Behind those two is second-year quarterback Kellen Mond, a third-round pick who played just three snaps last regular season. The Vikings then re-signed backup quarterback Sean Mannion, who has experience in a Rams offense that new head coach Kevin O'Connell coordinated the past two seasons. New general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah extended Kirk Cousins through 2023 to generate salary cap space. Ridder (6-3, 211 pounds) appears to have the mental makeup needed to refine his game. But analysts say he needs to speed up his internal clock and improve his accuracy to be an NFL starter. Coaches and teammates have praised his leadership, commitment and intelligence, making Ridder a reliable college winner. ONE SLEEPERĭesmond Ridder, Cincinnati: One of the more experienced prospects, Ridder was a four-year starter for the Bearcats, leading them to a 13-0 record and a College Football Playoff appearance last season before losing to Alabama in the semifinal. Corral is lauded for playing with intensity and confidence, which combined with his production against SEC defenses could make him an early-round pick. Analysts say he's elusive and decisive and throws with touch, but he may be too slender (6-2, 212 pounds) to thrive as an NFL runner and benefited as a passer with coach Lane Kiffin's scheme heavy in run-pass options and play-action. Matt Corral, Mississippi: A former four-star recruit who eschewed offers from Alabama, Georgia and USC to go to Mississippi, Corral finished his career with 31 touchdowns (11 rushing) to five interceptions last season. Despite less-developed fundamentals, Willis is a special talent who could be a dangerous running threat while learning to throw at an NFL level. Willis (6-1, 225 pounds) again led Liberty in rushing last season along with 40 total touchdowns (27 passing, 13 rushing). After sitting a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Willis led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards in 2020 while adding 14 rushing scores. He was a three-star recruit at Auburn before transferring to Liberty to be a starter. Malik Willis, Liberty: A raw passer but an athletic marvel, Willis has populated the first round of mock drafts because of his upside. Still, in a weaker QB group, Pickett may be one of the first drafted if an NFL team envisions further ascension. Analysts question inconsistency with his timing and his pocket presence.
Pickett (6-3, 220 pounds) is accurate and mobile, and finished third in Heisman voting. He surpassed Dan Marino's Pittsburgh program record with 81 career TDs, and the ACC single-season mark of 41 previously set by Clemson's Deshaun Watson in 2016. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: The former three-star recruit ascended last season – his fifth at Pittsburgh – with an ACC-record 42 touchdown passes that broke two records. We start with a quarterback class that lacks star power.
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