How are the rookie QBs looking so far?

We are just a couple of weeks away from the start of the new NFL season, with just one round of preseason to go, teams across the league are starting to get an idea of who’s staying and who’s going. For some teams, though, it’s all about their rookie QBs, how are they fitting in and what are the expectations for the season ahead?

Young was taken with the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers after they traded multiple first-round picks to the Chicago Bears. Young is settling in as the starter in Carolina but things haven’t all been going his way despite flashing his talent.

Young has barely seen the field during the preseason as the Panthers stick to the safety-first method and not risk many starters in meaningless games. He has so far looked composed and accurate when he has had time in the pocket whilst showcasing his maneuverability as well when needed. His size could be a limiting factor throughout his career, but he knows how to adapt.

The biggest limiting factor for Young is his offensive line, whilst the team is confident in the group, the interior is not yet settled and could prove a real weakness. NFL QBs will always say interior pressure is the hardest to deal with so Young will be given a baptism of fire in 2023.

From most accounts it seems as though Young has impressed so far, showcasing his accuracy and football brain throughout training camp. If he can avoid big hits, the Panthers may well have their QB of the future, meaning anything they gave up in the trade is well worth it.

Taken second overall, C.J. Stroud had his doubters as he came out of Ohio State, many suggesting he relied too heavily on the structure of the offense and elite talent around him to truly shine in the NFL. So far it seems as though he is impressing the Texans’ coaching staff but not quite enough to make him the number one overall.

Stroud has certainly not set the world alight with his preseason play. A bad interception against the Patriots where he threw the ball straight at the Patriots' DB Jalen Mills was followed up by an up-and-down performance against the Dolphins.

Unlike the Panthers, the Texans should have very little faith in their roster surrounding Stroud. This certainly won’t excuse bad passing or decision making but when the offensive line is mediocre at best and with a dearth of good receiving options, the ex-Buckeye finds himself in a difficult situation.

Given this is a rebuilding year in Houston, maybe it’s best for Stroud to sit behind the incumbent, Davis Mills, to start the season. It gives him an opportunity to learn the ropes of playing in the NFL and not expose him to unnecessary hits. Demeco Ryans is yet to confirm his starter for week one, so could well be following the same logic.

The most exciting player in the 2023 draft, Richardson is almost a Madden create-a-player given his size, speed, and arm strength. The knock on him was always his ability to read a defense and make real-time decisions from inside the pocket. Pre-draft this analysis always felt a little lazy and so Richardson is proving, wowing his coaching staff with his arm talent.

Whilst Richardson has showcased his talent at times, there are areas he needs to improve upon, much like any rookie. For him, it’s around the very ‘NFL’ style throws, hitches, curls, and slants, where timing and understanding with your receiver are so key.

Whilst the areas to improve are obvious, Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen will be salivating at how good his new QB has been already. His canon for an arm will open up the defense downfield and his running ability will mean the defense won’t be able to truly double any of the Colts’ receiving options.

Unlike Stroud, Richardson has officially been named the starter for 2023, beating out journeyman Gardner Minsher to become QB1. For the Colts, this is the best-case scenario as Richardson needs time to develop and there is no better time than the present to get those live reps whilst still showcasing his all-round ability.

Levis was, at one point, seen as a potential top-ten pick in the 2023 draft, yet he ended up slipping to the second round where he was taken by the Tennessee Titans and thrown into a QB competition alongside Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. So far his training camp has been mixed, whilst Willis has apparently impressed enough to nearly solidify himself as the number two.

Levis is a player in need of some real development, he was always viewed as a ‘tools’ player with good size, incredible arm, and incredible competitiveness. He quite possibly already has the strongest arm in the NFL but in the pros, it’s as much about touch as it is velocity, something that hasn’t quite clicked yet for the ex-Kentucky player. A year or two sitting an learning could do wonders.

The 2023 season is set up to be an incredibly fun watch, and following the journeys of these young QBs will be a huge part of it. All four have the talent to make at the next level but so much depends on the situation and coaching. Whatever happens, it’ll be exciting!