We’ve compiled mock drafts from the top experts based on their history of NFL mock draft accuracy. Below are quarterbacks expected to be selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, based on our consensus of NFL Draft experts. You can also create a consensus mock draft using any of our experts here.
Malik Willis (Liberty): Projected to Panthers at No. 6 Overall
The Liberty signal-caller did wonders to his draft stock after an impressive week at the Senior Bowl. His 91.7 PFF passing grade throughout the Senior Bowl practices was the highest of the week.
Willis averaged almost 100 rushing yards per game over the last two seasons, putting him in elite company with some of college football’s best rushers. His ability to add value with his legs will grant him extra time to develop as a passer at the NFL level.
Combining his mobility with a strong downfield arm – fourth in PFF passing grade on throws of 20-plus air yards – is a recipe for fantasy football success.
Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh): Projected to Steelers at No. 20 Overall
Every college season, a quarterback emerges from the woodwork into the top-quarterback prospect conversation. Joe Burrow and Zach Wilson were that QB riser in the past two drafts, and this season it’s Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh Panther threw more touchdowns (42) than the previous three seasons combined as the entrenched starter (38).
Pickett finished third in PFF passing grade from a clean pocket (94.3) and first in his class in adjusted completion percentage (79%). His overall experience and breakout season make him the most NFL-ready quarterback in this class, but he is far from flawless.
His extremely small hand size -8 1/2 inches, 1st percentile – does raise some concern, as betting on outliers tends to generate sub-optimal results over time.
Also, Pickett doesn’t offer the same type of rushing other QBs in this class offer. He tends to go slowly through progressions and hold the ball too long, as evidenced by a 3.19-second average time to throw – the second-slowest in the draft class (Malik Willis, 3.33)
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