Football is back and well underway! The top teams and players are beginning to take shape as we are seeing a ton of movement from what we thought were the top prospects and those that were once under the radar. So what better time to drop my current draft rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft? We will kick things off with the quarterback position!
Going into the season, I was very high on this class as a whole. After diving into more tape from this season, I must say, I was not as impressed. The top two guys are far and away the best QBs in this class, and for me, I don’t see another day 1 guy. While there is a ton of potential in the players on this list, there is also a very low floor for many. This can make it tough to evaluate, and it will be interesting to see how NFL teams view these players once draft season comes around. Now, on to the rankings!
1. CJ Stroud, Ohio State
As mentioned, the top two in this class are elite, and it’s ever so slightly led by CJ Stroud. Stroud is the complete package when it comes to size and athleticism. He has the arm talent and ability to make every throw asked of him with touch and precision. And he certainly breaks the stereotype of past OSU QBs with his ability to work through progressions. He does a great job of staying calm within the pocket and doesn’t panic when facing pressure. I expect Stroud’s play to continue to be at a high level, and he should stay at the top of every board and potentially be the top pick in this year’s draft.
2. Bryce Young, Alabama
Bryce Young is essentially the 1b of this draft class. Another player that pretty much checks every box as a QB. He is extremely intelligent doing a great job reading defenses and throwing with anticipation. He has all the arm talent in the world and the athleticism to extend plays or even break off big runs when needed. His biggest knock will be his size. He is listed at 6’ 194lbs, and if that rings true, then there should be no issue in my eyes. But some say he is shorter and smaller than that, so we shall see. Overall, Young has elite traits to overcome any size issues teams could have.
3. Cameron Ward, Washington St
This may throw some people off, but I love Cam Ward. I was high on him coming into the year, and I think he has shown his traits translate vs better competition. He is very smart with the football and never tries to do too much. He works within the offense and gets the ball out quickly whereas many QBs will hold onto the ball too long. Ward has a super quick release and can put good zip on his passes. He has the strength to make big throws downfield when needed. And the icing on the cake is his athleticism and ability to use his legs to extend plays or make big runs. I think his ceiling is just as high as anyone in this class, and he should continue to develop into a top-tier QB.
4. Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
Tyler Van Dyke has had some ups and downs this season, but ultimately I see him being one of the more talented QBs in the class. TVD’s arm talent is just as good as anyone in the class. He has the strength to rip it all over the field and has excellent touch passes. He has a very quick release and gets the ball out quickly. He also routinely makes some high-level, tight-window throws and makes it look easy. The biggest thing TVD needs to do is clean up his decision-making a bit. He is an excellent vertical passer which can sometimes get him into trouble when he tries to force it. If he can continue to improve, there is no reason he can’t solidify himself as a 1st round pick in 2023.
5. Will Levis, Kentucky
Will Levis has gotten a ton of hype dating back to last season and continues to get the first-round buzz. I don’t hate Levis, but I am not quite as high on him as others. On a positive note, Levis is very clean mechanically. Good footwork. Smooth and effortless throwing motion. Works the pocket well. He has good arm strength. The biggest knock for me will be his decision-making and his upside. While many of these prospects are high ceiling, low floor I believe Levis perhaps has the highest floor but also lacks the elite upside the other prospects do. Overall, I think Levis is a quality prospect that has the talent to succeed and stick in the league but would worry about his long-term upside.
6. Anthony Richardson, Florida
Anthony Richardson was one of my favorite QBs to watch in the preseason and has perhaps the highest ceiling. Athletically, he is a freak. He is listed at 6’4” 231lbs and can absolutely fly around the field. He runs through defenders like a RB while also possessing a cannon for an arm. On the surface, Richardson is an elite prospect. Where he can get into trouble is his inconsistencies in the passing game. At times he can be off target and make poor decisions with the football. There is a chance he goes back to school to work on some things and ensure he is a top pick. But if he can fix a few things in his game, Richardson could be the best of the group.
7. Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
Phil Jurkovec is a name you may not hear much amongst the top QB prospects, but I love the traits he brings to the table. He has good size at 6’5” and 214lbs. Very good arm talent with good zip on his passes and touch when needed. His mechanics look great, from a smooth throwing motion to his ability to work within the pocket. My big worry with him is his consistency but also his age. He will be 23 by the end of this season, and the track record for older QBs isn’t great. He has dealt with injuries, so it is explainable, but I always question if his success is due to an age gap. Regardless, Jurkovec has the skills to compete in the NFL, and I think he could be a sneaky prospect that rises as the process rolls along.
8. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
I am sure many will hate this ranking, and it may be low even by my own standards. But it is hard for me to ignore his age. Let’s get to the good first. Hooker has made great strides as a passer. He looks much better working within the pocket, has good mechanics, and can rifle it down the field. He has the physical traits every team covets at the next level. The problem? He will be 25 years old when the draft rolls around. For reference, he is older than Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and all the top QBs in the 2021 class. The question would be, why didn’t he see this success earlier, and is it because of the age gap? I tend to lean away from the older QBs, but it is hard to ignore his physical traits.
9. DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson
DJU has had his troubles over the past few seasons with his play, but it is hard for me to overlook his talent and the highs he’s had. DJU is a big QB with a good arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. He shows the ability to make any throw in the book with touch and tight-window throws. He has done a much better job of working within the offense and not doing too much. He takes his check-downs when they are there and hits the open receivers instead of looking for the big play or locking o+nto a receiver. He will still need to clean up his decision-making a bit, but ultimately, the ceiling is still very high for DJU, and some team will pull the trigger on his upside.
10. Devin Leary, NC State
The 10th spot was a tough one for me. Do I go with my Devy gut and a guy I have liked for a while or do I go with the vet that has played well? Ultimately, this spot goes to Leary. Another older QB that has looked good and improved his game. Leary is another QB with some nice mechanics and veteran leadership. He has good arm talent and still has room in his game to make some improvements. The question that will continue to arise is, why did it take so long for his game to be elevated to this level? But ultimately, I think Leary has the talent to stick on a roster for a while.
11. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
12. JT Daniels, West Virginia
13. Tanner McKee, Stanford
14. Robby Ashford, Auburn
15. Bo Nix, Oregon
