All eight quarterbacks selected ahead of Brock Purdy and where they are now during Super Bowl LVIII week
In case you haven't heard by now, Brock Purdy was "Mr. Irrelevant" (the very last pick) in the 2022 NFL Draft. It is truly spectacular, nearly impossible really, that Purdy has risen from being the last pick in the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers to starting at quarterback for them in Super Bowl […]
In case you haven't heard by now, Brock Purdy was "Mr. Irrelevant" (the very last pick) in the 2022 NFL Draft. It is truly spectacular, nearly impossible really, that Purdy has risen from being the last pick in the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers to starting at quarterback for them in Super Bowl LVIII.
On Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night Purdy was asked by NFL Network's Michael Robinson if he could name the eight quarterbacks who were selected ahead of him and the schools they were from. And while Purdy didn't seem to hold a grudge for being selected after eight other quarterbacks, it does beg the question, "Where are the eight quarterbacks selected ahead of Brock Purdy now?"
The Eight Quarterbacks Selected Before Brock Purdy
None of the eight quarterbacks selected ahead of Brock Purdy are a starting quarterback in the Super Bowl right now. That's for sure. So who are those QBs and where are they now?
- Kenny Pickett, Steelers (1st round pick)
- Desmond Ridder, Falcons (3rd round pick)
- Malik Willis, Titans (3rd round pick)
- Matt Corral, Free Agent (3rd round pick by CAR)
- Bailey Zappe, Patriots (4th round pick)
- Sam Howell, Commanders (5th round pick)
- Chris Oladokun, Chiefs (7th round pick by PIT)
- Skylar Thompson, Dolphins (7th round pick)
Looking at this list, there's a real chance that Brock Purdy is the only quarterback still starting for his team in 2024. But the funny part is, if Purdy loses to the Chiefs, he won't be the first Super Bowl champion among his 2022 NFL Draft quarterback peers.
Chris Oladukun, Chiefs
Chris Oladukun was waived by the Steelers before the 2022 regular season even began. However, now he is technically on the Chiefs practice squad, and would win a Super Bowl ring should Kansas City reign victorious on Sunday.
Oladukun spent time at South Florida, Samford, and South Dakota State in college. He put together one strong season in 2021 for South Dakota State, but he clearly had absolutely no business being drafted ahead of Brock Purdy and likely never throws a pass in a regular season NFL game.
Kenny Pickett, Steelers
Kenny Pickett likely has the strongest chance at starting in 2024 among this bunch. The Steelers did just invest a first round pick in him two years ago, but they're changing offensive coordinators now and he only managed to throw six total touchdowns in 12 games last fall. Fans are souring quickly on Pickett, and his horrible interceptions (some featured in the tweet below) aren't helping his case.
There's a real chance that the Steelers bring in a free agent to replace Pickett after he's played horribly for two straight seasons now.
Sam Howell, Commanders
No other quarterback from the 2022 NFL Draft class has flashed more than Sam Howell, but his 65 sacks and 21 interception with the Commanders this year likely put him out of a starting job moving forward. The Commanders have the second overall pick and will almost assuredly use it to replace Howell in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Looks like I was wrong about him being here to stay for the Commanders after all, but at least Howell had some nice highlight throws like the one below.
Desmond Ridder, Falcons
The Falcons managed to bench Ridder on multiple occasions this past season and the team is clearly ready to move on. The new coaching staff will very likely bring in outside help and Ridder will be relegated to the bench for the remainder of his rookie contract.
Best of the Rest
Outside of the quarterbacks above, the results have been even worse.
Bailey Zappe had us fooled for a moment, but he inevitably threw more interceptions than touchdowns in New England. He threw five interceptions to zero touchdowns in the last two weeks of the season, helping the Patriots secure a top three NFL Draft pick that will be used to replace him and Mac Jones.
Malik Willis and Skylar Thompson have combined for one passing touchdown and six interceptions for their careers through two years. They will be lucky to hold onto practice squad positions for the 2024 season. And lastly, Matt Corral is unfortunately already out of the league after his injury and mental health concerns.
Brock Purdy takes a different approach than fellow late round pick Tom Brady
Brock Purdy takes a path that Tom Brady never wanted to go down
So that's where the eight quarterbacks selected ahead of Brock Purdy are now. It seems Purdy is set to be the only success story from the entire 2022 NFL Draft class. But can he seal the deal with a Super Bowl LVIII victory? We'll find out Sunday.
