Nine generals were selected to 2022 NFL Draft and eight of them had their first game in 1st week of preparation, the last days. Although only one QB was selected in the 1st Round last April, Kenny Pickett of the Steelers, the team showed promise playing for the first time as professionals.
Aside from Pickett, who is competing with Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job in Pittsburgh, there is little chance either will be their team’s starter for Week 1 of the regular season. But what exactly was seen from each? The Sporting News ranks how they fared.
Evaluating Rookie Quarterbacks
1. Kenny Pickett, Steelers (1st round, pick 20)
Note: 10
Statistics: 13-15 passing, 95 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 132.6 rating.
Acrisure Stadium was electric for good reason. Pickett felt right at home in Pittsburgh, playing like he was still a Pitt Panther and showing everything that made him a first-rounder as he exploded for the Seahawks: energy, arm, accuracy and athleticism. He worked on the deep passing offense that suits his abilities and also brought some improvisation.
2. Malik Willis, Titans (3rd round, pick 86)
Note: 8.5
Statistics: 6-11 passing, 107 yards, 5 carries for 38 yards, one touchdown rushing
Ryan Tannehill must be nervous. Tennessee could have gotten a steal in the Draft with a player who should have been a 1st Round pick given his physical abilities. Willis played a limited offense and like many athletic quarterbacks, relied on his legs against the Ravens. But he also threw a spectacular deep pass to Racey McMath.
The conservative Titans don’t yet have plans to play Willis over Tannehill, but no one would be surprised if he’s their top midseason option.
3. Desmond Ridder, Falcons (3rd round, pick 74)
Note: 8
Statistics: 10-22 passing, 103 yards, 2 touchdowns, 59 rushing yards
The Falcons, coached by Arthur Smith, also aren’t expected to rush Reeder past Marcus Mariota. But the rookie showed the maturity he gained in his long and winning career in Cincinnati, leading the way to the win over the Lions. The final numbers weren’t as efficient, but he made key plays and showed he’s a great running back.
It will only be a matter of time before the Falcons want to see Ridder in the regular season.
4. Sam Howell, Commanders (5th round, pick 144)
Note: 8
Statistics: 9-16 passing, 145 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns and 86.7 rating
Howell experienced a shocking drop in the Draft given the way he played in North Carolina. In his debut, he showed promise as a developing QB with a smooth, confident performance against the Panthers. Howell excelled on intermediate and deep passes and showed his athleticism as a running back.
5. Bailey Zappe, Patriots (4th round, pick 137)
Note: 7
Statistics: 19-32 passing, 205 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
There is no doubt that Zappé can spread the ball all over the field. But what stood out in his debut against an aggressive Giants defense was his composure in the pocket. He showed good mental and physical strength.
Zappe doesn’t have many options with Mac Jones as the starter and Brian Hoyer as his experienced backup. But it showed that it can be developed in the system. He threw solid pitches, including a touchdown to Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
6. Skylar Thompson, Dolphins (7th round, pick 247)
Note: 7
Statistics: 20-28 passing, 218 yards, 1 touchdown and 106 rating
The Kansas State product was the only Miami quarterback to play against Tampa Bay. He handled himself well, with good accuracy and distribution (10 different receivers caught passes). Mike McDaniel found the right guy to have behind Tua Tagovailoa.
7. Brock Purdy, 49ers (7th round, pick 262)
Note: 6
Statistics: 3-6 passing, 36 yards, 1 touchdown
Purdy was the last pick of the Draft. He’s a Kyle Shanahan-type pocket quarterback, although when Jimmy Garoppolo is traded, Nate Sudfeld will be Trey Lance’s backup. Purdy looked like a rookie in his brief first outing, though he did score a game-winning touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion.
8. Matt Corral, Panthers (3rd round, pick 94)
Note: 5
Statistics: 1-9 passing, 11 yards
Corral was buried in Carolina with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold in front of him. In his debut, he showed why he is not a primary threat and will have to do a lot to be considered even a third-rate quarterback.
