Top 5 QB Prospects In 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL draft class is generally acknowledged as being weaker at the quarterback position than other recent quarterback classes. Everyone who studies both college football and the draft.

1. Sam Howell, North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2021 season was a bust, but it leaves open the question of whether Sam Howell is going to be a bust. Howell was constantly under fire in 2021, partly due to an inconsistent offensive line and partly due to the fact that North Carolina’s defense was terrible, which meant Howell and the North Carolina offense were placed in predictable passing situations. This was not a set of circumstances in which Howell was likely to thrive. He also lacked running back Javonte Williams, who was such a good teammate in 2020 before being selected early in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. There are lots of reasons Howell and North Carolina did not do well in 2021, so it’s up to teams and their talent evaluators to see if Howell is significantly better than his limitations, or if he’s a flawed quarterback prospect who is not worth taking a chance on.

One very interesting point here: The Denver Broncos could take Howell precisely because he could reunite with Williams, his former teammate. That could be a key reason Howell goes to Denver. Another quarterback-needy team such as the Detroit Lions might pass on Howell, knowing that better quarterbacks will exist in the 2023 draft class (or out of a belief that it’s better to take a flier on a quarterback in the second round rather than use a first-round pick on one in the 2022 class).

2. Malik Willis, Liberty

The Liberty quarterback is a legitimate dual-threat performer. Wills will get the attention of NFL coaches who want someone who can make plays with his legs. The big concern is that Liberty did not regularly face the same level of competition as SEC or Big Ten teams did, but Willis was outstanding in a 2020 season in which Liberty almost went unbeaten. He struggled more in 2021, but his ceiling is considerable, and that is what one NFL team will bank on at some point in the draft. The question is when that will happen.

3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Ridder led the Cincinnati Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. It has to be said that Cincinnati’s offense had its moments of quality, and that the Bearcats were a very good second-half team. However, the Cincinnati offense struggled in several first halves of games this past season. Ridder’s level of readiness for a solid defensive game plan is a real question mark.

4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss

The 2021 season almost brought Matt Corral a Heisman Trophy, but injuries got in the way. NFL teams will question whether Corral’s body can take a pounding in the NFL and hold up sufficiently. If Corral is healthy and can stay upright, he has electric speed and a big-league arm, but health is the big concern here.

5. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Panthers won the ACC behind Pickett, a quarterback who can make all the throws and, while not exceptionally fast, can scramble for first downs and has excellent pocket presence. Pickett’s lack of speed might put him behind other quarterbacks on this list, but he is an intriguing prospect.