Following what was deemed a disappointing quarterback class in 2022, this year’s group must meet high expectations. In this quarterbacks-only 2023 NFL Mock Draft, we take a look at the top signal callers that will enter the draft and where they might land.
2023 NFL Mock Draft | QB Selections
Keep in mind, some players will decide to stay at school. To me, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke fit that mold. Van Dyke has looked more like a Matt Saracen than a Jason Street this year, while Richardson’s shown flashes of greatness mixed with plenty of head-scratching decisions.
Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 1
We’re not sure what Davis Mills will be yet, so drafting a quarterback feels inevitable for the Texans. It will be hard to go wrong with Stroud, the current top quarterback prospect according to PFN’s Industry Consensus Big Board. He has the frame you want in a quarterback and the arm talent needed to succeed in the NFL.
MORE: C.J. Stroud Scouting Report
Seattle Seahawks: Bryce Young, Alabama
Round 1, Pick 2
Look, I’m loving the Geno Smith feel-good story as much as anyone, but it’s simply not sustainable. It’s fun to watch a guy that produced some eye-popping numbers at West Virginia lead a team that many counted out before the season. But let’s be honest, Geno Smith is not the future of this team.
Enter Bryce Young. The Alabama quarterback is currently nursing a shoulder injury, but he has a future in the NFL. While his frame might remind Seahawks fans of their current least favorite player in the league, Young is a baller worth adding to the roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, Kentucky
Round 1, Pick 27
If you’re riding the Tom Brady roller coaster, you’re probably considering getting off at this point. Regardless of his future with the team, Tampa Bay needs a quarterback to lead the future. Levis is trying to prove that he can be a first round pick, and he’d learn quite a bit from Brady. He possesses all the tools to get drafted here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but there are other aspects of his game that must improve.
Detroit Lions: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Round 2, Pick 42
If the Lions don’t go after a quarterback in the first round, there appear to be plenty of options waiting for them starting on Day 2. Hendon Hooker currently sits as QB3 for many draft analysts and is having arguably his best season yet. Now, he will be an older rookie, which could scare some teams away, but his toolset cannot be denied.
Indianapolis Colts: DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 50
No one has risen higher in the last few weeks than DJ Uiagalelei, and he might not be done. Almost a forgotten entity after last year, DJ found his way back to being a potential NFL prospect. He’s doing it by showcasing the talent that makes him so great. First there’s the arm talent. DJ’s throwing the ball with a ton of confidence which opens things up in the running game.
An underrated athlete, we’re seeing him shake defenders with violent cuts and quick feet. His athleticism should draw plenty of attention from NFL teams, but it’s the fact that he’s throwing the ball well that elevates his stock even more. With Matt Ryan as the only reliable option on the roster, Indianapolis needs to look towards the future. Plus, putting DJ and Jonathan Taylor in the same backfield doesn’t seem fair.
Denver Broncos: Jaren Hall, BYU
Round 3, Pick 82
While things might not be going as well as fans anticipated, the season is still young for the Denver Broncos. Russell Wilson can play at a high level, and the offense features plenty of playmakers to utilize. However, it would be nice to add a quarterback that could potentially take over when Wilson is done. Jaren Hall’s shown that he can elevate an offense this year, and the results speak for themselves.
Even when Hall lost his top two targets this year, he found ways to distribute the ball to other players. He’s throwing some nice passes with incredible accuracy too, and it’s easy to see why he’d have success at the next level.
Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Ward, Washington State
Round 3, Pick 84
Minnesota needs someone to replace Kirk Cousins. Whether you’re in the “get Kirk out of here now” camp or not, someone younger needs to take over eventually. Cameron Ward transferred to Washington State form Incarnate Word and continues to impress us with his play. He’s risen to the occasion when called upon, and his skillset shines when that happens.
One thing Minnesota will love about Ward is his ability to make plays with his legs. Cousins can’t do that. Ward also has the ability to make plenty of great throws within the pocket and off-platform which helps him make throws that many other quarterbacks cannot. I think he’d be a great fit in Kevin O’Connell’s system, and you’ll see Vikings fans taking quarterbacks in any 2023 NFL Mock Draft they produce regardless of Cousins’ success.
New Orleans Saints: Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina
Round 5, Pick 162
Jameis Winston’s health is a concern. Andy Dalton is a solid backup, at best. Taysom Hill remains electric in the backfield but isn’t a long-term option. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Saints go after a quarterback. Even if they like their setup, the three aforementioned passers are not getting any younger, and Grayson McCall boasts huge potential value in the later rounds.
His arm strength might not be elite, but McCall knows how to make insanely accurate throws no matter the platform he finds. With the playmakers the Saints put on the field, adding McCall provides plenty of excitement to the offense. For this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, he heads to New Orleans.
Washington Commanders: Kedon Slovis, Pitt
Round 7, Pick 205
Look, the Carson Wentz bandwagon isn’t exactly filling up at an alarming rate. Sam Howell could be the future, but we don’t know yet. So, a 7th-round pick on a guy with potential isn’t out of the question right now. Slovis continues to put Pitt fans on a roller coaster of emotions. He’s shown the ability to make some big time throws, and that could get him on an NFL roster next year.
