The top quarterbacks in this year's NFL draft

By Tyler Stevens / Roar Rookie

Every year quarterbacks are the coveted position players taken in the NFL draft.

Since 2010 there have been 39 quarterbacks drafted in the first round, and only one year saw just one QB drafted, meaning multiple quarterbacks are taken each year in the first 32 picks.

We didn’t see many quarterbacks in the first round in mock drafts early in the season. People were saying that this class is not as good as those of previous years, that teams need other positions and that teams should not stretch and snatch a QB in the first round because it would be a mistake.

Fast-forward a couple of months, and who saw this coming? Multiple QBs are in the first round of mock drafts. It happens every year, and every year we’re surprised when we see it happen.

Do not be surprised if we see four or even five teams draft a potential franchise leader.

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Out of this quarterback class, these are my top three guys I think will have the most success within the next five years.

3. Sam Howell

If Sam Howell had been in the 2021 NFL draft, he would have been a top-ten pick. But he’s slipped on the big boards after a disappointing last season at UNC.

Howell saw every stat dip and interceptions go up compared to 2020, but that was not all on him. His offensive line did not perform, allowing 44 sacks in 2021 compared to 33 the year before. Sam was running for his life, thus creating some poor throws and irresponsible decisions.

But he did show off his arm at the combine and threw very well there. He also had a great Senior Bowl that showed scouts he has the talent and leadership to lead a franchise at the next level.

Howell slipping just a tiny bit will allow him to land somewhere that will help him succeed and be a great leader.

2. Desmond Ridder

It’s probably a surprise here seeing Ridder in the top three. Selecting Ridder above names like Matt Corral and Carson Strong might appear strange, but he’s a winner. leading Cincinnati to back-to-back amazing seasons and leading his squad to the college football playoff in 2021.

Throwing 30 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, we all know he can throw it with the best, but his athletic ability is a sneaky quality, as his ability to run the football if needed.

He had over 2100 rushing yards in his college career and will have to use that ability in the NFL in order to be successful.

Like Howell, Ridder might slip to Day 2, which will allow him to land somewhere that will let him grow and maybe sit for a year and learn. But in the next five years do not be surprised to see Desmond Ridder in the NFL playoffs.

1. Malik Willis

Malik Willis is becoming everyone’s favourite quarterback in this year’s class. He has a cannon for an arm, which gravitates people to him. He is raw and might need some time to grow, but Willis showed his ability to throw any ball needed, and accurately.

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Willis could be good right out of the gate if a team needs a Day 1 starter, which is also a huge plus for him. He’s also a dual threat – he can hurt teams with his legs just as much as his deep throws. He’s creeping into the top ten in some mock drafts, and that might be where he goes. Malik Willis will not see past Pick 15, and rightfully so.

These three guys are all super successful and will help any NFL team that picks them up. They are all great leaders – they win games and have the talent to go far in their careers.

Watch out, because in five years when they are comfortable with their teams and are up to the speed of the game they will be the most successful quarterbacks from this year’s draft class.

The Crowd Says:

2022-05-05T23:38:20+00:00

Sheikh

Roar Rookie


Now the draft's over, and Tyler got some things right and some wrong: "Do not be surprised if we see four or even five teams draft a potential franchise leader [in the 1st round]." Only Pittsburgh (with Big Ben retiring) took a QB in the 1st round, and it wasn't any of the three Tyler reviewed. But the three QBs Tyler lists here were in the top 6 QBs drafted: Malik Willis - 3rd round, Tennessee - 3rd QB picked. Desmond Ridder - 3rd round, Atlanta - 2nd QB picked. Sam Howell - 5th round, Washington - 6th QB picked. A very unusual draft with the 2nd QB picked being the 74th pick, and only 9 of the 262 players taken being QBs (including Mr. Irrelevant!) Possibly a result of the glut of good QB prospects in the last couple of years, possibly due to next year being thought to be a another good year for QBs (so teams will wait a year before attempting to take a franchise QB), and possibly due to Covid disrupting both the college and NFL sides over the last couple of years so that young QBs haven't had the chance to develop.

2022-03-19T11:16:03+00:00

no one in particular

Roar Guru


I wouldn't sign Sam Howell to the practise squad. An NFL calibre QB dominates at college level in spite of what is around them, not excusing them for it. Combine numbers are not an indicator of success, on field performance is. Ridder has a low completion percentage (and fell under 60% against the better teams), and can't throw the long ball With the exception of Willis, I'd put Carson Strong (despite question mark on his knee), ahead of them

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