The 2022 NFL Draft is on Thursday night! Let's take a closer look at the top quarterback prospects who could get drafted early in the first round. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with an NFL Draft prediction and pick.

 

There are two names that really stick out when discussing quarterback prospects. Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis. Both QBs will be the top two taken and so let's get right to the odds.

Here are the 2022 NFL Draft odds for the quarterback position, courtesy of FanDuel. 

2022 NFL Draft Odds: Quarterbacks Odds

Teams to Draft Kenny Pickett: Carolina Panthers (+175), New Orleans Saints (+200), Pittsburgh Steelers (+350)

Teams to Draft Malik Willis: Pittsburgh Steelers (+150), New Orleans Saints (+300), Carolina Panthers (+500), Atlanta Falcons (+600)

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Kenny Pickett

Pickett is considered the top quarterback prospect in many eyes as the big day approaches. The 2022 Heisman nominee finished his final collegiate season with over 4k passing yards, 42 TDs, and a 67% completion percentage. This has been an interesting year for quarterbacks and it's tough to know how early they will be taken.

The Panthers own the 6th pick. They will likely get the first crack at drafting a quarterback as the five teams ahead of them shouldn't be taking a QB that early. Especially with the elite defensive and offensive line prospects this year. If the Panthers decide they want to give Sam Darnold competition, Pickett is the likely option. At (+175), I do like those odds as it seems they could potentially take him there or trade down to take him somewhere in the 10-15 range.

The Saints are a team that will be drafting a quarterback with their first pick. They own two first-round picks and pick 16th and 19th. They will likely choose a QB with one of those two picks and that is why they are high on both Pickett and Willis. If the Panthers skip out on a quarterback or pick Willis, I believe Pickett is a better fit for the Saints than Willis. (+200) is very good odds for this opportunity.

The Steelers are an interesting option here. I think many sports fans want to see him fall to the Steelers so that he can continue to play in the city he is comfortable in. Pickett was phenomenal last season and if he plays for the Steelers, expect him to continue to light it up. (+350) is also once again great odds because it's a strong possibility. I just don't see the Saints passing on him if given the opportunity. The Steelers select 20th, behind both of the Saints' picks.

Malik Willis 

The Liberty standout will also be a first-round selection Thursday night. The same three teams are interested in Willis along with the Atlanta Falcons. Willis ended his senior season with 2,847 yards, 27 passing TDs, 13 rushing TDs, and 944 rushing yards. He could be a force in the NFL as someone similar to a Lamar Jackson and Tyrod Taylor.

The Steelers have the highest odds to take him because he will likely be taken after Pickett. Anything could happen on Thursday night but taking someone who seems like more of the current NFL type makes more sense. If he is available at 20 for the Steelers, I believe he would be their pick. Pittsburgh might have to trade up, however, because of the Saints.

New Orleans could also draft him as well depending on the Panthers' selection. If the Panthers decide they want Willis, then the Saints will definitely take Pickett if the Steelers don't jump them.

The Falcons are a long shot here as they picking at eight. The reason they are a long shot is that they would probably want to trade down to take Willis. There is better value at that pick and the Panthers might even trade down as well. There is a lot to happen but I don't think the Falcons take Willis.

Final NFL Draft Prediction & Pick

My final prediction for both quarterbacks is going to be the likely scenarios. I believe the Panthers will take Pickett whether that is at six or they trade down to get him. I also believe the Saints will take Willis with one of their two picks in the middle of the first round.

Final NFL Draft Prediction & Pick: Pickett (Panthers +175), Willis (Saints +200)