Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis's Top-7 Quarterback Rankings

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BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Raiders could go after Bailey Zappe #4 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers looks to pass against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the first half of the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on December 18, 2021, in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis’s Top-7 Quarterback Rankings

Grade: Late Day Three

While Bailey Zappe ranks last here, he can take solace in the fact that he is the most accomplished passer in NCAA history. In his only season as a starter, Zappe recorded 5,967 passing yards with 62 touchdowns and just eleven interceptions. Both the yards and touchdowns are NCAA bests, beating the record set by LSU’s Joe Burrow. He of course won the C-USA’s MVP award.

Zappe is very limited as a passer. His arm strength is very poor and will limit his ability to test windows downfield in the NFL. Most notably, when he tries to make plays out of the structure, the ball tends to hang on him. In addition to his struggles out of the pocket, his accuracy and ball placement are very sporadic on the run.

His lower body mechanics do not help matters either, as he tends to stand flat-footed in the pocket, causing him to make throws using only his arm. His size will also be a hindrance in the NFL at just a hair over six feet tall.

Zappe’s throwing motion is easily repeatable and allows him to get the ball out quickly and on time. With this throwing motion, he is able to generate decent but not great velocity on his throws to the short and intermediate levels of the field.

As mentioned, he also does a great job of keeping the ball out of harm’s way, often looking for easy completions and allowing his receivers to do the work. He displays good touch on his deep ball as well, but whether that is by design or due to a lack of arm strength is entirely debatable.

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text

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As far as his NFL projections go, Zappe is just not an NFL quarterback. Destined to hold a clipboard for his NFL career, he is not likely to be selected anywhere before day three of the 2022 NFL Draft.

So there, you have it, the top-7 quarterbacks coming out this season. The Raiders are reportedly going to stick with Derek Carr, but if they choose not to, this is a draft where a potential franchise guy could be found after the first round.

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