NFL Draft 2022: Which Quarterback Will Be Picked First?

Unlike recent drafts, the 2022 NFL Draft isn’t considered to feature multiple quarterbacks with star potential. That probably won’t stop a handful of teams from taking quarterbacks in the first round.

A little over a month away from the start of the draft, Liberty’s Malik Willis is given the best chance to become the first quarterback that comes off the board. Willis leads the way with -200 odds at BetMGM to be the first quarterback drafted.

Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett is the only other prospect that is given a realistic chance to be the first quarterback drafted. Pickett has +225 odds.

It’s possible, but quite unlikely, that Ole Miss’ Matt Corral could be drafted ahead of every other quarterback. Corral has +1400 odds to be selected ahead of both Willis and Pickett.

In the 2021 college football season, Willis threw for 2,875 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While his passing numbers aren’t overly impressive, Willis added 878 rushing yards and 13 scores. In 2020, Willis ran for 944 yards on 6.7 yards per carry.

Plenty of mock drafts project Willis to be a top-10 draft pick.

The Carolina Panthers have the No. 6 overall pick and are probably the first team that might use its top pick on a quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons are also a potential landing spot for a quarterback at No. 8. The Seattle Seahawks pick ninth and need a starting quarterback after trading Russell Wilson.

Both Carolina and Atlanta were among the finalists to trade for Deshaun Watson before the Houston Texans sent the quarterback to the Cleveland Browns.

Pickett was a Heisman Trophy finalist and finished third in the voting for last year’s award. Leading Pittsburgh to its first-ever ACC Championship, Pickett threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

NFL teams have a few concerns regarding Pickett and his potential to succeed in the pros. He will already be 24 years old this summer. Pickett’s hand size is potentially viewed as a red flag.

Some mock drafts have Pickett being selected behind Corral.

Corral threw for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2021. The Ole Miss star had 614 rushing yards last season.

Corral’s best college season came in 2020 when he completed 70.9% of his passes for 3,337 yards and 29 touchdowns in only 10 games.

North Carolina's Sam Howell is a +2000 long shot to be the first quarterback drafted in 2022.