NFL quarterback rankings 2022: Chris Simms’ top 40 QB countdown ahead of upcoming NFL season

By Mary OmatigaJun 14, 2022, 2:00 PM EDT

This year’s draft has come and gone and the 2022 NFL season is quickly approaching, which means it’s finally time for Chris Simms’ 2022 Top 40 QB Countdown.

Last year’s list ranked Patrick Mahomes (KC), Josh Allen (BUF), and Aaron Rodgers (GB) as the top 3 quarterbacks – all three made the playoffs, and Rodgers was named league MVP for the fourth time in his career. All three will be back with their respective teams in 2022, but after an offseason that has been among the craziest in NFL history — Tom Brady retiring and then unretiring, Russell Wilson heading to Denver, and all of the uncertainty surrounding Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns — there’s no shortage of questions about how this season will shape up.

One of the biggest questions is already answered: what rookie quarterbacks will make the list? Coming it at number 39 is Kenny Pickett, the only QB taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft (20th overall by the Steelers). Pickett is expected to fill the shoes left by Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, but it remains to be seen what his dynamic will look like with fellow Pittsburgh QB Mitchell Trubisky when Week 1 arrives.

“It’s not an easy exercise. There’s a lot of good quarterbacks in the NFL,” Simms said. “There’s four categories that I’m big on: Physical talent, that’s the number one thing. Throwing and running, taking both of those into account – that’s part of the game right now in the 2022 NFL. The next big thing would be the mental aspect…Third would be leadership, the effect you have on the football team…and the last one to me would be pocket presence, because there is something to that…Those four things to me are really the way I break it down.”

See below for Chris Simms’ 2022 Top 40 QB Countdown ahead of the upcoming season, with rankings continuing through June 13, when Simms will reveal his top four quarterbacks of the season. Coverage of the latest news from around the NFL is available all year round on PFT’s Peacock channel.

Be sure to subscribe to Chris Simms Unbuttoned for more on the 2022 NFL season as well as an unfiltered look at the NFL, featuring player access, unabashed opinion, X&O film breakdown, and stories from a life in and around football.

ICYMI – 2022 NFL Draft order: Complete list of every pick from Round 1 through Round 7

Quarterbacks 21 to 40 in the @CSimmsQB top 40 QB countdown. 👀

Watch HERE: https://t.co/slMluF62PX pic.twitter.com/pfPlPyi02i

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 27, 2022

Chris Simms’ 2022 Top 40 QB Countdown:

40. Drew Lock (SEA)

QB #40 Drew Lock

He has the talent to be in the Top 15. But he's not in the trust tree. We've seen snippets, but it never quite gets there. Decision-making, accuracy…you never know what to expect from him

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2022

39. Kenny Pickett (PIT)

QB #39 Kenny Pickett
He's a good athlete. The mental aspect is as impressive as it gets. Wish there was more big play ability and aggressiveness, but I have no doubt he is ready for the NFL.

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2022

38. Teddy Bridgewater (MIA)

QB #38 Teddy Bridgewater
He is the ultimate backup. But I would never want him starting for my football team. Good accuracy, good decision making, and a good athlete. But it's hard to win in the NFL with a QB who is just trying not to lose. And his health is an issue on top of it

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2022

37. Gardner Minshew (PHI)

QB #37 Gardner Minshew
He's a natural QB. His arm might not even be as good as Bridgewater, but he knows how to play. Good decision maker, good in the pocket, and a leadership and moxie that is rare for a backup.

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2022

36. Tyrod Taylor (NYG)

QB #36 Tyrod Taylor
A backup I like, but I wish you could depend on him to stay healthy. He has starting QB-worthy qualities. A really good arm, good athlete, but too careful at times (a little like Teddy in that respect).#SimmsQBCountdown

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2022

35. Davis Mills (HOU)

#35 Davis Mills
Up and down early last season, but came back a different player down the stretch. Knows how to read defenses and move in the pocket. Not a huge arm but can make all the throws.
Texans may have a diamond in the rough, and he deserves a shot to prove it#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 19, 2022

34. Tyler Huntley (BAL)

#34 Tyler Huntley
Put in a tough spot last year, middle of a playoff race vs a brutal schedule w/ diminished supporting cast.
Pretty strong arm. He's looking to pass, yet can make plays with his legs. I could see him as a starter one day.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 19, 2022

33. Geno Smith (SEA)

#33 Geno Smith
It's been a long time since his NY struggles. Big arm with one of the quicker releases in the league. And I saw improved accuracy last season, with some high difficulty throws in a offense that does not help its QB.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 19, 2022

32. Sam Darnold (CAR)

#32 Sam Darnold
Moves well, quick release, good intermediate/short passer. And wasn't helped by a repetitive offense that was easy to figure out.
But can't trust him. He doesn't see the field well and flat-out misses WAY too many big throws downfield. #SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 19, 2022

31. Trey Lance (SF)

#31 Trey Lance
One of the hardest guys to rank. I see the talent. His ridiculously strong arm and running expand this offense.
But I have questions. He's more of a thrower than a passer. Can 49ers fix his accuracy/mechanics?
He has the potential to shoot up this list.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 19, 2022

30. Jared Goff (DET)

#30 Jared Goff
Tougher than he gets credit for, willing to take a hit in the pocket. But inconsistent mechanics lead to inconsistent accuracy.
He's a game manager w/ a stronger arm. Holding down the fort, but didn't do anything last yr to prove he's the Lions future.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 27, 2022

29. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)

#29 Tua Tagovailoa
He's slick..moves well in the pocket and throws well on the run w/ different arm angles. Has accuracy, touch, and timing.
But just not a strong arm. His lack of outside throws is eye-opening. Dolphins can win with him, they just can't put it all on his back.

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 27, 2022

28. Marcus Mariota (ATL)

#28 Marcus Mariota
He's big (size is a skill), can run, with a pretty good arm.
I wish he wasn't so robotic, his improvisation does not match his athleticism.
He has starting QB qualities, and I bet he has a long leash as the Falcons starter this season.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 28, 2022

27. Mitchell Trubisky (PIT)

#27 Mitchell Trubisky
Although it was just preseason, he really did look like a different guy w/ the Bills, in an offense much more advanced than Matt Nagy's.
Trubisky has real talent, strong arm & athletic. I think it'll be tough for Kenny Pickett to beat him out.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 28, 2022

26. Jameis Winston (NO)

#26 Jameis Winston
Performed under a ton of pressure last year.
Great in the pocket, makes Top 10 QB high-end plays, and ditched some no-risk-it-no-biscuit bad habits. Room to improve in short/quick passing.
Hopefully healthy & w/ better receivers, I am optimistic.#SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 31, 2022

25. Jalen Hurts (PHI)

24. Trevor Lawrence (JAX)

23. Justin Fields (CHI)

22. Zach Wilson (NYJ)

21. Daniel Jones (NYG)

20. Jimmy Garoppolo (SF)

19. Carson Wentz (WAS)

18. Mac Jones (NE)

17. Baker Mayfield (CLE)

16. Kirk Cousins (MIN)

15. Ryan Tannehill (TEN)

14. Matt Ryan (IND)

13. Deshaun Watson (CLE)

12. Kyler Murray (AZ)

#12 Kyler Murray
Just outside Top 10 for me, but he still is one of the most physically gifted QBs on the list. Runs like a slot receiver and can make all the throws. But he still has a question mark in the pocket #SimmsTop40

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) June 9, 2022

11. Derek Carr (LV)

10. Lamar Jackson (BAL)

9. Dak Prescott (DAL)

8. Tom Brady (TB)

7. Russell Wilson (DEN)

6. Matthew Stafford (LAR)

5. Aaron Rodgers (GB)

4. Joe Burrow (CIN)

3. Justin Herbert (LA)

2. Patrick Mahomes (KC)

1. Josh Allen (BUF)

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Chris Simms’ 2023 NFL Draft CB Rankings: Devon Witherspoon highlights loaded draft class

By Annie CoryMar 29, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT

The 2023 NFL Draft is growing nearer, with just weeks remaining until teams make selections that could alter the future of their franchise forever.

A solid secondary is crucial to any team’s defensive prowess, and for the teams looking to tighten up in coverage, this year’s draft is the one to do so.

The 2023 NFL Draft cornerback class is an incredibly deep one, but which corner will be first off the board? Chris Simms unveiled his 2023 NFL Draft Cornerback rankings this week on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, posting Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon at the top of his list of corners in this year’s crop.

But trailing Witherspoon very closely are four other potential NFL superstars, with Simms ranking Michigan’s DJ Turner at No. 2, Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez at No. 3, Maryland’s Deonte Banks at No. 4 and Georgia’s Kelee Ringo at No. 5.

The 2023 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 27, and end on Saturday, April 29. The first round will take place on Thursday with rounds two and three airing on Friday and rounds four through seven on Saturday. Click here for Simms’ quarterback rankings,and here for his list of top wide receivers.

Simms’ Top Five CB prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

Tier One

1. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

2. DJ Turner, Michigan

3. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Tier Two

4. Deonte Banks, Maryland

Tier Three

5. Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Simms Breaks Down 2023 Draft CB Rankings

The following are highlights from Simms’ CB draft rankings. For Simms’ in-depth analysis, read below for a breakdown on each prospect and be sure to subscribe to Chris Simms Unbuttoned for an unfiltered look at the NFL, featuring player access, unabashed opinion, X&O film breakdown, and stories from a life in and around football.

No. 1: Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

What Simms said: “This guy is must-see TV. He’s up there with one of the most twitchy, sudden people I’ve ever seen in my life to the point where when he takes off, you’re like, ‘Wait, is that real? Did he really get to full speed in half a step?’ … Bump or off, both are phenomenol — it’s rare to have that. He’s got very good play strength for a guy that’s 5’11” and a half at 181 lbs. He doesn’t know that, he thinks he’s 220 … It’s efficient and easy. He’s sudden and can see the ability to accelerate whether it’s downhill or sticking the foot in the ground and changing direction. As compared to my No. 2 and No. 3 guy, he might be a hair tighter in his hips, but his twitchiness and explosion and acceleration … you just start to go, ‘What does this guy not have, besides the fact that he’s not 6’2” or over 200 lbs.’ He’s phenomenol.”

No. 2: DJ Turner, Michigan

What Simms said: “To me, (DJ Turner is) the most technically sound corner in the draft. There’s nobody better at technique. Like Witherspoon, the ability to mirror receivers at the line of scrimmage, the quick feet, it’s phenomenol. His hips are better than Witherspoon … His ability to flip those hips, turn and break on the ball, it’s right up there. It’s actually more smooth hip-wise than it is for Devon Witherspoon … What more can you say about the guy? Start-stop ability, amazing. Make-up speed, amazing. Other than Witherspoon, I think he’s put in the second-most tough spots out of anybody I’ve watched in this. He plays man-to-man, in your face a ton against big-time receivers. He’s awesome defending double moves. He could be the best nickel or outside guy, and he’s also the fastest guy in the draft. He’s got it all.”

No. 3: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

What Simms said: “There’s not much to pick apart here … He’s got a little more size and meat on his bones. The Tee Higgins of the world, the bigger receivers of the world, they’re gonna have a harder time pushing him around and doing that stuff. He’s got incredible ball skills … He looks prototype. He looks Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey-ish in his uniform … He just wasn’t as edgy as the other guys … He’s gonna match up better with DeAndre Hopkins than the other two. But I don’t know if he’ll match up better with Jaylen Waddle or Ja’Marr Chase than the other two … But his technique is real. He’s a top-20 pick. You talk size, technique and straight speed, of course this guy is one of the top corners in the draft.”

No. 4: Deonte Banks, Maryland

What Simms said: “He has more measurables like Gonzalez. 6 foot, 197 lbs., there’s a thickness to him and a power and strength element that certainly jumps out. Let alone, speed is Real Deal Holyfield … man-to-man, great legs, runs easy … He’s comfortable in his speed. He’s never panicked. He’s comfortable in going, ‘You have a step on me? That’s fine, I’m good,’ … But he’s also incredible, like Witherspoon and Turner, at getting on top of people when they try to run a go-route. No one can ever really get around him for the most part … He’s sticky as hell, he’s got very good feet, but he doesn’t know how to use his hands at all yet. So he’s not really that great at jamming people at the line of scrimmage, but he’s never not there … I thought his ability to play the ball and create PBUs in those 50/50 situations where the quarterback tries to throw the ball back shoulder and all that, he’s got a great feel and vision to be able to cover and see the throw at the same time that I was very impressed with.”

No. 5: Kelee Ringo, Georgia

What Simms said: “When you turn on the film, you go, ‘What? This guy’s a corner, he’s not a safety?’ Because he has a prototype safety vibe … Against the bigger, straight-liner guys, nobody’s gonna push this dude around. That’s certainly not going to be an issue, that along with the straight speed. Hey, the change of direction stuff is not beautiful. He’s a little heavy-footed because he’s a bigger guy … but it’s not bad … When he opens up, he can really go; obviously with a 4.36 second 40 time … He’s very smooth as far as an athlete overall.”

For more preview content of the 2023 NFL Draft, stay tuned to Chris Simms Unbuttoned, ProFootballTalk and NBC Sports EDGE for all the latest updates, player analysis and mock drafts.

Chris Simms’ 2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: The top QBs, WRs, RBs, and more ahead of draft weekend

By Mary OmatigaMar 29, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place on Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. Click here for the full first-round draft order to find out when your team is picking.

Ahead of this year’s draft, Chris Simms has already started analyzing the top prospects by position on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast. So far, Simms has revealed his highly anticipated list of the top 5 quarterback prospects and wide receivers. See below to find out who made the top 5 names for each position and be sure to check back for updates!

Be sure to subscribe to Chris Simms Unbuttoned for more on the 2023 NFL Draft as well as an unfiltered look at the NFL, featuring player access, unabashed opinion, X&O film breakdown, and stories from a life in and around football.

Chris Simms’ 2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:

Chris Simms’ 2023 NFL Draft QB Rankings:

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Bryce Young, Alabama
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Anthony Richardson, Florida
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA and Will Levis, Kentucky

Chris Simms’ 2023 NFL Draft WR Rankings:

Zay Flowers, Boston College
Jaxon Smith-Njibga, Ohio State
Quentin Jonston, TCU
Michael Wilson, Stanford
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Chris Simms 2023 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings

Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
DJ Turner, Michigan
Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Deonte Banks, Maryland
Kelee Ringo, Georgia

How can I watch the 2023 NFL Draft live?

ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will air all seven rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.

What time does the NFL Draft start?

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft will get underway on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds two and three will commence Friday at 7 p.m. ET, with Saturday’s final rounds at 12 p.m.

Follow along with ProFootballTalk for the latest news, storylines, and updates surrounding the 2023 NFL Season and be sure to subscribe to NFLonNBC on YouTube!