2022: Quarterbacks

Desmond Ridder–QB–Cincinnati–6’3”-211–3rd–92

Ridder might be the most intriguing prospect in this entire draft. As Cincinnati was making its stamp on college football last year, everyone started to notice this quarterback and got thinking about his future draft stock. He’s got good height, length, and speed. And everyone seems to rave about his work ethic and leadership traits, which you love to hear. Ridder grew up in Louisville, right across the river from Cincinnati, and has been a 4 year starter for the Bearcats. He really took a major step forward as a Junior and continued that progression through his Senior season. He moves well in the pocket, remaining balanced, and is a big plus player in the run game with a 4.52 second 40. Desmond carried the ball over 500 times during his collegiate career and never missed a game so you know he’s durable. As far as arm talent, it’s probably average. But he has enough arm strength to succeed, he just needs to step into throws down the field. Bottomline, Ridder is the only QB in this class that could become a franchise quarterback, I think that should push him into round one. He’s got a winning mentality, the necessary physical tools, lots of experience, and the most developed pocket passing of these top 4 quarterbacks. For comparison, he reminds me of Johnny Manziel without off-field concerns.

Malik Willis–QB–Liberty–6’0”-219–2nd–79

Beginning his college career at Auburn, Willis transferred to Liberty where he started for 2 seasons. He is a remarkably similar prospect to Jalen Hurts, both run really well and have the body to handle hits. Both transferred out of the SEC West because they didn’t have enough to offer in the passing game. Both have strong arms and had good success at their second stop against inferior defenses. And both are strong character guys, although Hurts delivered on the biggest stage as a freshman so point to him in that area. As we have seen with Jalen Hurts, this playing style can win games at the next level, but you also see it hit the same ceiling where you need someone with a strong drop back passing game. I like Willis more than I expected to, but still think he is not a long term answer at quarterback for a team that wants to win playoff games.

Kenny Pickett–QB–Pitt–6’3”-217–2nd–77

Pickett plays a lot on the move and I just don’t see the tools for a drop back passer. He looks like he can see in the pocket, but does not have big arm strength or a track record of excelling from there. By all accounts he’s a strong character guy and the teammates love him, which will be huge in his future backup qb role. I think his ceiling is as a good spot starter, something like Taylor Heinicke or Marcus Mariota. Pickett wants to play like Russell Wilson, but he’s not on that level as an athlete or a passer.

Matt Corral–QB–Ole Miss–6’2”-212–3rd–68

He looks like a quarterback camp player. A guy that can go out there with no offensive line or pass rush, receivers running routes against air, knowing exactly what he is going to do before the ball is snapped, and delivering a pretty ball on target. Coming out of Lane Kiffin’s scheme, Corral looks good on film, but I think his lack of size is going to be a problem for him and I don’t think he has the anticipation instincts to function at the next level.