2022 NFL Draft notebook: Quarterback preview, sleepers, and stock report
By John Blair
This week’s NFL Draft Notebook starts its preseason position preview by taking a look at the quarterback position. The 2022 NFL Draft does not have any sure-fire top-five picks like we saw this year in Trevor Lawrence or the year before in Tua Tagovailoa. However, this year’s class does have some potential as Spencer Rattler has looked like the real deal in limited playing time. North Carolina’s Sam Howell is another prospect who is being projected as a high first-round pick.
Along with taking a look at the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also discusses the following
- An ACC quarterback who could be a sleeper in this year’s class
- Quarterbacks who are seeing their stock rise or fall going into the 2021 season
- A couple of quarterbacks who might have to switch positions in the NFL
- All the latest draft news including several draft prospects who have recently transferred
- And much more
Top Five Quarterbacks in 2022 NFL Draft
Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler goes into the season as the favorite to be the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and after watching his film it is easy to see why. The first thing that stands out with him is his impressive arm strength. He has the arm to easily make any throw in an NFL offense and also enough power to throw when off balance.
He shows incredible accuracy as well and consistently hits his target whether he is in the pocket or on the move. He also does a great job of keeping his eyes downfield when forced to move in the pocket. The biggest concern with him is his lack of ideal size coming in at only 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds.
Sam Howell, North Carolina
Sam Howell has been one of the better quarterbacks in the ACC the past two seasons. He was named the 2019 ACC Rookie of the Year after throwing for 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. This past season he was named to the All-ACC second-team behind 2020 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence. His top asset is his ability to throw the deep ball as he displays outstanding accuracy and timing in this area.
Jayden Daniels, Arizona State
Perhaps no other place ranks Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels as high as he is ranked here, but that will likely change by the end of the season. Daniels has the skill set to be a first-round pick and a long-time starter in the NFL.
To start with, he has terrific arm strength and can easily flick the ball 50 yards downfield. He has the mobility needed to succeed in today’s NFL and can easily pick up yards on the ground. One thing he will need to do though in order to be a first-round pick is add some size to his 6-foot-3 185-pound frame.
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
One of the main reasons Cincinnati has become a powerhouse Group of Five program is the play of quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder is an athletic pocket passer who displays the arm strength to play in the NFL.
One area he will need to improve on this year is the rate at which he makes his reads. He was slow to get rid of the ball at times last year which caused him to be sacked 18 times. He also needs to do a better job of finding his outlet receivers which will help him get rid of the ball quicker and avoid getting sacked.
Kedon Slovis, USC
A quarterback who might be a little overrated going into the season is USC’s Kedon Slovis. While Slovis was one of the better quarterbacks in the Pac-12 the past two seasons there are plenty of concerns with him.
The top concern is his 16 interceptions over the past two seasons. He also is only an average athlete who has trouble getting away from pressure. On the positive side, he is an accurate passer who has the arm strength to play in the NFL.