NFL Draft 2023: Four QBs Could Be Taken in First Four Picks for First Time in League History
Last year, Will Levis was forced to wait and wait until his name was finally called as the Kentucky quarterback was drafted by the Titans at 33rd overall. This time around, there is again the very distinct possibility that four quarterbacks could be drafted with the first four picks for the first time in league history.
The Bears and Commanders looked all-but locked into staying put at first and second overall, respectively, and have a glaring need at quarterback. The Patriots need a long-term solution at the position too, although there are plenty of holes in their roster, so trading back could be an option. The same goes for the Cardinals, who don’t need a quarterback but will certainly be fielding calls on draft night from needy teams.
With that in mind, we profiled the top-four quarterback prospects in this year’s draft along with their strengths, weaknesses, and potential draft destinations.
1. Cade Williams, Alabama
– Led the FBS in touchdowns (120) over the last three years
– Led the FBS in fumbles (33) over that span
– Heisman Trophy winner in first year at USC after throwing for 4,537 yards, 42 TDs, and just five interceptions while running for 382 yards and 10 touchdowns
Strengths:
– Ability to create explosive plays outside of structure
– Extends plays with his legs
– High ceiling
Weaknesses:
– Ball security
– Can be overconfident in chasing big plays
Potential Draft Destination:
Chicago Bears2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
– Combined 42 first-down carries on third and fourth downs the past two seasons
– 56 rushes of 10-plus yards the last two seasons, second most in the FBS
– Set school records for completions (342) and passing yards (4,321) in a single season
Strengths:
– Size, arm, and running ability
– High ceiling
– Fearlessness
Weaknesses:
– Accuracy into man coverage
– Inconsistent footwork
Potential Draft Destination:
Washington Commanders3. Jayden Daniels, LSU
– 90 plays of 20-plus yards in 2023
– 67.0 percent completions and 22-to-0 touchdown-to-interception rate on throws of 20-plus yards in 2023
– First player in college football history with 12,000-plus passing yards and 3,000-plus rushing yards in a career
Strengths:
– Big play waiting to happen
– Deep passer
– Slippery runner
Weaknesses:
– Needs to protect his body
– Tendency to scramble too quickly
– Took a sack on 24.5 percent of his pressure drop-backs
Potential Draft Destination:
Washington Commanders4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
– 48.1 percent of his pass attempts on third or fourth down resulted in a first down in 2023
– Specifically on third downs, McCarthy completed at 67.1 percent, passing on average for 9.2 yards with six TDs and no interceptions
– Off-target on just 8.1 percent of his throws in 2023
Strengths:
– Intangibles
– Accurate within structure
– Set a Michigan record with a 72.3 percent completion rate over his last 12 games of the season without a single interception
Weaknesses:
– Limited experience
– Can be more than just a game manager?
