Who were the best QBs at the 2023 NFL Combine? Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud
Now that the 2023 NFL Combine has come to a close, we take a look at the position that everyone wants to know about, and who really shone.
The top quarterback in the NFL draft class always draws the biggest interest in the Combine, and while there are famous examples of poor combine showings turning into great NFL quarterbacks (of course we think immediately of Tom Brady), generally the combine gives a decent idea of a quarterback’s potential.
The top five in the 2023 NFL Combine are here, in no particular order:
CJ Stroud
Ohio State’s CJ Stroud is a surgeon with the ball in his hands. While he opted out of the athletic events, leaving perhaps a question over that aspect, there is not doubt that he can throw a football. His motion is effortless and the ball simply flies out of his hand and he shows an impressive arm strength.
Anthony Richardson
Florida’s Anthony Richardson set the vertical and broad jump combine records, which is no mean feat for a quarterback built like a linebacker. He showed an incredible speed, with a 4.43 time in the 40 yards. His arm strength is outstanding and he can really hurl it down the field, although he lacks the touch and precision of some of the others in the draft class. All in all, perhaps the best athlete in the combine.
Will Levis
Kentucky’s Will Levis threw the ball well and while he was not as strong of arm as the others in the combine, he showed improvement with every attempt. Much more accurate in shorter passes than longer, he also declined the 40 yard dash, and in other physical tests finished “ok” rather than great. A solid prospect, who could develop further.
Stetson Bennett
Georgia’s Stetson Bennett was impressively quick, with a 4.67 in the 40. He looked comfortable throwing the ball and was pinpoint accurate in extremely powerful long throws. For someone who was billed as slightly better than average, Bennett has all of the tools to be in the company of elite NFL quarterbacks.
Bryce Young
Alabama’s Bryce Young is a prodigious talent with his arm, and can move with grace and a quick turn of pace, but is undersized for the NFL. While that is not necessarily a death-blow, after all Drew Brees was considered undersized as well, but teams may balk at trading up or drafting high for him. Like Brees, he could mature into a formidable NFL talent, but probably won’t make waves at the start.