Looking forward to the 2023 NFL Draft, there are a lot of questions as to who might be picking first. Many experts suggest the Houston Texans, while others predict the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions or even the Carolina Panthers as potential options.
If there is something specifically known about next year’s draft, it’s that the focus will be on the quarterback class. While the 2023 draft consists of a long list of overall players at every position, the QB class stands out the most.
With that said, let’s look at which QBs are the most notable.
Who will go First Overall Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young?
Last year at this time, Sam Howell and Spencer Rattler were protected to go one and two as the first QBs were taken. Both QBs put up less than stellar numbers and found themselves out of that conversation come draft time.
We’ve got two QBs once again: Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Both QBs put up outstanding numbers last year and are expected to lead their respected teams yet again.
First, let’s start with Stroud, who completed 73 percent of his passes last season with the Buckeyes, en route to a Rose Bowl victory over Utah.
While Stroud will look to build off his 2021 season, he does come into this year without Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, his top two targets from last season. However, he does get Jaxon Smith-Njigba back, who led the Buckeyes with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine TDs.
While Stroud put up video game-like numbers last season, he still finished runner-up in the Heisman voting to none other than Alabama’s Bryce Young.
Despite only standing just 5’11, Young proved to be the nation’s best player. Alabama had an uncharacteristically bad offensive line last season, but Young still managed to thrive under pressure. While he did have help in the form of 12th overall pick Jameson Williams and second round pick John Metchie, I think Young will get to have a little bit more time to navigate the pocket next season.
As mentioned earlier, the one knock on Young is his size, as he’s generated a lot of comparisons to guys like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson. Given that both of those guys have panned out, could Young thrive as well?
That brings me to the initial question: Who will go first in the 2023 NFL Draft? According to multiple mock drafts, many people suggest that the Houston Texans will end up with the first pick.
While Houston will start young Davis Mills at QB this year, my prediction is that they will more than likely draft a franchise QB, and I believe that C.J. Stroud is that guy.
Yes, Bryce Young may have more talent, but he’s a bit undersized and I think Stroud’s accuracy and arm talent will get him picked first. However, I see Bryce Young getting picked second, right behind Stroud.
Three Other QBs to Look Out For
Will Levis, Kentucky
Projected 1st Rounder
Anthony Richardson, Florida
Dark Horse First Rounder
Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
Top 10 Pick
