Ranking the best quarterbacks prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft

Even if it doesn’t have the star power of last year’s class, all eyes are on this year’s crop of NFL Draft quarterbacks in 2022. While none of them are going to be picked no. 1 overall, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some intriguing players.

In fact, this might be the toughest year to put together quarterback prospect rankings in recent history because there is no shortage of quarterbacks but none who are head and shoulders better than the rest.

NFL Draft quarterbacks 2022

Who are the best QBs in the 2022 NFL Draft? Frankly, that’s up for interpretation based on all of the 2022 NFL Draft predictions that are flying around. However, we tried to be as objective as possible with our quarterback prospects rankings. Here is a look at our top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL Draft class of 2022.

10. Brock Purdy, Iowa State

Purdy never quite lived up to his potential in college despite being a four-year starter. But he’ll be an interesting player to watch in the NFL.

He’s a little undersized but has good arm talent and the moxie to play the position. There are a few quarterbacks in the NFL that fit that mold and Purdy is a good candidate to become the next great undersized quarterback.

9. E.J. Perry, Brown

Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven that Ivy Leaguers can play quarterback in the NFL, helping to give Perry a chance. Keep in mind that he began his career at Boston College before transferring to Brown to play for his uncle.

That means he has the talent of a power-conference quarterback, making him a huge wild card among the NFL Draft quarterbacks in 2022. 

8. Jack Coan, Notre Dame

Coan is the living definition of a game manager. He doesn’t have top-flight arm talent or a skill set that stands out.

However, he limits his mistakes and knows how to play the game. He also played in some big games during his college career, so he has a chance to fit in the NFL as a long-term backup.

7. Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

Zappe led the nation with over 5,900 passing yards and 62 touchdown passes last season. He did that after a few standout seasons at Houston Baptist.

Obviously, his level of competition has to be questioned. He also has his size working against him. But after the numbers he posted last year, he’ll be on the radar as a Day 3 selection.

6. Carson Strong, Nevada

There’s been a cut-off at the top five best QBs in the 2022 NFL Draft, leaving Strong out of the conversation a little. But he was a three-year starter at Nevada and put up some big numbers over the past two seasons, completing over 70% of his passes each season.

That includes over 4,000 passing yards in 2021, showing that he has the arm talent to push the ball down the field.

5. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

There is no question Desmond Ridder is among the best NFL Draft quarterbacks for 2022 with regard to his athleticism. His speed will make him a handful for opposing defenses and give him a chance to become a long-term starter.

He also worked hard during his college career to improve his accuracy. However, while Ridder has the arm strength to push the ball down the field, his system in college favored shorter passes. He still has some work to do when it comes to processing information and making the right reads, so the team that drafts him will have to be patient.

4. Sam Howell, North Carolina

NFL scouts got a chance to pick apart Howell’s game in 2021, which hurt his stock a little. But part of the reason his numbers dropped last season is most of his supporting cast from 2020 left, leaving him with an inexperienced group of playmakers.

There are also some questions about Howell’s size and durability. But there’s no doubt that he has the arm talent to push the ball down the field and the ability to make plays with his legs, giving him a chance to be something special.

3. Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Corral has the arm strength and quick release that NFL teams look for in quarterbacks. There’s also no doubting that he has the competitive fire that can give him an edge, not to mention good mobility and the willingness to make plays with his legs.

However, his slight frame is a little worrisome for a quarterback who likes to run as much as Corral does. Plus, like most young quarterbacks, he still has to sharpen his decision-making and accuracy if he’s going to make it in the NFL.

2. Malik Willis, Liberty

In terms of upside, Willis might have the most in this year’s class. He might be a little rough around the edges, but his combination of arm talent and athleticism is better than anyone else in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The caveat is that he might not grasp the mental side of the game enough to be a starter right away. But if a team is willing to be patient with him, the sky is the limit for Willis.

1. Kenny Pickett, Pitt

Between his upside and his NFL readiness, Pickett is the best quarterback available in this year’s NFL Draft. That doesn’t mean he’ll be the first quarterback selected. But as a four-year starter at Pitt, he’s surely the readiest to step onto the field in Week 1, even if he has to win a competition during the preseason.

He has the tools and intangibles to be a long-term starter in the NFL. Does he have the upside to lead his team to a Super Bowl one day? That remains to be seen. But after the numbers he put up as a Heisman finalist last year, there is a lot to like about him.