The 2023 NFL Draft is over, and the top prospects have found out which teams they’ll play on. Let’s take stock of each landing spot.
We’re finally at the end of the 2023 projection cycle. Last Thursday, eyes were laid on Kansas City as the NFL Draft took place. This year’s edition of the draft was as usual dominated by talk of quarterback prospects. With teams in need of a new signal caller, there was intrigue over where the top operatives would land.
It all started with the Carolina Panthers on the clock first overall and, in their worst-kept secret pick, Bryce Young of Alabama. The draft really started with the second overall pick held by the Houston Texans, who shocked the world by taking C.J. Stroud from Ohio State, proving that all the talk surrounding who they would pick was all a smokescreen.
Anthony Richardson, the quarterback with the cap, was named fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Will Levis was the story of the first night of draft, as he fell completely out of the first round, to the shock of many. But he heard his name called second overall on the second day, as the Tennessee Titans traded for his selection.
Finally, Hendon Hooker, a Tennessee quarterback recovering from a torn ACL, was ranked 68th overall by the Detroit Lions.
Now that we know where these quarterbacks will be playing to start their NFL careers in 2023, are they the right fit? We will rank all five.
Previous editions of “In the Market” can be found at the links below:
Rating: Touchdown rankings for the best QB prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
Bryce Young, No. 1 overall, Carolina Panthers
Once again, Young to the Panthers was no shock. This was projected to happen in the month prior to the NFL Draft. Carolina traded multiple draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears, and they needed to get the best quarterback available to lead their franchise. Sure enough, they hit the best signal caller in Young’s entire class.
While Young does not have the typical build for an NFL quarterback, he can make throws and can stand in the pocket with confidence to make said passes on the field. He’s done well in the SEC, and has a Heisman Trophy to his credit.
Young will join a team with a coaching staff consisting of Frank Reich as head coach, Thomas Brown as offensive coordinator, Josh McCown as quarterbacks coach and Jim Caldwell as senior assistant. Not to mention, he’ll have tight end Hayden Hurts, wide receivers Adam Thelin, DJ Shark and rookie Jonathan Mingo to target down the field. Oh, and he’ll have a running start again to count on in Miles Sanders.
This is a great scenario for Young, since he has the chops to help make an immediate impact in his rookie year, possibly helping the Panthers fight for the NFC South title.
Grade: A+
CJ Stroud, No. 2 overall, Houston Texans
Stroud going to Houston was a bit shocking, considering all the hype prior to the NFL Draft. Chances were high that Levis would be the second overall pick, and Texans would likely trade from that spot, to the team that takes Tyree Wilson from the Texas Tech Edge at the expense of Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., because they kicked out all the guard and took the second-best quarterback in the game. Stroud, who has the most accurate arm of all the signal-callers.
The Texans simply couldn’t get him back with Davis Mills as a QB1 for 2023. Stroud is an instant team upgrade. While the roster is far from perfect and may be on its way to being one of the worst players going into next season, Stroud is the kind of player who can raise the bar for those around him. Sure, the team traded wide receiver Brandon Cox, but they have Robert Woods, John Michie III, Nico Collins, and third-round pick Tank Dale to target. She’s a fully qualified group, along with Dalton Schultz.
Make no mistake about it, Texas made exactly the right choice with Stroud.
Grade: a
Anthony Richardson, No. 4 overall, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were expecting to face this situation – Young and Stroud getting off the plate. But heading into the first night of the draft, there was a lot of buzz that the Colts favored Levis over Richardson, even receiving an endorsement of Levis from former quarterback Peyton Manning. But, the Colts picked the top-scoring connection in Richardson of Florida.
Richardson didn’t have much starting experience with the Gators, and he showed up on points throughout last season. However, there were flashes of greatness from Richardson, be it his throws down the field or his ability to extend plays with his legs. Not to mention, Richardson’s wide receivers at Florida didn’t necessarily help him get a lot of points. But with the right training at the NFL level, he could become one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
He joins the Colts team, which includes Shane Station as head coach. Steichen made a name for himself working as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, helping develop Jalen Hurts. Last season, the Hurts defense was almost impossible to stop, whether it was by air or on the ground. Colts fans rejoice at what Steichen can plan for Richardson, who has running backs Jonathan Taylor and wide receivers Michael Bateman and Josh Downs to count on.
Now, we wait to see if Richardson will actually start early in the 2023 season. Yes, the upside is unrealistic, but there is work to be done to develop him.
Grade: B+
Will Levis, No. 33 overall, Tennessee Titans
Levis was expected to be selected in the first round, which is why he attended the event in Kansas City. After that that wasn’t the case, he moved back home to Connecticut with his family. He didn’t wait long for his name to be called, as the Titans moved to the 33rd to take the Levies.
When it came to Levis, he was a polarizing prospect. He has the height and weight that teams love in quarterbacks, and he’s experienced in a professional attacking style. However, he had a disappointing season in 2022, highlighted by injuries. However, it seemed like a given that Levis would be taken in the first 31 draft picks, giving him a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year.
When it comes to the landing site, it’s not quite perfect. Last year, the team traded AJ Brown away to the Philadelphia Eagles, and their passing offense took a hit. General Manager Ran Karthun has been retooling the roster, especially across the offensive line. But, the team’s wide receiver looks pretty weak, with Treylon Burks being the obvious WR1 on the depth chart.
There is an added advantage to this, though, is that Levis won’t be thrown to the wolves right away. He can learn the rules of the game and sit behind Ryan Tannehill. Of course, that could change if the team decides to trade Tannehill before he becomes a free agent next season.
Grade B-
Hendon Hooker, No. 68, Detroit Lions
Hooker received a bump in the draft stock heading into the event. The week after, his doctor sent a message to all interested teams that he was on track to be cleared by the first weekend of the 2023 season after tore his anterior cruciate ligament last November. However, it didn’t result in a first-round selection like many expected, especially with that extra year of control. That didn’t even lead to the Tennessee quarterback being taken in the second round.
But the third round was another story. With the 68th overall pick, the Lions selected Hooker, perhaps one of the best possible landing sites.
The Lions are in a position where they are poised to battle for a playoff spot, and Jared Goff is leading the way. Goff has been heading toward “depression” territory, but he’s rebounded since his trade to Detroit, especially last season. So, this will allow Hooker to adapt to the team’s offense. There will be no rush to throw him into the field.
If Hooker gets a chance to play on the road and plays like he did last season with the Volunteers, the Lions will be in good shape. But as of right now, the Lions will be rushing into the playoffs in 2023 with Goff as the starter under center.
b grade