Mr. Irrelevant Shocks NFL, Tops 2022 QB Draft Class

Mr. Irrelevant Shocks NFL, Tops 2022 QB Draft Class

The 2022 NFL Draft class was supposed to be a strong one for quarterbacks. Mock drafts predicted three, four, or even five QBs going in the first round. But when the draft actually happened, NFL teams clearly saw something different. Only one quarterback was picked in the first 73 selections, and that quarterback was Kenny Pickett by the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick 20. The consensus before the draft was that this was a weak class, and teams needing a QB might reach for players. However, the league’s front offices showed they had a much lower opinion of the available talent.

Kenny Pickett: From “Pro Ready” to Trade Bait

Kenny Pickett was considered the most ready-to-play quarterback in the 2022 class. He had a breakout senior season at the University of Pittsburgh, throwing more touchdowns than his previous four years combined and leading his team to a top ranking. Despite this success, scouts worried about his physical limitations, especially his small hands, which became a running joke. The Steelers drafted him to be the successor to Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after a long career. Pickett started his NFL journey on the bench behind Mitch Trubisky. He finally got his chance in Week 4 after Trubisky was benched. His first pass was an interception, setting a tough tone for his debut. He finished that game with 10 completions, 3 interceptions, and a loss.

Coach Mike Tomlin named Pickett the starter after that game. He went on to start 12 games, and while he struggled with turnovers early on, his play improved. He even led two game-winning drives late in the season. Fans felt optimistic, believing he was a developing clutch quarterback. However, his second season, 2023, was a major disappointment. The offense was hard to watch at times, with Pickett throwing for low yardage and few touchdowns. He also battled injuries, missing the rest of the season after a Week 13 ankle sprain. Even when he was cleared to play in the playoffs, Coach Tomlin chose to start Mason Rudolph, feeling Pickett’s practice performance wasn’t good enough.

By the 2024 offseason, it was clear the Steelers lacked faith in Pickett for the future. They signed veteran Russell Wilson, and Pickett requested a trade. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for very little, showing how little the league valued him at that point. There, he served as Jalen Hurts’ backup. His most memorable moments were taking kneel-downs at the end of the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl, leading to a new nickname: “Super Bowl winning quarterback Kenny Pickett.” He was then traded to the Cleveland Browns for minimal compensation before being traded again to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he backed up Geno Smith and started two rough games.

Other 2022 Quarterbacks: A Flurry of Fades

The struggles weren’t limited to Pickett. Desmond Ridder, another third-round pick, was a part-time starter for the Atlanta Falcons but was eventually let go after two seasons. He’s now a fringe practice squad player. Matt Corral, also a third-round pick, never played a snap and is out of the league.

Malik Willis, another third-round pick, had undeniable physical talent and a strong arm, leading many to believe he could be a top pick. However, he was raw and inaccurate, relying too much on athleticism against weaker college opponents. He was a developmental backup for the Tennessee Titans, but after they drafted Will Levis, Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a seventh-round pick. He served as Jordan Love’s backup, and despite limited playing time, some analysts have become very optimistic about his future. One pundit even called him a “budding superstar NFL quarterback.” In a fictionalized future scenario presented, Willis signs a significant deal with the Dolphins after impressive play in limited starts.

Looking at later rounds, Bailey Zappe (fourth round) is a backup with the New York Jets. Sam Howell (fifth round) had one decent season with Washington but is now a backup. Chris Oladokun and Skyler Thompson (seventh round) are also backups.

Brock Purdy: The Ultimate Underdog Story

The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Mr. Irrelevant, was Brock Purdy from Iowa State. He was seen as a small quarterback with a low ceiling, projected only as a backup. Most players with his scouting report never even play in the NFL. However, Purdy possessed accuracy, good command of the offense, and poise in the pocket, making him a perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers’ system under Kyle Shanahan. Initially, he was just there to help the defense practice against the starters.

Purdy’s chance came due to a series of injuries to other 49ers quarterbacks. Trey Lance, the third overall pick, suffered a season-ending injury, and then Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot. With the team fighting for a playoff spot, the 49ers turned to Purdy. He didn’t just fill in; he dominated. In his five starts to end the season, Purdy led the team to a 5-0 record, posting one of the highest passer ratings in the league and elevating the play of those around him. His performance only improved in the playoffs, where he led the team to the brink of the Super Bowl before an elbow injury ended their season.

Despite the injury, Purdy proved his rookie year wasn’t a fluke. He returned and became an MVP candidate, leading the league in touchdown percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating. He led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where they lost a close game in overtime to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. In subsequent seasons, Purdy continued to perform at a high level, even as the team dealt with more injuries. He signed a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension in May 2025, proving he was worth every penny when healthy.

Comparing the Worst: Is 2022 the Bottom?

When compared to other historically weak quarterback classes, the 2022 class might not be the absolute worst. The 2007 class is often cited, featuring bust JaMarcus Russell and producing few multi-year starters. The 2013 class, with only one first-round pick in EJ Manuel, is also considered very weak, saved only by Geno Smith’s late-career resurgence. The 2021 class, despite having five first-round quarterbacks, has been largely disappointing, though Trevor Lawrence shows promise.

The 2022 class stands out for having the least hype. With only one quarterback in the first 73 picks and only nine total drafted, it was the lowest number of QBs selected in any of these classes. While Pickett and others struggled, the class still has time to develop. Malik Willis could become a solid starter, and Brock Purdy has already proven to be the best quarterback from this group by a wide margin. Without Purdy’s incredible rise from Mr. Irrelevant, the 2022 class might be remembered as the most irrelevant quarterback draft class ever.

Source: The 2022 QB Class… 4 years later (YouTube)