2022 NFL Scouting Combine Notes: Quarterback Notes
The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is officially here. It looked for a minute that we were in danger of even getting a combine this year. That was before the NFL decided to cancel on their stupid bubble idea.
We’re going to be starting things out on the first day with the quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers. In a down quarterback class, the on-field product we see could drastically alter the 2022 NFL Draft. Let’s go through the quarterback notes!
*Matt Corral did not work out.
Group 1
The groups were broken up in half. Since there is no clear-cut studs and it’s a draft full of wildcards, this is probably the best way to split things up.
Cole Kelley
Shout out to Cole Kelley. It’s rare for me to flat out not know who someone is. 6-foot-7 gunslinger from Southeastern Louisiana put on a pretty good show. Made some good deep throws. Put my brain in a pretzel. Who is this guy? Look, most of the time guys like this turn into Mike Glennon but he had a pretty good day. In fact, it’s not outrageous to say he had had the best day of the group.
Sam Howell
Sam Howell, in my opinion, had the best day. He’s got good zip on him. Truthfully, I think he looked better mechanically compared to the past times I’ve critiqued him. Less stiff on the front foot. Much better loading up and letting it rip.
His deep ball is awesome. Doesn’t struggle getting the ball where it needs to be. Wish he ran because his mobility has been something that’s sneaky good but fear he’s not actually athletic enough to where it’s sustainable.
D’Eriq King
The Miami quarterback should have been left at home. He’s worse than I am and that’s not a joke. The accuracy is laughable bad. He was so bad that I’m not sure King knows how to drop back. The broadcast had to spend time on it without blasting King (even though they basically were without saying it). SUCKS.
Dustin Crum
This one is kind of a shame. Crum can make some throws. God he struggled to get it downfield. Looked like he was throwing a javelin. No real tools. No real arm talent.
Kaleb Eleby
Kaleb Eleby is worthless. His feet are so bad I’m shocked he didn’t trip himself and fall over. Constantly crossing over in the weirdest way possible. I think he air-mailed every throw. Probably not an accident.
Group 2
Carson Strong
Carson Strong blows. I hate that I even liked him. Now, yeah, he has a big arm. The rest? God awful.
Lower half stinks. Didn’t run (probably because it would have been embarrassing). His ball dies. Ball basically hit the ground before a receiver saved it about seven times. Can’t throw a slant to save his life. No explosion. Don’t know how you can even like him.
Malik Willis
We should be honest here. Malik Willis is a mess. He’s also really talented. He’s got plenty of zip. Sometimes even too much in certain situations. He’s a pure arm thrower. His feet stink. Can hit the home run. Bad accuracy. Overly reliant on the front foot. I don’t love him but there’s intrigue and I get that. Too bad he didn’t run cause it would have been a great time and helped his day.
Kenny Pickett
I like Pickett. I don’t love him. The 8.5 inch hand thing matters. It just does. It’s taken me some time to figure out a comp, but I think Derek Carr is about as accurate as it gets. Carr, another guy that struggles during cold weather and doesn’t have the biggest hands in the world.
He’s got enough juice. It’s not elite juice but the ball gets to where it needs to be. The mechanics are good. Just not super twitched up. The deep ball is average.
Bailey Zappe has a water pistol. Brock Purdy does look like Sam Ehlinger and it just makes me feel gross. Skylar Thompson has a better chance of being Julian Edelman than he does of being a back up quarterback. I’m not going to even talk about Desmond Ridder. He looked okay actually but who cares? Guy sucks.
Vendetta’s Top 5 Quarterbacks
1. Kenny Pickett (Pitt)
2. Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
3. Sam Howell (UNC)
4. Aqeel Glass (Alabama A&M)
5. Malik Willis (Liberty)
