Four quarterback prospects who hope to prove teams wrong at NFL Draft combine

27 February 2023 , 14:20

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NFL draft prospects can make a name for themselves at the combine

At the end of the NFL season, teams immediately turn their attention to ways to improve their roster the following season. And while the free agency period is a time where they can do so by spending cash, a much cheaper and proven successful route, is selecting the right players in the NFL's Draft.

Thousands of college players become eligible to be promoted from college to the NFL, with each team having a pick in each round, and able to trade those picks for players already on other rosters, with the teams who have the lowest win record from the previous season having the higher selections.

With the teams who have the lower records usually doing so because of poor quarterback play, it's natural for those teams to be looking for an upgrade at the position - with the draft usually providing the best chance to do just that.

Over the past few years, there's only been a handful of quarterbacks who have entered the league and looked to be an above-average player at the position.

This year, though, there are four players who legitimately have the traits to quickly become stars in the league, however, there are question marks against their profiles that they will need to answer in this week's NFL Draft combine.

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The combine gets underway in Indianapolis this week, where the majority of draft eligible players will be be tested by NFL scouts, in the form of measurables, drills and interviews. The four aforementioned quarterbacks will use the week as the final time that they are able to impress scouts with their play.

Here, Mirror Sport takes a look at the four NFL Draft prospects, and in particular, what they need to prove to doubters to be selected above the competition.

Bryce Young (Alabama)

Bryce Young has been impressing for Alabama

The former Heisman Trophy winner is the favourite to be drafted with the first overall pick after two incredible seasons as Alabama's starting quarterback, after taking over from Mac Jones.

Young is seen as the most poised quarterback in the class, showing great awareness to avoid defensive pressure and consistently making the right play.

However, there's one huge worry about him as a prospect... his size. He is set to be measured and weighed this week, with some speculating that he could stand at just 5'9 and weighing less than 190lbs - that would make him the smallest quarterback in NFL history. If that is the case, he may fall significantly in the draft.

CJ Stroud (Ohio State)

C.J. Stroud

Stroud is seen as the best pure passer in the draft, making so many beautiful throws in his time at Ohio State which will wow NFL scouts.

But a big question mark against his game is his unwillingness to use his legs to run, picking up extra yards when the play breaks down.

If Stroud can show that he is able to make plays on the move this week, with both his arm and his legs, he could be taken with the top pick.

Will Levis (Kentucky)

Will Levis is regularly compared to Josh Allen (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Frequently compared to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, it's not hard to see why so many are enamoured with Will Levis.

Levis has already played in an NFL-style offense after he was coached by Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator, and has shown that he can command an offense, make plays with his huge arm and run over people as a powerful runner.

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Levis' issues have been with turnovers, throwing 23 interceptions in his final two years. Should his ball placement be on point at the combine, he'll hugely elevate his draft stock.

Anthony Richardson (Florida)

Anthony Richardson is a top prospect (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Seen as the biggest boom or bust prospect, Anthony Richardson is the quarterback who teams have the least consensus opinion on - some teams have him as a top-five prospect while others see him as a fourth-round player, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported.

Richardson has only had one full season as a starter, which was an absolute rollercoaster. His first game was as impressive as you'll see from any prospect, with his second being the complete opposite.

The Florida quarterback has all the traits, but is still very raw and might take some time to develop into a quarterback who will be able to play without constant mistakes.

Charlie Wilson