NFL

Who is QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft? Is Malik Willis closing in?

Published

3 years ago

September 13, 2021

darragh

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Who is QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft? The top quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft is a hotly contested topic. That’s not going to change, even on a week-to-week basis. We’re not in the business of throwing around the QB1 mantle to anyone who has a breakout game, but we can analyze these fluctuations and see where things might be trending.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the notable quarterback performances from the previous week. Which of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft helped their stock? Which ones might have it? And what should we look for in Week 3 of the college football season?

Week 2 performances from top quarterbacks in 2022 NFL Draft

To gauge the 2022 NFL Draft QB1 race, let’s take a look at how some of the most notable quarterbacks played in Week 2 of the 2021 season.

Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell bounce back in 2022 QB1 race

This is why, while it’s important to document performances every week, we must keep things in perspective. Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell both struggled in their respective debuts, but it was only the first week of the season. Positive regression was likely, and we saw that on Saturday, albeit against inferior competition.

Rattler helped Oklahoma crush Western Carolina 76-0. In doing so, he looked much more comfortable than he had against Tulane. He still faded back in the pocket at times, but Rattler was crisp, quick with his decision-making, and terrific in terms of ball placement. His arm talent always pops, but that only makes it more stark when he’s comfortable and composed. He also showed off his mobility at times — an underrated part of his game.

Howell, meanwhile, put up numbers against Georgia State. He threw for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns while generating 104 yards and 2 scores on the ground. For Howell, structural improvements yielded individual growth. He had more time to get into a rhythm and looked more comfortable as the game went on. Howell made good decisions but also flung the ball downfield when he had the looks. His physical traits aren’t elite, but he has a strong arm nonetheless with solid baseline mobility.

Malik Willis, Matt Corral, and Carson Strong make it too close to call

While Rattler and Howell both had good weeks, you could feasibly have at least five different QB1 options right now. Malik Willis, Matt Corral, and Carson Strong all looked exceptional in their Week 2 outings. Among all of the top 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks, the consistent theme is that they played less-than-stellar competition in Week 2. Even so, it’s good to see execution in optimal circumstances.

Willis and Corral, in particular, have two of the highest-upside skill sets in the entire 2022 NFL Draft. Both put those skill sets on display on Saturday. Although Willis only threw the ball 18 times, he was a steady 13-of-18 for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the ground, he provided 93 yards and a score as well. Willis showed off improved touch and accuracy from last year. That was one of the big issues in his game from 2020, so it’ll be a huge boost for his stock if he stays consistent there.

Corral, meanwhile, put up 5 touchdowns in a surgical display of passing. You love to see quarterbacks play fast, and Corral certainly does. He’s confident and decisive, and his passes carry a rare, unnatural zip. Accurate to all levels of the field, Corral has visibly toned down his volatility so far this season, and that was the only thing standing in the way of his ascension.

Then there’s Strong. Perhaps the steadiest of all the quarterbacks, Strong once again brought his A-game for Nevada. He’s a pocket passer, no doubt. But he brings many of the elements desired in such a QB, including good processing ability, ball placement, and poise.

Sleepers like Will Levis, Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett still making noise

There seems to be a safely-formed top five with any order of Rattler, Howell, Willis, Corral, and Strong. However, the 2022 NFL Draft QB1 conversation isn’t exclusive to them alone. Several sleepers had impressive weeks, including Will Levis, Desmond Ridder, and Kenny Pickett.

Statistically, Levis was the most underwhelming out of this group, but he still put up quality reps. There were times when Levis could’ve responded better to pressure — an issue visible in his Week 1 outing as well. Yet, Levis’ deep accuracy still awed. On his touchdown throw, he actively used his eyes to hold the safeties in the middle of the field, then fired to his open man in the flat. That quick development with his eye discipline is extremely promising, and it cultivates excitement for Levis’ future growth.

Pickett may not be a QB1 contender in the 2022 NFL Draft like Levis and Ridder, as he doesn’t quite have the elite traits. Nevertheless, Pickett is a solid prospect in his own right, and he doesn’t always get warranted respect. He’s one of the toughest players in college football, and he put Pittsburgh on his back last Saturday. With solid mobility and arm elasticity, he has a great off-script skill set. He may not be an NFL starter, but someone will be lucky to have him in their quarterback room.

Grayson McCall an under-the-radar name to watch

He may not declare, given that he’s only a redshirt sophomore. Nevertheless, Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall has been playing lights out, going all the way back to last year. McCall has been one of the driving forces in the Chanticleers’ success, but more than that, he’s also a legitimate NFL Draft prospect with high-end traits.

McCall’s accuracy impresses, as does his willingness to push the boundaries and take advantage of shots down the field. On top of his passing ability, McCall is also a stellar positional athlete and a tough competitor. If he keeps playing well, he may have to consider capitalizing on his stock and declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Coastal Carolina won’t have many particularly challenging opponents in 2021. So the opportunity is there for McCall to inflate his perception nationwide.

Race to be QB1 in 2022 NFL Draft still open-ended

As expected, we don’t have too many definitive answers as to who 2022’s QB1 is after Week 2. Many of the quarterbacks in the running this week played subpar competition. Although execution is important no matter what, it means a little bit more when it’s amidst more adverse circumstances. That’s not something you can see against Western Carolina, Murray State, or Troy.

Week 2 was a positive week for many quarterbacks. But from an NFL Draft perspective, it was relatively stagnant. As we get farther down the schedule, however, these quarterbacks will start to encounter more obstacles. Through that process, we’ll get more valuable information. Thus, we may eventually be able to narrow down the 2022 QB1 candidates.

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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.