Mel Kiper 2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Hutchinson, Ekwonu Top Expert's Final Rankings

The Jacksonville Jaguars may be waffling on Aidan Hutchinson as their top player in the 2022 NFL draft class, but Mel Kiper Jr. is all-in.

The ESPN draft expert released his final player rankings Wednesday, one day ahead of the start of the event, with the Michigan defensive end remaining his top player in the class. North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu is Kiper's No. 2 prospect.

Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker, who has emerged as a top candidate to be taken with the No. 1 selection, is all the way down at No. 9.

Hutchinson has been the consensus No. 1 player in this class among draft experts for several months. He's coming off a 2021 campaign that saw him become the rare Heisman Trophy finalist as a defender, racking up 62 total tackles and 14 sacks while winning several individual defensive awards.

While his physical skills don't give him the same ceiling as that of Walker, Hutchinson says his understanding of the game is what makes him a cut above. 

"I think that’s what separates me," Hutchinson told Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated. "I can see what's coming before the play goes; I can just feel it. That makes you look so much better as a player. You look faster; you look quicker."

Ekwonu has emerged as the top offensive tackle in a class that includes SEC products Evan Neal (Alabama) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State). A versatile lineman who spent time at guard and at right tackle at NC State, Ekwonu projects as a potential Pro Bowler on the left side thanks to his combination of size (6'4", 310 lbs), fleet-footedness off the line and physicality. 

Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton and Neal round out Kiper's top five.