2022 NFL Draft: Nevada QB Carson Strong has loads of potential

The 2022 NFL Draft quarterback class is shaping up to be one that waits for the riser. There are a couple that are dominating the early draft conversation, like Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler and North Carolina’s Sam Howell, but right now, it doesn’t measure up to the 2021 group that featured four incredible arm talents in Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Zach Wilson. Obviously, that could all change in the next 10 months, but time will tell.

One of those potential risers in the 2022 NFL Draft is a smaller school quarterback, Nevada signal-caller Carson Strong. Strong will be entering his third season under center for the Wolfpack in 2021. He also came in at number 19 on the early NFL Mocks 2022 NFL Draft big board.

In his first season as a starter, Strong started 10 games, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,335 yards, 6.2 yards per attempt, and just 11 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Despite a season unlike any other in 2020, Strong took a big leap for Nevada. He raised his completion percentage to 70.1 percent, and his YPA jumped up to 8.1. Strong threw for 2,858 yards, and threw 27 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Those numbers vaulted Strong to the All-Mountain West first team as well as the offensive player of the year. He was also on the Maxwell watch list.

So, can Carson Strong be the riser in the 2022 NFL Draft class?

It’s certainly possible, and would be this writer’s favorite to do so. His tools are very good and he’s budding with potential. But how does he stack up right now? Let’s dive in and look at the traits and the 2021 outlook for Carson Strong.