Todd McShay names his Top 10 quarterback prospects following Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl has now come and gone, bringing more clarity to the 2022 NFL Draft picture. This year’s quarterback class is considered “weaker” by some, but there are still plenty of quality options spread throughout the board. ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has revealed his updated top ten quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft following the Senior Bowl.
McShay’s top ten quarterbacks in 2022 NFL Draft
- Malik Willis, Liberty
- Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
- Matt Corral, Ole Miss
- Sam Howell, UNC
- Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
- Carson Strong, Nevada
- Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky
- Tanner McKee, Stanford
- Skylar Thompson, Kansas State
- Brock Purdy, Iowa State
With plenty of time between now and the start of the 2022 NFL Draft in late April, there are still a lot of questions surrounding this year’s quarterback class. There is not one consensus quarterback at the top, with essentially every expert having different opinions on the top players available.
Malik Willis is the best dual-threat option available, as he threw for over 5,000 yards and 47 touchdowns in two years at Liberty, also adding over 1,800 yards and 27 scores on the ground. It wasn’t until Senior Bowl week when projections and mock drafts started seeing Willis rise towards the top of the quarterback class.
Kenny Pickett is an intriguing option, and he had a great season for Pitt in the ACC this season. Pickett’s biggest downfall, however, is his small hands. His down performance in bad weather during Senior Bowl week left a sour taste in the mouths of some, and Pickett is waiting until the NFL Combine to get an accurate size measuring of his hands.
Matt Corral also had a huge season for Ole Miss, but injuries have held him back. Corral might be one of the most intriguing prospects available in this year’s quarterback class, but his injury history could hold him back come NFL Draft night.
Sam Howell is another quarterback that has some question marks. He put up huge numbers to begin his career at UNC, but after losing most of his top weapons, he took a step back as a passer this past season. He made up for it with an increased rushing workload, and might have played himself into first round consideration. NFL teams are reportedly split on Howell right now.
Beyond Willis, Pickett, Corral, and Howell, the quarterback class is wide open in the 2022 NFL Draft. Carson Strong and Desmond Ridder are viewed as the two next best available signal callers, but there are questions surrounding both. Both Strong and Ridder have been tabbed as potential first round picks in some mocks, but will more than likely be taken in the second.
Bailey Zappe is another intriguing Day 2 option. Zappe put up historic numbers at Western Kentucky this season, breaking Joe Burrow’s single-season record of 61 touchdown passes in a single season. He also became the NCAA’s all-time single-season leader in passing yards.
McKee, Thompson, and Purdy are all intriguing quarterback prospects as well, and could find themselves as late Day 2 or likely Day 3 selections come draft night.