2022 NFL preseason rookie QB rankings: Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder headline high 5 Week 2 performances

August 23, 2022

Two weeks of preseason soccer are all however within the books, which suggests this yr’s rookie quarterbacks are one step nearer to creating their official debuts. However how did the first-year signal-callers fare of their newest exhibition motion? We’re glad you requested. Here is our rating of the highest 5 rookie QB performances from Week 2 of the 2022 NFL preseason:

Stats: 7-11, 83 yards, 1 TD

The Colts might not have room for the undrafted Notre Dame product contemplating Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger are in tow behind Matt Ryan, however he confirmed pro-level contact to shut the sport in opposition to the Lions, delivering an ideal downfield landing cross to Samson Nacua within the remaining minute of the fourth quarter.

Stats: 9-10, 129 yards, 1 TD

For the second consecutive week, the seventh-rounder is making the case he belongs on Miami’s roster as a 3rd QB, behind Tua Tagovalioa and Teddy Bridgewater. Even in a detailed loss, he regarded poised within the pocket, standing tall particularly for fairly deep strikes. On a staff whose different QBs are infamous for being conservative, that is a pleasant developmental high quality.

Stats: 7-17, 80 yards, 1 TD, 42 dashing yards

With a lot of electrical energy and little throwing consistency, Willis posted a really Trey Lance-esque stat line in opposition to the Buccaneers, however look the place Lance is now: beginning at QB for an NFC title contender. In reality, Willis’ preseason was all the time nearly confirming the bodily presents that warranted his Day Two choice in Tennessee. He should develop as a rhythm passer to assert and retain a high job, however his easy scrambling and arm-angle changes are obvious.

Stats: 10-13, 143 yards

The Falcons’ third-rounder put collectively his second promising preseason outing in as many video games Monday evening in opposition to the Jets. He threw simply three incompletions whereas main Atlanta to a pair of subject objectives throughout his three sequence, and people drives might have simply resulted in additional factors if not for penalties. Ridder shouldn’t be in place to supplant Marcus Mariota because the Week 1 starter, but when the previous Titans and Raiders signal-caller struggles early on, the Cincinnati Bearcats product looks as if he’ll be ready if his quantity is named.

Stats: 6-7, 76 yards, 1 TD

Okay-Dawg picked a superb time to indicate a few of his greatest stuff, contemplating he is the one QB right here in place to truly win a beginning job. His work was very restricted in opposition to the Jaguars (eight snaps), however he was decisive in an up-tempo scoring drive that had Mike Tomlin blissful post-game. Higher but, he stood tall in frenetic pockets, suggesting he can stand up to Pittsburgh’s transitioning O-line simply in addition to, if not higher than, his chief competitors for the job: Mitchell Trubisky.

Different notables

  • Matt Corral (Panthers): The third-rounder confirmed some zip on his passes however exited early after struggling a probably season-ending Lisfranc damage, indefinitely suspending his bid for a backup job in Carolina.
  • Sam Howell (Commanders): Whereas his downfield arm expertise is spectacular, Howell wasn’t practically as efficient as his debut, going 10 for 18 with an interception in opposition to the Chiefs in a down day for Washington’s offense.
  • Bailey Zappe (Patriots): The fourth-rounder bought lots of work after Mac Jones in opposition to the Panthers, and he showcased short-area accuracy, however he additionally threw a nasty pick-six making an attempt to make a brief sideline throw.
  • Brock Purdy (49ers): Iowa State’s Mr. Irrelevant made a quiet bid for the 49ers’ No. 2 job in opposition to the Vikings, alongside a equally environment friendly outing from fellow backup Nate Sudfeld. His numbers (14-for-23, 128 yards) weren’t gaudy, however they’d’ve been higher if not for 3 drops. On the very least, he is confirmed he is bought the accuracy Kyle Shanahan covets.

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