Much of the offseason was centered around the NFL Draft first-pick odds. Many people were disappointed when the 2022 draft class didn’t feature many quarterbacks.
However, with the 2023 class, there are plenty of players deemed to be first-round talents that are worth following. While there was much debate between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, there seems to be a clear candidate to be the top choice.
While, according to the experts, everything appears to be settled, there is still plenty of time for people to change their minds between now and when the draft finally starts Thursday night. With that in mind, here’s a deep dive into some NFL draft predictions.
Young is a heavy favorite to go first
NFL quarterbacks used to fit a particular mold. With notable exceptions like Doug Flutie, who was well below 6 feet tall, quarterbacks were expected to be built like Hollywood’s leading men. Tall, handsome, and strong, with an ability to lead people.
However, the Carolina Panthers are targeting someone who doesn’t necessarily fit the physical mold to be a star in the NFL. Bryce Young, who is -2000 to be the top pick, is only 5-foot-10 and weighs 204 pounds. However, Young was a Heisman Trophy winner and led Alabama to an appearance in the national championship game as a sophomore.
But anyone looking at the 2023 mock NFL draft will see there are major questions about his size holding up at the professional level. Young’s college numbers are outstanding. However, he did see a decline in numbers as a junior when he struggled with injury issues. Playing in three less games led to Young throwing 32 touchdowns against 47 as a sophomore.
Stroud may not be a bad consolation prize
How does the NFL Draft work? People spend much of the offseason stressing out about workouts and how people look without pads on. When Ohio State product C.J. Stroud was in pads for the Buckeyes, the 6-3 quarterback proved he had plenty of skills to play at the NFL level. As a junior, Stroud passed for 3,340 yards and threw for 37 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Stroud’s numbers declined year-over-year, as he was asked to pass less for an Ohio State team that made a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Stroud has seen his NFL Draft first-pick odds tumble due to some leaked numbers from a poor S2 test, which is used to evaluate quarterbacks. C.J. Stroud ranked last among quarterbacks in his class by scoring an 18.
- Stroud is +850 to be picked first.
Richardson sees stock climb
Florida’s Anthony Richardson didn’t win in college like the two quarterbacks who will supposedly go above him in the draft. Richardson hardly played in college. Last season was the first year that Richardson started at Florida. However, Richardson’s 6-4 frame and ability in workouts improved his NFL Draft first pick odds.
Richardson went 6-6 last season as the Gators adjusted to a new coaching staff. He flashed his ability as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 654 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Richardson also passed for 2,549 yards, but threw nine interceptions and 17 touchdowns.
- Richardson is a longshot to be selected with the first pick at +1600.
Also in the conversation
Another quarterback, Kentucky product Will Levis (+5000), has the fourth-best odds of being selected No. 1. Levis transferred from Penn State to play for the Wildcats, where he flourished. Levis had an 18-8 record as Kentucky’s starting quarterback, but struggled with interceptions. Will Levis threw 23 interceptions in two seasons.
Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson (+15000) finished with 27.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Anderson also batted down five passes and intercepted a pass. Anderson is the top defensive player in the draft, but likely won’t reach the top due to a run on quarterbacks.
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