6 edge rushers the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Chris Schad
Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)
Measurements:
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 254 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 49 total tackles (12 for a loss)
- 7 sacks
- 1 pass deflection
- 2 forced fumbles
The top edge rusher in this year’s class is Aiden Hutchinson. With the Michigan standout likely to be selected in the top two picks, it’s unlikely the Vikings will have a chance to take him.
When it comes to Kayvon Thibodeaux? There might be a chance.
Entering this season, Thibodeaux was considered one of the top players in this year’s class. In three seasons with the Oregon Ducks, Thibodeaux recorded 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss. His junior season was a proper farewell, earning PFF’s eighth-highest pass-rushing grade among all edge rushers with at least 20 percent of the NCAA lead in pass-rushing snaps.
With a 4.58-second time in the 40-yard dash and 27 reps on the bench press, Thibodeaux has the profile to be an elite edge rusher in the NFL. Yet, he’s slid down the board in the pre-draft process due to his underwhelming size and character concerns.
This is where draft season gets the best of us. Thibodeaux may be over-confident. He may also be motivated by making as much money as possible. But neither of those things nullify that he’s an explosive edge rusher capable of double-digit sacks.