2022 NFL Draft Prospect Matchmaker: Quarterback Fits
Other Notable Quarterbacks
QB6: Carson Strong, Nevada:
During the predraft process, Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has fallen into borderline irrelevancy. Despite having the strongest arm in the class of any quarterback besides Malik Willis, it feels like Strong’s ceiling is the third round. His lack of mobility and knee issues have concerned teams enough for him to fall to the middle or later parts of the 2022 NFL Draft. A team that could use a developmental quarterback to backup their starter and possibly replace him should be interested in taking Strong.
The Tennesee Titans could see Strong as a possibility to take in the middle of the draft. He could compete with Logan Woodside for the backup job and eventually work his way into the conversation to replace Ryan Tannehill. If Strong can get healthy, he has as good of a shot as anyone in this class to become a franchise quarterback.
Prediction: The Tennesee Titans select Carson Strong with the 131st overall pick.
QB7 Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky:
Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe had an outstanding year at Western Kentucky that will get him drafted on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft. Zappe broke Joe Burrow’s single-season passing yards and passing touchdown records during his sole season at Western Kentucky. His production was in large part due to the offense he was a part of however, it was still extremely impressive.
A team in need of a long-term backup quarterback could take a chance on Zappe in the fourth or fifth round. The New England Patriots have taken chances on unathletic quarterbacks with production multiple times in the Bill Belichick era. Their current backup quarterback is Brian Hoyer who is closer to joining the Patriots coaching staff than starting for the team. After Hoyer is Jarrett Stidham who has not been impressive during his opportunities to play and is in the last year of his deal. Zappe could compete with Stidham for the third quarterback slot on the depth chart and pass Hoyer next offseason to become Mac Jones’ backup.
Prediction: The New England Patriots use the 158th pick acquired from the Miami Dolphins to select Bailey Zappe.
QB8 EJ Perry, Brown:
Brown quarterback EJ Perry has gained a lot of buzz in recent weeks to be selected by a team to become their backup quarterback. He was worked out for multiple teams throughout the pre-draft process. Teams are likely drawn to his ivy league education and mobility as a quarterback. Perry will likely be selected in the later rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.
An interesting destination for Perry could be the Las Vegas Raiders. As it currently stands, Nick Mullens and Garrett Gilbert are Las Vegas’ backup quarterbacks. Both of them spent a majority of last season on practice squads before being thrown into the starting lineup of the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders due to the spread of COVID-19 in their respective quarterback rooms.
Perry could compete with both of them for a roster spot and would likely be the third quarterback on the depth chart. Las Vegas could take advantage of Perry’s athleticism by using him in packages similarly to how they used Marcus Mariota in recent years when he backed up Derek Carr.
Prediction: The Las Vegas Raiders select EJ Perry with the 165th overall pick.