Which QB will be taken first in the 2023 NFL Draft?
It might not be a heavy QB draft, but it is no surprise that for the last several drafts, quarterbacks have dominated the conversation.
For years, the predictability on which quarterback would go first was a safe bet, especially when Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence were drafted. However, last year gave us a look at some shocking picks when Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback taken in the first round by Pittsburgh.
There are way too many great options in this year’s draft but which one is going first?
Anthony Richardson
With his explosive combine testing, Anthony Richardson’s draft stock has skyrocketed after he was done working out. It went up so much that he is now predicted by many to be the first quarterback taken.
However, compared to the other quarterbacks available it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he wasn’t taken first. In college Richardson kind of lived in the shadows of the other listed quarterbacks but after the combine he definitely made a name for himself, but with all of that said, will he be the first quarterback drafted? Probably not, but who knows.
Will Levis
Will Levis is another sleeper quarterback in this draft. Much like Richardson, Will Levis lives in the shadows of the other quarterbacks available. But his combine workout made his draft stock explode as well. Unlike Richardson, Levis is still stagnant in his draft ranking, and generally seen as the third or fourth quarterback due to be taken.
CJ Stroud
With the Chicago Bears trading away the first overall pick, we can only assume that the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans will be selecting a quarterback with the first two overall picks. With that being said, CJ Stroud could be the player taken first.
Stroud fits the Houston Texans scheme very well, unlike his predecessor Bryce Young. The Texans still haven’t moved away from the scheme they made for Deshaun Watson, and with the removal of Lovie Smith as the head coach, it is highly unlikely they will change the scheme up quickly.
CJ Stroud does have a build like Deshaun Watson, he’s got an arm and has the running capability. He is however able to stand still in the pocket while being hit, and is a versatile quarterback. If the Panthers do select him first overall, they may have to switch up multiple schemes, but CJ Stroud should be the first selected quarterback.
Bryce Young
Bryce Young being the first quarterback selected is not out of the picture. Once the longshot favorite, his stock has somewhat plateaued, but with the Bears trading back he’s back in contention.
The Indianapolis Colts not seeming desperate, selecting Bryce Young is possible but many forget they selected Sam Ehlinger in last year’s draft.
Sam never really got a full opportunity to play so the Colts selecting Bryce Young is unlikely. With Carolina, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, possibly New York (Jets) needing a quarterback, they are the most eager teams to select at the position this year, which means Bryce Young will land at one of these teams.
