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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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Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and guard Brandon Scherff (75) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and guard Brandon Scherff (75) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Football Team

This season definitely has not gone as planned for the Washington Football Team. After a playoff birth last season, Washington upgraded their quarterback position by signing veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $10 million deal. Going into the season they were the favorites to repeat and win NFC East. However, they have dealt with some adversity early in the year. During the second quarter of the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers Fitzpatrick sustained a hip injury that landed him on injured reserve. On top of that their highly regarded defensive unit has been extremely disappointing, ranking 31st in scoring defense and in total defense.

Washington’s backup quarterback coming into the season was the late-season hero and fan-favorite Taylor Heinicke. He has performed well since taking over for Fitzpatrick. In the five games Heinicke has started he has completed 64.2% of his passes for an average of 241.6 yards per game. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and six interceptions during that time.

Heinicke has shown enough to be given a legitimate chance of being Washington’s long-term starter. It will be interesting to see what Washington does if Heinicke keeps playing like this when Fitzpatrick could return. It will likely depend on the team’s record. If Washington is way out of the playoff race they will likely hand the keys to Heinicke. However, if they are still involved in the playoff hunt Heinicke will likely remain the starter on a short leash with Fitzpatrick in the waiting to replace him.

After the season Washington has to consider taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft if they are in a position to take one and have any doubts about Heinicke. This roster is too talented to hold it back with average or worse quarterback play. Ron Rivera and this Washington regime’s jobs are not on the line this season, so they can afford to finish the season with a rough record if it means they could be in a position to draft their franchise quarterback. Washington is one of the destinations where a rookie first-round pick quarterback from the 2022 NFL Draft could thrive in his first season.

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