The 2023 NFL Draft is 11 months away, and it’s set to be a very QB-friendly Player Selection Meeting in April. After multiple teams passed on quarterbacks this last draft cycle, all eyes will be on the next crop of signal-callers this fall and into next spring. Here are where those quarterbacks could realistically land in our 2023 QB NFL Mock Draft.
2023 QB NFL Mock Draft
While it’s difficult to say who and where the 2023 quarterbacks will land, this exercise will help us understand the level of talent each QB possesses. Additionally, it’s important to note that the current betting odds will help dictate which teams will need a new signal-caller next April (and which clubs will be in a position to draft one). Using the current Vegas odds to determine end-of-season standings, here are the likely landing spots for a bevy of quarterbacks in our QB-exclusive 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
1-1) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
If the Houston Texans are picking at No. 1 next April, it’s likely things didn’t work out with Davis Mills at the helm. Therefore, they’re absolutely in the market for a quarterback here. C.J. Stroud displays everything you’d imagine from a franchise quarterback and progressed mightily throughout the 2021 season. He’ll be in the running for the Heisman Trophy and lead the discussion around the No. 1 overall pick all year long.
1-3) Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, Alabama
Stroud is the only person who can realistically challenge Bryce Young as he attempts to repeat as the Heisman winner and become the first QB off the board. As such, Young finds himself ushering in a new era for the Detroit Lions. After passing on multiple quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Lions find the answer to their woes in the form of Young. He has every tool and possesses an elite ability against pressure despite sitting behind Alabama’s excellent offensive line.
1-6) Carolina Panthers: Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
All the tools are still there for Spencer Rattler, and you can bet if this fall he showcases what made his 2020 season so special, he’ll be right back in this mix. He needed a change of scenery, and he’ll dramatically increase South Carolina’s chances this season. In this spot, the Carolina Panthers didn’t find the help they needed at quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft and will be looking for one here.
1-7) New York Giants: Anthony Richardson, Florida
There’s untapped potential with Anthony Richardson. He possesses an elite right arm, but his legs are also going to put him in another stratosphere in this QB class. It’s rumored that Richardson can run as low as 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. At his size (6’4, 220), that will put him in rarified air.
Richardson’s game has room to grow, and if it does, he’s absolutely in the conversation for the top quarterback after the top two. Also, it’s clear the final year of the Daniel Jones era didn’t go well as the New York Giants are picking seventh. This one is a no-brainer.
1-18) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, Kentucky
A bit more projection, but Will Levis showcased some elite skill a season ago. As the SEC slate went on, he weathered some bad games and put on a terrific display of accuracy and power. The Indianapolis Colts didn’t attack the QB position in the 2022 NFL Draft either, likely passing for this talented crop. Levis drops to them here ahead of some other options because he has the arm and head on his shoulders to stand above the rest.
1-26) Seattle Seahawks: Jake Haener, Fresno State
Now officially back at Fresno State, Jake Haener has an incredibly high ceiling. For a player who almost entered the 2022 NFL Draft, Haener can vault himself into the Round 1 conversation by removing a few of the ill-fated decisions that plagued his season a year ago. There’s no denying his arm talent, so if he can avoid the turnovers, Haener can shine. The Mountain West signal-caller stays home as the Seattle Seahawks should be able to be in attendance at every game for the Bulldogs.
1-31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jaren Hall, BYU
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have proven age is essentially a myth as Tom Brady enters his millionth season at the helm of an NFL team. As such, the Bucs grab Jaren Hall, who will enter the NFL as an older rookie.
Hall has the arm talent and zip on his footballs to rival anyone in this class. He can also scramble to buy time before resetting his hips or contorting his body to make every throw from inside or outside of the structure of the offense. With a healthy 2022 season, Hall is right here in this conversation.
2-38) Washington Commanders: Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (FL)
There was a lot to like in the debut season for Tyler Van Dyke from Miami. The Hurricanes gunslinger performed incredibly well inside the scripted offense for the ‘Canes in 2021 after coming in for D’Eriq King. When he was forced to make reads and adjust the game on the fly, some errors — that are correctable — were made. With a new offensive coordinator in Josh Gattis, this is the make-or-break year for Van Dyke. The money’s on him making it, and the Washington Commanders grab him to start above Sam Howell, after Carson Wentz.
3-76) New Orleans Saints: Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina
The jury remains out on whether or not Jameis Winston can lead the New Orleans Saints back into the playoffs. The Vegas odds are currently projecting them out of the postseason yet again. Again, a lot remains to be seen, but without a first-round pick, the Saints will have to wait until Day 2 to select a quarterback of the future if Winston isn’t the answer.
Grayson McCall isn’t just a product of the Coastal Carolina system. Rather, he’s repeatedly shown that he’s a more than capable passer. He led the nation in a multitude of passing categories last season, proving his talent yet again.
3-97) Cleveland Browns: Cameron Ward, Washington State
Remember the name and get to know the player — Cameron Ward is going to be a star. A former Incarnate Word record-setter, Ward transferred to Washington State ahead of this season. He’s set to light up the Pac-12 with his unique, quick release and powerful arm. Ward heads to the Cleveland Browns here as a viable option behind Deshaun Watson, whose contract necessitates that they’ll have to build their roster via the draft.
4-113) Philadelphia Eagles: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Another SEC passer with a dynamic skill set heads to the Philadelphia Eagles. Hendon Hooker was the nation’s top first-quarter passer a season ago but is out to prove he’s a four-quarter signal-caller in 2022.
Jalen Hurts may continue to prove he’s better than we give him credit for, but if not, Hooker can absolutely push for snaps and eventually take over the starting role. He’s got a quick release, a powerful arm, and plenty of athleticism if scrambling is necessary.
4-124) Dallas Cowboys: Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
Sam Hartman can provide upside to any offense in the NFL. He doesn’t have the biggest arm, but his reads are smart, and his skill set is robust. Hartman doesn’t see defenders at times, so making the correct reads in 2022 will only help his stock. He has plenty of arm talent and athleticism to jump into the tertiary tier of quarterbacks in this draft class. The Dallas Cowboys will need a viable backup for Dak Prescott, and Hartman gives them that and more.
6-183) Minnesota Vikings: Malik Cunningham, Louisville
An incredible athlete, Malik Cunningham has over 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards in his career at Louisville. A bit slight but plenty mighty, Cunningham has speed for days and a cannon for an arm. The Minnesota Vikings can’t rest on their laurels and allow another quarterback to fall in their lap. Instead, they make their own luck here. If he puts together a solid season, Cunningham could land in Minnesota even earlier in the 2023 NFL Draft.
6-194) Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
Needing to prove he’s healthy, Phil Jurkovec has a lot to gain in the 2022 season. As he returned from injury a season ago, it seemed as if Jurkovec was ready to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft — yet here we are. Jurkovec has a great arm, though he lacks that top-tier pocket maneuverability. He’s set to break a plethora of Boston College records held by Matt Ryan this season, and the Kansas City Chiefs find their next long-term backup behind Patrick Mahomes.
7.212) Miami Dolphins: Cameron Rising, Utah
Cameron Rising was very safe with the football in 2021. He led Utah to the Rose Bowl but rarely wowed with his arm. Rising has talent and played extremely well within the structure of the Utes offense. The struggles came when he was forced to break contain and move the pocket. Still, he made the most of it and is incredibly safe with the football. He’ll grab hold of the Miami Dolphins’ playbook and secure QB2 behind Tua Tagovailoa in no time.
7.224) Green Bay Packers: Devin Leary, NC State
It’s hard to see a world where Aaron Rodgers isn’t the center of attention for the Green Bay Packers in any offseason. The Packers will need to address the QB position for the long haul as Jordan Love is likely out after his rookie contract is over.
It’s equally difficult to imagine a world where Devin Leary lasts this long in a draft, but it could happen with how stacked this class is. Leary has zip, poise, and a plethora of throws to every level in his arsenal. He can serve as a backup to the all-time great for the short term before ultimately being what Green Bay thought Love could be in the future.