2022 NFL Draft: QB Kaleb Eleby makes major statement in win over Pitt

The Western Michigan Broncos went into Pittsburgh and defeated the Panthers 44-41 in a stellar battle to the end. The upset is a big one, and not just because the MAC got a big win over the ACC. It’s a statement game that goes on the 2022 NFL Draft resume of quarterback Kaleb Eleby.

Eleby wasn’t talked about too much in national circles heading into the college football season, but many in draft circles who took time over the summer recognized Eleby from studying D’Wayne Eskridge last cycle. Eleby flashed some impressive placement to every level, improvisation skills, and a good arm.

That momentum has carried over to the 2021 season. After a solid outing against a tough Michigan team, Eleby came up big in another chance to make a statement. Eleby completed 23 of 35 passing for 337 yards and three touchdowns. His game was highlighted by several great throws, including a great deep ball in the bucket to his left down the sideline. He flashed the great placement and accuracy to every level of the field, stayed poised, and made great decisions all afternoon. He challenged the Pitt defense well with throws outside the hashes, and made plays out of structure.

Kaleb Eleby could be the true sleeper of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The quarterback class for the 2022 NFL Draft is one that’s just waiting for someone to break out and give the class a true headliner. Right now, some of the top guys are struggling to rise to the top and separate themselves.

If Kaleb Eleby can continue to string together performances like this one, he should get plenty more attention when it comes to the 2022 NFL Draft. But today, Eleby made an important statement: that he’s here to stay and could crash the quarterback rankings as the season goes on. If no one steps up, why can’t Eleby be the guy teams look at a little later? Time will tell.