NFL Draft 2023 scored well for incoming quarterbacks, and here’s my take on how five are faring at the mid-point of their rookie year.
The 2023 NFL Draft welcomed a new group of quarterbacks to the league, each with distinctive talents and possibilities for their teams. Watching how these rookie quarterbacks manage the early parts of their pro journeys intrigues passionate NFL fans.
Courtesy Click2Houston
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans: The Houston Texans found themselves locked in an offensive battle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. However, C.J. Stroud seemed to be in his element, countering every move made by the Buccaneers with an even more impressive play. Stroud’s statistics from that game are nothing short of remarkable. He completed 30 of 42 passes for 470 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Texans to a 39-37 home win. Stroud set rookie single-game records for passing yards and touchdowns and became one of only six quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 450 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.
2023 Season Stats: 8 games | 62 pct | 2,270 pass yds | 8.1 ypa | 14 pass TD | 1 INT | 78 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 1 fumble
Stroud’s intangibles truly set him apart. The Texans signal-caller has remarkable athleticism, capacity for creation, pinpoint accuracy, and arm talent that few have at the professional level. His field vision, anticipation, and ability to manipulate defenses make him a unique talent among the league’s young quarterbacks.
Grade: A
Courtesy CBS Sports
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are in a rebuilding stage, and Bryce Young is going through some growing pains, but North Carolina sports betting promos will be in demand as the team gets better. He has shown glimpses of why he was the first overall draft pick, as was the case in his comeback win against C.J. Stroud and the Texans in Week 8. However, Young had the worst game of his career in Sunday’s 27-13 home loss against the Colts, when he completed 24 of 39 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. His team’s 1-7 start has been a trial by fire for Young, as he lacks support and protection.
2023 Season Stats: 7 games | 63.9 pct | 1,375 pass yds | 5.5 ypa | 8 pass TD | 7 INT | 117 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 1 fumble
There’s a reason why he was the #1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The tools he possesses are undeniable. Young has showcased flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but he won’t truly flourish unless the infrastructure around him is conducive to growth. Young’s immediate future relies on the Panthers front office’s ability to revamp the roster. Carolina must enhance the weapons at Young’s disposal and fortify his protection. A lackluster supporting class magnifies the struggles of any rookie quarterback, so hopefully, the Panthers will finally cultivate an environment where the talents of their franchise quarterback have a chance to thrive.
Grade: B
Courtesy FOX Sports
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans: Will Levis’ NFL debut showed a glimpse into his potential as Titans franchise quarterback. In that first game, he completed 19 of 29 passes (65.5 percent) for 238 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions in a 28-23 home win against the Atlanta Falcons on October 29. His second start was on Thursday night against the Steelers, and Levis completed 22 of 39 passes (56.4 percent) for 262 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception in a tough 20-16 road setback. “Losing sucks, especially at this level,” Levis said after the game. “It’s so hard to win games, and you have an opportunity like that to win it at the end, and it doesn’t happen, it makes you feel a whole lot worse. Credit to (Pittsburgh). They made the plays when needed, and we didn’t.”
2023 Season Stats: 2 games | 60.3 pct | 500 pass yds | 7.4 ypa | 4 pass TD | 1 INT | 13 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 0 fumbles
Despite the loss to the Steelers, Levis displayed moments that reinforced his belief in his capabilities. His awareness, toughness, and decisiveness were encouraging signs that led to Titans head coach Mike Vrabel naming him the team’s starting quarterback going forward.
Grade: B
Courtesy Sports Illustrated
Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders: In their first game after the departure of Josh McDaniels, the Raiders looked rejuvenated team in an emphatic 30-6 victory against the Giants on Sunday. Fourth-round rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell was a standout in his second career start, proving to interim coach Antonio Pierce that he’s ready to take over for Jimmy Garoppolo. O’Connell displayed composure and efficiency, completing 16 of 25 passes for 209 yards. O’Connell’s ability to control the tempo, accuracy, and aptitude to adjust plays at the line contributed significantly to the Raiders’ much-needed victory.
2023 Season Stats: 3 games | 64.9 pct | 522 pass yds | 6.8 ypa | 1 pass TD | 2 INT | 3 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 0 fumbles
The sample size is small, but O’Connell has shown maturity and understanding of the game, particularly against the Giants. Those traits are often seen in more seasoned veteran quarterbacks, so the Raiders finally have a glimmer of hope at a position that has given them so much trouble in recent years.
Grade: B-
Courtesy Inside Indiana Business
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts: Sadly, Anthony Richardson’s rookie season with the Colts came to an early because of a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but what he did before the injury was remarkable. Richardson carved out a niche for himself in Indianapolis. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in four games.
2023 Season Stats: 4 games | 59.5 pct | 577 pass yds | 6.9 ypa | 3 pass TD | 1 INT | 136 rush yds | 4 rush TD | 2 fumbles
Anthony Richardson’s rushing stats prove that the Colts found a dual-threat signal-caller with unlimited potential. Richardson set an NFL record by rushing for a touchdown in each of his first three games. Overall, he ran for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries. Richardson’s injury was a massive blow for the Colts and NFL fans, robbing us of a dynamic playmaker with untapped potential.
Grade: B+
