The NFL Draft is a little over 2 weeks away. Can’t Belize it. In order to get all the FYSers prepared for the upcoming draft, I’ll write a series of articles breaking down various positions for you not to read. First up is the crucial quarterback position.
Top TIER QBs
Malik Willis Liberty 6’1 219 lbs
Willis is the most likely top QB in this class. He played for a smaller school in Liberty but is uber-athletic with a cannon of an army. He needs to work on his touch and accuracy but compares to Mike Vick if developed properly. Willis could be a top 10 pick in this draft and there are plenty of QB needy teams.
Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh 6’3 217lbs
Pickett is another potential first round QB that had a monster senior season to burst onto the draft season. Pickett has good touch, quick release and is somewhat athletic. His arm is fine but not elite. Pickett has small hands though so watch for fumbles and some tunnel vision in first reads at times.
Pickett should be the second QB taken in the draft and possibly top 10 or mid first round.
Second TIER
Matt Corral Ole Miss 6’1 212 lbs
Corral is another athletic QB with a strong arm. He ran RPO at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin and can be a problem with his legs. Needs to work on his intermediate throws and his size at 6’1 could be an issue. Look for Corral in the late 1st round to be taken.
Sam Howell UNC 6’1 218
Howell is an athletic QB with a nice arm. He had a down year for him after being very productive early on. Needs to read coverages a little better but has been compared to Baker Mayfield and has a deep ball in his arsenal. Howell could be a late 1st or 2nd round pick.
Third TIER
Desmond Ridder Cincinnati 6’3 211 lbs
Ridder has good mobility and was very productive for the Bearcats. He needs to work on his accuracy and move on from his first read with development in the NFL. Ridder could be late 1st but most likely a day 2 pick.
Carson Strong Nevada 6’3 226 lbs
Strong is good at reading coverages and anticipates throws. He has some arm strength but not elite. Accuracy and forcing balls is an issue for him. Strong is a day 2 pick.
Day 3
Bailey Zaape Western Kentucky
Zappe had incredible production with 5,967 yards in a pass heavy offense. He lacks the arm strength but has a quick release. Day 3 backup QB.
Skylar Thompson Kansas State
Solid arm and decision making but needs to work on his footwork and faster release. Day 3 backup with potential
Jack Coan Notre Dame
Got better over time and works through progression. Solid deep ball. Average athlete and struggles with pressure and missed throws. Day 3 backup.