INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: Kenny Pickett #QB11 of the Pittsburgh Panthers speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Today was media day for QBs, WRs and TEs as the assembled media had an opportunity to talk with some of the top prospects that will be drafted as soon as Day 1 of the NFL Draft on April 28th. Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Sam Howell, Matt Corral, Carson Strong, Desmond Ridder along with the rest of the QBs fielded questions on their performances at the collegiate level, their health (Corral and Strong both received multiple questions) and how the strength of this class is being described by many analysts.
Carson Strong battled back against the narrative that this is a "weak" QB class where many of the other prospects, specifically Willis and Pickett, took more of a laid back approach citing "everyone is entitled to their opinion". As we walk up the the NFL Draft, the opinion of this QB class will remain varied and so far there still isn't a consensus top prospect out of this group.
Matt Corral won't workout at the NFL Combine but will interview with several teams and go through medical evaluations. The Broncos have already formally interviewed Corral along with Kaleb Eleby, Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis.
Kaleb Eleby likely won't be selected until Day of the NFL Draft but he could end up being an intriguing QB prospect from Western Michigan. Last season, Eleby 63.5% of his passes for 3,277 yards, had 23 passing touchdowns and only 6 interceptions as he lead WMU to an 8-5 record.
Mackey Award winner for best TE in the country, Trey McBride, from Colorado State enjoyed a stellar senior season up in Fort Collins despite the overall inconsistent performance from the Rams offense. McBride might be a bit of a luxury pick for the Broncos since he's expected to go early on Day 2 of the draft but, with 5 selections in the Top 100, George Paton could consider drafting the impressive TE prospect since Albert Okwuegbunam has had difficulties with health and Noah Fant is approaching the final year of his contract (5th year option decision still pending.
This is another deep WR class including Jahan Dotson, Treylon Burks, Drake London, Jameson Williams and Chris Olave who all spoke today at the Combine. Dotson has impressive speed and should test well at the combine as he follows in the footsteps of Broncos WR KJ Hamler who he mentioned during his press conference today when talking about a WR who helped mentor him in college.
Other news and notes:
-Everyone assumes Rodgers is back with the Packers. while this would position Russell Wilson at the top of every needy team's wish list, Pete Carroll said today they aren't trading him.
-Mitchell Trubisky continues to be a hot name. Despite not having played, teams seem to believe he needs a second chance.
-Marcus Mariota would have been traded last year if he had been willing to re-work his deal. He'll get another chance this season.
-The Houston Texans are shopping Laremy Tunsil. He'd need a new deal, but could solidify someone's line for years to come.
-The Dolphins are officially out on Deshaun Watson. GM Chris Grier made that clear today, the Panthers are considered the team to watch.