Three quarterbacks split as the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. Those three — Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, and Kentucky’s Will Levis — are staples on our watch. stocks weekly, with the other two places rotating based on notable performance.
Here’s a look at how the top quarterback prospects fared this weekend:
Will Levis, Kentucky: Stagnant Stock
Statistics (31-23 win over Northern Illinois): 18 of 26 passes completed, 303 yards, 4 TDs; 9 runs, -10 meters
Going into the weekend, Levis had been bombarded more than any other starting quarterback in college football, according to TruMedia. The trend continued Saturday against the Huskies, who trashed Penn State’s transfer five times. However, the aggressiveness did not come without consequences. Levis stood upright in the pocket and hit true first-year receiver Barion Brown and Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson in stride down the middle for long touchdowns. His most impressive throw was a 40-yard attempt on Dane Key where the rookie started following him a little too early and wasn’t able to finish it.
However, the constant pressure can have a bit of an impact on the quarterback’s confidence. There are times when he anticipates the pressure before it actually arrives. There were other times when he drifted under pressure. Three of Kentucky’s four games have come against non-Power 5 contenders, but Levis will have a platform next weekend as the No. 7 Wildcats travel to Oxford for the No. 14 Ole Miss.
CJ Stroud, Ohio State: Fuel Up
Stats (52-21 win over Wisconsin): 17 of 27 passes completed, 281 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
Stroud was crisp at the start of this contest. The Buckeyes scored on each of their first five possessions for a total of 31 points. They led the Badgers 31-7 at halftime. Stroud’s first eight pass attempts were successful. On the second possession, he showed a little nuance on a roll on his right. The California native looked down indicating it was a run to the finish, which drew defenders towards him. Instead, he stopped short of the line of scrimmage and passed over for a 13-yard touchdown to tight end Garrett Stover.
Stroud was credited with one interception and nearly threw a second; perhaps the result of overconfidence from his hot start in this game. Wisconsin has always been a competitive program and currently has a respected defensive coordinator in charge. Stroud seized the opportunity.
DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson: Refuel
Stats (51-45 OT win at Wake Forest): 26 of 41 passes completed, 371 yards, 5 TDs; 14 carries, 52 yards
Uiagalelei arrived at Clemson as a highly anticipated recruit. His career began as a backup to Trevor Lawrence before starting two games in 2020. In this brief display, the California native offered proof of his talent as he threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns against No. 4 Notre Dame. . His performance unfairly accelerated expectations. He was still a young quarterback in lack of experience. In his first full season as a starter, the Tigers disappointed and many canceled Uiagalelei.
There’s a long way to go to be an NFL draft prospect, but Saturday was a positive development. His pocket strength, arm strength and ability to play were on display. Uiagalelei was also throwing with touch. His mechanics and mannerisms still seem a bit robotic. He needs to relax and let the game grow organically.
Cameron Ward, WA: Refuel
Statistics (44-41 loss against Oregon): 37 of 48 passes completed, 2 TD, 2 INT; 9 carries, 4 yards, 1 TD
Saturday was admittedly my first exposure to Ward, who transferred from Incarnate Word this offseason. He is a natural athlete capable of extending the game with his legs. The Texas native is able to throw from different arm angles and is able to keep the ball on the ground and drive it all the way up the court. Sometimes it will unnecessarily throw off the rig into a clean pocket. Decision-making needs to improve for Ward to reach his full potential. He completed Brandon Weeden’s sneaky throw, but the consequences of this play outweigh the benefits. It’s easy to see why talent evaluators are drawn to Ward, so it’s up to him to pile on the positive performance.
Bryce Young, Alabama: Stagnant Stock
Stats (55-3 win over Vanderbilt): 25 of 36 passes completed, 385 yards, 4 TDs; 1 span, 6 meters
Young encountered a little more resistance than he had in the first three games. He operated more like a playmaker distributing the ball with precision. Most of his damage was done in the first half before he could hand the task to freshman Jalen Milroe.
One of his four touchdown passes went to sophomore Ja’Corey Brooks. The California native’s eyes started on the left before finding Brooks on a skinny post on the right sideline. While not perfect, Young brings a level of consistency that is hard to match.
