I’ll level with you guys – I have no idea what to really make of this year’s quarterback class as we approach the 2022 NFL Draft. Would I bet on any of these guys becoming elite NFL quarterbacks? Hell no. Would I be surprised if a whopping SIX of these quarterbacks ended up being halfway decent NFL quarterbacks? Also hell no. Some of them have elite level traits with some bothering concerns littered about their tape. Others have the production, but a million questions about their potential. I just can’t make heads or tails of who is actually going to pan out and who isn’t. And, really – that mystery is why people aren’t sold on this class as a whole. That’s why I say that if all of these guys hit their ceilings, I think you’re looking at six dudes who could be serviceable, quality starters in the NFL – maybe even a couple of them become elite NFL quarterbacks. But, they certainly all have bust potential as well. Considering so much of how it all turns out is dependent upon where each guy lands, it’s going to be fascinating to watch how the quarterback dominos fall later this spring. Here’s how I would rank them now if you were to put a loaded gun directly in my face:
1. Matt Corral – Corral is a gamer, a tough player that…for lack of a better phrase…just excels at finding his groove and playing to it. He is a groovy player, if you will. Dude was so good off-script, showing firm command of Lane Kiffin’s offense at Ole Miss – will that mastery translate to a new offense in the NFL? Or, was his success the product of the perfect marriage in Oxford? That’s the big question with Corral. I like his release and he’s shown an ability to manipulate a defense with a solid pump fake and understanding where to look. He is an underrated rusher, and has some smooth feet which enable him to successfully evade the pass rush, reset his feet, and get the ball out accurately. He can also throw into NFL windows. Corral has a major injury question mark, some questionable misses on tape, and could be a little too aggressive in looking for big chunks down the field at inopportune moments. But, by and large, if he’s back and healthy, I think he’s the safest bet to turn into a quality NFL starter out of this class.
2. Malik Willis – It is absolutely easy to see why a team would be infatuated with Willis. He has an explosive arm and can make explosive splash plays with his legs. Someone is going to fall in love with that potential and make him a top 10 pick. He has all of the physical tools to excel in the NFL, but his 2021 season at Liberty feels like a bit of a puzzle. At times, the level of talent around him was evident. You can watch some of his tape and think, “better receiving options make that catch.” But then again, there are also moments you watch Willis and think, “not even NFL talent could’ve caught that.” He showed a ‘feast or famine’ demeanor in pocket manipulation, as he routinely looks to make plays down the field for better or for worse. That makes it a bit of a hard projection to make. If not for that type of inconsistency, I think Willis would be a lock for the top five.
3. Sam Howell – I can’t explain it and it doesn’t make sense. My notes on Howell from Senior Bowl week down in Mobile earlier this year aren’t that good. I found him to be inconsistent throwing the ball, and seemingly disengaged during practice. But, then he went out in the game and put together a hell of a drive, really taking things over and showing everyone just what a threat he can be in his own right when he’s on the move. Howell is unquestionably the best touch thrower in this draft, and he has put some excellently-placed balls on tape. For Howell, the concern is how his production dipped off from 2020, when he was considered among the consensus top quarterbacks in the class, to 2021, when all of that 2020 talent was playing elsewhere. But, he has a high level skill set that, if he lands in the right spot, could make him the best quarterback to come out of this class. If he’s your QB1, I don’t think I’m going to argue with you. *shrugs*
4. Kenny Pickett – I get why people love Pickett. The dude put up some gaudy numbers in 2021 and has an impressive list of records and accomplishments to go with it. Pickett is a quarterback that you can trust to go through his progressions, and occasional anxiety-inducing risky throw aside, put the ball in the right place for the right receiver. He’s also an underrated athlete that can make plays with his legs, and always remains calm, cool, and collected. I’m more concerned with how he throws the ball and how it will translate to the NFL. He is capable of floating a ball or two, and one thing I noticed during Senior Bowl week was how low he throws the football. There are some technique things for him to iron out at the next level, but Pickett figures to be one of the first two quarterbacks taken in April. He may have the highest floor of any of these prospects, but I don’t think his ceiling is as high as the three quarterbacks ranked ahead of him.
5. Carson Strong – I might catch some flack for this hot take, but in terms of potential, I think Strong is the only quarterback that rivals Willis in this draft class. If the rest of his game catches up to the rocket of an arm he has attached to his body, he has the chance to be really special. Strong throws an absolutely beautiful deep ball and is capable of hurling one out of the stadium, but he’s limited as a prospect because of his athleticism and decision-making.
6. Desmond Ridder – I have seen folks refer to Ridder as this year’ Dak Prescott, and I can absolutely see that. The guy has a pedigree of winning in college football, and hasn’t seemed elite in any one thing throughout this draft process. But, he’s competitive in just about everything. He absolutely could come out and be a franchise quarterback. He has that potential like several guys in this class. For Ridder, it’s about the accuracy. Can he improve that at the next level?
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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