Mid-Season Dive into the 2023 NFL QB Draft Class

The 2022 NFL quarterback draft class produced a lot of prospects that left a lot to be desired. None of the 9 quarterbacks taken in that draft became starters for their respective teams. This was the first time that no rookie quarterbacks got the start Week 1 since 2007. However, due to injuries and lack of success of some teams, rookie quarterbacks such as Kenny Picket (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots) got starts later in the season. This was expected because none of the quarterbacks were particularly sensational coming out of college. This is not the case, however, for this upcoming 2023 quarterback draft class. Highlighted by former Heisman-winner, Bryce Young, and Ohio State sensation, C.J. Stroud, this class has the potential to produce some future Hall of Famers and Week 1 starters. Let's take a quick look at what kind of prospects this future class has to offer so far this season.

#1: Bryce Young - Alabama

Bryce Young starts off this class for obvious reasons. As the former Heisman Trophy winner, Young has all the intangible qualities that makes for a starter. Throwing for 4,872 yards last season with 47 touchdowns, Young led the Alabama Crimson Tide to another National Championship. However, they did fall short.

Young has an incredible feel for the ball showing precision and accuracy with the football. He is able to fit passes into small windows when coverage is a bit tight. As well, he is athletic enough to evade the rush with his legs and is still accurate while on the move. 

More than that, it is the poise that makes Bryce Young shine. The moment never looks too big for Bryce, and it is clear how natural the game comes to him. He is able to stand in the pocket and go through his progressions with ease. He never seems uncomfortable with the ball in his hands. 

So far this season, he has thrown for 1,906 yards and 18 touchdowns through 7 games (he missed part of a game and one full one due to injury). He has taken down top teams in Texas and Mississippi State with his only loss coming to now-ranked #3 Tennesse, which they lost on a last-second field goal. 


#2: C.J. Stroud - Ohio State

C.J Stroud is off to a piping hot start to his 2022 season at Ohio State already throwing for 2,023 yards and leading the country with 28 touchdowns. It was not hard to guess this was coming as he threw for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns, and finished 4th in the Heisman race last season. 

Stroud has excellent mechanics when it comes to throwing the ball. He is more of a traditional pocket-passer as compared to Bryce Young who tends to use his legs a bit more. Each throw from Stroud looks completely effortless and hits receivers in-stride. As well, he has the ability to "throw" receivers open which is not a typical quality for a college quarterback. 

C.J. has led the Buckeyes to a number two ranking in the AP Top 25 this season thus far in a convincing fashion. They are currently undefeated with an average margin of victory of 34 points. Stroud is currently the Heisman-favorite for the 2022 season.

#3: Hendon Hooker - Tennessee

Hendon Hooker has quickly taken the nation by storm this season. He was not considered a top NFL prospect coming into the season only throwing for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first season at Tennesse (was a transfer from Virginia Tech). However, this season, he has put the world on notice, already throwing for 2,093 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

What's impressive by Hooker is his arm-strength on the deep passes. He makes 50+ yard bombs look easy. As well he is able to squeeze the ball quickly into tight windows with incredible speed. So far this season, the average distance per pass is sitting at 10 yards. To put that into perspective, that is saying that each time Hooker throws, it is a first down. 


This season has also been marked by impressive wins over four top-ranked teams in then-3rd-ranked Alabama, 17th-ranked Pittsburgh, 20th-ranked Florida, and 25th-ranked Louisiana State. Coming up in their schedule is also now number-one ranked Georgia, 19th-ranked Kentucky, and 25th-ranked South Carolina. 

Tennesse currently sits at number three in the rankings. If Hooker can continue his streak of success against those teams, he might quickly find himself at the top of the list for top-ranked quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class.

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