Look For Five Quarterbacks To Rule NFL’s Big Night

Quarterbacks almost always dominate the top of the NFL Draft, and it’s no different this year.

While there’s not a lot of depth at the position for later-round selections, at least 4 quarterbacks will be selected in the first round, and if the Minnesota Vikings cooperate, a fifth quarterback will also be selected.

Bryce Young of Alabama should hear his name called out by Roger Goodell on Thursday night in Kansas City with the No. 1 pick, as the Carolina Panthers have had their eyes on him since completing a trade with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick.

Young will be anything but a sure-fire success at the next level, as his lack of height at just over 5-10 is a major issue. The Panthers obviously are not bothered, but shorter quarterbacks are handicapped in the NFL even if they possess high-level passing and running skills.

C.J. Stroud of Ohio State is most equipped to step in and become a successful quarterback right from the start. The biggest handicap he will face is playing for a Houston organization that takes two missteps for every correct one it takes.

The Colts are banking on Will Levis of Kentucky being a finished product and that he will be able to step in and play the role of franchise quarterback. Indianapolis has been hurting ever since Andrew Luck decided to end his career prematurely prior to the 2019 season.

The Titans must focus on their QB needs, but Anthony Richardson is a huge gamble. While he has wonderful skills and leadership ability, his performance on the field for the Florida Gators was just ordinary.

Hendon Hooker is somewhat of an X-factor for the Vikings because he is coming off an ACL injury, but he should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Look for Hooker to get a year to learn the nuances while Kirk Cousins leads the Vikings for another year, but the former Tennessee quarterback could be under center for Minnesota in 2024.

Jalen Carter may be the most dominant player in this draft, but his actions after Georgia won the national championship have called his character and thought process into question. Instead of a top-three selection, he will slip to No. 9 and the Chicago Bears.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Ohio State is the most talented wide receiver in this draft, and he should be ready to be an impact player in his rookie year. While the Falcons have multiple needs, they simply cannot let him pass.

Bijan Robinson is a game-changing running back, and while that position is often undervalued in the draft, it should not be. The defending NFC champion Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman won’t hesitate to select him, and the payoff should be enormous.

Here’s a look at how the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft will play out.

1. Panthers (via Bears), QB Bryce Young, Alabama

2. Texans, Pick: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

3. Cardinals, DE Will Anderson, Alabama

4. Colts, QB Will Levis, Kentucky

5. Seahawks (via Broncos), OT Paris Johnson, Ohio State

6. Lions (via Rams), DE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

7. Raiders, CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

8. Falcons, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

9. Bears (via Panthers), DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

10. Eagles (via Saints), RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

11. Titans, QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

12. Texans (via Browns), OLB Nolan Smith, Georgia

13. Packers (via Jets), DE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

14. Patriots, CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

15. Jets (via Packers), OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

16. Commanders, OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

17. Steelers, DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

18. Lions, TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

19. Buccaneers, CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

20. Seahawks, WR Jordan Addison, Southern Cal

21. Chargers, DT Mazi Smith, Michigan

22. Ravens, WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

23. Vikings, QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

24. Jaguars, CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

25. Giants, WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

26. Cowboys, TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

27. Bills, S Brian Branch, Alabama

28. Bengals, CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

29. Saints (via 49ers), DE Myles Murphy, Clemson

30. Eagles, Edge B.J. Ojulari, LSU

31. Chiefs, DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson

The Miami Dolphins have forfeited their first-round pick.