High-risk, high-reward prospects in the NFL Draft 2022
#3 - QB Kenny Pickett, Pitt
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Kenny Pickett exploded for a massive senior season at Pitt, starting 13 games while completing more than 67 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. He came out of nowhere and was one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
The debate surrounding Pickett's senior season is whether he quickly blossomed into a star or if it was somewhat of a fluke. Before the big year, he had completed just about 60 percent of his passes while throwing 39 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. The inconsistencies and sudden spike in production have caused some NFL Draft scouts to be skeptical of his future.
#3 - EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux was considered by most to be the highest-rated prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft before the start of the 2021 college football season. He put together a solid season at Oregon, recording seven sacks in ten games, but failed to show much improvement or development in his skill set as a player.
This has caused some scouts to question his work ethic and commitment to greatness, which is essential at the NFL level. He has the potential to be the best overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft, but concerns about his attitude could be an issue for some teams.
#1 - QB Malik Willis, Liberty
In the last two seasons, Malik Willis has put together an insane stat line as the starting quarterback for the Liberty Flames, recording 5,107 passing yards, 47 passing touchdowns, 1,822 rushing yards, and 27 rushing touchdowns. The problem is that he faced weak competition for the majority of his career outside of the power-five conferences.
One opportunity Willis had against a legitimate opponent in the 2021 college football season came against Ole Miss. Willis had the worst game of his career, failing to throw a touchdown pass and recording three interceptions. This is alarming for some scouts, but his unique skill set and raw talent make him an attractive 2022 NFL Draft prospect.