2022 NFL draft: Updated QB rankings
The 2021 college football season is hitting the homestretch, and while this year’s quarterback class lacks the elite talent and quality depth of this past group, there’s still some intriguing talent and plenty of promise.
Here’s an updated look at how we rank the top passers in the 2022 NFL draft class:
1. Sam Hartman | Wake Forest
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
This might come as a surprise to some, but Hartman has been as impressive as any other prospect on this list so far this season. He’s eligible as a redshirt sophomore, and while it’s more likely he goes back to school, it also wouldn’t be shocking if he decides to take advantage of this year’s weak class and enter the 2022 draft.
2. Matt Corral | Mississippi
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
He hasn’t been perfect, but Corral has shown enough to warrant consideration as the top quarterback off the board in this year’s draft. He’s a versatile playmaker who can make every throw, and he’s doing it every week against SEC competition.
3. Kenny Pickett | Pitt
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While Hartman is the young gun rising up the board, Pickett is the grizzled veteran who is doing the same. His experience shows in his pocket presence and decision-making ability, and he’s got the arm talent to deliver the ball with accuracy at every level.
4. Malik Willis | Liberty
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
His flaws were glaring against Mississippi, but Willis is still a dynamic player with the most promising arm talent in the class. Throw in his athleticism as a runner, and you’ve got a recipe for a high-ceiling player at the game’s most important position.
5. Sam Howell | North Carolina
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Ever since the season-opening debacle against Virginia Tech, Howell has quietly put together a solid season. He may not be the potential No. 1 overall pick many hoped he’d be in the preseason, but he’s a well-rounded prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be worthy of first-round consideration.
6. Desmond Ridder | Cincinnati
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Ridder came back to school instead of being a potential Day 2 pick last year, and he’s got the Bearcats undefeated so far, showing off all the skills that likely had some teams hoping to draft him back in April.
7. Carson Strong | Nevada
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Medical concerns and level of competition will be the biggest questions with Strong, but there’s no denying his talent, with an ideal combination of size, arm strength and accuracy.
8. Bailey Zappe | Western Kentucky
Syndication: The Courier-Journal
Still flying under the radar, Zappe has put up some ridiculous numbers so far this season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions. He may lack the high-end physical traits of this year’s top passers, but there’s plenty to work with here.
9. Malik Cunningham | Louisville
(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Cunningham is an efficient passer with a solid combination of arm talent and athleticism who is completing over 72 percent of his passes this season. He can beat teams from the pocket, but isn’t afraid to make plays with his legs when plays break down.
10. Brennan Armstrong | Virginia
(Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
Another undersized passer who has put up video game numbers all year long, Armstrong is a talented lefty who knows how to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers, and can extend plays when necessary.
Best of the Rest
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Aqeel Glass | Alabama A&M
Jake Haener | Fresno State
Jayden Daniels | Arizona State
Tanner Mordecai | SMU
Brock Purdy | Iowa State
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