The 2022 NFL Draft is just around the corner, so it’s time to brief you on the top quarterback prospects available this year. This class isn’t as strong as recent years, but that won’t stop some teams from trying to find their franchise QB in round one. What’s fascinating about his year’s QB crop is that it includes a player who could go as high as first overall or slip as far as the second round. Sound crazy? Yes! Let’s dig in.
Scouting Report
When former Auburn QB Willis transferred to Liberty, he virtually turned the program around. Last season, he accumulated almost 900 yards on the ground, putting him among the leaders for any QB in the country. The season before, he managed nearly 950, so it’s clear that Willis has the legs to rush out of the pocket if needed, but also the ability to sling it downfield. He’s probably not going in the top five (maybe?), but is definitely slated for the top 10. Still, there are rumours that Atlanta, which picks No. 1, has genuine interest in Willis.
Fantasy Outlook
Willis could be a Day One starter depending on where he lands, especially if it’s Carolina or any squad seeking a franchise QB. He will use his run scheme playing prototype and employ his arm to find the slot receiver nicely (see video below). With his elite running game, Willis compares favourably to Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp90o4Uqpag?feature=oembed
Scouting Report
Pickett broke Alex Van Pelt‘s school passing record with over 12,300 yards throughout his college career (while also surpassing the Panther TD mark with 81, besting some dude named Dan Marino), capping things off by leading the team to the ACC Championship last year. Considered the most NFL-ready QB in the draft (albeit with a capped upside), Pickett is more of a pocket passer despite his small hands — which spurred endless discussion.
Fantasy Outlook
Similar to Willis, Pickett is ready to start on a pro team for our money, but where he lands will dictate his Fantasy value. If Pickett winds up in Seattle, for instance, his ability to pass the ball downfield would work perfectly with the Seahawks’ compliment of receivers (what sounds better: Lock to Lockett or Pickett to Lockett?). Pickett has the tools to lead an NFL team to a winning record and the size to be a viable pocket presence, capable of flawlessly throwing the ball wherever he needs to.
Scouting Report
One word we’d use to aptly describe Corral is “stout.” He was thrown to the ground at Mississippi, but kept getting back up and making huge plays. The ankle injury does not scare us because this young stud has come back from everything thrown at him. Corral doesn’t have a cannon-like arm, but compensates for that with impressive accuracy.
Fantasy Outlook
Corral could be a viable starter for a team needing a QB as soon as possible, but we think he will really flourish a couple years down the road. He has the heart of a champion and toughness to lead a team to the playoffs. You’d have to think Atlanta could be an option after it dealt away Matt Ryan, but wherever he lands, Corral is unlikely to be a Day One starter. Still, Corral could find his way into the mix as the season progresses.
Scouting Report
Over his college career, Cincy product Ridder has only six losses on his record against 44 wins (third most by a QB in history behind only Kellen Moore and Colt McCoy) as a starter over his college career. Ridder is clearly a winner whose is glowing and he knows how to avoid mistakes in the pocket.
Fantasy Outlook
Ridder is not the most NFL-ready prospect, but he’s not a long-term project, either. He can be a warrior to lead a team that is based on his character, which outweighs his skills in our opinion. Ridder’s pocket awareness and decision making are quality attributes. If he winds up on a team that is run-oriented, one which won’t force him to do too much, he will likely thrive, probably seeing action at some point in 2022. Consider Ridder a potential waiver wire pick when that happens.
Scouting Report
It was an interesting season last year for Howell as he rode the ebbs and flows in the offense en route to becoming the greatest QB in school history (at least from a passing yardage standpoint). He is athletic enough to make deep throws and to escape the pocket when needed. Howell is a capable pocket playmaker and makes very intelligent decisions with his throws.
Fantasy Outlook
We don’t expect Howell to be a starter in his first NFL season, more likely learning behind a veteran quarterback and becoming smarter over time. He can make a name for himself in later years once his shot comes. While it would likely involve the Panthers trading down in the draft, how cool would it be for this North Carolina native to wind up in Carolina?
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RotoRob Tune of the Day
William McKinley Hutchison, better known as Willie Hutch, was the genius behind the soundtrack for the 1974 Blaxploitation movie Foxy Brown. From this comes “Hospital Prelude of Love Theme.” Bow chicka bow wow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDBxUym-uac?feature=oembed
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