Position: QB

1. Bryce Young

Description: Bryce Young is the most talented QB in this class, limited only by his physical stature. He can make every throw on the football field and displays plus tools across the board. These include arm strength, touch, and leadership. Whatever team he goes to, however, will covet him for his accuracy and intelligence. He has everything that a franchise could want in their leader at QB, and can overhaul a franchise in the manner of a Trevor Lawrence or a Joe Burrow. He is 5’10” and 204lbs, but will likely play in the 190-195lb range. As such, a team that wants to keep him healthy, will need to commit resources to his supporting case, namely his offensive line. If that is done, the sky is the limit for someone like Young.

2. CJ Stroud

Description: CJ Stroud has the highest floor of any QB in this class. He displays above-average arm strength, and his best tools are his accuracy and instincts. He has good size for the position, and while he has displayed his athleticism and mobility at times, he does not rival his predecessor Justin Fields in that category. However, he is not a statue in the pocket. Like many QBs, he can be prone to inconsistency when pressured, and at times can make reads late when operating the offense. He had high-level production during his college career, with four WRs with first round grades at this point over two seasons, as well as elite OL protection. He rises to the occasion and does not struggle under pressure, as evidenced by his 4 touchdown game vs Georgia in the college football playoff. Because he does not have the most profound tools, he would be aided considerably by a stable situation, where he can operate comfortably within the system and thrive immediately.

3. Anthony Richardson

Description: Anthony Richardson is the type of QB that general managers dream of, but also fear, drafting. Converting on a prospect as dynamic athletically as he is can save a GM’s job, but failing can cost him his job. The physical tools of Richardson are insane. He is only 20 years old, 6’4”, 244lbs, and runs a 40 yard dash in the 4.4 range. He did not have elite production in his last year at Florida, but displayed his high-end speed and a cannon for an arm. He did have performances at times where his inexperience showed up on film, but he also displayed an ability to read defenses, anticipate windows opening, and throw with good timing and accuracy. The debate on Richardson is comparing the physical tools vs how raw and young he is. As such, he should be drafted by a team that does not need him to start right away. If developed properly, his ceiling is a Josh Allen-type player, who is both a dual-threat to run over a defense and lead drives with his arm as well.

4. Will Levis

Description: Will Levis displays some similar tools to Anthony Richardson, but there are some noteworthy differences. Richardson will be 21 for his rookie season, and will be 20 on draft day. Levis, conversely, is 23 on draft day and turns 24 before his first NFL training camp. As a result, Richardson has less pressure to start year one than Levis does. The problem is, Levis does not appear ready to take the reigns week one at QB for his team. While Levis displays great size with a rocket arm and good mobility, he struggled mightily during his last year at Kentucky. He can demonstrate poor decision-making and slow processing, that leads to an increase in turnover-worthy plays. He often trusts his immense arm strength to attempt to make plays for the offense, even in ill-advised situations. There is some Jay Cutler to his game in this regard. Ultimately, a general manager who is in need of a QB is going to look at his traits and convince themselves he is worthy of a top ten pick, even though he is more worthy of a back-end Round 1 or early Round 2 pick. His age, combined with the tools, is going to cause him to be thrust into a starting role sooner than later, which could be detrimental to his career.

5. Hendon Hooker

Description: Hendon Hooker has numerous factors working against him that makes it difficult to envision a long-term career in the NFL as a franchise QB. He is a sixth-year senior and is freshly 25 years old, much older than the other top QBs in this class. He is also coming off of a torn ACL, which means he will need to be brought along slowly as he rehabilitates. The offense he played within at Tennessee was a spread, vertical-style offense, which does not typically translate to success at the next level. However, Hooker was incredibly productive at Tennessee before his injury. He has great size with large hands, and stands strong in the pocket, almost too strong at times. His feet are quiet in the pocket and he has good throwing mechanics in his lower body. He is mobile and athletic, although his speed is more build-up than elite burst. He would present a much bigger challenge to Levis if any of the negatives working against him did not exist. All that being said, I cannot say for certain that he isn’t the 4th best QB in this class. His career path can be similar in ways to Geno Smith, where it may take some time to get him in a proper situation and healthy, but the team that sticks with him can reap the rewards of above-average QB play.