College football QB power rankings take a most unusual twist

Pro Football Network recently released their college football power rankings. Here’s why a few big names have slid so far in 2021. 

As we enter Week 6 of the 2021 college football season, there are some exciting names to watch at the quarterback position as we begin to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. While this year’s class isn’t considered elite by any stretch of the imagination, there are a handful of prospects with quality traits that could develop into franchise quarterbacks at the next level.

Recently, Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor released a list detailing his top 130 quarterbacks in college football this season and their performances so far entering Week 6. In this article, Mellor ranked his 130-best passers in college football right now. The results may surprise you.

If you have been following along closely, you already know which big names are considered to be among the highest quarterback prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, Mellor’s rankings take an unusual twist.

Top quarterbacks in college football power rankings

Some of the names that you have come to know and love were seen near the top. However, it’s important to remember that this is a list based on performance this year; not necessarily for where these quarterbacks should be selected in the NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett lands on the number one spot on PFN’s list with Alabama’s Bryce Young just behind him at number two. The top-5 is rounded out with Liberty’s Malik Willis, SMU’s Tanner Mordecai, and Ole Miss’ Matt Corrall.

Pickett has been remarkable this year. The fifth-year senior has taken a massive leap forward and it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t been the single-most impressive passer in college football this season.

One name that may surprise you on this list is Tanner Mordecai. The former Oklahoma backup and now SMU starter is off to a remarkable start statistically — completing over 70 percent of his passes for a whopping 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in just 6 games.

Big-name college football quarterbacks fall short

From six to ten include Carson Strong, Jake Haener, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and Grayson McCall. Early in the NFL Draft process, many had Carson Strong and Sam Howell as high as their top quarterback prospects next April. While both have been solid this year, inconsistencies have gotten in the way of them taking a big leap forward.

Desmond Ridder is another quarterback who has performed well this year. He recently led the charge to defeat Notre Dame, yet he is ranked just 8th on PFN’s quarterback power rankings.

Perhaps the most notable name on this entire list, Spencer Rattler, doesn’t even crack the top-10 five weeks into the 2021 college football season. Over the summer, some were ready to label Rattler as the consensus number one draft pick next April. However, his regression this season has led many to question what type of NFL quarterback he will be. Rattler comes in at 11th in the power rankings.

As I mentioned, it’s important to remember that Pro Football Network’s quarterback rankings are a reflection of how these players have played so far during the 2021 season; not a list of the top prospects in next year’s NFL Draft. Still, it will be interesting to monitor all of these players moving forward.