The talk of the 2022 NFL Draft will certainly be the quarterbacks. While no one quarterback has separated themselves from the pack, it’s very likely that the first quarterback selected in April could come in the middle of Round 1. Coincidentally, could the Las Vegas Raiders have their heir apparent to Derek Carr fall right in the laps with their first-round pick? Before we look at some of the quarterbacks the Raiders could target in the 2022 NFL Draft, we need to answer one burning question first.
Will the Raiders replace Derek Carr in the 2022 NFL Draft?
This is the biggest question on the minds of many — not only Raiders fans, but potentially fans of other teams who could scoop up the longtime Vegas signal-caller. Carr has been with the Raiders since he was selected with the 36th overall pick in 2014. He’s started 123 of a possible 125 games in that span. Furthermore, Carr is well on his way towards his fourth season with at least 4,000 passing yards.
Yet, the Raiders have made the postseason just once with Carr at the helm. Sure, it’s not all his fault, but the quarterback has largely failed to elevate his team. Las Vegas has had one winning season with Carr at the helm. The team’s last playoff victory came in the AFC Championship Game in 2002.
Even given Carr’s success as a passer, it’s a reasonable question to ask whether or not the Raiders draft his replacement in 2022. Though we can’t offer insight into what the franchise is going to do (as they still need a new head coach), we can offer insight into who they could draft at quarterback with their selections in the 2022 NFL Draft.
This class may not be strong, but if the right quarterback falls to Las Vegas, they’d be wise to move on from Carr.
Round 1 quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
Currently, the Raiders are projected to have the 14th overall pick. Fortunately for them, that’s right where the conversation for QB1 begins. With no quarterback warranting top-10 consideration at the moment, and the majority of teams with top-10 selections facing larger draft needs, Las Vegas could realistically have a shot at the first quarterback off the board.
Here are the names to know:
Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Matt Corral is largely seen as one of the top quarterbacks of this draft. Yet, his system at Ole Miss may have made things too simple for him to showcase his elite traits on a regular basis. Don’t be fooled, however, as Corral has elite arm strength, boasts some of the class’ best off-platform throwing mechanics, and is an incredible athlete. He’s ready to change the fate of a franchise.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett returned to Pittsburgh for a fifth year and rewrote Pitt’s record books. Breaking records of Dan Marino is one thing — setting nearly untouchable records in the process is another. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and has every tool at his disposal. Pickett’s hand size will be a conversation topic over the next few months, but if he showcases his arm talent with an NFL football at the Senior Bowl, watch out.
Carson Strong, Nevada
He’ll have to answer questions about the long-term health of his knee for some time, but Carson Strong has all the tools at his disposal. Strong is a magician in the pocket and has terrific size for the NFL. His arm is the best in the class and may even be the best since Matthew Stafford. Strong’s ball placement is next-level and he’s NFL-ready. This one almost makes too much sense for the Raiders — if his knee is cleared.
Other potential Round 1-2 quarterbacks to target
If the mood should strike them, the Raiders could go in a different direction in Round 1. Or they could trade back and easily land one of these quarterbacks. There’s also that distinct possibility that each of these quarterbacks is available in Round 2 as well.
Sam Howell, North Carolina
Though he failed to elevate his cast in 2021, Sam Howell possesses more than enough arm strength and athleticism to make it in the NFL. At one point, he was a near-lock to be selected first overall in this draft class — that’s how high his proverbial ceiling may remain. He’ll have a few things to iron out, but if the pieces are in the right places on offense, Howell is certainly capable of making all the NFL throws.
Malik Willis, Liberty
Malik Willis breaks through the stereotype of an elite athlete at quarterback. He always maintains his eyes downfield, looking to spot receivers open when he breaks contain. Willis is an accurate thrower of the football and has tremendous arm strength. He’ll need some seasoning with his pocket maneuverability and awareness, but his arm talent is no joke.
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Though he has some issues with inaccuracy, Desmond Ridder has terrific tools at his disposal. When he’s on his game, however, Ridder is nearly unstoppable. He’s dynamic with his legs and has enough power in his arm to hit all levels of the field. If he can be accurate with an NFL football, his draft stock will rise.
Potential Day 2-3 quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft for Las Vegas
If the Raiders don’t want to attack the quarterback position in Round 1, they’d have two Day 2 picks to potentially target their next signal-caller. If they were to look for a quarterback in the later rounds, here are some potential targets with upside.
Round 3 quarterbacks worth taking a look at
Which QBs could be available to the Raiders in the third round?
Brock Purdy, Iowa State
Perhaps the top quarterback heading to the Shrine Bowl this season, Brock Purdy has been a consistent, upper-tier college quarterback for the past four seasons. He rewrote the Iowa State record books and has large upside in his game.
Purdy throws with great anticipation and has a bevy of highlight-reel moments showing him evading pressure and putting passes only where his receivers can make plays. He may not have elite arm strength, but his on-platform throws have more than enough power behind them to find receivers at every level.
Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina
This would be if Grayson McCall declares for the draft, of course, as he’s just a redshirt sophomore. McCall, however, led the FBS in a bevy of passing categories, including QBR and yards per attempt. He’s an accurate thrower of the football but would need time to adjust to a pure NFL offense.
Will Levis, Kentucky
Will Levis demonstrated the ability to find receivers open to every level, dominating on throws 20+ yards downfield. Though his down-to-down accuracy struggled at times, Levis has a ton of talent in his arm, working from within or outside of structure. If he declares, he’s an interesting project at quarterback.
Round 4 and beyond quarterbacks to consider
If the Raiders opt to wait until Day 3 of the draft to pick a quarterback, they’ll still have some options available.
Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
Sam Hartman may enter the 2022 NFL Draft with varying opinions on his draft status. No matter which way you slice it, there is an elite nature to his game. And there are also some below-average parts to his game. He has great command over his passes and is a great athlete. But he misses defenders far too often and may lack in true power driving throws. His tools are there, they may just not be the sharpest in the class.
Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan
A pure power passer, Kaleb Eleby has great velocity behind his throws. There may be a misstep in accuracy at times, but Eleby is a terrific quarterback from the MAC. He may not even be here in Round 4 or 5 if he declares and impresses during the offseason circuit.
Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky
Lacking pure strength from his arm, Bailey Zappe is as accurate as they come in this class. He’s transcended how we look at pure Air Raid quarterbacks. Some of his throws come with elite anticipation, accuracy, and drive. He’ll need to prove he can make NFL throws in the offseason workout process, and he’ll be at the Senior Bowl to prove he can do so.
Other names to consider for the Las Vegas Raiders if targeting a quarterback in the late rounds: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA; Chase Garbers, Cal; D’Eriq King, Miami (FL); Eric Barriere, Eastern Washington; Cole Kelley, SE Louisiana.