History and re-drafts will tell the tale of who actually were the best four quarterbacks from the 2023 NFL draft, but as of the immediate aftermath of the combine in Indianapolis, it is pretty clear who the big four are.
Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis, and Florida’s Anthony Richardson took to the podium to meet with the media, and also took to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase why they are the best in the draft.
The Houston Texans hold the No. 2 overall pick and need a quarterback. The choice is momentous.
Here is a look at how the big four stack up after the combine.
1. Anthony Richardson
NFL Research put it into context just what a physical specimen Richardson is:
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Richardson was also crisp with his throws during the drills, and also showed a penchant for deep ball accuracy.
With Young not throwing at the combine, it was a chance for Richardson or Stroud to shine, and the Florida product came out on top.
Best quote: “I see myself, you know, I want to be a legend. I want to be like Patrick Mahomes. I want to be like Tom Brady. I want to be one of the greats. I will be one of the greats, because I’m willing to work that hard and get to that point.”
2. C.J. Stroud
If there was a fan favorite at Lucas Oil Stadium, it was clearly Stroud. Anytime the Buckeye signal caller prepared for a drill, the crowd roared — same as they did if he made a completion.
Stroud struggled a bit on deep balls, even hitting the wire for the sky cam. Stroud didn’t do anything to hurt his stock, but he did nothing on-field wise to raise it.
If there were a realm where Stroud dominated, it was in his media session.
Best quote: “I definitely think that if I do get put in a situation like that [rebuild], then I’m going to try to go in there with just complete confidence and remain humble and go to work. Because they may be trying to flip the script and trying to not only rebuild, but build a franchise and build a dynasty. That’s something I want to do. It takes hard work and it takes consistency so that’s something I’m willing to do.”
3. Will Levis
Levis demonstrated he has an arm that can go downfield. In the same building with two other highly touted quarterbacks from the same class, Levis was able to show his talent belongs.
One of things Levis talked about in his media session was how he was working on stable platforms to throw the ball, and it showed in his drills with improved accuracy.
Best quote, on why he decided to go through the combine drills: “Because I got a cannon. I got to show it off.”
4. Bryce Young
Young decided to save it for his pro day, which gives the rest of the field a little more momentum when it comes such content as power rankings.
Young’s size is now official: 5-10, 204 pounds. Consider the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray is listed at 5-10, 207 pounds.
Best quote: “I respect everyone’s opinions, but I focus on what I can control. I take the advice and the direction of the people I trust, and the people at the next level.”
Wild-card: Max Duggan
The Texans Wire’s John Crumpler presented an interesting concept where Houston drafts their franchise quarterback in the first round, but then adds a project later on —similar to what Washington did in 2012 with Robert Griffin and Kirk Cousins.
Duggan would fit the bill. The TCU product had some misses on-field at the combine, but believes he can help teams understand any problems they may have with his game.
https://twitter.com/therealmarklane/status/1631695549710712833
Best quote: “Jalen Hurts is probably someone I probably play most like. Just looking at what he does, just intangible assets of being a leader, being tough, gritty, playing through adversity and leading a group of men.”
