The 2022 NFL Draft wasn’t necessarily prolific in terms of big quarterback moves, with only one signal call coming off the board in the first round and at least three other projected Day 1 picks falling to third. However, that doesn’t mean QBs were ignored. By the end of the draft, eight different teams had combined to draft nine quarterbacks, and at least a third of those rookies could end up opening the 2022 season under center.
Here’s how we’d rank the nine QB picks in the 2022 draft, based on value:
Choose: Third round, 86th overall | Colleague: Freedom
Many had Willis listed as a top 10 pick before the draft, which tells you exactly what kind of advantage Tennessee is having. Yes, he comes from a small school and a simple offense, and yes, he’s unlikely to see significant plays (at least as a traditional QB). But he can’t be taught the electric talent of arms and legs. Willis has shadows of Michael Vick, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts in terms of dual-threat athleticism. If he succeeds Ryan Tannehill, either in 2022 or immediately after, it’s a third-round steal.
Choose: First round, 20th overall | Colleague: pittsburgh
He’s criticized for being the “safest” option in a comparatively weak QB class, but the fit is tremendous. A reliable if unspectacular pocket passer who has already called Heinz Field his home, he should be an out-of-the-box (and more athletic) successor to Ben Roethlisberger for a team built to compete now. Who knows what your ceiling is, but the floor seems relatively high.
Choose: Fifth round, 144th overall | Colleague: North Carolina
Good for Washington for taking out insurance on Carson Wentz, and even better for stopping Howell’s decline. The burly Tar Heels product has inconsistencies in his game, and he could very well end up being a Ryan Fitzpatrick-style “relief pitcher” fighter, but you can do a lot worse in the fifth. Howell’s running ability and deep touch on the ball could promise great playing potential.
Choose: Third round, 74th overall | Colleague: Cincinnati
They needed someone to push Marcus Mariota, their proclaimed post-Matt Ryan placeholder. Ask a few scouts, and Ridder is the smartest, smartest, most selfless QB in the class. Ask others, and they’ll point to average accuracy and a passing touch. It’s a good bet for Atlanta, but you may have liked having a little more advantage in the air. It could prove us all wrong very soon.
Choose: Third round, 94th overall | Colleague: old lady
Like the Ridder/Falcons pick, Carolina needed to add to their QB room, which was “headlined” by Sam Darnold. And Corral, by all accounts, has early-caliber confidence, arm strength and athleticism. He also has a smaller frame and messy tendencies, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for a Panthers team transitioning to the offensive line. Could Baker Mayfield have been a better bet?
Choose: Round 7, 241st overall | Colleague: State of South Dakota
He’s not guaranteed a spot on his final roster, with Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky set to compete behind Pickett, but this is the kind of late-round midfielder you’ll want to take: Despite average size and inexperience, Oladokun has talent. in the NFL arm and an ability to make off-the-script plays, two requirements in today’s league.
Choose: Fourth round, 137th overall | Colleague: western Kentucky
Hey, maybe New England will make fools of us in the future (they once drafted a certain future Hall of Fame QB in the sixth round), and Zappe certainly brings the scheduled production they crave. But scouting reports suggest he lacks early-caliber shooting power, and they just spent the 10th overall pick on Mac Jones a year ago. A fourth round for, at best, a long-term backup is perhaps a bit pricey.
Choose: Round 7, 262nd overall | Colleague: Iowa State
Mr. Irrelevant won’t be threatening Trey Lance anytime soon, barging in with questions about his build and athletic profile. But he has gotten good reviews for his intelligence, experience and time-based success, all key traits for a Kyle Shanahan offense.
Choose: Round 7, 247 overall | Colleague: state of kansas
There’s no lack in bringing some additional depth to the new regimen, and Thompson reportedly brings functional talent in the arm and athleticism. But he’s known for bailing out of the pocket (a potential no-no for new coach Mike McDaniel) and, more importantly, he’ll already be 25 years old as a rookie.