The NFL continues to be a quarterback-driven league, made even more apparent during the 2023 NFL Draft when a record 12 quarterbacks were selected in the first five rounds. That is the most signal-callers ever chosen in the first five rounds during the common draft era (since 1967).
Additional history-making details are four of the first five quarterbacks selected in this year’s NFL Draft were Black, which is also a first. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker were all selected to be the future of their teams. Other Black quarterbacks have paved the way for the new and improved offenses where being mobile and able to stand in the pocket to deliver the 60-yard pass has changed the game. Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurst, Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick, and others have made it a top priority for NFL teams to find a quarterback who can move the chains with passing accuracy or scramble for a first down with his legs.
Teams deciding to prioritize quarterbacks could react to what happened in the 2022-23 season, when a record 68 quarterbacks made a start, including seven of the nine quarterbacks selected in the draft earlier that year.
Complete list of every QB pick from the 2023 NFL Draft:
Round 1, Pick 1: Bryce Young, Alabama
Round 1, Pick 2: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 4: Anthony Richardson, Florida
Round 2, Pick 33: Will Levis, Kentucky
Round 3, Pick 68: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Round 4, Pick 127: Jake Haener, Fresno State
Round 4, Pick 128: Stetson Bennett, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 135: Aidan O’Connell, Purdue
Round 5, Pick 139: Clayton Tune, Houston
Round 5, Pick 140: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
Round 5, Pick 149: Sean Clifford, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 164: Jaren Hall, BYU
Round 6, Pick 188: Tanner McKee, Stanford
There have certainly been quarterbacks late in the draft who have found success. Both Kirk Cousins, ‘Vikings, and Dak Prescott, Cowboys, were fourth-round selections, while Brock Purdy, 49ers, the last player chosen in last year’s draft (Mr. Irrelevant), immediately impacted the league last season. There are also future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, who won seven Super Bowls after being selected as the No. 199 overall pick in the sixth round.
Let’s see who will start when the 2023 season begins and who becomes the next star QB!