Since 1983 there was not a bigger quarterback class than in 2021. Time will tell if those 2021 quarterbacks are as productive as the 1983 class. But the 2021 NFL Draft was historic for quarterbacks with the NFL Draft Odds. This year the NFL Draft has more variety. There are numerous top prospects at nearly every position. However, most draftniks rate the quarterback position as among the weakest in recent years. But the NFL Draft is famed for quarterbacks taken in later rounds only to become legends. Namely, Joe Montana and Tom Brady are in that category.
2022 NFL Draft First Quarterback Taken
| Date and Time: | Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. ET through Saturday, April 30, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN, ABC, NFL Network |
2022 First QB Taken NFL Draft Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Malik Willis | 175 |
| Kenny Pickett | +135 |
| Desmond Ridder | +1000 |
| Matt Corral | +1600 |
| Sam Howell | +2500 |
| Carson Strong | +10000 |
| Bailey Zappe | +10000 |
Malik Willis Emerges from Obscurity at Liberty
First among the favorites to be picked as the top quarterback is Malik Willis. Only hardcore college football fans and draftniks are aware of Willis. But what makes Willis an offshore bookmaker favorite is his production over the past two years. Additionally, Willis played for one of the great offensive minds in football. Head coach Hugh Freeze can make a college offense go like few other coaches. His quarterbacks are perennial top producers.
Last year Willis threw for 2857 yards with 27 touchdown passes and just 12 interceptions. His rating was 151.1. Also, Willis has the mobility that appeals to teams in this age of the dual-threat quarterback. And that is why the Seattle Seahawks are very interested in Willis. His athleticism and playmaking ability remind Seattle fans of the recently departed Russell Wilson.
Is Kenny Pickett the Next Dan Marino?
Speaking of 1983 NFL Draft quarterbacks, Dan Marino of Pit went on to rewrite the record book for the Miami Dolphins. Now we have another Pitt quarterback that could make an impact. Kenny Pickett brings a genius football QB and is coming off a breakout season that ended with First-Team All-American honors. Additionally, Picket was First-Team All-ACC and ACC Player of the Year in 2021. Finally, he was the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awardee.
In sum, Pickett passed for 4319 yards with 42 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. He completed an astounding 67.2% of his passes and compiled an eye-popping 165.3 rating.
Desmond Ridder – The Ultimate Quarterbacking Wild Card
Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati is coming off consecutive AAC Offensive Player of the Year award seasons. Ridder was the spark for Cincinnati becoming the first Group of Five program to make the College Football Playoffs. In like manner to Willis, Ridder brings the asset of mobility to the draft. Ridder is not as consistent with his release as NFL scouts would like. However, he brings the physical tools to emerge as an asset for 2022 NFL Draft betting.
Can Matt Corral a First Round Pick?
Matt Corral of Ole Miss does not have the size that NFL scouts prefer. But he has the intangible element that few other quarterbacks possess. On the whole, scouts respect that Corral can throw effectively from all over the field.
The Pick
In sum, Kenny Pickett brings everything that most NFL Scouts prefer from a quarterback.