NFL Draft 2023: Examining Predictions for Top QBs in Latest Expert Mocks

The 2023 NFL draft kicks off in less than two weeks.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, analysts can't quit talking about the quarterbacks in this class.

It is, after all, the most critical position on the gridiron—if not in the entire sports world. And this particular group of signal-callers appears particularly strong.

We'll take a closer look at three of the prospects ranked near the top of the position by seeing where they slot in recent mocks from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., NFL.com's Charles Davis and CBS Sports' Josh Edwards.

Bryce Young Leads the Way

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Alabama quarterback Bryce Young answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 3, 2023, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Davis relayed a "common sentiment in draft circles" about this being a coin-flip decision at the top between Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.

Based on these three mocks, though, this might be a double-headed coin.

While Davis and Kiper both mentioned Stroud in their analysis of the first pick, both slotted Young in at No. 1. Edwards did the same while opining that the Carolina Panthers could have traded up to No. 1 specifically to get in front of the Houston Texans to take Young.

It's hard to tell how wide the gap between Young and Stroud actually is, but if these three mocks are right, Young will be first off the board.

C.J. Stroud Is Right Behind

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass during the college football playoff semifinal game between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and The Ohio State Buckeyes on December 31, 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The good news for Stroud is that if he doesn't go No. 1, he won't have to wait long to hear his name called.

Just like all three experts had Young at the top, they all put Stroud in the second spot.

"Stroud is a smooth thrower with advanced mechanics in a 6'3" frame," Kiper wrote. "He has all the tools to be an All-Pro passer."

Stroud started the last two seasons at Ohio State. He threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions.

Anthony Richardson's Draft Stock Is Volatile

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws a pass during the game between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles on November 25, 2022 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

If one player shakes up the top of this draft, it will be Florida's Anthony Richardson.

He has both an explosive arm and electric rushing ability. If everything breaks right with his development, he could be the NFL's next great dual-threat quarterback.

His skills are raw, though, and accuracy has been an issue. If he never gets that sorted out, he'll struggle to run an NFL offense.

That's why his draft stock is a little all over the place. Kiper has the Tennessee Titans trading up to get Richardson at No. 3. Davis has the same Tennessee-Richardson link, but not until the No. 11 pick. Edwards sent Richardson to Seattle at No. 5.

While the Stroud-Young debate might be the early talk of the draft, Richardson will enter the spotlight as soon as those two come off the board. His ceiling is too high to ignore, but his floor might scare suitors off from spending a super early selection on him.