The NFL preseason is underway currently and we’ve been able to view every 1st round quarterback so far. We’ve seen some flashes and also some… head scratchers so far from the set of top 3 rookie quarterbacks.
Let’s get into some potential predictions of all these rookie starting quarterbacks (Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young).
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts decided to finally draft a quarterback with a 1st round pick after years of mediocre veteran QB play. And goodness, they got one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks we’ve seen ever.
Anthony Richardson has flashed his insane arm and mobility throughout training camp and showed glimpses in the preseason.
Although there are still concerns about his consistency and decision making, the talent is definitely there. Respect to Shane Steichen on announcing Anthony Richardson as the starting QB early and making it known it’s his team.
Nothing is more important in the NFL than experience. It might not look the prettiest in the beginning, expect the elite talent to show throughout the year.
Stats: 2,825 Passing Yards, 20 Passing TDs, 16 INTs, 58.5% CMP%, 551 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
The 1st overall pick, considered, the most complete quarterback prospect in this year’s draft, has all the tools to be a superstar quarterback. Arm talent, poise, decision making, mobility… Bryce Young’s got it all.
Can he consistently translate it on the professional level? Well… it hasn’t looked too pretty so far in the preseason. Even though he’s struggled in the preseason a bit, I can’t seem to put it all on him. He seems to get touched on every play… literally.
Although I do expect there to be some growing pains in the beginning, I expect Young to find his stride and show why he was the #1 overall pick by the end of the season.
Stats: 3,503 Passing Yards, 25 Passing TDs, 14 INTs, 61.4% CMP%, 302 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing TDs
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Another rookie quarterback expected to start and was seen as some as the best QB prospect in the draft… C.J. Stroud. The biggest upside with Stroud is his accuracy and decision making. He seems to always make his progressions well and go through his reads correctly. Although he’s more of a pocket passer, he’s shown the ability to get a few yards with his legs as well.
He showed some flashes throughout the preseason already of his ability to fit through tight windows and make elite throws.
If I had to think of a rookie starting QB that will have the most success this year, my money is on C.J. Stroud. Although he doesn’t have a true WR1 right now, he’s got some veteran weapons around him like Dalton Schultz and Robert Woods.
Stats: 3,265 Passing Yards, 22 TDs, 11 INTs, 63.6% CMP%, 192 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD
