Five Quarterbacks we like in the 2023 NFL Draft
By John Mesenbrink
BRYCE YOUNG
Alabama (JR), QB
The Panthers trade up to #1 and all indications point to the Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young as the top pick. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young had eye-popping numbers that year with 4,872 yard and 47 TDs. Young’s numbers dipped a bit last year with 3,328 yards and 32 touchdowns but his overall college resume against some of the toughest competition is impressive. While his size is a concern some draft experts say he plays like a smaller version of Patrick Mahomes, and that can’t be a bad thing. There’s no reason to think that Young is not the immediate starter for whichever QB-needy NFL team he goes to.
Pluses:
• Accuracy and ability to read defenses
• Ability to play inside and outside the pocket
• Quick to process information and use it to his advantage
Concerns:
• Size (5'10", 204 lbs)
• Durability
• Hesitancy to use his legs
C.J. STROUD
Ohio State University (JR), QB
A Heisman Trophy finalist two years in a row (2021 & 2022), C.J. Stroud dressed to impress in 2021 with 4,424 yards, 44 TDs and a completion percentage of 71.6% in what equated to the #1 team in the country for total offense. In 2022, the former Buckeye’s numbers dipped, albeit by not much, as he threw for 3,684 yards, 41 TDs and a completion percentage of 66%. Arguably a consensus top 3 pick in this year’s NFL draft, this consistent winner is plugged in as the immediate starter for that team.
Pluses:
• Size (6’3”, 218 lbs)
• Traditional Pocket Passer with great accuracy
• Arm strength
• Reads coverages well
Concerns:
• Surprisingly immobile
• Is it scheme? A QB-friendly program with NFL-level talent
• Reaction to duress or heavy pressure
ANTHONY RICHARDSON
Florida (rSO), QB
After his Pro Day, former Gator Anthony Richardson had the world buzzing. Smooth, strong, and can throw on a dime, they said. The tape, however, shows a bit of different story. Splitting time in 2021, he threw for 529 yards, 6 TDs, with a 59% completion. With his legs, he jaunted for 401 yards and 3 TDs. After taking over the job last year, Richardson threw for 2,549 yards and 17 TDs (9INTs), rushing for 654 yards and 9 TDs. With his size, arm strength and mobility, coupled with his strong Pro Day performance, Richardson has been a steady riser on NFL draft boards. Gifted athletically, we see Richardson going in the top 10 of this year’s NFL draft, but it may take some time for adjustments to the NFL game.
Pluses:
• Mobility
• Makes plays on the move
• Arm strength
• Size (6’4’, 244 lbs.)
• Athleticism
• High ceiling
Concerns:
• Footwork
• Accuracy
• 13 college starts
• Low floor
WILL LEVIS
Kentucky (SR), QB
As we inch closer to the NFL draft, there are increasingly louder murmurs that former Wildcat Will Levis could be the #2 QB taken off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft, and that only may be due to the fact that Houston may have their eye on him rather than the other options. In 11 games as a senior at Kentucky, Levis threw for 2416 yards, 19 TDs and a completion percentage of 65. He’s a willing runner, especially around the goal line. CHUBZBURGER sees Levis as a top 5 QB taken off the board, but he may find himself initially taking some time on an NFL bench learning the ropes. With NFL comps that vary in Josh Allen to Mitch Trubisky to Jay Cutler, it’ll be interesting to see how this former Wildcat’s NFL career pans out.
Pluses:
• Prototypical QB size (6’4”, 229 lbs.)
• Strong Arm
• Tough, plays through injuries
• Arm talent
• Quick release
• Experience
Concerns:
• Raw mechanics
• Feel in the pocket
• Decision making
• Staying on the field (health) at NFL level
• Read Progression
HENDON HOOKER
Tennessee (rSR) QB
The immediate red flag is that he is a 25-yr-old rookie coming off an ACL injury, but when the former Volunteer is healthy, he can be electric. As a junior in 2021, Hooker threw for 2,948 yards and 31 TDs with a completion percentage of 68. As a senior last year, Hooker played in 11 of 13 games, throwing for 3,135 yards, 27 TDs and a completion percentage of 69.2. His QBR was an impressive 123.9. His name has been mentioned in this year’s crop of QBs and we see him as QB 5–7 taken in this year’s NFL Draft. As long as Hooker isn’t rushed into QB 1 action to soon in the NFL, he could have a great career based on fit and scheme.
Pluses:
• Size (6’ 4”, 217 lbs.)
• Dual -threat, athletic QB
• Feels pressure well
• Quick release, strong arm
• Intelligence & character
• Good immediate to deep throw passer
Concerns:
• Torn ACL late 2022
• 25-year-old rookie
• Work-in-progress
• Hold ball too long
