Top 5 QBs in 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is getting ever closer, with teams finalising their shortlists of who to select in Las Vegas.

After assessing the strongest position in the class recently, we’re now ranking one of the weakest. Quarterbacks.

The quarterbacks for 2022 are an interesting group. There is no Trevor Lawrence type prospect this time around and it’s difficult to say who the number one guy is.

There is still question marks about the high-end talent in this class, and there certainly isn’t the depth that we’ve seen in the past.

Last year’s NFL Draft saw three quarterbacks taken with the opening three selections. We’ll be lucky to get one in the first 10 picks in 2022.

But come like any draft day, there should be lots of surprises.

Could we see this QB class defy expectations?  Only time will tell, but we’re sure a lot of teams will end up targeting a college prospect quarterback in the upcoming draft.

Here’s our top five:

5. Sam Howell, North Carolina

After deciding to skip his senior season in college, North Carolina’s Sam Howell is eager to impress in the NFL.

An accurate thrower and a sound decision-maker, Howell has a decent chance of becoming a productive starting quarterback at the next level.

He’s a tough competitor and was able to maximise an ever-changing group at college, showcasing some valuable leadership skills.

But as a difference-maker, he’s not too convincing. An underwhelming 2021 has really hampered his draft stock and it’s difficult to position him in the draft.

Given his average physical traits, it’s unlikely that a team will be targeting him Howell in the first round.

One other key issue is his sack rate. Howell’s was sacked 14.5% of the time last season, with a pressure percentage of 50.9. That might not have been entirely his fault, but potential mobility and awareness issues could put off some franchises.

He has a lot to work on, but behind a veteran for a year, we believe Howell can learn and make improvements as a professional.

4. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Talk about a player rising up the rankings after the NFL Combine.

Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder might not have made this top five last year, but he has shot up in QB rankings in recent months due to his athletic ability and decent frame size.

He’s a tough and gritty player with the physical traits to hold his own as an NFL quarterback. Not flashy, or as exciting to watch as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but he’s a solid leader.

Elsewhere, Ridder isn’t the most accurate of throwers and he doesn’t seem to have the deep ball range on tape like others on this list

He’s still got some work to do with his footwork, but given his experience and an impressive 43-6 record in his college career, he could be worth a punt for a lot of teams.

Is he a first-round player? Perhaps not, but he’s certainly raised his stock in recent months.

3. Malik Willis, Liberty

Liberty’s Malik Willis comes in at number three on this list as his stock continues to rise ahead of the upcoming draft.

Willis has a unique skillset and is the deepest thrower amongst his peers in this year’s class.

Special arm power combines nicely with a gifted running ability in being able to easily break off tackles, many view Willis as having the highest upside in the 2022 QB class. He could easily be a top 10 pick in a few weeks’ time.

A rise popularity in since the NFL Combine is partially to thank, but a solid season in 2021 certainly caught the attention of many scouts from across the league.

He needs to prove his worth against high-end opposition, but Willis has the potential to become a good NFL starter for years to come.

He makes sense for a lot of teams looking for a true franchise quarterback.

2. Matt Corral, Ole Miss

After throwing for more than 8,200 yards in college, Ole Miss standout Matt Corral has seemingly gone under the radar in recent months despite being one of the most exciting quarterback prospects this year.

An ankle injury may be to blame, but Corral should be one of the first signal-callers selected no matter what.

After breaking out in 2020 as a Manning Award finalist, Corral had another stellar year last season. 31 touchdowns including 11 rushing, and a completion rate of 68% over 13 games is a great return for any college quarterback.

An ‘Athletic RPO wizard’ according to ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, Corral has genuine dual threat ability with good arm strength, accuracy and insane athleticism.

He might not be a starter from day one. Like others from this list, he could benefit from sitting behind a veteran for a year.

Yet, he’s got the skillset and athletic traits to make him a valuable asset in the NFL.

1. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Matt Corral and Malik Willis might have more potential, but Kenny Pickett’s ranks higher on this list of QBs right now. We believe Pickett is by far the most NFL-ready QB in the upcoming draft.

Pickett threw for over 12,000 yards and 42 touchdowns in college, passing Dan Marino as Pittsburgh’s all-time passing leader. An electric 2021 fired Pickett into contention for the Heisman Trophy, so he’s certainly talented.

At 24 already, he’s the most experienced QB. And having broken Deshaun Watson’s ACC record for most passing touchdowns, he’s well respected by players and coaches alike.

The New Jersey native has good speed and arm strength. While he might lack in playmaking ability, his experience means that his decision-making is already a class above.

Pickett’s hand size became a talking point at the NFL Combine recently, after he measured in at 8.5 inches across. That’s smaller than any quarterback currently in the NFL.

Is that a problem? It’s unfair to judge a player on size before he’s entered the league, but it’s definitely something on the minds of NFL scouts and coaches.

Regardless, we believe Pickett will make a good transition from college. Can he lead a franchise to a championship? Let’s wait and see.