Top 10 QBs in the 2022 NFL Draft | 1-5
The top five quarterbacks have separated themselves from the pack. Here’s how they stand ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
5) Carson Strong, Nevada
There’s a certain special quality about Carson Strong — his arm strength. There’s no way you can watch Strong and not come away impressed with it. He drives the football with a flick of the wrist. Strong makes those 60-yard throws downfield look easy.
His off-field discourse aside, Strong has a cannon for an arm and is far more limber than his critics give him credit. Like a spry, youthful Ben Roethlisberger, he can maneuver the pocket well. Strong can also easily hit every level of the field. He understands to layer or zip his throws depending on the coverages presented. And his ball placement is near-elite.
Strong is NFL-ready if medically cleared. Here’s hoping this cycle is the last we hear of his injury issues.
4) Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
When speaking of accuracy, Desmond Ridder isn’t quite the top quarterback on the list among the 2022 NFL Draft class. Yet, Ridder still finished his career as the third-winningest quarterback in college football history. Let that sink in for a bit. A four-year starter at Cincinnati, the Bearcats QB led his team to multiple double-digit winning seasons and a slew of school records along the way.
Ridder’s physical profile is outstanding, and his athleticism is top-notch. His blazing fast 40-yard dash time at the Combine was just the tip of the iceberg. He’s a dominant athlete with the ball in his hands and excelled when plays broke down. Ridder could throw a dime 50 yards downfield while scrambling to his left with no trouble.
But like all evaluations, there are things to work on. While Ridder showed some special traits in his game, he was unable to be consistently accurate to the short and intermediate levels of the field. That shortcoming is arguably his biggest, as his decisions and inaccuracy could plague him in the NFL.
3) Sam Howell, North Carolina
There is a lot to like about Sam Howell. Whether it’s his accuracy or arm strength, he has many traits of an elite quarterback. Yet, for some reason, the general consensus states he had a down year in 2021. A down year for Howell equaled 3,056 yards and 24 touchdowns. That same down year saw him run for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Howell is not a dual-threat quarterback. Yet, he ran the ball 183 times a season ago. Howell could boast a higher ceiling than many recent NFL Draft picks, given the proper system, a solid offensive line, and talent around him — especially if he works on his progressive-read throws and disguising his attempts.
Howell also has a proven ability to lead a team and elevate players around him, as he did in 2020. A dynamic athlete, Howell enters Day 2 of the draft as arguably the most pro-ready prospect. He’ll need a little time, but his smarts and mental prowess should allow him to see immediate success as a potential franchise quarterback.
2) Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Though unable to showcase it during the offseason circuit, Matt Corral has all the tools. After his unfortunate injury in the 2022 Sugar Bowl, Corral answered questions about his health at the Ole Miss Pro Day. During Combine week, he also got to get in front of the media and all 32 NFL teams.
Corral’s quick release and mechanics pale in comparison to the fact that he can unleash accurate passes from any platform. He said he models his game after Aaron Rodgers, and it shows. While he isn’t Lamar Jackson with the football in his hands, Corral has plenty of ability to shake unblocked defenders or a crashing pocket.
He’ll only have to improve his ability to throw with anticipation and lead his receivers for yards after the catch, but that can be worked out in time. His understanding of a playbook and capability to command an offense will see him making waves in the NFL sooner than later.
1) Malik Willis, Liberty
Pro Football Network’s top quarterback is none other than Malik Willis. His evaluation is a winding road of highs and lows, from his days at Auburn to the success he saw as Liberty’s quarterback. But, as it is for most top prospects, his highs far outweigh his lows.
Willis has a rocket for an arm. He is a dynamic athlete with a pass-first mentality rare for an athlete of his caliber. His arm talent is elite, and he can rely on his accuracy and poise in the pocket before depending on his scrambling ability.
Willis throws with great anticipation and makes the right decision far more often than not. His character was never in question, as he won over the hearts of just about everyone who interacted with him during the offseason circuit. He is a leader of people and is absolutely seen as having the highest ceiling in this class.
His linear growth during his time at Liberty is something to behold, as is his development from his final game in a college uniform to where we are now. Willis’ trajectory certainly looked like he was destined to become a first-round pick, but here we are with his services still available on Day 2.