2022 NFL Mock Draft: Spencer Rattler goes 1, Broncos land new QB
By Cory Kinnan
![Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler (7) scores a touchdown during a Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Oklahoma won 41-13. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]Photo 7](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F82209683a2169ff8c52b279ee99abee897c3389f62fae512589def0ede2b5734.jpg "Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler (7) scores a touchdown during a Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Oklahoma won 41-13. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]Photo 7")
Is it ever too early for a 2022 NFL Mock Draft? After we saw five quarterbacks in the top-15 in 2021, can this year top it?
Have the 2021 NFL Draft crop of rookies even taken the field yet? No, no they have not. However, there is never a bad time to start busting out 2022 NFL mock drafts, right? As most draftniks are now off to watching 2022 NFL Draft prospects, rankings are forming and players are beginning to rise to the top.
Over the past four years, a quarterback has been tabbed as the first overall pick in the draft. Will this year be any different? With many teams still in need of a quarterback, or potentially in need by the time April of 2022 rolls around, it looks likely that gunslingers will lead the way once again.
This mock draft was completed using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator. And with that, the Detroit Lions are now on the clock.
Lions make Spencer Rattler first pick in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
With the first overall pick here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Lions decide to move on from Jared Goff, who (let’s be real) is a stopgap anyway. Becoming the third Oklahoma quarterback in five years to be selected first overall, the Lions nab Spencer Rattler here to lead their rebuild under the tutelage of new head coach Dan Campbell.
Rattler is the most accurate passer in this year’s quarterback class, based on last season’s film, has a rocket strapped to his arm, and has above average mobility as well to extend plays and make magic outside of structure. This is is a great combination for the making of a modern NFL quarterback.
Spencer Rattler full 2020 chart
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) March 20, 2021
Weighted on-target percentage: 74.02%
Would have slotted him just over 2% below Zach Wilson, and over 3% above Trey Lance. pic.twitter.com/LmkADS6pMl
From Norman to Detroit, Rattler is the first off the board.
2. Houston Texans: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Despite selecting Davis Mills with their third round pick just this past year, the Houston Texans will be back in the market for another quarterback. Day-two selections should not prevent teams from going after their guy of the future if they are in their sights. Just ask Jimmy Clausen and DeShone Kizer. With Deshaun Watson either out of the league for good or out of Houston with his trade demand, the Texans will be left with no other choice.
With the second overall pick in the draft, the Texans make it back-to-back quarterbacks off the board, taking the North Carolina gunslinger Sam Howell. Coming off back-to-back seasons with over 3,500 yards passing and 30 touchdowns, Howell looks to leave his mark on the Tarl Heels’ offense in what is likely his last year at the collegiate level. Congrats Houston, you have your new face of the franchise.