Kenny Pickett vs. Malik Willis vs. Matt Corral: Who Will Be First Quarterback Selected in 2022 NFL Draft?
By Joe Summers
We're less than two months from the NFL Draft and teams are honing in on who they may select with their first round pick. The much-aligned quarterback class is considered one of the weakest in recent years, but with plenty of teams in need of quarterback help, there's still several players who may make an impact as soon as next year.
Using WynnBET's odds for the first overall pick, three quarterbacks have separated themselves from the rest of the class and are vying to be the first selected.
As we approach the draft, which quarterback between Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Matt Corral will hear their name called first?
Kenny Pickett (+3000 to be drafted first overall)
The 6'3", 220 pound signal-caller out of Pittsburgh is the leader in the clubhouse. Pickett piloted one of the best offenses in the country last year as he threw for 4,319 yards with 42 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.
He added 241 yards on the ground and five touchdowns on 97 attempts, so he has some mobility to him and represents the kind of pro-ready style that teams covet for an easy transition to the pros.
Pickett has been tied to Washington at No. 10 in a number of mock drafts and is the clear favorite to be the first quarterback drafted.
Malik Willis (+4000)
My favorite quarterback in the class is 6'1", 215 pound phenom out of Liberty. Spend five minutes watching a highlight tape of Willis and you'll fall madly in love with his ceiling.
hello here's Malik Willis making the best throw I've seen from any QB prospect in this year's class pic.twitter.com/8LZlOECFaQ
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 2, 2022
He threw for 2,857 yards last year with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but the value he brings on the ground is what could take his game to the stratosphere. Over the last two years, Willis ran for 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns.
With mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Kyler Murray adding new dimensions to offenses, it's easy to see how an organization could covet Willis' arm-talent and dynamic rushing ability.
Malik Willis Has Impressed in Interviews in Indianapolis
Interviews are ongoing today, but have heard buzz that Liberty QB Malik Willis is interviewing *very* well.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 2, 2022
Echoes what I heard about interviews at the Senior Bowl, too. Teams I've spoken to are liking Willis' makeup.
Besides setting a great first impression, he's the kind of talent that can take an offense to another level, and I think he'll rise up the draft boards as teams realize just how freaky an athlete he is. Willis needs to improve his accuracy and cut down on turnovers, but he's my pick to be the first quarterback drafted based on the high-ceiling he brings to the table.
Matt Corral (+5000)
Bringing in the rear is the 6'0", 200 pound gunslinger out of Ole Miss. He suffered a nasty right ankle injury during a bowl game, but he displayed the kind of dual-threat ability over the course of the season that could see him make an impact in the NFL.
Corral threw for over 3,300 yards each of the last two years, but an improvement in decision-making reduced his interceptions from 14 two years ago to just five last year. He added 1,105 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground during those last two seasons, so he's got the mobility that Willis has, albeit with a seemingly-lower ceiling.
His height and frame combined with his injury could scare some teams off, and I don't see him jumping Pickett or Willis to be the first drafted.
All in all, I think Willis is the guy in this class. I love his chances of being the first quarterback selected and will be all in on Rookie of the Year futures for him once the draft is completed.