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)