Only one quarterback was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and it was neither Malik Willis nor Desmond Ridder. The Steelers drafted Pitt QB Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick, while Willis and Ridder had to wait until the third round to hear their names called.
The Falcons landed Ridder with pick No. 74 overall. Then 12 spots later, Willis was drafted by Tennessee at pick No. 86. Both players find themselves in similar situations entering their rookie seasons. So, which of the two quarterbacks will see the field more in year one?
Ridder is likely to start training camp as the No. 2 QB behind Marcus Mariota, who signed in Atlanta on the day Matt Ryan was traded. Mariota’s familiarity with Arthur Smith’s system from their time together in Tennessee could give him the upper hand through a majority of the season.
