The 2023 American Football Conference quarterback class appears to be one for the ages ahead of the start of the upcoming regular-season schedule.
While Aaron Rogers enters his age-39 campaign with the New York Jets, he is merely an outlier among the youthful talent currently residing in the AFC. The conference currently boasts star signal-callers such as Kansas City Chiefs‘ Patrick Mahomes (27 years old), Buffalo Bills‘ Josh Allen (27), Baltimore Ravens‘ Lamar Jackson (26), Cincinnati Bengals‘ Joe Burrow (26), Los Angeles Chargers‘ Justin Herbert (25) and Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Trevor Lawrence (23).
Toss in Cleveland Browns‘ Deshaun Watson (27) and Miami Dolphins‘ Tua Tagovailoa (25), plus Denver Broncos’ Russell Wilson, and you have the makings of an exciting quarterback class. In fact, the talent level for the coming season is potentially the best the National Football League has ever seen.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame published his rankings for the AFC quarterback class, which includes former Florida Gator Anthony Richardson, who was taken with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft back in April by the Indianapolis Colts and earned the starting regular-season job during the preseason.
Verderame ranked Richardson at No. 15 out of 16 total passers, which is less of an indictment of the 21-year-old rookie and more of an indicator of how high the level of talent really is in the AFC.
While Richardson didn’t complete more than 56% of his throws in high school or college, his athletic profile and pocket skills are evident. He also has a massive right arm. Look for Steichen to get the best out of him in the ways he did with Herbert and Hurts.
The NFL kicks off its 104th season on Thursday night, Sept. 7, in Kansas City, Missouri, with the league’s annual primetime kickoff game. The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium with a start time of 8:20 p.m. EDT and can be watched on NBC Sports.
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