Where are the best fits for the top QB prospects in 2023?
The top four quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class are in full view, but where exactly does each QB best fit at the next level?
Fit in the NFL matters more than people think. Just because a player has talent, does not mean they can succeed in every situation.
This is especially true for rookies who are looking to get drafted. The quarterback position is probably the most obvious example of how big fit can be for the QB and the team itself.
The top four QBs in this class appear to be Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis. They may all end up being drafted within the top 10 or 12 picks.
However, teams shouldn’t just blindly take a QB because they need one. In terms of best fit, which teams present the best situation for the top four?
Where are the best fits for the top QB prospects in 2023?
1. Bryce Young – Houston Texans
Bryce Young seems to be largely viewed as the best quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Yeah, his frame is not ideal, standing in at less than six feet tall and not weighing 215 pounds, but he’s the best at what matters the most.
He’d give the Texans the best chance at finding a franchise QB and would allow them to focus their attention on fixing the rest of the offense and getting the defense up to par.
2. CJ Stroud – Indianapolis Colts
I like CJ Stroud to the Colts. I think that’s the best fit for him. I’ve seen pro comps indicate that Stroud is a Jared Goff or a Dak Prescott type.
Either way, that isn’t bad company to be in. He’s got the size; he’s got the accuracy, and his arm strength is sufficient. Something that has come up is his hesitancy to use his legs at times.
To me, pairing Stroud with Shane Steichen in Indianapolis, someone who was able to aid in the development of a dual threat QB in Jalen Hurts makes the most sense.
Stroud is a better passer than Hurts but does not use his legs nearly as much. What if Steichen can coach that into Stroud? Think about the returns there…
3. Anthony Richardson – Carolina Panthers
Richardson seems to be the “project” of the class, and I’d trust Frank Reich the most to unleash that project. Richardson has already been compared to Cam Newton. I’ve also seen Justin Fields and Josh Allen thrown out as comparisons as well.
Richardson does need quite a bit of work with his game. The athleticism is off the charts and simply cannot ever be taught, but the fine tuning aspects is what will make him a legitimate NFL quarterback.
Frank Reich has worked with a plethora of QBs in his career and has been able to get sufficient production out of dual threat guys like Carson Wentz and pure pocket passers like Philip Rivers.
4. Will Levis – Las Vegas Raiders
Will Levis is perhaps the most interesting QB prospect in this coming draft. He’s got the size adequate mobility, and has a cannon for an arm.
The mechanics fall below average and he does not have a ton of great college tape. Levis also seems like a bit of a project as well and I don’t think this is a day one starter. The team that comes to mind is the Raiders. They said goodbye to Derek Carr already and do need a long term answer at the position.
Well, what if they sign Jimmy Garoppolo to a three year deal that can be eliminated after two years, and then drafted Will Levis? Josh McDaniels is a strong offensive mind and did some great things with a rookie Mac Jones.
Will Levis is a better athlete and has a better arm than Jones, so I think the potential high-ceiling returns from Levis working with Josh McDaniels is something that the Raiders could take a chance on.