Anonymous NFL execs on the 2022 QB Draft Class

[JD1976]

From Ian Rapoport

Seems like everyone has the same high opinion of Pickett.

Among the notable opinions on the possible QBs in next year's draft:

• "Pickett is a lock to go in Round 1, and Howell is solidly there, too. Then either Willis, Ridder, or Corral, maybe two of them. Pickett is a little surprise, but he's really established himself."
• "All of the top guys have really interesting traits. Corral can really sling it, Pickett has been doing it for a long time, Ridder is kind of fun. They all have tools you can really develop."
• "It's not that close to last year depth-wise, but people need 'em and at least three go in Round 1."
• "I don't know that all of them are truly worthy of getting picked in Round 1, but everybody needs them and you aren't getting one in Round 2. Not as deep as last year, but three for sure -- Corral, Willis and Pickett -- plus a wild card.
• "Willis, Corral, Howell, Pickett -- all will rise when the coaches get involved and all are really talented."
• "There isn't a guy where I'm like, 'That's definitely a franchise QB.' Corral has guts and swagger, some people are really high on the kid from Liberty (Willis), and Pickett has had the best year of all of them. I know people have some love for the Nevada kid (Strong). It could be five guys in any order."
• "We have three QBs ranked solidly in the first round."
• "I think three is the right number. They said 2017 was a down year and two of the top five QBs in the sport (Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes) came from that draft. And neither were taken inside the top 10."

Full Article: Click Here

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Excellent stuff!!

 

[PittAU]

What about Armstrong? If I was him I would come out this year. He's a junior. I'd bolt.

 

[runshadyrun]

Heisman!!

 

[Tiger Paul Lives]

While I think Armstrong is a very good college QB, I am not sure he translates into a sure fire NFL QB. Maybe it is just he has nice touch, but his arm strength and throwing motion does not seem pro caliber.

 

[lilspainishflea]

While I think Armstrong is a very good college QB, I am not sure he translates into a sure fire NFL QB. Maybe it is just he has nice touch, but his arm strength and throwing motion does not seem pro caliber.

Agreed. You can't look at just the numbers in college football since there's such a disparity in defensive styles and talent. Armstrong was throwing to wide open WR over the middle. Pickett was throwing to covered WR across the field. Pickett's arm talent is just, frankly, a lot better.

Not saying that Armstrong can't be an NFL QB, I just think that between the two, Pickett is the far superior prospect just from the film score.

 

[lilspainishflea]

From Ian Rapoport

Seems like everyone has the same high opinion of Pickett.

Among the notable opinions on the possible QBs in next year's draft:

• "Pickett is a lock to go in Round 1, and Howell is solidly there, too. Then either Willis, Ridder, or Corral, maybe two of them. Pickett is a little surprise, but he's really established himself."
• "All of the top guys have really interesting traits. Corral can really sling it, Pickett has been doing it for a long time, Ridder is kind of fun. They all have tools you can really develop."
• "It's not that close to last year depth-wise, but people need 'em and at least three go in Round 1."
• "I don't know that all of them are truly worthy of getting picked in Round 1, but everybody needs them and you aren't getting one in Round 2. Not as deep as last year, but three for sure -- Corral, Willis and Pickett -- plus a wild card.
• "Willis, Corral, Howell, Pickett -- all will rise when the coaches get involved and all are really talented."
• "There isn't a guy where I'm like, 'That's definitely a franchise QB.' Corral has guts and swagger, some people are really high on the kid from Liberty (Willis), and Pickett has had the best year of all of them. I know people have some love for the Nevada kid (Strong). It could be five guys in any order."
• "We have three QBs ranked solidly in the first round."
• "I think three is the right number. They said 2017 was a down year and two of the top five QBs in the sport (Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes) came from that draft. And neither were taken inside the top 10."

Full Article: Click Here

Pickett might be the 1st QB off the board and will go no later than the 3rd QB off the board. I think Houston will pass on a QB at 2 (they might trade back) and the 1st QB will go to WFT or Atlanta.

Denver and Carolina are sneaky good landing spots. Pittsburgh would be as well. I'd be ecstatic if Kenny was drafted by the Steelers.

 

[JD1976]

Pickett might be the 1st QB off the board and will go no later than the 3rd QB off the board. I think Houston will pass on a QB at 2 (they might trade back) and the 1st QB will go to WFT or Atlanta.

Denver and Carolina are sneaky good landing spots. Pittsburgh would be as well. I'd be ecstatic if Kenny was drafted by the Steelers.

I don’t want to get this off track, but I have a feeling that Ben will be back next year. He is playing well and his arm looks fine. He’s definitely a far cry from his best years, but still gives the Steelers a chance to win. That said, I would love it if there was a way for Pickett or Howell to land with the Steelers.

 

[PittAU]

I'm not saying that Armstrong is an NFL lock but, he's one of just a few guys who have thrown for over 4,000 yards this year.

Strike while the iron is hot.

 

[pittdan77]

Agreed. You can't look at just the numbers in college football since there's such a disparity in defensive styles and talent. Armstrong was throwing to wide open WR over the middle. Pickett was throwing to covered WR across the field. Pickett's arm talent is just, frankly, a lot better.

Not saying that Armstrong can't be an NFL QB, I just think that between the two, Pickett is the far superior prospect just from the film score.

Armstrong is playing behind a terrible line. He gets rid of the ball quickly but does lack some accuracy once in a while. I think he'd benefit from doing what KP did but that's me.

 

[pittdan77]

I don’t want to get this off track, but I have a feeling that Ben will be back next year. He is playing well and his arm looks fine. He’s definitely a far cry from his best years, but still gives the Steelers a chance to win. That said, I would love it if there was a way for Pickett or Howell to land with the Steelers.

Only way the Steelers should want to do that is if they get a big discount and get Ben to agree to work with a young guy, not against him, like he has with Rudolph. The franchise has to move on soon or it's just going to bury itself in financial hell.

 

[lilspainishflea]

Armstrong is playing behind a terrible line. He gets rid of the ball quickly but does lack some accuracy once in a while. I think he'd benefit from doing what KP did but that's me.

It's just hard to say watching him play against Pitt because every WR is so f***ing open due to our scheme. You need at least one double-plus skill - arm talent, mobility, smarts - to succeed as an NFL QB. Look at a guy like Tua, who is a substantially better player than Armstrong. Better arm, better accuracy, works the pocket, extremely smart. And he's middle of the pack right now.

I haven't watched his other games but you can throw the film against Pitt out. Dudes will never be that open in the NFL, not even 20% close to that open. Our system makes guys look way better than they'd be in the NFL. Does Armstrong have one of those exceptional skills in arm, mobility, or intelligence? Idk, maybe. Haven't seen enough of him. I just know that Pickett was making much more difficult throws.

 

[UPitt '89]

What about Armstrong? If I was him I would come out this year. He's a junior. I'd bolt.

His sidearm throwing motion has pro scouts down on him. Plus, his success is coming in a system that doesn't translate to the NFL.

If he came out, he'd be drafted, but he'd be the 7th or 8th QB taken... at best.

He'd be better off going the Pickett route and staying one more year.

 

[UPitt '89]

I'm not saying that Armstrong is an NFL lock but, he's one of just a few guys who have thrown for over 4,000 yards this year.

Strike while the iron is hot.

Literally 0 pro scouts care about how many yards a QB has in college. His yards are a function of his offensive system.

The iron is not that hot for him anyway.... as most pro draft experts have him outside the Top 10 draft-eligible QBs, and none have him higher than 8th.

 

[pittdan77]

It's just hard to say watching him play against Pitt because every WR is so f***ing open due to our scheme. You need at least one double-plus skill - arm talent, mobility, smarts - to succeed as an NFL QB. Look at guys like Tua that is a substantially better player than Armstrong. Better arm, better accuracy, works the pocket, extremely smart. And he's middle of the pack right now.

I haven't watched his other games but you can throw the film against Pitt out. Dudes will never be that open in the NFL, not even 20% close to that open. Our system makes guys look way better than they'd be in the NFL. Does Armstrong have one of those exception skills in arm, mobility, or intelligence? Idk, maybe. Haven't seen enough of him. I just know that Pickett was making much more difficult throws.

None of that is wrong. Armstrong torched UNC's defense but didn't exactly light up Miami or Wake. I really think he needs another year.

 

[thebadby2]

From Ian Rapoport

Seems like everyone has the same high opinion of Pickett.

Among the notable opinions on the possible QBs in next year's draft:

• "Pickett is a lock to go in Round 1, and Howell is solidly there, too. Then either Willis, Ridder, or Corral, maybe two of them. Pickett is a little surprise, but he's really established himself."
• "All of the top guys have really interesting traits. Corral can really sling it, Pickett has been doing it for a long time, Ridder is kind of fun. They all have tools you can really develop."
• "It's not that close to last year depth-wise, but people need 'em and at least three go in Round 1."
• "I don't know that all of them are truly worthy of getting picked in Round 1, but everybody needs them and you aren't getting one in Round 2. Not as deep as last year, but three for sure -- Corral, Willis and Pickett -- plus a wild card.
• "Willis, Corral, Howell, Pickett -- all will rise when the coaches get involved and all are really talented."
• "There isn't a guy where I'm like, 'That's definitely a franchise QB.' Corral has guts and swagger, some people are really high on the kid from Liberty (Willis), and Pickett has had the best year of all of them. I know people have some love for the Nevada kid (Strong). It could be five guys in any order."
• "We have three QBs ranked solidly in the first round."
• "I think three is the right number. They said 2017 was a down year and two of the top five QBs in the sport (Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes) came from that draft. And neither were taken inside the top 10."

Full Article: Click Here

1. It’s a weak QB class for sure, another reason KP made a great business decision to stay at Pitt;

2. of the top 3, KP looks the most like an NFL QB to me. He doesn’t have a prototype NFL arm but it’s good enough, he moves his feet, feels the game around him and keeps his eyes downfield like an NFL QB. He has also mastered the touch throws that he struggled with most of the past few years. And he’s playing in a modern NFL offensive scheme. He’s a natural leader. Lastly, he has worked his ass off to improve his game, and it shows. That’s certainly a factor to NFL evaluators.

I don’t think I’d touch Corral or Willis in the first round, and I certainly wouldn’t take either of them over Pickett.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Only way the Steelers should want to do that is if they get a big discount and get Ben to agree to work with a young guy, not against him, like he has with Rudolph. The franchise has to move on soon or it's just going to bury itself in financial hell.

i actually like ben but he's not a guy that will actively work with his replacement. again, im not an anti ben guy but he just is not that guy. he expects the backups to support him and not vice versa. Good QB, future hall of famer but not a team first guy at all.. The last player in the world that will mentor a rookie qb..

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

i actually like ben but he's not a guy that will actively work with his replacement. again, im not an anti ben guy but he just is not that guy. he expects the backups to support him and not vice versa. Good QB, future hall of famer but not a team first guy at all.. The last player in the world that will mentor a rookie qb..

I think Aaron Rodgers would be extremely stiff competition for that last player in the world.

 

[Saboteur II]

While I think Armstrong is a very good college QB, I am not sure he translates into a sure fire NFL QB. Maybe it is just he has nice touch, but his arm strength and throwing motion does not seem pro caliber.

Bernie Kosar

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Pickett might be the 1st QB off the board and will go no later than the 3rd QB off the board. I think Houston will pass on a QB at 2 (they might trade back) and the 1st QB will go to WFT or Atlanta.

Denver and Carolina are sneaky good landing spots. Pittsburgh would be as well. I'd be ecstatic if Kenny was drafted by the Steelers.

I will become a Steelers fan if Kenny ends up here.

Carolina would be a great landing spot for sure. I think those teams you mentioned, along with NO and maybe even Miami, could be good fits. GB too if Rodgers does depart.

 

[Tiger Paul Lives]

True...I am not saying he will not be an NFL QB. Just saying he isn't the prototypical Pro QB. As the linemen get bigger, pro linemen, sidearm is harder to get over them.

 

[pittzap]

While I think Armstrong is a very good college QB, I am not sure he translates into a sure fire NFL QB. Maybe it is just he has nice touch, but his arm strength and throwing motion does not seem pro caliber.

Definitely agree about the throwing motion. Seems like he takes a wile to get his throw off, even though he throws a lot of quick hitters. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think he translates well to the NFL.

I think Kenny has gotten better in the pocket avoiding the rush to set up his throw. He is also good at avoiding the sack and knowing when to run. I haven’t seen Armstrong enough to know if he is too slow or not.

But I would leave if I were him. He got hurt and missed some time. Go while it is a “weak” QB draft.

 

[PANTHERAN]

While I think Armstrong is a very good college QB, I am not sure he translates into a sure fire NFL QB. Maybe it is just he has nice touch, but his arm strength and throwing motion does not seem pro caliber.

Agree on the throwing motion but from what I saw in warms up and in the game he has enough arm strength for the NFL. A bigger issue may be he doesn’t seem like he is 6’2 like he is listed. More like 6’0. Did anyone see if he and Pickett shook hands after the game to get a height comparison?

 

[UPitt '89]

Bernie Kosar

The exception that proves the rule.

Armstrong's long-winding and side-arm throwing motion is why he is around 10th in the consensus of draft experts as far as draft-eligible QBs for 2022.

 

[UPitt '89]

Definitely agree about the throwing motion. Seems like he takes a wile to get his throw off. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think he translates well to the NFL.

I think Kenny has gotten better in the pocket avoiding the rush to set up his throw. He is also good at avoiding the sack. I haven’t seen Armstrong enough to know if he is too slow or not.

But I would leave if I were him. He got hurt and missed some time. Go while it is a “weak” QB draft.

If the experts say you will be the 10th QB taken in a "weak" QB draft.... then you are better off coming back for another year.

 

[4Mark_Marty]

Agree on the throwing motion but from what I saw in warms up and in the game he has enough arm strength for the NFL. A bigger issue may be he doesn’t seem like he is 6’2 like he is listed. More like 6’0. Did anyone see if he and Pickett shook hands after the game to get a height comparison?

Kenny was much taller than Armstrong.

 

[PANTHERAN]

Kenny was much taller than Armstrong.

Thanks! By how much would you guess?

 

[UPitt '89]

Thanks! By how much would you guess?

Armstrong looks about 5'11" or 6'0. Pickett is 6'2".

 

[TJFAIRLIE]

All we have to go by is what we’ve seen on the field and watching Kenny so closely as fans.

I think a large part of it that remains to be seen is that these quarterbacks are all going to be interviewing with these teams, doing workouts etc.

I do think Kenny will impress GM’s and coaches even more once they start taking to him

 

[4Mark_Marty]

Thanks! By how much would you guess?

I'd say at least two or three inches.

 

[lilspainishflea]

All we have to go by is what we’ve seen on the field and watching Kenny so closely as fans.

I think a large part of it that remains to be seen is that these quarterbacks are all going to be interviewing with these teams, doing workouts etc.

I do think Kenny will impress GM’s and coaches even more once they start taking to him

IMO, the scouting process is going to line up really nicely for Kenny. He's going to be a Heisman finalist and will play in the Senior Bowl (Corral, Howell, and Strong will not). I expect that he's really going to crush Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder there because his strengths - accuracy, consistency, intelligence - are suited to that format, which is scheme neutral and you go in cold not knowing anyone.

I've heard recent talk that a growing number of NFL GMs have Kenny is the top rated QB. Someone might prefer Corral since he's younger and played in the SEC. But Willis has really struggled over the last month and Howell's play has been ho-hum (most due to his lackluster supporting cast, I think he's good).

Kenny's is also a really great position because he's going to play in a number of nationally televised games going forward and Willis and Howell won't. I really think it's a 2 QB race - Corral and Pickett - from here on out.

 

[CaPAPITT76]

From Ian Rapoport

Seems like everyone has the same high opinion of Pickett.

Among the notable opinions on the possible QBs in next year's draft:

• "Pickett is a lock to go in Round 1, and Howell is solidly there, too. Then either Willis, Ridder, or Corral, maybe two of them. Pickett is a little surprise, but he's really established himself."
• "All of the top guys have really interesting traits. Corral can really sling it, Pickett has been doing it for a long time, Ridder is kind of fun. They all have tools you can really develop."
• "It's not that close to last year depth-wise, but people need 'em and at least three go in Round 1."
• "I don't know that all of them are truly worthy of getting picked in Round 1, but everybody needs them and you aren't getting one in Round 2. Not as deep as last year, but three for sure -- Corral, Willis and Pickett -- plus a wild card.
• "Willis, Corral, Howell, Pickett -- all will rise when the coaches get involved and all are really talented."
• "There isn't a guy where I'm like, 'That's definitely a franchise QB.' Corral has guts and swagger, some people are really high on the kid from Liberty (Willis), and Pickett has had the best year of all of them. I know people have some love for the Nevada kid (Strong). It could be five guys in any order."
• "We have three QBs ranked solidly in the first round."
• "I think three is the right number. They said 2017 was a down year and two of the top five QBs in the sport (Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes) came from that draft. And neither were taken inside the top 10."

Full Article: Click Here

maybe Steelers can get one of them

 

[JD1976]

Only way the Steelers should want to do that is if they get a big discount and get Ben to agree to work with a young guy, not against him, like he has with Rudolph. The franchise has to move on soon or it's just going to bury itself in financial hell.

I would agree with all of this. The only thing I would say is that whereas last offseason the Steelers had the upper hand over Ben, I think it will be a little different this coming offseason if Ben wants to still play. I’m not saying teams would line up for him, but if Rivers could play one more season somewhere else, Ben certainly could too.

 

[joeydavid]

Only way the Steelers should want to do that is if they get a big discount and get Ben to agree to work with a young guy, not against him, like he has with Rudolph. The franchise has to move on soon or it's just going to bury itself in financial hell.

Lol. Ben working with a young guy. That's funny.

 

[pittdan77]

I would agree with all of this. The only thing I would say is that whereas last offseason the Steelers had the upper hand over Ben, I think it will be a little different this coming offseason if Ben wants to still play. I’m not saying teams would line up for him, but if Rivers could play one more season somewhere else, Ben certainly could too.

Ben had a great career but the Steelers need to move forward.

 

[Pitt_Boss]

I'm hoping Hooker from TENN decides to go in the draft. He's had a monster year. I'd much prefer Milton rolling into town as the TENN QB next year.

 

[UPitt '89]

I'm hoping Hooker from TENN decides to go in the draft. He's had a monster year. I'd much prefer Milton rolling into town as the TENN QB next year.

I think Hooker HAS to go, doesn't he? He was already a graduate transfer to Tennessee this year.

 

[thebadby2]

Bernie Kosar

Kosar was 6'5. Armstrong is listed at 6'2, and that's only if he's standing on a phone book.

 

[thebadby2]

I'm hoping Hooker from TENN decides to go in the draft. He's had a monster year. I'd much prefer Milton rolling into town as the TENN QB next year.

He does not translate to the NFL. He'd be a late pick at best.

Milton will not be the starter at Tennessee next year regardless of what Hooker does. Heupel will go out and get a high level transfer.

 

[revampedpanthers]

Aree lot

Agreed. You can't look at just the numbers in college football since there's such a disparity in defensive styles and talent. Armstrong was throwing to wide open WR over the middle. Pickett was throwing to covered WR across the field. Pickett's arm talent is just, frankly, a lot better.

Not saying that Armstrong can't be an NFL QB, I just think that between the two, Pickett is the far superior prospect just from the film sco

What about Armstrong? If I was him I would come out this year. He's a junior. I'd bolt.

I don't see a NFL arm when I watch him. Looks accurate, has decent mobility but lots of really good college QBs fail in the NFL because they don't have the physical abilities required. Most of the top QBs like Aaron Rodgers,mahomes,Herbert, Allen etc what do they have in common they have really good arms. Even Ben and Brady had really strong arms coming into the league. That's why Rudolph who looked like a stud in college, especially against Pitt, has not been great he just lacks a big time arm