Ranking the top 6 quarterbacks of the 2022 NFL Draft

2022 stats: 367/524, 70% completion, 4,186 yards passing, 36 touchdowns, 8 interceptions

Key expert quote: From Lance Zierlein at NFL.com: "Scouts rave about his leadership and 'killer instinct.' He clearly has first-round talent, but long-term durability concerns surrounding his knee could force teams to take a more cautious approach with his projection and draft slotting."

One thing to know: Strong's 4,186 yards passing last season were good for eighth-best in all of college football. His arm is also big, capable of reaching every part of the field and stretching opposing defenses to their limits. While Strong might have to wait until late Day 2 or even Day 3 to hear his name called, he could make some noise in the NFL if he lands in the right spot.

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2022 stats: 217/347, 62.5% completion, 3,056 yards passing, 24 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 828 yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "Tough, competitive passer with a penchant for throwing it deep; he's undersized but athletic, and brings plus scrambling ability."

One thing to know: Howell has earned Baker Mayfield comparisons during his time at North Carolina, and it's not hard to see why. Howell is elusive in the backfield when he needs to be, and is willing to push the ball into tight spots. He is not afraid to air the ball out.

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2022 stats: 262/386, 67.9% completion, 3,349 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 614 yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns

Key expert quote: From Dave Richard at CBS Sports: "There's a lot of Marcus Mariota in Corral. Both are quarterbacks who excelled in a specific scheme that made them great in college. Both were also incomplete passers when they were done in college. Mariota got into a starting job right away and never really excelled before getting benched and dumped. Corral needs a year of acclimating to the pro game before reliably giving his team a chance to win games."

One thing to know: Matt Corral and the Ole Miss offense were one of the most thrilling shows in all of college football last season, pushing the ball downfield with great speed to keep defenses constantly backpedaling. The NFL should bring an interesting change of pace for Corral.

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2022 stats: 251/387, 64.9% completion, 3,334 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 355 yards rushing, 6 rushing touchdowns

Key expert quote: From Danny Kelly at The Ringer: "Ridder is a polished passer, and his extensive experience as a starter should help him make the jump to the pros, but he'll need to clean up his game in a few key areas. His accuracy runs hot and cold, much like a shooter who's trying to find his rhythm on the basketball court."

One thing to know: As a four-year starter, few quarterbacks come out of college as battle-hardened as Desmond Ridder. Ridder's final season with the Bearcats was his best, leading Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season and a spot in the playoff. While his numbers might not jump off the page, there's a good chance Ridder is as ready to start in the NFL as any quarterback in the 2022 draft class.

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2022 stats: 334/497, 67.2% completion, 4,319 yards passing, 42 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 241 yards rushing, 5 rushing touchdowns

Key expert quote: From Lance Zierlein at NFL.com: "The top indicator for future success or failure will likely rest in a team's ability to build Pickett's trust, poise and discipline from the pocket. He can make all the throws, but he'll only be able to execute against disguised fronts and NFL pressure if he's willing to hang in and win with his eyes first. He carries a boom/bust label, but the 2021 tape and productivity showed off his potential to become a good starter in time."

One thing to know: Years ago, then-Temple head coach Matt Rhule recruited Kenny Pickett out of high school. Pickett's star rose during his senior year, earning him an offer from Pittsburgh, and Rhule left Temple for Baylor, so the two never teamed up. But with Rhule now coaching the Panthers and holding the No. 6 pick in the draft, there's a chance the two could be set for an NFL reunion.

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2022 stats: 207/339, 61.1% completion, 2,857 yards passing, 27 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 878 yards rushing, 13 rushing touchdowns

Key expert quote: From Mina Kimes at ESPN: "Watching his tape, there are more moments where I say words I can't say on cable television than any other player in this class. His traits are unreal. The rushing ability, instantly I would put him in the top 3 in the NFL. His ceiling is outer space."

One thing to know: Willis' arm is an absolute cannon and a joy to watch, and he's a two-way threat that could compare to the likes of Josh Allen if given the right spot. If anyone is going to break out of the 2022 draft class and become a superstar, Willis feels like the guy.

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