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Nine Teams that could take a quarterback early in the 2022 NFL Draft

By Christopher Thomas

Sep 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) attempts a pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) attempts a pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2021; E. Rutherford, N.J., USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball in the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2021; E. Rutherford, N.J., USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball in the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

Last season there was speculation if the Atlanta Falcons should consider taking a quarterback with the fourth overall pick. Their current quarterback, Matt Ryan, is 36 years old and since the team will likely begin a rebuild under a new head coach and general manager it made a lot of sense. Instead, the Falcons opted to take Kyle Pitts in the first round.

At times this season the Falcons’ offense looks extremely flat and unexciting. They have a 2-3 record largely because their defense is still abysmal. A major reason why Atlanta doesn’t have the offensive flair they’ve had in recent years is that they traded away Julio Jones after the draft. Ryan has been solid after having a rough first start of the season. He has completed 69.1% of his passes for an average of 266.4 yards per game, ten touchdowns, and three interceptions.

It is clear that Ryan has declined over the last couple of seasons and is no longer considered a top-10 quarterback in the league. Considering his age and the fact that Atlanta is looking to rebuild this organization from the ground up it makes a lot of sense for them to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ryan’s future in Atlanta is uncertain past this season. If the Falcons were to release to trade him next season they would cause a $40 million cap hit. So it is likely that the Falcons roll with Ryan on the roster for at least one more season. Since the 2022 NFL Draft has a quarterback class that will need development before they become starters for their respective teams, it may benefit a rookie to sit behind a former MVP like Ryan and learn the offense.

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