Matt Corral Is The QB1 In The 2022 NFL Draft
After being spoiled by the 2021 NFL draft class, there is a lot of unwarranted hate for this year’s crop of quarterbacks. While all quarterbacks taken in the first round last year would be the unquestioned QB1 in this year’s class, last year was definitely an anomaly in terms of talented signal-callers. However, that doesn’t mean any quarterbacks this year can’t turn into franchise players at the next level, especially Ole Miss’s Matt Corral.
The five-star recruit has lit it up college football the past two seasons. Throwing for 3,334 yards through 12 games with a 20:4 touchdown to interception ratio is nothing to scoff at. Especially after missing star receiver Elijah Moore, Corral did more with less this season. Critics say Corral’s immense seasons can be chalked up to Lane Kiffin’s offense, however, Corral’s skillset is beyond that.
First and foremost, Matt Corral is an athlete. I pointed out his passing number earlier, but his rushing production has been nothing short of remarkable. 597 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns are elite numbers that highlight his ability to escape the pocket and take off when need be.
His arm strength isn’t that of a Josh Allen, but Corral possesses the talent and precision to fit the ball into tight windows downfield. This throw against Mississippi State accentuates that part of his game.
Not only that, but he can hit the deep ball with great accuracy. Corral’s ability to consistently hit his playmakers on the run downfield is what caused this Ole Miss offense to remain so explosive the past two seasons. This throw against Tulane emphasizes that unique combination of accuracy and arm talent.
Corral’s shortcomings are literally just that. He is just six-feet tall. Not the ideal height at the NFL level, but we’ve seen numerous quarterbacks overcome this in Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. I expect nothing less from Corral. His ability to move out of the pocket and extend plays have drawn comparisons to Zach Wilson’s electric final year at BYU that led him to be the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Matt Corral has all the upside and ability to become a franchise signal-caller in the NFL. Some even think he may be the first player drafted overall. And given the positional scarcity of quarterbacks, I wouldn’t be surprised. Jared Goff is the opposite of an NFL quarterback and the Lions could easily upgrade, drafting Corral first overall. Maybe the Texans trade up to take Corrall given how Deshaun Watson should never see the field again. Regardless, I think he will be the first quarterback off the board in April. Unless, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis lights up the Senior Bowl that is.
