Top 5 Quarterback Prospects - 2022 NFL Draft

 BY: Weston Swift

    This years QB class is considered weak, but why do we say that ? If we've learned anything about the draft is that Quarterbacks are a crapshoot, heck last year had a couple "can't miss guys" and it can be argued a guy drafted in the 3rd round might've looked the best in Davis Mills III. Everyones biggest draft bust are mostly made up of missed QBs, so how do we know that this is a weak QB class if we haven't seen them play? The answer is we don't, but I won't argue that you can find major flaws we each of the top QBs in this draft. Here's a breakdown of who I consider the top 5 in the years draft. 

#1: Malik Willis, Liberty 

    

    Malik Willis is the most physically gifted QB in this draft by a lot, his arm might be the biggest, he's projected to run at least a sub 4.4, and he's built like a safety. He was a big recruit, he just got buried on the depth chart at Auburn, who ran Bo Nix out of town. Some might say we haven't seen him do it against top competition, but he's beat a couple power 5, and earned the respect against Ole Miss even though his team was serveriolly over-matched. Team are going to fall i  love with his stature, build and combine numbers, so I only expect his stock to rise. 

#2: Kenny Pickett, Pitt 

    

    Two-gloves Kenny, and you are going to hear about the fact he wears two-gloves the entire time until he gets drafted. He skipped his hand measurements at the senior bowl, and the rumor is he might be best off not getting them measured at all. My theory is about hand size is if you can ball you're going to ball. I believe this is the case for Kenny if you can look past the two-gloves, which throws me off as well. Then you're going to get a baller, he is older at 24, but he put up monster numbers and won an ACC title. He's sneaky athletic, just watch the fake slide video, and he's very accurate. 

#3: Sam Howell, North Carolina 

    

    A year ago he was the betting favorite to go number 1, but after a mediocre season for himself and North Carolina his stock has fallen. Though, he still has a hell of an arm, good Moxy and is more mobile than you'd think. People compare him to a more athletic Baker, and yes "Baker Really"? Though I think he's more physically gifted, he's right at 6 feet and will run around a 4.6 40. He'll impress at the combine, and if you watch tape of last year, he might even be some executives favorite. 

#4: Matt Corral, Ole Miss

    

    The last memory we have of him, is getting hurt in the Sugar Bowl. The word is he will be ready for his pro-day and combine. Both will be crucial as some view him as the outside of the top 5, because of his injury and he was the only top QB prospect who wasn't eligible to play at the Senior Bowl. He's a good athlete, average arm and slender build. Another huge question is will he exceed with out the Kiffin system who is virtually made for QB inflation. I think he's worth a flyer, who was a winner and great leader in the toughest conference in the country. 

#5: Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

    

    The biggest word I think of with him is "Average", besides his leadership everything else is average. Good arm, good athlete, and good size. Never had big numbers, played down to competition, and every time he played a bigger program he never really showed up, especially in the playoff game. I have him as a career backup, but you will never have to worry about work ethic, or doing the extra stuff. But other than that nothing truly pops. 

Bonus: Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

    

    What a year for Zappe, the HBU graduate used the portal perfectly. He broke a bunch of records, played in a fun bowl game and now he will be drafted. He has the size, not super mobile but not Carson Strong, and obviously he loves to throw. If i had a flyer in the 4th I would totally take a chance on him. He's had success every year he was in college and  only improved. Who knows, but I look forward to following his draft status.