The NFL Draft is almost here and plenty of analysts are trying to decide where Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young and the rest of the quarterbacks are expected to get selected.
Former Texas star quarterback Chris Simms has put his top six out there and he also rated them by tiers. Although his NFL career wasn’t as successful as his collegiate one, Simms still knows what a high level quarterback should look like.
Find out below where Simms ranks each of his top six quarterbacks along with what tier they are in prior to being selected in the NFL Draft.
Tier 4 - UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson
One of the QBs I’m excited to see this week at the #NFLCombine is #UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
This play sort of encapsulates what he brings to the table in terms of “find a way to make a way” pic.twitter.com/cAa7Nmap9A
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) February 28, 2023
Breakdown
It’s a bit surprising to see DTR here, as not many believe that he is inside the top group. He played in a pro-style system at UCLA and has the size and skill set that will intrigue NFL teams but I just don’t see him among the top prospects in this draft.
Tier 4 - Kentucky’s Will Levis
Showing off the cannon.@will_levis | @UKFootball
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/tPHB35dxXq— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Breakdown
Can’t argue with putting Levis here. He shouldn’t be viewed as a top selection just because he has a strong arm. His stats tell a story about a quarterback who couldn’t beat out Trace McSorley at Penn State and after transferring, didn’t dominate in the SEC. Tier 4 is exactly where he should be.
Tier 3 - Florida’s Anthony Richardson
Just one example of the tantalizing upside of Florida QB Anthony Richardson. Yes, clean pocket but ball placement is perfect. pic.twitter.com/k9hfe6uGxA
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 13, 2023
Breakdown
One could argue that Richardson deserves to be a tier above this, but football isn’t played in shorts and a t-shirt with no rush. He did wow everyone with impressive combine testing numbers, but again, his production doesn’t match the current hype.
Tier 2 - Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker
Some Hendon Hooker highlights while we wait on FA News. He may be an older prospect, but sometimes QBs just have their lightbulb moment and find it. If not for his ACL injury he’d be talked about more as a 1st Rounder. Hooker is the QB sleeper of this draft. pic.twitter.com/A0Ag4PTn5p
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) March 13, 2023
Breakdown
If it wasn’t for an ACL injury, Hooker should very well be in this tier, but NFL teams will be put off by having to wait until he is fully healthy and that he’s a bit older than the other prospects at 25. Hendon’s worth a gamble but not until the second round at the earliest.
Tier 2 - Alabama’s Bryce Young
Bryce Young is an Elite talent at QB. End of story pic.twitter.com/29se2ZwrkA
— IamMontyFetti 🖤💙✊🏾 (@4MR_Monty) March 19, 2023
Breakdown
If it wasn’t for his smaller stature, Young probably is the top quarterback on this list. Quarterbacks his size have had plenty of success in the NFL, but it’s a risk due to potential injury concerns and the ability to see over the line. Aside from that, Young has a lot of upside to his game.
Tier 1 - Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud
Just re-watched tape of CJ Stroud vs. Georgia in CFP semi. It was a loss but OSU dropped 41 on a UGA D that allowed just 14.3 ppg. Stroud played his best game in his biggest moment. His mobility and creativity here is what NFL team’s have been starving to see. pic.twitter.com/MFOwozwbHp
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 20, 2023
Breakdown
Hard to argue this analysis from Simms. Stroud has the size, arm, and body of work that puts him above the rest of the competition. Many believe he is the favorite to be selected by Carolina with the top overall pick. Even if he isn’t, Stroud should have a very impressive NFL career.
Simm’s full list
Here's how I rank the QBs in this year's Draft. All based on film. pic.twitter.com/JfRelocAOR
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 20, 2023
Breakdown
The top two are exactly where they should be and then it gets a bit murky. Just looking at the tape, this probably makes sense, but there is much more than just that when it comes to NFL teams making their selection on draft day.
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