Perfect mid/late-round QB fits for Eagles in 2022 NFL draft

Jalen Hurts has done enough to warrant becoming the Eagles franchise quarterback going forward, so the 2022 NFL Draft process should be all about surrounding the dual-threat passer with weapons on both sides of the ball.

Philadelphia considers itself a quarterback factory, so even as the organization appears comfortable moving on with Hurts, Howie Roseman is still likely to add a young signal-caller during the draft process.

Gardner Minshew wants to be a starter and could be the subject of trades talks in March, while Reid Sinnett could remain on the roster and be subjected to waivers in a salary-cap move.

If Roseman does target a quarterback in the draft, the hope is that Philadelphia’s general manager has learned from the Carson Wentz saga, and will instead look to the mid or late rounds for his next project or asset.

Here are several mid to late-round quarterback prospects that the Eagles could look to target.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA

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At the time of this post, Dorian Thompson-Robinson had not yet declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, and. he’ll likely return to UCLA.

But if he does declare, he could become Jalen Hurts 3.0 for a team looking to acquire a quarterback down the line.

A dynamic athlete, Thompson-Robinson amassed 2,409 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, combined with 611 yards and nine touchdowns as a runner.

He’s improved as a passer and his ability to dictate the RPO game against opposing defense would fit right in with what Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen have going.

Eric Barriere, QB, Eastern Washington

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FCS signal-callers are all the rage after like Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz and Trey Lance have shown that you can get to the show from a lower level.

This season Barriere logged 5,070 passing yards and 46 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He also added another 222 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

A big armed thrower who compares to Tyler Huntley, Barriere is a player to watch.

Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky

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Zappe just broke the NCAA record for passing yards with 5,967, and his 62 passing touchdowns broke Joe Burrow’s record of 60. A mature, 22-year-old passer with decisive instincts, Zappe sees the field well and has the huge arm Howie Roseman covets.

Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford

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Only a redshirt sophomore, McKee passed for 2,327 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 10 games and nine starts.

Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan

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A big-armed MAC Conference quarterback, Eleby has to improve his accuracy and decision-making.

The 6-foot-1, 201-pounder can be successful in a pro-style passing offense and has the arm strength that the Eagles coveted.

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) is pressured during a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Cincinnati Bearcats At Ohio State Buckeyes Sept 7

The biggest name and most accomplished player of this group, Ridder has terrific arm strength, is just as athletic as Hurts, and displays the same accuracy concerns as well.

Brock Purdy, Iowa State

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Purdy is the Iowa State leader in career passing yards (12,170). The senior has a big-time arm, is the consummate leader, and could cash in as a talented, career backup with a ceiling that could rise with the proper coaching.

EJ Perry, Brown

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Xx Football 09182021

The Ivy League Player of the Year, Brown passed for over 3,400 yards and 30 touchdowns in 10 games in his final season, earning him the Bushnell Cup for Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year.

This season, Brown had 3,033 passing yards and 23 touchdowns while also putting up another 402 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

Dustin Crum, Kent State

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Crum joins former Browns star Josh Cribbs as the only player to surpass the 9,000-total yard mark at Kent State, becoming the most accomplished player in program history.

At 6-3, 207 pounds, Crum is a dual-threat quarterback who had 3,238 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in 2021 and could be a developmental option for the Eagles.

Chase Garbers, Cal

Dec 4, 2021; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers (7) rolls out to pass against USC Trojans defensive lineman Jacob Lichtenstein (97) during the third quarter at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Garbers has been a four-year starter at quarterback for Aaron Rodger’s alma mater and his final season in Berkeley was his best, as he set career highs in passing yards (2,531), passing touchdowns (16), rushing yards (456), and rushing touchdowns (four).

More touch and accuracy than big-armed quarterback, Garbers could be a project to develop.

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