3 potential quarterback risers in the 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 quarterback rankings are currently fluctuating. While certain players are already well-known and considered at the top of the class, the reality is that the class is not as good as previous quarterback classes.

However, that does not mean the quarterback class lacks talent. The problem with the class currently is the lack of development from many talented players. Despite the upside of top guys like Sam Howell or Spencer Rattler, the only positives of this class are the athletic upsides of the quarterback prospects.

Quarterbacks still have a year to improve, though. During that time, a few may emerge and evolve into true first-round prospects. These rises are impossible to predict, but the best indicator is talent. Here are three quarterbacks who have the potential to rise and become first-round caliber talents.

Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Matt Corral is heading into his third year at Ole Miss, and though he is someone who has not consistently been in early mock drafts, he probably is the player on this list with the best chance of becoming a first-rounder. He is already productive, has great arm strength, can throw on the move, and he is one of the better deep ball throwers in this class.

Why is he not in the discussion? Despite his talent, Corral also lacked consistency. He threw for 29 touchdowns, but he also threw 14 interceptions. His statistics show his odd variance, as 11 of his interceptions came in only two games. He needs to become more consistent with his decision-making to boost his stock during the 2021 season.

Corral does have some challenges. He lost his top threat, wide receiver Elijah Moore, to the 2021 NFL Draft, and he also lost tight end, Kenny Yeboah. However, Corral will be in his second year in Lane Kiffin’s offense. His skill set matches Kiffin’s philosophy, so he should succeed. If anyone is going to make the next step, it should be Matt Corral.

Phil Jurkovec, Boston College

After sitting on the bench at Notre Dame, Phil Jurkovec transferred to Boston College. In his first season at Boston College, he showed off his arm strength and the ability to drive the ball. He has the talent to rise in the draft.

Jurkovec needs to develop in terms of accuracy, but he has the supporting cast to take the next step. He has one of the top receivers in the country in Zay Flowers, and three of his offensive linemen, Tyler Vrabel, Zion Johnson and Alec Lindstrom, are potential NFL prospects, too. He did lose tight end Hunter Long, but he seems to have a favorable situation.

Jurkovec can take the next step in his second year within this offense. With his talent and the talent surrounding him, he can compete and take steps to become a high-level NFL prospect.

Jayden Daniels, Arizona State

Out of everyone on this list, Arizona State’s Jayden Daniels probably has the most physical talent. He has a great arm, the ability to throw on the move, and he is also a great athlete. He has the toolset of the modern NFL quarterback.

Daniels flashed as a freshman with a 17 touchdown to 2 interception ratio, but he did not perform nearly as well in his second season. The mess of the 2020 college football season certainly did not help, but he needs to fix his deep accuracy in order to take the next step. Losing deep threat Frank Darby to the NFL Draft does not help him, but he will be in his third season. Additionally, Daniels is light for his frame, as he is listed at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds by Arizona State

Jayden Daniels might be one of the most physically talented quarterbacks in this class, but he needs to take a big step in order to get into the first round. His familiarity with Arizona State’s offense and a more normal season should do wonders for him. However, he is not a lock to be a top prospect unless he takes that step.