4/23/23

Being picked in the early rounds of the draft doesn’t ensure that a player will have a successful career. Sometimes, certain players don’t get the recognition they deserve because of the school they go to, their measurables, production, or a bunch of other reasons. A few of the names below have a chance of being drafted early, while others are continuing to be slept on by scouts and fans alike. I wanted to identify some guys who aren’t being talked about as much as some other “top prospects”, but who can have just as big of an impact.

1. Aidan O’Connell, QB – Purdue

O’Connell has been one of my favorite QBs in the country since he took over as the starter in 2021. Loved his production the past two years and was consistently accurate throughout his career, peaking at 72% in 2021, his most prolific season. Played in a very complicated pro style offense that will certainly help him pick up the playbook quicker when he gets to the league. Also played under center a good amount and is very comfortable with the play action game. Uses his eyes well to manipulate defenders. Shows some wiggle in the pocket. Has a great understanding of spacing. Throws a very catchable ball with nice touch, but can mix speeds as well. One of the only knocks against him is that he is not really mobile, something that really puts your offense at a disadvantage in today’s game. Could very possibly be the most ready to play now QB in this class.

2. Tyjae Spears, RB – Tulane

I have to admit that I hadn’t seen Spears play until this year but he made an impression right away. He is a BIG TIME playmaker. Averaged over 6 yards per carry each year of his four year career (!) and averaged nearly 7 yards per carry the last three years, which is a clear indicator of his explosiveness. Ran a 4.52 40, but plays faster than that. Great vision and has plenty of burst when he sees a hole, showing the ability to set up his blocks and get vertical in a hurry. His elusiveness in the open field is second to none in this year’s RB class, but also breaks a ton of tackles. Can definitely be an every down back in the pros.

3. Keaton Mitchell, RB – ECU

When you talk about speed, you have to talk about Keaton Mitchell. With a 4.37 40, he is lightning!!! I can’t emphasize it enough, but that’s the type of rare speed that can truly scare a defense – if he’s able to get the corner, there will be almost no defenders in the NFL that can catch him. Huge production in college, eclipsing 1,000 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, and 9 TDs each of the past two seasons. Guy just has a knack for making big plays. Will probably be pigeonholed into a role as a 3rd down back, but I think that’s where he can be the most effective. Mitchell isn’t really a back who’s comfortable running between the tackles, but his elite speed gives him excellent value. Very sudden in the hole and easily leaves defenders flatfooted. Has a great jumpcut when he bounces to the outside. Great receiver as well. Would love to see Mitchell with a team that can utilize his talents.

4. Deuce Vaughn, RB – Kansas State

Coming in at 5’6, and having played at Kansas State, the comparisons between Vaughn and Darren Sproles are inevitable. Their playing styles are also almost identical, with both being featured as all purpose backs in the Little Apple. Had ridiculous stats – 3,604 rushing yards, 34 rushing TDs, 1,280 receiving yards, and 9 receiving TDs in three seasons. The epitome of an “it factor” player that you need on your team.

Compact frame gives him exceptional quickness and shiftiness. I don’t think he has the build/power to be a workhorse back, and his diminutive stature could be an issue in pass blocking situations, but I could see Vaughn carving out a niche role as a returner while also taking some snaps in certain packages or on 3rd downs on offense.

5. Rashee Rice, WR – SMU

Rice is next in line for Pony Up Dallas, a school that has definitely shown it can develop WRs. Scored 25 career receiving TDs and totaled over 3,100 receiving yards, which doesn’t happen by accident. Prototypical size for a receiver, at 6’2, 203 pounds. Reminds me of Antwan Goodley from Baylor. Has no problem high pointing the ball. Did not run the most advanced route tree, but is very savvy at creating separation from defenders right before the ball arrives. Smooth. Has good, but not break away speed. Just a consistent, reliable player, and that’s why I think he could turn heads early in training camp somewhere.

6. Tank Dell, WR – Houston

I have Dell on my Top 10 Underrated Prospects list, but I think he’s one of the best WRs in this year’s class. Over the last TWO seasons – compiled 199 catches, 2,727 receiving yards, and 29 receiving TDs (!!!) under savage Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson. Has an electrifying style that is really fun to watch. Ideal slot receiver with incredible quickness and route running pedigree. Leaves defenders in the dust when he makes his breaks. Was a huge weapon in the redzone at Houston because of his spatial awareness and his footwork, and I think he can continue to showcase that in the league. Also adds versatility as a returner. Dell is a player to keep an eye on as a potential Offensive Rookie Of The Year candidate.

7. Charlie Jones. WR – Purdue

Jones has taken quite a journey to get to this point and has had an interesting career. Signed with Buffalo out of high school where he redshirted as a freshman, played sparingly the following year, then transferred to Iowa and sat out a full season. In 2020, he was used exclusively as a returner and did not record a single catch. The next year he had modest receiving stats, but excelled in the return game, pulling in numerous awards as both a kick and punt returner. In his sixth and final season finally broke out, with 110 catches, 1,361 receiving yards, and 12 receiving TDs. The disparity in production is related to many factors, but I think that after playing in a lackluster run heavy offense at Iowa, coming to play in Purdue’s high flying offense with QB Aidan O’Connell let Jones show that he can be a difference maker given the right opportunity. I think a lot of defenders underestimated his speed and he was able to take advantage. Great possession receiver, but can also use his deceptive speed to take the top off.

8. Dante Stills, DT – WVU

Playing for a WVU defense that has been less than stellar, this guy has been an absolute force in the trenches for the Eers going back to 2018. Had 53 career TFLs, 24.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. Stills is a bit undersized for a DT at 285 pounds, but that’s exactly what enables him to use his quickness to exploit interior offensive linemen. Also great with his hands. Excellent at shooting gaps and causing chaos against the run. Never takes a play off and is relentless in his pass rush. He will have to add some more weight, but I can see Stills being a good fit for certain 3rd down packages early in his career, and will be able to play some DE because of his body type and how stout he is against the run.

9. Dee Winters, LB – TCU

Had a breakout year in his final stanza with the Frogs. Elite speed for a LB, shown by the way he bursts through gaps and does a lot of damage chasing down plays from the backside. His mind also allows him to play fast – he diagnoses plays and triggers in a hurry. True sideline to sideline player who always seems to be around the ball and will strike you when he gets there. One of the most explosive hitters in this draft. Perfect fit for a modern defense because of his versatility in the pass game. I don’t think he can be an every down LB due to his size, but Winters is an impressive prospect who can secure a role immediately.

10. Yasir Abdullah, LB – Louisville

Abdullah is another undersized player who lined up at LB and DE in college. Has tremendous speed, running a 4.47 40. Became a real pass rush specialist the last two years, with over 9 sacks in each of those seasons. Also filled up the stat sheet in other categories – had 8 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions during his career. Uses a combination of speed and bend to turn the corner on OTs and get to the QB. Flies around the field and plays with reckless abandon. I can’t wait to see what kind of impact he can have at the next level.

4/21/22

In today’s college football, and by extension the NFL, athleticism is more crucial than ever at the Linebacker position. If your Linebackers cannot run, cover, and play in space, then your defense is in big trouble. Athletic Linebackers allow Defensive Coordinators to be so multiple with their schemes while also allowing the same personnel to remain on the field for both “running downs” and “passing downs”. With that caveat, Linebackers must still obviously be able to hold up in the run game in order to force the Offense into passing situations. See below for some of this year’s best.

1. Devin Lloyd (Utah)
Was an absolute stud at Utah, especially in his final season, where he totaled 111 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 interceptions (2 of them were returned for TDs), and 6 PBUs. Also had 91 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception back in 2019. Excellent size for a Linebacker at 6’3, 235 lbs. Devin plays with tremendous speed and is just all over the field. Aggressive!!! It’s not only his speed that allows him to make so many plays, but his high IQ enables him to diagnose plays quickly. His athleticism is beyond impressive and can really only be understood by watching his film. Lloyd’s length and awareness make him elite in pass coverage. Very good blitzer and displays great pass rush ability, as shown by his sack numbers. Solid tackler. I cannot stress enough that although he is super athletic, he is not a finesse player, and is great against the run. Runs through contact and can deliver big hits. I believe that Lloyd is one of the best players in this draft, regardless of position, and I cannot wait to see him in action at the next level.

2. Nakobe Dean (Georgia)
Dean does not have the best height, at only 6’0, but in today’s game I don’t believe that matters much for a Linebacker. Ran a 4.5 40 yard dash at the combine, so he definitely has the athleticism you look for. Garnered 72 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a TD in 2021. His speed immediately jumps out when you turn on the film. Easily runs with RBs and TEs in pass coverage. Very good in coverage and shows exceptional understanding of pass concepts. I really like Dean’s blitzing ability, as he torpedoes through the hole to get to the QB. Is also very physical when taking on blocks and is often able to plow through would be blockers. Did line up as an edge rusher some, something I think he can continue to do in the NFL with his pass rushing prowess. Dean can probably be a three down linebacker because of his effectiveness against both the run and the pass.

3. Christian Harris (Alabama)
Harris had back to back seasons with 79 tackles and 4.5+ sacks while roaming the middle of the Crimson Tide defense. Contrary to the previous few players on this list, Harris is definitely a Middle Linebacker. In the run game, he gets downfield in a hurry and delivers big hits on ball carriers. Plays with great aggression and power. Shows pretty good closing speed as well. Has an excellent feel for rushing the QB from the inside when blitzing, and is easily able to overwhelm RBs who try to meet him in pass protection. Decent in pass coverage and was able to come up with a few PBUs which turned into interceptions for his teammates. I think Harris can start at either Mike or Will Linebacker immediately in the league.

4. Nik Bonitto (Oklahoma)
Bonitto is another player who I’ve followed since his high school days at St. Thomas Aquinas. Somewhat of a hybrid player who can play OLB or DE, depending on what type of scheme he gets drafted into. Became a big time playmaker for the Sooners in his final two seasons, with 8.5 sacks in 2020 and 7 sacks in 2021. Always seemed to be around the ball and in the middle of things when big plays were happening. Mostly known for his elite pass rush ability, he also did an excellent job of setting the edge in the run game and making plenty of TFLs. As far as LBs go, his coverage skills are second to only Devin Lloyd in my opinion. Plays very well in space when either coming off the edge or in more of a LB role, but can also shoot inside gaps in the run game to create chaos. I feel that Bonitto is an underrated player, who can provide great value to an NFL team because of his positional versatility. Look for him to be a sleeper in this draft.

5. Quay Walker (Georgia)
Outstanding combination of size and speed – coming in at 6’4, 240 lbs and runs a 4.5 40. His straight line speed translates well to the field, really helping his pass rush ability. Brilliant tackler – credited with only three missed tackles in Georgia’s 15 game 2021 season. Walker has not really shown ability to make big plays, but is more of an overall consistent player. Not good in pass coverage. As a result, may be best served making the move over to DE where he can use his length to affect the QB. Although Walker’s athletic potential is through the roof, he definitely needs quite a bit more development before he can make a big impact, as he really only had one year of notable production in college.

Others to know:
Adam Anderson (Georgia)

Chad Muma (Wyoming)

Jack Sanborn (Wisconsin)

Nephi Sewell (Utah)

Mike Rose (Iowa State)

Brian Asamoah (Oklahoma)

Damone Clark (LSU)

Micah McFadden (Indiana)

4/20/22

1. Jordan Davis (Georgia)
When you think of a classic DT/NT, you picture the body type of a Jordan Davis at 6’6, 341 lbs. Davis is a true two-gapper who can really clog things up in the middle by occupying multiple Offensive Linemen, allowing LBs to run free and make plays. However, he can also make plays himself. Played Nose Tackle in Georgia’s 3-4 Defense, mainly lining up directly over the Center. For a player of his size, shows very good quickness off the ball and is able to penetrate the backfield before Offensive Linemen can get their hands on him. Was dominant against the run, using his incredible power to shed blocks and get to the ball carrier. Very good tackler for his size, does a great job of wrapping up. As sturdy as can be in the run game and does not often get moved off the line of scrimmage by Offensive Linemen. It is extremely tough to double team Davis, although I don’t recommend trying to block him with one OL either. I would like to see him improve his pass rush to become a little more of a complete player. He will be a problem in the league.

2. DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M)
Very, very good pass rusher, Leal has shown several moves – spin, rip, chop, bull rush, and speed rush. Has proclaimed in the past that he wishes to be referred to as a DE and lined up as such in college, but definitely has enough size to play inside at 6’4, 290 lbs. Had his best year in 2021, accumulating 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Great athlete who moves very well when you watch his film, but his Combine numbers do not support that. Leal is another case of a player with all the physical gifts you could ask for, but there is still some development to be desired. I believe he can become an even better pass rusher and still needs to show more against the run. Does not play with great effort.

3. Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)
Wyatt is a prospect who seemed to put it all together in his final year with the Bulldogs, having his best season statistically while also leading DTs on the team in total tackles. One may think that as a DT, his best trait is his run defense, but I am really impressed with his pass rush ability – was credited with 23 QB pressures last year alone. Excellent get off. Good lateral movement, quickly knifing across the faces of OL on outside zone plays. For a true DT, Wyatt is one of the better athletes I’ve seen and runs very well. Also lined up a bit at DE earlier in his career in some pass rush situations. An overall solid player, I think whichever team selects him will be pleasantly surprised.

4. Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma)
Winfrey is my personal favorite at the DT position in this year’s draft. Was the top ranked JUCO player in the nation before transferring to Oklahoma in 2020, symbolizing an immediate upgrade on the Sooners’ unimaginably porous defense. Affects every aspect of the game and plays with uncommon effort – he is a real difference maker. Shows relentlessness, nastiness, and physicality, all at an elite level. Most of the time, he is able to put pressure on the QB with his power alone and will certainly need to develop some more pass rush moves. Absolutely wreaks havoc in the run game and was very disruptive, causing TFLs, fumbles and safeties. If you haven’t seen Winfrey play, I suggest you get familiar with his name, as he will be one to watch in the next few years.

5. Phidarian Mathis (Alabama)
Received second team SEC and second team All American honors in 2021 in recognition of his stellar season – 12 TFLs and 9 sacks, although he flew somewhat under the radar for the majority of the season. Typical Alabama DT with great strength. Just bullies Offensive Linemen with a nice bull rush. Understands blocking angles and uses good leverage in both the run and pass game. Mathis shows aggressiveness and power, proving to be hard to move off the ball in the run game as well. Also forced several fumbles throughout his career. Although he is very talented, has not shown sustained production. If he continues to improve his play and become more consistent, I think he can be a rotation player who sees a lot of action at the DT spot.

Others to know:
Travis Jones (UCONN)

LaBryan Ray (Alabama)

Logan Hall (Houston)

4/15/22

The game of college football has been evolving for some time now, and with that, the NFL has done the same. Offensively, there has been a major shift on offense towards much more passing. That is why NFL franchises are, and will continue, to place such a high premium on maintaining a roster of several big time playmakers at the WR position. Whether early on in the draft or a sleeper in the later rounds, there are lots of exciting players to be on the lookout for in this years stacked WR class.

1. Treylon Burks (Arkansas)
An elite WR who I’ve had my eye on for a while now. He stayed in his home state to play at Arkansas, a school not really known for putting up big numbers in the pass game or for producing top WRs. However, Burks changed the narrative on both fronts. With increased production in each year, Treylon capped off his Razorback career with 1,104 yards and 11 TDs in 2021. Impressively, he averaged over 16 yards per reception in each of his three seasons at Arkansas.

No need for a player like this to return for a fourth season. A physically imposing target standing at 6’3, 225 lbs. Ran a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash and displays a rare combination of both size and speed. Burks’ build and skillset resembles a DK Metcalf type of receiver. A lot of big WRs either don’t understand how to use their physicality to their advantage or just aren’t willing to do so – that is not the case here. Treylon absolutely bullies defenders with his big frame and then is able to break away from tackles after the catch. A master at catching the ball with his hands, away from his body. Burks can go right around DBs who try to jam him at the line of scrimmage with his quick releases, and shows great body control allowing him to make contested catches in traffic. His vertical leap is top-notch, he boxes out smaller DBs, and gives defenders no chance when the ball is thrown high in his direction. Played against some of the best defenses in the country within the SEC and was still able to put up almost 100 yards per game in his final season. Mostly played on the outside, but also lined up in the slot in some instances. Day 1 starter at the X position in my opinion.


2. Jameson Williams (Alabama) *
Went off in his final season in college, putting up 1,572 yards and 15 TDs after transferring to Alabama. I have placed an asterisk next to Williams’ name since he is coming off of a torn ACL suffered in the National Championship game in January. While reports indicate that he is well ahead of schedule in his recovery, I believe we will only find out if he can regain the speed he once had when he steps onto an NFL field for the first time. To me, Williams is a one trick pony – that trick being his elite speed. Most, if not all, of his big plays and TDs were due to the fact that he was simply the fastest player on the field. We’ve seen many players with his skill set bust before, which is why I’m curious to see how his injury and recovery affect his speed going forward. If he cannot run like he once did, then I think he will be an average NFL WR at best. However, if he is fully healthy, he can be a big time deep threat and a potential WR2.


3. Drake London (USC)
In 2021, had more receptions and receiving yards than his previous two years combined. Good height/length at 6’5, 210 lbs, but I believe he will need to add 10-15 pounds to his frame to excel at the next level. Pretty good speed for a WR of his size, London has shown that he can go up and ‘Moss’ defenders. Does show toughness after the catch, many times lowering his shoulder into defenders. Shows some good wiggle in the open field. Needs to improve his route running though, as he ran a lot of go balls in college. Will most likely play Z at the next level but can also line up in the slot to create mismatches with his size.


4. Jahan Dotson (Penn State)
A player who incrementally improved his stats each of his four seasons with the Nittany Lions, which is something I always look for. A little bit of a smaller player, but has very good speed, running a 4.4. Dotson can accelerate to top speed quickly, and is another guy who catches the ball with his hands, away from his body. Excellent start/stop capabilities, as shown when running double moves. Not afraid to run routes over the middle of the field, knowing he is vulnerable to hits by LBs and safeties. Jahan’s highlight reel owns several of the most acrobatic catches you will see during his career. He has a ton of experience playing in cold weather, which will always benefit at the next level. I believe he will be a problem for defenses operating out of the slot.


5. David Bell (Purdue)
A well built prospect at 6’2, 205 lbs. Honestly was not someone I had on my radar coming into the 2021 season but showed that he can be a WR1, with 93 catches and 1,286 yards his senior year. Also had a 1,000+ yard season back in 2019, but was overlooked, playing on a Purdue team that has been known for lackluster offense in years past. Has good hands and is a very reliable target. Smart player who shows that he has a good understanding of defenses as well as excellent spatial awareness. Runs smooth routes. Has a knack for making big plays when his team is in need. The only knock I have against him is his sub-par speed, running a 4.6, 40-time. Overall, a great target who I think can step into a WR2 role early, with the right team.


Others to know:

Christian Watson (North Dakota State)

George Pickens (Georgia)

Charleston Rambo (Miami)

Wan’Dale Robinson (Kentucky)

Khalil Shakir (Boise State)

John Metchie (Alabama)

Calvin Austin (Memphis)

Tyquan Thornton (Baylor)

Reggie Roberson (SMU)

Ty Fryfogle (Indiana)

4/13/22

One of the best aspects of football is seeing how different types of players can play, and be successful, at the same position. You could argue that RB is one of the positions where this is most evident. I am always fascinated by how coaches use the RBs on their respective rosters to impact the game in different ways. I am also a firm believer in offensive balance in the NFL, and while it’s not necessarily crucial to have a 50/50 run/pass ratio, it is crucial to be able to have tantamount success when either running or passing. That is why such a high value is placed on the RB position. While this year’s draft isn’t the best or deepest RB draft, there is still good quality.

1. Breece Hall (Iowa State)
Elite RB who is by far the best in this year’s class. Eye popping statistics, compiling 41 rushing TDs in the last two years. 41!!! Also rushed for over 1,400 yards in each of the last two seasons, and totaled 3,941 career rushing yards in just three years with the Cyclones. Broke an FBS record for most consecutive games with a rushing TD (24) – a record that stood since 1970!! Needless to say, that type of production is almost unheard of in contemporary college football. Solid build at 6’1, 220lbs. Has a nose for the endzone and is very difficult to stop in low redzone/goal-to-go situations, as he always seems to hit the right crease at the right time. Does not have game breaking speed, but is certainly fast enough to outrun most defenders. Has a good feel for both zone and gap schemes. Shows great vision, with many of his long runs cutting across the field. Deceptively elusive and is excellent at making defenders miss in the open field. Makes his cuts with ease. Has a nasty spin move. Decent receiver, although he was not utilized a ton in the pass game. Most likely will be a day 1 starter his rookie year in the league.

2. Kenneth Walker (Michigan State)
Had a breakout junior year after transferring from Wake Forest, putting up 1,636 rushing yards and 18 TDs. Powerfully built at 5’10, 210 lbs. Shows pretty good initial burst but only has decent speed, often getting caught from behind. Great change of direction and balance. Runs hard and rarely gets tackled by the first defender he encounters. Shows high IQ and patience, allowing blocks to develop or defenders to shoot inside gaps before bouncing to the outside. Not the best receiver, only totaling 19 catches in three seasons for just over 100 yards. Can potentially be a RB2 at the next level, but will need to continue to develop as a receiver to demand more playing time.

3. Brian Robinson (Alabama)
Played at Alabama for 5 years, an oddity in today’s world with the advent of the transfer portal, and waited his turn behind a bevy of more talented RBs before finally becoming the starter in 2021. Robinson was a true workhorse back in his final season and his production against SEC defenses week in and week out was impressive. However, compared to other RB’s in this years class, I feel his value is being somewhat downplayed and overlooked. He has great size for an NFL RB and is an extremely tough runner. Defenders who try to meet him in the hole are in for a rude awakening. Not a true make-you-miss type of back, but can make subtle cuts to leave defenders grasping at air. Needs to be careful of trailing defenders in the open field, as he tends to carry the ball low and away from his body when he breaks into the secondary. I think he can carve out an early role though as a short yardage/goal line RB.

4. Rachaad White (Arizona State)
Extremely elusive, by far the shiftiest back in this years class. Love his jump cut, which he utilizes often, occasionally several times in the same play. Excellent feet and short area quickness. Also showed willingness, at times, to lower his shoulder in short yardage situations. Tends to hurdle defenders too much in my opinion and will need to learn how to finish runs by putting his pads down and initiating contact with defenders. White can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game so it’s likely he’ll be pigeonholed into a third down back role, however he’ll definitely need to improve his pass protection at the next level.

5. James Cook (Georgia)
Never really had elite stats due to playing a niche role in a loaded backfield at Georgia, but is a scat back with really good speed. An excellent receiver, linebackers simply cannot defend him in the pass game. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being used more as a WR rather than RB in the NFL. With a little development in running routes, this shifty baller fits the mold as of future slot receiver. It’ll be interesting to see how his career pans out if he is used in more of a traditional RB role, as he currently does not have the build to take that type of punishment for a full season in the NFL.

Others to know:
Abram Smith (Baylor)

Hassan Haskins (Michigan)

Zonovan Knight (NC State)

Cam’Ron Harris (Miami)

Tyler Goodson (Iowa)

4/11/22

This is one of the weaker QB draft classes in recent memory, as there isn’t one guy that is the clear cut QB1. Some teams may be better served waiting until next year, which will be a much stronger QB class, but it’s inevitable that teams will reach for a QB every year. Some of these guys have certain traits that can translate well to the NFL level, but none of these guys have a complete skill set in my opinion.

1. Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
Demonstrates ability to complete different types of throws – puts nice touch on the deep ball and can also throw a dart when needed. Values the ball, with a 20/5 TD/Int ratio in 2021, a necessity at the next level. Completed 68% of his passes in his final year. Will be very interesting to see if he can adapt to a more traditional pro style scheme, with more of a progression based system and full field reads, and maintain the same level of production. Does not have ideal size for a QB, standing at a whopping 6’0 tall. An ideal situation for him may be to go to a team that runs more of a hybrid scheme, so that passing lanes are more easily available. He’s a competitor that shows very good athleticism on called QB runs and scrambles, rushing for just over 600 years and 11 TDs in his final season. Good feel for QB draw play and is able to make defenders miss in the hole, also lowered his shoulder at times to get into the endzone. It is my belief that he should have returned to school for another year to fine tune his game.

2. Kenny Pickett (Pitt)
Possesses more of a prototypical size for an NFL QB, at 6’3, 220 lbs. Has a strong arm and threw a lot of deep passes during his career, especially his final season. This is one reason for his passing statistics in 2021 – 4,319 yards and 42 TDs. Played in a pro style system under offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Shows pretty good pocket presence, avoiding defenders and often escapes the pocket to make plays with his arm, not his legs, although he is a very good runner. on the downside, he owns a history of injuries as well as a propensity for turning the ball over, recording 7+ interceptions each of his final three seasons as the starter. Am not a fan of him using gloves on both hands in every game either… can you say bust??

3. Malik Willis (Liberty)
Highly recruited coming out of high school and originally signed with Auburn, before leaving for greener pastures at Liberty. Amassed 47 TD passes and 18 interceptions in two years as the starter at Liberty. His interception numbers are somewhat alarming, especially for playing in a spread offense, where theoretically, there are less interceptions to be had, considering the number of defenders around the ball on a given play. Had a decent, not great completion percentage in his final year, at 61%. Did not play against elite competition week in and week out at Liberty, so will need to quickly adjust to the defensive speed in the NFL. Will also need to show the ability to grasp an NFL playbook and read more complex defenses. This is another player I believe should have returned for another year to continue to improve as a passer. Contrarily, he is an elite runner. Totaled over 1,800 rushing yards and 27 rushing TDs in his short time at Liberty. Obviously any team that drafts him will not want him to run anywhere near that much, but can do so if needed. He is a developmental QB and should not be starting for any team for at least his first year or so in the league.

4. Sam Howell (North Carolina)
The once presumed 1st overall pick of this year’s draft, Howell’s stock has plummeted due to inconsistent play and losses piling up. Sure, he threw for 3,000+ yards in each of his three seasons as the starter, but passing numbers were way down in his final season – throwing for 500 yards less and 6 TDs less than the previous year. In my opinion, he is the best deep ball thrower in this year’s draft, but is another QB that does not have ideal size for the NFL. Howell ran a predominantly RPO based offense, which lead to many of his TD passes being explosive plays. Low usage of the RPO at the next level will force him to have to read fronts & coverages in straight drop back pass game/traditional play action game much more so. This means defenses will get a better read on him as well. All said aside, he’s a great runner – showing both speed and toughness – rushing for 17 TDs in his career, with 11 of those coming last year.

5. Carson Strong (Nevada)
Excellent size coming in at 6’4, 215 lbs. Played against lower level competition at Nevada, but was dominant, especially in his final season. Passing statistics improved each year of his career, which is always what you want to see out of a QB. Did take snaps under center, an almost lost art at the college level with the advent of the spread offense, which to me is a subtle yet important nuance. Has a cannon for an arm, rips throws effortlessly, and shows the ability to be accurate while defenders are bearing down on him. Of all the QBs in this year’s draft, he may have the most upside. Could develop into a starter after sitting for a few years.

Others to know:
Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)

Bailey Zappe (Western Kentucky)

Jack Coan (Notre Dame)