They’re also nearly identical in size, and if London does as well as Williams has so far, the Falcons will be thrilled.