Rookie Davis Mills is getting his shot to prove he’s the quarterback of the future for the Houston Texans. The third-round pick out of Stanford has certainly looked the part at times this season, but we’re guessing the Texans have kept a close eye on the top college quarterbacks this fall nonetheless. Here are five for Houston to consider in next year’s NFL draft.
Matt Corral, Mississippi
Widely predicted to be among the top quarterbacks taken, Matt Corral is a dual threat who’s put up big numbers (3,000-plus passing yards, 500-plus rushing yards, and an almost 70% completion percentage) playing against some of the best defenses in the country in the SEC.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
A big arm. A playmaker in and out of the pocket. More speed than you’d expect. Huge numbers all around. Kenny Pickett, a four-year player at Pitt, saved his best season for last. He’s thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 40-plus touchdowns, showing touch and accuracy that could well translate to NFL success.
Malik Willis, Liberty
A small-school passer with SEC pedigree, Auburn transfer Malik Willis has done some major damage via the ground and air in his second season at Liberty. He’s racked up more than 2,600 yards passing and 800 yards on the ground this season. He’s got the arm talent and speed to be a force in the NFL.
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
It’s hard to downplay what Desmond Ridder has done for undefeated Cincinnati in 2021. With more than 3,000 yards passing and 30 total touchdowns, he has an electric arm and speed that’ll be a major problem for NFL defenses. If he and the Bearcats can somehow knock off Alabama on New Year’s Eve in the College Football Playoff semifinal, his draft stock will shoot through the roof.
Carson Strong, Nevada
Carson Strong’s arm lives up to his surname. Seriously, this dude makes downfield heaves and needle-threading lasers look absolutely effortless. He’s thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, albeit in the Mountain West. Don’t sleep on this guy, Texans, especially if you can grab him a little later in the draft.
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