Ranking the projected starting QBs in the AFC for 2023
![GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3fbf81186bad550c3fff18d458b1698c84698f3d0d3ded963c023c0055c3e34a.jpg)
The AFC is a loaded conference and should be ultra competitive once again in 2023. Let’s try to rank the projected starting QBs for the 2023 season.
With the Aaron Rodgers’ trade setting to be finalized soon, the conference is going to get even more tough. Couple that with some nice free agency additions from a few AFC teams, and it’s easy to see how this conference could once again be ultra competitive in 2023.
This is a hard activity, but let’s try to rank the starting QBs in the AFC for the 2023 season.
Ranking the projected starting QBs in the AFC for 2023 – #16 – #11
#16 – Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett threw more interceptions than touchdowns in 2022 in his action as the starter of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I don’t think he has all the necessary tools to be a legitimate franchise QB in the NFL and am not high on him at this time.
#15 – Davis Mills, Houston Texans
I was actually very encouraged with Davis Mills after his rookie season and was banking on him taking a leap in year two, but that isn’t the case. Unfortunately for Mills, I don’t think he’ll remain the starter for much longer.
#14 – Mac Jones, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are in a tough spot. Mac Jones showed promise in year one but regressed a ton in year two. Was that regression because of a defensive coordinator running the offense or because of a deeper issue?
#13 – Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
After a year and a half of playing elite football at the position, Ryan Tannehill has returned to his normal, average self. He isn’t going to make much progress at this point as a starter in the NFL and I think Tennessee ends up picking one of the top QB prospects in 2023.
#12 – Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders
I think Kyle Shanahan got the absolute most out of Jimmy Garoppolo in his six year stint with the team, but I’m not so sure Garoppolo is more than a spot starter outside of playing in San Fran. The familiarity with Josh McDaniels with help, but I’m not sure Garoppolo is going to perform well in the AFC.
#11 – Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
I think in the right situation, Gardner Minshew can play well in the NFL, but Indianapolis does not appear to be the spot for him. I truly do hope he gets a chance to be a full-time starter in the NFL one day, but honestly, his ceiling might not be very appealing.