Top 5 QBs in 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft is getting ever closer, with teams finalising their shortlists of who to select in Kansas City.
After a disappointing year for quarterback prospects in 2022, this year’s draft is expected to see a lot more going in the opening round.
In fact, we could see as many as four quarterbacks go in the opening four selections, as teams continue to look to move into the best position position to draft their future signal caller.
Come like any draft day, there should be lots of surprises. We’re sure a lot of teams will end up targeting a college prospect quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Here’s our top five:
5. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Hooker is a gifted runner with an NFL-caliber right arm, but his age and injury concerns make him a less attractive prospect for teams. He will be 25 as a rookie, is coming off a torn ACL in November and played in a gimmicky Tennessee offense in college, so the circumstances don’t seem attractive.
But the lack of talk about Hooker is unjust. Don’t rule him out for becoming a solid starting quarterback in the league. Hooker would be a decent pick up if he does drop down the rounds, and can develop even further behind a top starter.
4. Anthony Richardson, Florida
There is no doubt in anyones mind that Anthony Richardson has one of the best upsides of any quarterback in recent memory. However, he is a big project, and does need time to development before becoming a true QB1.
His highlight reel from his lone season as a starter would rival any college prospect, and despite his inexperience, he just oozes ability. Richardson could very well go first overall, but he just needs to build on exceptional, but raw, talent.
3. Will Levis, Kentucky
Levis stands the best chance of being a top draft pick after players who are one and two on this list. He fought against tough SEC competition over the last couple of years, so should be well primed already for the NFL.
Levis has very good upside. A solid athlete, perhaps not quite in the same league as Richardson, but certainly has huge arm and decent mobility. He might not go as high as some may think, but he’s certainly a player who could be a Day One starter next season.
2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Stroud is unlucky not to be number one on this list. He’s the most complete passer of the ball in this draft class and is a really safe pick for a team eyeing a new starting quarterback in 2023. He has the accuracy and anticipation to thrive in the NFL.
It seems destiny that Stroud will be the man going first overall come April 27. And the Panthers will be delighted to tie down their future at quarterback with the young superstar out of Ohio State.
1. Bryce Young, Alabama
He might not be the favourite to go first overall at the moment, but there hasn’t been a better quarterback in college football over the past couple of years than Bryce Young.
The Alabama standout is an elite creator inside and outside the pocket, with the arm to layer throws at insane trajectories and make a play from anywhere. It’s hard to split Young and Stroud, but the former still has the better tape and the better upside.
Inches and pounds were unreasonably important for Young at the NFL Combine, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s the most complete QB available in 2023.
The Texans looks a likely destination, and he’d be the ideal player to kickstart their rebuild.
