One week ago, the Washington Football Team was projected to have the No. 19 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. What a difference one week makes, as Washington is now projected to be picking in the top 10 — at No. 10, according to Tankathon.
For a team desperately needing to address the future of the quarterback position, this is good news. Of course, that means Washington will not make the playoffs. While Washington’s recent run toward the playoff picture was inspiring, a long list of injuries will likely keep the WFT from making the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
This quarterback class isn’t expected to have the same depth it had in 2021. However, as we’ve seen with Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance — the top three picks — these young players either struggle or, in Lance’s case, sit.
The top quarterbacks are Justin Fields (No. 11 overall) and Mac Jones (No. 15). Fields has shown plenty of flashes but has dealt with his own struggles. Jones, the last pick of the bunch, is the best, at least this season.
The thing to remember about the draft and quarterbacks, prospects will rise and fall throughout the next few months. There will be players selected in the first round you didn’t expect, and some you did expect, go much later.
Quarterbacks Matt Corral, Malik Willis, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett and Carson Strong are expected to garner first-round attention.
Here’s a look at the current top 10 of the NFL draft order ahead of Week 16:
- 1. Jacksonville
- 2. Detroit
- 3. Houston
- 4. NY Jets
- 5. NY Giants via Chicago
- 6. NY Giants
- 7. Carolina
- 8. NY Jets
- 9. Atlanta
- 10. Washington