-2023 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2023 Draft Kit
Stroud is not an immobile pocket passer, but his rushing profile doesn't project to offer much at the NFL level so he'll need to accrue most of his Fantasy points through the air. In Year 1, that could be an issue. The Texans don't offer Stroud any true No. 1 wide receivers as a rookie, but they did find success in the run game with Dameon Pierce last season, which could be important for Stroud in the play-action passing game. With an offensive line that has one elite piece and a lot of question marks, it's hard to envision a recipe for immediate Fantasy success for Stroud. Ultimately, you can swing for a higher-upside QB2 and shouldn't look to target Stroud until the late rounds of one-QB leagues and not until the middle rounds in two-QB formats. In rookie-only drafts, look for Stroud to go late in the first round in one-QB formats, while he's a top-five pick in two-QB formats.
Anthony Richardson might have the highest ceiling of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. The 6-4, 235-pound Richardson has ideal size, a rocket for his arm and eye-opening running ability -- all of which was on full display at this year's NFL Scouting Combine, where Richardson tested like Superman. But Richardson was a starter for only one of his three seasons at the University of Florida, and after completing only 53.8% of his passes in 2022, there are questions about his accuracy. Richardson landed in a good spot with the Colts, where he'll work under new head coach Shane Steichen, who helped develop Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and Justin Herbert in Los Angeles. Richardson can tide over his fantasy managers with rushing production while his passing skills are developing.
Rookie Will Levis has immense potential but might need a few years before he's ready to fulfill it. Expected to be drafted in the first round but instead selected early in the second, Levis has prototypical size (6-3, 232 pounds), a cannon arm and dynamic rushing ability. But Levis is coming off a somewhat disappointing final college season at Kentucky, and he's expected to serve an apprenticeship behind incumbent Titans starter Ryan Tannehill in his first NFL season.
Hendon Hooker tied C.J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft QB Class in yards per attempt this past season, playing in Tennesse's RPO spread offense. The dual-threat quarterback averaged nearly 59 rushing yards per game as the Volunteers starting quarterback, before tearing his ACL in 2022. The injury and status as a 25-year-old rookie will scare off some NFL teams from selecting Hooker, but his experience, consistent improvement and polish will earn him a shot to find success at the next level.
The Packers pick up a backup QB to follow behind QB Jordan Love. Clifford has some mobility and veteran leadership but was an inconsistent passer. The Packers likely just wanted QB depth following the trade of QB Aaron Rodgers.
The No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft, Alabama's Bryce Young is a pinpoint passer with a strong arm, quick release and the sort of field-reading ability that will endear him to Panthers head coach Frank Reich. Young is agile, but he isn't going to add a great deal of fantasy value with his legs. The biggest concern with Young is his small frame. He's listed at 5-10, 204, but he might play at under 200 pounds. Young is a good bet to be the Panthers' Week 1 starter and might be able to provide fantasy managers with midrange or low-end QB2 value.
Bennett brings championship experience, winning two titles at Georgia. While undersized, Bennett is an athletic quarterback who can be a capable backup at the NFL level. The Rams have recently seen Matthew Stafford deal with injuries, and Baker Mayfield left to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.