2022 NFL Draft: Which Rookie Quarterback Will See the Field First?

6. Sam Howell (Washington Commanders)

Sam Howell was once in discussions for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Following his sophomore season at North Carolina, you’d regularly see his name towards the top of quarterback lists. Even entering the draft, some evaluators had Howell tabbed as their QB1. Surprisingly, the former Tar Heel fell all the way to the Commanders at pick 144 of the fifth round. Howell has one of the better deep balls in recent memory, but has leaps and bounds to grow in terms of mechanics and fundamentals. Washington sent two draft picks for Carson Wentz, and they have Taylor Heinicke in the No. 2 role. It’s possible Howell could see action late in the season if the Wentz Experiment is deemed a disaster. I don’t view it as likely, however.

(5% chance)

5. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots)

I like Bailey Zappe, I’ll start off by saying that. The New England Patriots using a fourth-round pick (No. 137 overall) on Zappe was still one of the most surprising picks of the event. The Patriots seemingly found their future at quarterback last year by taking Mac Jones out of Alabama. Leave it to Bill Belichick to throw multiple curveballs at draft analysts. Zappe profiles as a career backup, with the potential to serve as a spot starter when necessary. Brian Hoyer will likely win the backup spot for 2022, but considering his age and the fact that Zappe has more upside, it wouldn’t be totally shocking to see Zappe supplant the veteran.

(1% chance)

4. Matt Corral (Carolina Panthers)

The Carolina Panthers traded into day two to select former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral at pick 94 of the third round. While it was widely considered to be a weaker draft class, the final four members of this list were firmly in first-round rumors in the months leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft. Corral is a natural born leader that a locker room can rally around. He has a strong arm, can move well, and is never without confidence. So why did he fall? Much of Corral’s responsibilities in college were schemed. Very few times did he have to audible at the line or make long progressions while dropping back. Still, in the modern NFL, RPO-heavy schemes have worked lately. Matt Rhule brought a college vibe with him to the league, which gives reason to believe Corral could do well in the Panthers offense. Sam Darnold is a mess, and the recently acquired Baker Mayfield is likely to sit atop the depth chart in 2022. If Mayfield underwhelms, or is injured again, there’s a strong chance Corral sees the field over Darnold.

(10% chance)