All in on 2023 Second-year Quarterbacks
the 2022 QB Draft Class enters they 2nd season
The 2022 quarterback draft class was remarkably unheralded on draft day. Without four to five first-round picks and the modern NFL has come to expect, the class was mired in rookie-level play. As the season wore on, a few players in a few situations began to diversify. No one finished the season hotter than Brock Purdy in San Francisco. Late-season development from Desmond Ritter and Kenny Pickett brought optimism for 2023.
Who has the best situation and support to take a step forward in 2023 and become the face of their draft class?
The Best Bets
Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh Steelers (pick #20, NFLPR 76.7)
Pickett started his career in an underwhelming fashion but was able to recover quickly and help the Steelers avoid a losing season as a rookie. In his second year, he will have the advantage of a more diverse and well-rounded pass-catching group that includes newly acquired Alan Robinson to put with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson in the three wide receiver sets. It also includes Kelvin Austin with tight ends Pat Freiermuth and third-round pick Darrell Washington who could be Pickett’s new X-Factor outlet target.
With Najee Harris in the run game and the addition of guard Isaac Seumalo and first-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones, Pickett will have the support he needs to settle into the offense. That will let him focus on the defense he faces weekly. Kenny Pickett is set to make a jump in performance in 2023.
Desmond Ridder – Atlanta Falcons (pick #74, NFLPR 86.4)
Ridder had a slow start as rookie but showed late season premise with a third-best 86.4 passer rating. Of all the second-year quarterbacks in the NFL, Desmond Ridder might have the most intriguing target package in all the NFL. It's led by two elite big-bodied pass catchers in fellow second-year wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
While the offensive line is young, they have played well and look to be able to take the next step forward. Matthew Bergeron slots in at left guard as a rookie next to the only established veteran on the group Jake Matthews at left tackle. They'll need to help Ridder and rookie Bijan Robinson in the run game as the offense steadies in 2023.
Ridder was one of only three 2023 rookie quarterbacks with a positive touchdown to interception ratio. That group included Brock Purdy and Bailey Zappe. He will have to continue that streak as the clear starter to hit what could be a 4000-yard season.
Brock Purdy – 49ers (pick #262, NFLPR 108.0)