Thibodeaux Leads Former NFL GMs’ Edge Rusher…

NFL Draft – Some of the top players in the 2022 NFL draft are going to come from the edge rusher position. The 33rd Team ranked the top 10 edge rusher prospects including their full scouting reports which were designed by the systems former front office executives implemented in their draft processes.

1) Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Key Measurables:  6040, 254, 33 ⅛ in Arms

Notable 2021 Stats: 12 TFLs, 7 sacks, 2 FFs

Best Trait: Get off

Player Comp: Josh Allen

Background:

Kayvon Thibodeaux is a JR at the University of Oregon who has started 23 of 32 career games. In HS, he was the No. 1 player in the country by ESPN300, No. 2 by 247Sports, and was named High School Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. He is the highest rated signee in Oregon History. In 2019, he set an Oregon Freshman sack record (9). He also led the country in 4th quarter sacks (7). He was named a Freshman All-American by multiple outlets, and was named Coaches PAC-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. In 2020, he won the award for top lineman in the PAC-12), and was named MVP of the PAC-12 Championship Game. He also was named an All-American on multiple outlets and received All-PAC-12 honors. In 2021, he earned All-PAC-12 honors, was a 2nd team All-American (CBS Sports). He is T-7th in program history in career sacks (19). He has the 5th most TFLs (34.5) among all active CFB players since 2019. In 3 PAC-12 Championship Games, he has 21 pressures, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. 

Projection:

Thibodeaux fits best as 3-4 OLB, who can also play as a 4-3 ED. He projects as a Day 1 starter you can win with, and has the potential to become an All-Pro player down the road.

Kayvon Thibodeaux Scouting Report

2) Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

Key Measurables:  6065, 260, 32 ⅛ in Arms

Notable 2021 Stats: 16.5 TFLs, 14 sacks, 2 FFs

Best Trait: Refined Technique/Play Strength

Player Comp: less athletic Nick Bosa

Background:

Aidan Hutchinson is a senior at the University of Michigan who has started 30 of 43 career games. In HS, Hutchinson was a former four star product, the top ranked recruit in Michigan, and also played lacrosse in high school. His dad, Chris Hutchinson, played football at Michigan (1989-1992). Aidan was a consensus All-American in 2021 and was also a Heisman Trophy runner-up. He became the third defensive player ever to finish second in voting for the Heisman. He was also named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten DL of the Year, top lineman in the country, consensus First-Team All-Big Ten, and was an Academic All-American. Hutchinson was also voted captain by his teammates in both 2020 and 2021. 

Projection:

Aidan Hutchinson is already very well developed and has an NFL frame who will be able to contribute immediately. Hutchinson fits best as a 4-3 ED who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. Hutchinson projects as a day one starter who has pro bowl potential.

Aidan Hutchinson Scouting Report

3) George Karlaftis, Purdue

Key Measurables:  6036, 266, 32 5/8 inch Arms

Notable 2021 Stats: 6.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 3 FFs

Best Trait: Play Strength

Player Comp: Ryan Kerrigan

Background:

George Karlaftis is a JR from Purdue, who has started 27 of 27 career games. He’s a former four star prospect who became one of the best defensive players on the team upon his arrival in 2019. In 2019, he was a First-Team Freshman All-American, and Second Team All-Big Ten. In 2020, he was an Academic All-Big Ten, and was Second Team All-Big Ten despite only playing in three games. In 2021, he was First-Team All-Big Ten. 

Projection:

Karlaftis fits best as a strongside 4-3 ED who will play with his hand in the dirt. He also can play standing up and can play as a DE in a 3-4. He can be moved inside in sub packages as well. He would benefit from playing alongside another dominant edge. Karlaftis projects as a day one starter who you can win with, and has pro bowl potential down the line.

George Karlaftis Scouting Report