The 2023 NFL draft has been dominated by intense debates not only about the draft order for the top five picks, but about the hierarchy of quarterbacks being considered for the top selections.
There has been a ton of speculation about Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, two quarterbacks with considerable athleticism who were spotty, erratic, and far-less-than-accurate passers in college.
Levis and Richardson making their way into the quarterback conversation is a central affirmation of the reality that the 2023 NFL draft quarterback class has not distinguished itself at a particularly high level.
Could Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud become NFL stars? Sure. One can definitely make a case for them. However, only a few analysts and experts would say that they’re going to be slam-dunk, no-doubt franchise cornerstones.
Young has tons of great tools but is not that tall, a simple but important physical reality which could limit his NFL ceiling. Stroud was awesome for Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia, but that kind of electric performance was largely missing from most of his playing career with the Buckeyes.
“He could be good, but let’s wait and see” captures the feeling connected to these 2023 quarterbacks.
Caleb Williams, the clear favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, doesn’t carry that level (or type) of uncertainty.
Caleb combines electric playmaking, a high football IQ, and an ability to protect the ball. He offers upside without taking too many risks. He provides explosiveness without being especially erratic.
He does have erratic moments. He does take some bad risks. He can still grow and evolve. However, Caleb minimizes his flaws and weaknesses so much more than Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. Unlike Bryce Young, he is sufficiently tall.
Questions, doubts, reservations, second thoughts — they don’t emerge with Caleb as an NFL prospect. It’s a clear point of differentiation from the 2023 quarterback class.
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