Let’s break down the top four quarterbacks who are preparing to be drafted in the upcoming NFL draft.
The 2023 NFL draft is shaping up to be an important event for numerous teams around the league that are in need of a starting quarterback. Last year, only a single quarterback was chosen in the first round of the draft, the next being taken in the third round. Lucky for us, this year’s NFL draft features multiple intriguing quarterbacks that should be taken in the first round.
There are more than a few teams in the top 10 that could make a move for a quarterback. Many believe that this year could be the first time that four quarterbacks will be taken in the first seven picks. The beauty of the draft are the teams that come out of nowhere to trade and move up to select a signal caller.
This article will break down each of the top four quarterbacks who will be drafted in just two weeks.
Bryce Young – Alabama Crimson Tide
Height: 5’10” Weight: 204 lbs
Compared to the unique body types of this quarterback class, Bryce Young is certainly at the lower end of the spectrum. Young’s official measurement of 5’10” is a cause of concern for many teams across the league, as it falls significantly below the typical height threshold for any successful quarterbacks, and may be perceived as a red flag for many teams. He is also coming off a season where he injured his throwing shoulder and had to miss a game as a result.
In 2021, Young took the reins as Alabama’s quarterback, quickly receiving high praise from the college football community. He proved his worth by throwing for 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions, which led to him winning the Heisman Trophy award. His season ended at the CFP National Championship, losing in a defensive masterpiece by Georgia 33-18. Young passed for 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his junior year.
In terms of film, Young checks all the boxes. Throughout his college career he showed his ability to pass through tight windows and excelled at throwing with anticipation. He is capable of processing information in the pocket and on the run, always aware of where his checkdowns are in every situation. Despite his height, Young always knows where his receivers are positioned and he puts them in the best position to pick up yards after the catch.
“We all know he’s small, but you grade the talent and if you like him, you make sure he’s protected and you teach him to get the ball out on time. He carries himself like a winner.” — Personnel executive for AFC team (NFL.com)
Young also understands that he is one of the top options in this draft, which is why he chose not to participate in the throwing section of the combine. Which leaves plenty of time for teams to evaluate his shoulder issues before the draft later this month.
The problem with Young is that he will likely weigh under 200 pounds on week one of the 2023 NFL season. Which is extremely concerning for any general manager that is looking to trade significant capital to pick a player that is expected to be your franchise quarterback. It’s a big commitment and I’m certain that there are many teams in the NFL who are willing to look past his height and move up to draft him, if the opportunity arises.
The Houston Texans seem to be the most likely to select Young according to the media throughout the offseason. As of late, a source from the NFL believes that the Texans could actually pass on a quarterback. Assuming the Panthers choose a different quarterback, this would leave the Arizona Cardinals at pick number three, which could be a great opportunity for a team willing to invest in Young as their future quarterback.
C.J. Stroud – Ohio State Buckeyes
Height: 6’3” Weight: 214 lbs
Widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, Stroud looks to be the safest bet for teams looking for a day one starter with potential for growth. With his ideal frame and good size, Stroud is known for his precise accuracy in the pocket and does not get rattled by pressure from the defense line.
Stroud took the reins of Ohio State’s offense in 2021 after the departure of Justin Fields. He finished the season second in the FBS in pass efficiency, throwing for 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. Stroud was awarded Big Ten Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy for his accomplishments in his first year as the team’s starter.
Despite his size, Stroud is not known for being very mobile. Which is surprising considering he is from Ohio State, a program that is known for producing dual-threat quarterbacks. He usually uses his feet to buy him time outside of the pocket but doesn’t tend to scramble in certain situations. Throughout his career he continued to grow in Ohio State’s offense despite not being as mobile as the offense usually demands.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Stroud showcased his accuracy and arm strength to the entire league. He was complimented on his ability to consistently throw accurately in the short yardage drills, which can be tricky depending on the throw required. He decided to only throw at the combine, opting out of the speed and athleticism tests.
The Carolina Panthers, who recently made a trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the first pick in the draft, have been closely linked with Stroud ever since the deal was complete. The Panthers hired former Colts Head Coach Frank Reich to help develop whichever quarterback they end up picking.
Luckily for Stroud, the Panthers have spent most of their offseason preparing an offense for a rookie quarterback. With the huge loss in having to include D.J. Moore in the trade with Chicago, Carolina retooled their wide receiver room by signing long-time Vikings veteran Adam Theilan and former Lion and Jaguar D.J. Chark. The Panthers also signed running back Miles Sanders and tight end Hayden Hurst to add to the list of offensive weapons for Stroud to utilize.
Will Levis – Kentucky Wildcats
Height: 6’ 4” Weight: 229 lbs
Will Levis is a prototypical quarterback with a strong arm that can fire off bullets from the pocket. He was unable to stay consistent last season due to injuries that he was sustaining throughout the year. Does not shy away from difficult throws, or, in other words, not afraid to overthrow his receivers.
The Connecticut native began his college career at Penn State, only playing two games before transferring to Kentucky in 2021. He threw for 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his first season for the Wildcats.
In his final college season, Levis started 11 games and passed for 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He missed one game during the season with shoulder and turf toe injuries and opted out of Kentucky’s bowl game. Despite his injuries, Levis showed toughness by gutting it out and playing through the pain for much of the season.
Levis struggled with ball placement and accuracy on passes within ten yards of the line of scrimmage throughout his college career. He also lacked confidence in the pocket and has shown footwork issues during his throwing motion as well.
“People are being too hard on him from what I’m seeing in the media. He was hurt for most of the year and gutted it out. He’s a good teammate, he’s big and he has arm talent. I like the pro potential a lot. He just needs to get healthy and keep working at it.” — Executive for NFC team (NFL.com)
At the combine, Levis showcased impressive athleticism in the vertical and broad jumps, the only testing that he took part in. His throwing sessions demonstrated his ability to make deep throws with ease and accuracy, highlighting his arm strength as a major asset.
Despite his inconsistencies, Levis’ talent will be worth an investment for a team desperate enough to improve this season. They will need work on his footwork and decision making under pressure from the pocket. With the correct developmental plan, Levis has the tools to develop into a productive quarterback at the next level.
One team that could take a swing at Levis had a great view of his workout at the combine which was hosted at their home stadium. The Indianapolis Colts currently hold the fourth overall pick in the draft, which puts them in a decent position to land a quarterback. The Colts have been yearning for a competent signal caller since Andrew Luck surprisingly retired shortly before the 2019 season.
The list of the starting quarterbacks for the Colts after 2019 is not pretty, and the list would not get any prettier if they elect to not take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Levis would at least possibly give this fanbase a shed of optimism. Probably a lot more optimism than having Matt Ryan, Phillip Rivers or Carson Wentz.
Anthony Richardson – Florida
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 244 lbs
Anthony Richardson is a very unique athlete with tremendous size and an absolute cannon of an arm. Richardson has the ability to stretch the field with both his leg and his arm, throwing the ball nearly 70 yards down the field. Also possesses the ability to attack the secondary with his smooth cuts and maneuverability. Because of his athletic traits, he is less developmental then most would argue because he provides a rushing attack right away.
Richardson is coming off of his first season as the full-time starter for Florida, he threw for 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His touchdown to interception ratio was rough in the beginning of the season but improved towards the end.
Despite his elite physical profile, Richardsons accuracy on short and simpler concepts has always been an issue throughout his short career with Florida. He was constantly showing odd footwork in the pocket, which could be why he is struggling with accuracy. His success or failure in the NFL will fully depend on his ability to improve his accuracy and consistently deliver from the pocket.
He has shown the ability to gash defenses with his legs, scoring five 40+ yard touchdown runs over the past two seasons, which highlights his unique ability to completely take over a game by himself. Richardson was one of seven quarterbacks to participate in the 40 yard dash at the combine. He ran the dash in 4.43 seconds, a ridiculous number for a 6’5”, 244 lb quarterback.
Richardson is a developmental prospect with a very high ceiling due to his physical capabilities with the football in his hands and the way he utilizes his leg. If he can find a way to correct his accuracy issues, he could easily become an elite quarterback in the NFL.
One team that has shown interest in Richardson is the Las Vegas Raiders. Earlier this offseason, the Raiders cut their longtime quarterback Derek Carr and signed former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garapolo to replace him. The Raiders gave him a contract that only tied Garoppolo to the team for two seasons.
Having the 7th overall selection in the draft puts the Raiders in a good position to move up or down depending on how the first six picks play out. If Richardson falls to them at seven, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to give Richardson the ability to throw to Davantae Adams, one of the league’s best pass catchers. Having Garoppolo on the roster would give the Raiders plenty of time to develop Richardson for as long as needed.
What makes the draft so unique is the amount of time and effort that goes into the behind the scenes of every organization collecting information on these prospects. These college scouts spend hours evaluating and cross checking each other throughout the year. This is their Super Bowl, this is how they win.
General managers are willing to trade future assets away for players that you know are going to forever alter their franchise. These moves are what makes the NFL the greatest drama show on the planet.. Even here, two months removed from the Super Bowl and five months away from opening kickoff, we find ourselves immersed in free agency and draft news.
It never ends, it never will.