Broncos' EDGE options in the 2022 NFL Draft

It’s been a dramatic last few years for the Denver Broncos’ edge defenders, as they have battled numerous injuries and saw Von Miller exit the building and Randy Gregory enter. Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed are in contract years and while EDGE may not necessarily be a need for the 2022 season, the Broncos will almost certainly be taking interest in this draft’s incredibly deep class.

Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jermaine Johnson, Travon Walker and George Karlaftis are almost certainly out of reach for the Broncos, barring another blockbuster trade where Denver gives up future compensation.

Despite being out of the running for the consensus top-five edge prospects, there remains a very intriguing group of players that could be trade-up targets or available at picks 64, 75 or 96.

David Ojabo, Michigan

After suffering a torn Achilles tendon at Michigan’s Pro Day, David Ojabo is now in play for the Broncos. The chances of Ojabo lasting until 64 overall are quite slim, but a drop into the second round is expected, which would put him in range for Denver to trade up for the star pass rusher. Ojabo had an excellent 2021 season for the Wolverines with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. He possesses an exciting but raw combination of speed, bend, and pass rush ability to project as a double-digit sack-per-year player in the NFL if he is able to recover and continue his development path.

Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State

The Temple transfer joined the Penn State football team in 2021 and was an instant contributor to the Nittany Lion defense. Ebiketie led his team in sacks (9.5) and tackles for a loss (18) and delivered stand-out performances at the Senior Bowl, Combine and Pro Day. He is a long and explosive player that has the ability to convert speed to power, win with hand use and showed an innate ability to shoot gaps and counter inside. Like Ojabo, Ebiketie may not make it to 64 overall but could be a potential second-round trade-up target in a jam-packed edge class.

Boye Mafe, Minnesota

Boye Mafe spent four years with the Gophers program before he got his opportunity to start in 2021. He only generated average production in 2021 but had enough flashes of potential to earn Day 2 consideration. Mafe showed the ability to win off the edge with violent hands, bend and first-step quickness but lacked consistency and nuance as a rusher. He is able to play with his hand in the dirt and be a versatile player along the defensive front. Mafe also produced an elite RAS score confirming his high athletic upside. Minnesota’s No. 34 projects to be a developmental player but could produce good returns in a deep defensive-line rotation and special teams role his first two seasons.

Logan Hall, Houston

Logan Hall is one of if not the biggest moldable balls of clay in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hall has an excellent frame at 6-foot-6, 283 pounds and is similar to former Cougar and 2021 Draft prospect Payton Turner in terms of size and position. Turner was an extremely versatile player that played all the way up and down the defensive front for the Cougars. He showed the ability to win with his hands, length and first-step quickness in the pass and run game. While his versatility is one of his greatest traits, Hall will need to find a position to study and commit to in the NFL.

Drake Jackson, USC

A former four-star recruit and a projected first-round player in the lead up to the 2021 season, Drake Jackson was unable to capitalize on pre-season momentum but has plenty of tools to work with. At 6-foot-3, 254 pounds with 34-inch arms, Jackson boasts an excellent frame with bend, burst and speed to get to the quarterback. He needs to continue filling out his frame, improve his strength, develop his hands and plan as a pass rusher before he will be considered a major threat to opposing teams.

Cameron Thomas, San Diego State

A three-year starter for the Aztecs, Cameron Thomas was able to build off of solid 2019 and 2020 seasons with a very good 2021 where he had 10.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for a loss. Thomas was a reliable, versatile player along the Aztec’s defensive front that often won with power, hand use and first-step explosion. Thomas isn’t a natural edge bender but at 6-foot-4 and 267 pounds, he would be a reliable 4-3 defensive end with the potential to add strength and size to become a full-time interior defensive lineman.

Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati

Myjai Sanders was an impact player for the Bearcats in 2020 but was unable to build on last year’s momentum and only had 2.5 sacks in 2021. Sanders has the length and athletic profile of an NFL edge player but will require time as he continues his development. His length, powerful hands, motor and athleticism make him an exciting mid-round edge prospect with the upside to be a starting-caliber player by the end of his rookie contract. 

Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina

Kingsley Enagbare was a four-year contributor that started on the edge the last two years for the Gamecocks. He is a big, long rusher that showed flashes of physical dominance in his ability to bull rush and convert speed to power. Enagbare does not show the ability to bend and dip around the edge on tackles and will need to improve his hands, football instincts and plan as a rusher to become an impactful edge defender. It’s entirely possible that Enagbare would be better utilized with his hand in the dirt where he can capitalize on his natural ability to generate power and win in a straight line.

Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma

Nik Bonitto is an undersized yet athletic player that produced at a sufficient level for the Sooners the last two seasons. Bonitto wins with quickness, flexibility and bend to maneuver his way around blockers but currently does not have the strength to be a reliable defender when it comes to playing the run and setting the edge. Bonitto has the skills to become an impactful pass rusher in the NFL but will need time and development to become a reliable three-down player.

Sam Williams, Ole Miss

A junior college transfer who joined the Ole Miss football team in 2019, Sam Williams took the opportunity to stay in college with an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That decision paid off beautifully for Williams as he had a great 2021 season leading the Rebels in sacks, tackles for a loss and forced fumbles. Williams appeared comfortable playing as a standing edge and as a defensive end with his hand in the dirt. He showcased the ability to win with power and shoot inside gaps but lacks in terms of bend and ability to key and diagnose plays.