2022 NFL Draft: 5 Most Explosive Rookies for 2022

The 2022 NFL Draft is set to be one of the more intriguing drafts in recent memory. There isn't a clear-cut #1 prospect who will be taken with the first pick, although Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal is trending in that direction. It is also not clear who the top quarterback is in the draft class. Anyone out of Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and Matt Corral could be the first off the board. But the consensus seems to be that none of them will go in the first ten picks, which would be the first time this has happened since 2013.

Nonetheless, the 2022 NFL Draft is still packed with explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. Part of the reason why most quarterbacks will be drafted later in the first round is due to the number of explosive receivers and defenders at the top of the draft board.

#1 - WR Jameson Williams is still viewed as a top NFL Draft prospect despite injury

Southern Miss v Alabama - WR Jameson Williams

Alabama receiver Jameson Williams was projected to be the top receiver in the draft prior to suffering a torn ACL in the national championship game. He is expected to make a full recovery and not lose any speed or explosiveness to his game. Williams averaged 100 yards and a touchdown per game in 2021 and was viewed as the top burner in college football. Most have him dropping out of the top-20 in the NFL Draft and falling to the New England Patriots at #22, replacing N'Keal Harry and placing him in a roster heavy with Alabama players.

2021 Stats

• 79 catches
• 1,572 yards
• 15 TDs
• 19.9 yards per catch

#2 - WR Drake London's size makes him a beast in the NFL

Stanford v USC- WR Drake London

USC receiver Drake London isn't viewed as one of the fastest prospects at 6-foot-five, 210 pounds. But speed isn't the only factor in being explosive. He's much larger than most of the other receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has mastered body control and has great bursts off screens and quick passes. It's not often someone with his frame lines up as a slot and plays effectively with precision routes. His downfield speed, physicality at the catch point on the outside and quick accerlation makes him a great player for a team picking in the second half of the first round. London could be the finishing piece for the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2021 Stats

• 88 catches
• 1,084 yards
• 7 touchdowns
• 12.3 yards per catch

#3 - DE Kayvon Thibodeaux's explosiveness makes him the better prospect than Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 NFL Draft

Colorado v Oregon - DE Kayvon Thibodeaux

Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson is getting the nod over Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux in most mock drafts, but Thibodeaux is more explosive with a higher ceiling, despite lower stats in 2021. He's an all-around star edge-rusher with limitless potential in the NFL. The few flaws to his game have nothing to do with speed or explosiveness, but rather his hand movements and reading power run schemes. Not only does he have speed, he also has the agile movements and fluid body control to match. Thibodeaux is ready for the NFL and will only get better with time, making a case for him to be the number one overall pick.

2021 Stats

• 10 games
• 49 tackles
• 7 sacks
• 12 TFL

#4 - DL Jordan Davis provides NFL with Vince Wilfork-like nose tackle

South Carolina v Georgia

Georgia's Jordan Davis is a prized possession in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a pure, talented nose tackle. He's quite similar to Vince Wilfork, who wrecked havoc on the defensive line for the Patriots dynasty. Davis is a mixture of speed, size, strength, athleticism and explosiveness that solidifies him as a first-round selection. Davis will fill the space as a 1 and 0-tech on the defensive line at 6-foot-six, 340 pounds while also being light on his feet and flexible. He lacks the skills to be a dominant pass-rusher, but he will shut down the run game by exploding through the lanes and racking up tackles for loss.

2021 Stats

• 14 games
• 32 tackles
• 2 sacks
• 5 TFL

#5 - QB Malik Willis is the most explosive QB in NFL Draft

LendingTree Bowl - Liberty v Eastern Michigan

As mentioned, this year's draft class has more questions than answers when it comes to quarterbacks. Liberty's Malik Willis seems to be getting passed over by scouts and analysts for playing in offenses like Auburn and Liberty. But that has little to do with what he can bring to the table in the NFL Draft. He is arguably the most explosive dual-threat in the draft. Once he sees his lane to take off out of the pocket, he's hard to catch up to and makes you miss in the open field. The only issue is that he has to contain his explosiveness in the pocket and clean up his footwork and pocket presence, which is key in the NFL. Too many dropsteps will get you eaten alive by pass-rushers.

2021 Stats

• 61.1% completion rate
• 2,857 yards
• 27 touchdowns
• 12 interceptions
• 878 rushing yards
• 13 rushing touchdowns