2022 NFL Draft Top 100 rankings live updates: Dane Brugler Q&A on quarterbacks, top picks, trades and more

February 17, 2022 at 7:17 PM ESTThe best corners for a zone schemeWhat first/second-round corners in this year’s draft are best fit for a zone scheme? — Brendan L.In the first round, Washington CB Trent McDuffie is really skilled in off-man and zone. You can tell how much he watches film by his ability to diagnose routes and get a head start with his reads. He might not have ideal size, but he should test well. In the second round, Florida CB Kaiir Elam can play man, but he might be best in a cover-2 scheme where he can float and make plays.(Photo: Joe Nicholson / USA Today)Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 6:46 PM ESTRound two players with round one upsideWho are those guys that are looking like round two but have the round one traits and upside, just maybe haven’t put it all together on tape/in college? — Colin C.Texas A&M DT DeMarvin Leal is definitely in that bucket. Really fluid, smooth athlete for 290 pounds. Moves differently than most his size. But he is a tweener and struggles to consistently win with his hands. He has first-round traits, but not a first-round impact on the game.Washington CB Kyler Gordon is going to test off the charts, but questions about his instincts and feel in coverage are why he has a lot of day two grades around the league. Minnesota pass rusher Boye Maye another one. A freaky tester, he’ll create headlines at the combine. But he’s a below-average run defender right now.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 6:46 PM ESTWill there be a run on QBs in this draft?What are the odds that two or three teams get QB crazy (Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis etc.), pushing the value of the top 10 picks for teams who don’t need a quarterback? — Mike C.You never say never because once the coaches get involved in the process, anything is possible. I can’t stress enough how important the interview process is for quarterbacks during the draft process. Obviously, the on-field matters, but it’s an intangible position, and if teams don’t think you have leadership traits or the mental aptitude, they just won’t consider you in the first round. On the flip side, if you command the room and impress with the X’s and O’s, that’s what will give you a bump throughout the process.Kenny Pickett killed his interviews at the Senior Bowl and will probably do the same at the combine — will it be enough for teams like the Steelers or Commanders to go all in? Will they need to get ahead of the Panthers at No. 6 to secure him? You never rule anything out when it comes to the quarterbacks.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftThe sports news you need. Free every morning.The Pulse newsletter delivers the day’s top sports stories straight to your inbox.February 17, 2022 at 6:07 PM ESTShould the Giants trade down?Does it make sense for the NY Giants to trade down if they find a buyer? I’m not sure there’s much difference between No. 5 and No. 15 or so in this draft. — Robert W.Last year, several teams were trying to trade up because of the number of top-tier prospects. This year is the opposite, it makes sense for every team in the top 10 to trade back because of the lack of high-end talent. But why is a team going to give up assets to move up? Maybe if a quarterback-desperate team wants to secure a specific quarterback, but besides that, it is tough to see a team trading up.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 5:42 PM ESTWhat is the deepest position in this draft?What do you feel is the deepest position in this year’s draft? — Dave C.It has to be pass rusher. I have five in my top 15. Nine in my top 40. And then another eight in the 51-100 range. And that doesn’t include other intriguing pass rushers who could all go in the first four rounds like Virginia Tech’s Amare Barno, Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto, Ohio State’s Tyreke Smith, Kentucky’s Josh Paschal or Texas A&M’s Michael Clemons.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 5:42 PM ESTWhy is Sean Rhyan’s stock falling?Why has UCLA OT Sean Rhyan dropped so much? Seems to play with power and grip strength. — Stephen P.I had high hopes for Rhyan over the summer, but his 2021 tape was somewhat of a letdown. I think he proved he’s not a tackle and will have to move inside to guard. I think he is strong and balanced at the point-of-attack. But his hands and feet just aren’t quick enough to routinely win or recover. I like him as an NFL backup who can push for starting reps as he continues to develop.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 5:16 PM ESTJustyn Ross’ outlookIs Justyn Ross a day two lock? It’s going to be interesting to see if he gets back to that form he once had. — Dom G.Nothing about Ross is guaranteed until the medical part of the combine. I know he was cleared to play last year at Clemson, but NFL teams will have different criteria, especially for a potential day two investment. (Photo: Rich Barnes / USA Today)Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 4:53 PM ESTIs Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson the draft’s most underrated player?Is Jermaine Johnson the most underrated prospect this year? — Miguel P.Johnson is a solid first-round guy and No. 15 overall for me. To me, the most underrated label should go to a player currently projected to be drafted outside the first round (for whatever reason) but should go higher. To me, a player like UAB pass rusher Alex Wright is very underrated. He isn’t talked about much, but has length, athleticism, and developing pass rush skills. Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore is underrated also — if there is a Cooper Kupp in this draft, it might be him.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 4:53 PM ESTWhat are your thoughts on Purdue’s David Bell?Thoughts on David Bell? — Jared O.Bell is a quality pass catcher. Balanced route runner. Makes natural adjustments to throws away from his frame. He just isn’t a dynamic separator. And the lack of explosiveness in his routes will be much more noticeable vs. NFL corners. His combine numbers will be interesting. Bell should be drafted somewhere in the 35-75 range. One scout called him similar to Michael Pittman.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 4:27 PM ESTSimilarities between Devin Lloyd and Micah Parsons?Dane, do you see any similarities between Micah Parsons and Devin Lloyd in the sense that everyone had Parsons pegged as an off-ball LB this time last year and then he was used as an edge rusher in Dallas and obviously excelled. Do you think Lloyd has those same capabilities? — Pasquale P.As good as Lloyd is, Parsons is a unicorn and is able to do things athletically that few others his size can do. With that said, I do think one of the main selling points with Lloyd is his versatility. He is a high school safety who looks comfortable dropping and making plays (four INTs this season), but he also has the quickness downhill (22.0 TFL) to beat blockers and be disruptive. So I wouldn’t say he has those “same” capabilities, but Lloyd has his own style of versatility that can be a valuable strength for a defense.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 4:10 PM ESTComparing this year’s QB crop to last year’sWhere would this year’s QBs have ranked if compared to last year? — Matt A.I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, none of the 2022 quarterbacks would have been ranked higher than the five quarterbacks drafted in the top 15 in the 2021 class. The fifth quarterback last year (Mac Jones) has a higher grade than any quarterback in this class.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 4:09 PM ESTJohn Ridgeway’s potential on the defensive lineDid John Ridgeway turn some heads at Senior Bowl week? The Vanilla Gorilla was a constant force for the Razorbacks DL this year and got overlooked in my opinion. — James A.There are only so many defensive linemen in this draft who are 6-5, 320 pounds with long arms and his pissed-off demeanor. That alone will earn him a spot in the top-120 picks. His rush is a little limited with those tall pads, but he can stack, lock out and control blocks, cleaning up in the run game. He’ll be a valuable rotation piece for a defense.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 3:29 PM ESTWhat’s the consensus — and the question — with Kayvon Thibodeaux?Why is the league souring on Kayvon Thibodeaux? — Josh M.Hi Dane, with Kayvon Thibodeaux, you mentioned that scouts have a “but” after his name? What are their reservations or concerns with him? — Glenn C.It’s important to point out that there was never a consensus on Thibodeaux. Some around the league called him overrated at this time last year. On this year’s tape, he dominated at times but also had stretches when he took plays off and consistency was an issue. Some believe he is closer to a Vic Beasley-level prospect than some of the other pass rushers we’ve seen go top-10 over the past decade. The interview process will be important at the combine. Thibodeaux is a confident guy, which can also be perceived (or misconstrued) as arrogance at times. This is how one scout described it to me: “His ego gets old quick. It’s not an endearing trait.” The league isn’t only reserved for humble superstars, and at the end of the day, his on-field potential is what will matter the most. But it is something that complicates his draft status.(Photo: Jaime Valdez / USA Today)Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 3:17 PM ESTIdeal first-round picks for the GiantsIkem Ekwonu and David Ojabo are my picks for the Giants. Will it happen? — Charles C.It’s one realistic scenario among many realistic scenarios. Making upgrades on the offensive line should be a top priority for the Giants’ front office this offseason, and Ekwonu, whether they view him long-term at tackle or guard, would give them a building block. Andrew Thomas and Ekwonu is a start.The varying opinions on Ojabo around the league are interesting. I still receive feedback from several smart people around the league that he’s not going to be drafted top-15 because of his current limitations vs. the run.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftGO FURTHERNew York Giants mock draft analysis: Top-10 picks need to address biggest holesFebruary 17, 2022 at 2:57 PM ESTWhere does Dameon Pierce rate?I’m loving that the podcast and articles are in full swing. What a great time of year! How far off was Dameon Pierce from making your top 100? I know you and Lance have both mentioned him on the pod, and he seems to have good size and a well-rounded skill set that makes the low usage in college a bit of a head scratcher. Is he a legitimate step below Tyler Allgeier and Kyren Williams? Thanks! — Christopher J.Pierce would have been next. He would have made it if I stretched my list to the top 120. Allgeier obviously is more proven, and Kyren is more of a change-up back who you’re going to deploy on passing downs. My appreciation for Pierce grew more and more throughout my time studying him. It is amazing that Florida didn’t utilize him more.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftGO FURTHERNFL Draft: From Kenny Pickett to Jalen Pitre, Senior Bowl practice winners at every positionFebruary 17, 2022 at 2:37 PM ESTAssessing the running backsWhen do you see the first running back drafted — and who takes that plunge (and on whom)? — Darren D.I think first round is possible. A team like the Cardinals at No. 23 or the Dolphins at No. 31 could have their eyes on Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker. More likely the early second round. The Texans at No. 37 would make sense.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftGO FURTHERTexans mock draft reaction: Kenneth Walker III won’t fix Houston’s ground game by himselfFebruary 17, 2022 at 1:49 PM ESTThe depth at OL and pass rushHow deep is this draft in offensive linemen and edge rushers? Is there good value say down in rounds three and four? — Dave P.Pass rushers, absolutely. Not only are there talented pass rushers with early day three grades, but there are so many in the top 100 that a few are bound to slip a little bit, which will be a steal for some teams. Offensive line is a little tougher. I do think there are some talented offensive linemen who probably won’t be drafted until the fourth round (like UTSA’s Spencer Burford or Southern Utah’s Braxton Jones). But so many teams need OL help that it will be a position that is picked apart quickly. Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 1:28 PM ESTAssessing DeMarvin LealYou seem lower on DeMarvin Leal than most? — Ty M.Leal is a former five-star recruit with a ton of ability. But is he an edge rusher? Penetrating three-technique? He is a little bit of a tweener, and his tape is really uneven, which makes it tough to project him. There are times where you see flashes of Jonathan Allen, but he doesn’t play with the same power, pad level or hand technique to have that type of impact. He is gifted and still learning so, I think he is worth a second-round pick, but the first round feels rich.(Photo: Jerome Miron / USA Today)Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 1:08 PM ESTThe top-10 prospect with the most to gain in IndyWho in your top 20 has the most to gain and who has the most to lose at the combine? — Pete G.Probably Derek Stingley. He should test well and will need to check those boxes. But teams really want to know about the medicals and how he interviews. I mentioned this in my top 100, but if you switched Stingley’s 2019 and 2021 seasons, he might be the no-brainer top pick this year. So there is still plenty to figure out with him. Same with Kayvon Thibodeaux. How he presents himself and jells with teams during interviews could be the difference in him going No. 1 or No. 6. That’s a lot of money.Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL DraftFebruary 17, 2022 at 12:51 PM ESTWhere Jordan Love would fit in this QB classWhere would Jordan Love rank coming out this year? — Sam E.He’d be in the mix for QB1.(Photo: Wm. Glasheen / USA Today)Dane Brugler·Staff Writer, NFL Draft