Will Levis

Raiders Still Considering First-Round QB?

April 22nd, 2023 at 9:37am CST by Ben Levine

Even after adding veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this offseason, the Raiders are still considering a rookie QB. We heard earlier this week that the organization was eyeing projected second-round quarterback Hendon Hooker, but the front office is also keeping their options open in the first round. General manager Dave Ziegler told reporters that the Raiders “haven’t ruled anything out” in regards to a first-round QB.

“Having Jimmy does supply us with a very high-quality starting player at the position. And so, we feel comfortable with that,” Ziegler said (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal). “But I think to close that door and say that’s not something you would do because of X, Y and Z. That’s not the business we’re in.

“…Any time you can find a young player at that position that’s going to have an impact on your team, you have to keep an open mind to that.”

As Bonsignore writes, the Raiders “were as active as any team in the NFL” when it came to evaluating quarterback prospects. Currently sitting with the No. 7 pick, the Raiders could even move up the draft board in pursuit of their preferred player. The Raiders are armed with selections in each round of the draft, including extra picks in the third, fifth, sixth, and seventh.

However, the Raiders might not even have to make a trade. If the Cardinals keep their pick (coupled with the possibility that the Texans could pivot away from a rookie QB at No. 2), then the Raiders may find that one of Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis falls to them at No. 7. Further, thanks to the addition of Garoppolo, the Raiders are in no rush to add a player at the position, and a rookie QB would surely be redshirted behind the Raiders’ free agent acquisition for at least the 2023 campaign.

The Raiders have plenty of holes on defense, so even if a QB does fall to No. 7, there’s still a chance the front office goes for a player who could contribute now. In that scenario, the front office could make a push for Hooker. The Tennessee product visited the Raiders earlier this month and are believed to have been impressed with the prospect. Coming off a November ACL tear, Hooker isn’t expected to be a serious option for the organization with the seventh-overall pick.

Latest On Texans’ No. 2 Overall Pick

April 21st, 2023 at 1:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

A stream of skepticism about the Texans taking C.J. Stroud second overall has come out over the past few weeks. With Bryce Young all but certain to go No. 1 overall to the Panthers, Stroud’s chances to be the next name announced may depend on trade offers the Texans receive.

Nick Caserio said teams have called regarding Houston’s No. 2 pick, and if genuine interest exists in Stroud, rumblings about a Texans trade-down will intensify as we move closer to the draft. The Texans passing on a QB at 2 and rolling the dice ahead of Caserio’s third season in charge — which the GM insists will take place, rather than an abrupt exit — would be one of the more interesting draft decisions in recent memory, but that appears to be where this is headed.

Some on Houston’s staff do not appear as high on Stroud compared to Young, whom the Texans presumably targeted when they entered trade talks with the Bears for No. 1, and Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes the team’s interest in taking Will Levis or Anthony Richardson that high does not appear strong. A previous report indicated a value gap between Young and the other QBs existed in Houston as well. This would open the door to a pass rusher pick, and La Canfora adds more fuel to the Tyree Wilson-over-Will Anderson Jr. fire by indicating execs expect the Texans — should they be unable to trade the pick — to take the Texas Tech edge rusher over Alabama’s two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner.

Stroud’s choice of agent may at least be a fringe issue for the Texans. Deshaun Watson‘s agent, David Mulugheta, is representing Stroud. The bad blood between Mulugheta and Texans ownership dates to Watson — before the run of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced — asking for a trade months after signing a four-year extension. One anonymous GM offers that Mulugheta’s top 2023 rookie client becoming the face of the Texans would be a “nonstarter” for owner Cal McNair, La Canfora adds. As could be expected, the Texans are not exactly over the Watson ugliness that included a paid full-season absence and a settlement with 30 Watson accusers who had sued the team or were preparing to do so.

While the agent component would serve as an interesting reason to pass on a well-regarded quarterback, Texans coaches also being iffy on Stroud may bring enough concerns to follow through with a non-QB pick or trade-down scenario. In the event the Texans can move down, La Canfora adds the Texans would want to stay in the top 10. That would wall off the Titans at No. 11; Houston trading up so Tennessee can take a quarterback would be an unusual development as well. The Titans, who joined the Raiders in venturing to QB pro days but not in hosting passers on visits, loom as a wild card. They have both been connected to moving up and being too iffy on the QB crop to do so.

The Raiders and Falcons continue to generate buzz as a trade-up candidates, per La Canfora, who adds a Titans move up — be it to No. 2 or the Cardinals’ No. 3 slot — would most likely be for Stroud. The Raiders have done extensive homework on QBs, meeting with the five top prospects, while the Falcons hosted Stroud on a visit this week.

Were the Texans to pass on a QB, they would essentially be further delaying their rebuild. The team trading down only to use its No. 12 overall pick to move back up for a passer would bring some odd complications to a process that could wrap by simply drafting a passer at 2. While other roster areas appear somewhat improved from 2022, Houston waiting until 2024 to acquire its franchise-QB hopeful would extend this already-lengthy rebuild. Then again, team connections to using a top-10 selection on a quarterback often include talk of that franchise not expecting to be picking high again. That has not been an issue for the Texans, who have either landed a top-three pick or seen their draft choice fall in that territory in each of the past three years.

And, if the Texans actually exit the first round with Case Keenum and Davis Mills as their top QBs, Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) continue to generate considerable attention around the NFL a year away from their draft eligibility.

Patriots Host QB Will Levis

April 20th, 2023 at 9:57am CST by Adam La Rose

Wednesday marked the final day for pre-draft visits around the league, and one of the more notable developments from the deadline saw a highly-touted QB prospect head to Foxborough.

The Patriots hosted Will Levis on a top-30 visit, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). The Kentucky product has long been seen as one of the top four passers in this year’s class along with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson. The latter’s stock along with that of Levis, has fluctuated considerably given their up-and-down tenures in college.

Nevertheless, Levis is expected to hear his name called on Day 1, and the logjam of QB-needy teams at the top of the board could create significant competition for him. The Colts have been named as a team to watch, given they hold the No. 4 pick (a selection which could put them in line to choose the third quarterback off the board). Indianapolis is not expected to move up, something which would likely be necessary for the team to secure Young or Stroud.

Should the Colts go in another direction, though, Levis could slide towards the middle of the first round (particularly if the same happens to Richardson). In that event, New England could find themselves in range to add a passer with the 14th overall pick. Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports confirms that hosting Levis is a simple matter of due diligence on the Patriots’ part, something which comes after they met with Richardson at the Combine.

Tension between current Patriots starter Mac Jones and head coach Bill Belichick has been well documented recently, with Jones’ name coming up in trade talk. While few developments have taken place on that front, Jones’ status at the top of the depth chart heading into 2023 and beyond remains far more in doubt than his rookie campaign would have suggested.

New England used a first-round pick on Jones in 2021, and selected Bailey Zappe during last year’s draft. Adding further to the position one week from today would come as a surprise barring a trade involving Jones, but the Patriots will be well-prepared should they find themselves in position to draft Levis.

QB Draft Notes: Texans, Titans, Levis, Hooker

April 18th, 2023 at 9:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Alabama’s Bryce Young is the favorite to go No. 1 to the Panthers, and most pundits have assumed that the Texans would then select Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. However, there are some “rumblings” that the Texans could pivot away from quarterback and select someone like Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. with the second-overall pick, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. One anonymous executive believes those whispers aren’t a smokescreen and questioned if Houston’s front office is even a fan of Stroud.

“Maybe it’s a smokescreen — you never know this time of year — but I really believe the Texans don’t like Stroud,” the “longtime personnel executive” told La Canfora. “I keep hearing it, and I’m inclined to believe it. The Titans are the team that really likes Stroud, and I don’t know if they would move all the way up [from the 11th pick to the second] to do it, but I’d keep an eye on that. The Texans could take Anderson or [Georgia defensive lineman Jalen] Carter, but I think they want to trade down more than anything else.”

Jim Wyatt of the Titans backs the sentiment about Tennessee’s inability to move up the draft board. The writer cites the question marks surrounding the top QB prospects, the Titans’ need at other positions, and the team’s lack of draft capital (the Titans are currently armed with only six draft selections). Of course, Wyatt adds the caveat that it’s tough to predict how new GM Ran Carthon will operate during the draft.

Texans GM Nick Caserio hinted yesterday that the organization would consider trading the No. 2 pick, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter also noting that Houston’s front office could end up keeping the pick but not selecting a signal-caller.

More QB notes leading up to the draft…

Indy has their eye on a particular QB prospect, with La Canfora noting that the Colts “covet” Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. We previously heard that the organization was targeting Levis but didn’t intend to trade up for their preferred prospect. Unfortunately for the Colts, they would need the draft board to shake out in their favor if they hope to get Levis; the team has the fourth-overall pick and may have to settle for whichever QB is still left on the board.
Speaking of, La Canfora writes that league executives believe four quarterbacks will be selected atop the draft. The Texans could throw a wrench in that plan, and the Cardinals would have to find a suitable trade partner for the third-overall pick. La Canfora adds that the expectation is that a No. 3-pick suitor would use their newfound selection on Florida QB Anthony Richardson.
The Giants recently inked Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160MM deal, but that hasn’t stopped the organization from doing their due diligence at the position. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter), Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker will visit the Giants tomorrow. The quarterback has had a busy pre-draft process, with Garafolo noting that organizations want clarity on Hooker’s recovery from a torn ACL. The Tennessee product is a fine fallback option for teams that don’t have the ammo to get one of the top-four prospects at the position; Hooker is the only other QB outside of Young/Stroud/Richardson/Levis to earn a spot in Scouts Inc.’s top-85.

Panthers Yet To Finalize No. 1 Overall Choice, Unconcerned With Bryce Young’s Height

April 18th, 2023 at 3:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bryce Young bets to go No. 1 overall are no longer particularly appealing, as odds currently indicate the Panthers taking someone else first overall would be a major surprise. Carolina GM Scott Fitterer attempted to slow down the Young-to-Charlotte train Tuesday.

The third-year Panthers GM said the team has not determined its choice atop the draft and made the interesting confession he has not asked Frank Reich for his opinion yet. Carolina does expect to finalize its decision this week, and while the team brought sizable staff contingents to pro days, Fitterer said (via the Associated Press’ Steve Reed) he and Reich will make the final call.

“The reason I didn’t want to ask [Reich] that question was I didn’t want to close off our minds to where we, like, made that decision back in March,” Fitterer said, via ESPN.com’s David Newton. “But we do see things the same way. We value the same traits, the same characteristics. There’s certain things we really want, and that’s where the clarity comes from.”

Although Reich took this job after seeing quarterback instability define his previous gig, the veteran HC is not expected to insist on one of this draft’s passers. The Panthers parted with several assets — including D.J. Moore and their 2024 first-round pick — to move up eight spots for the top pick. Fitterer said the team continues to discuss Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, who has joined Stroud on a pre-draft visit Tuesday, but Newton notes Young and C.J. Stroud were the two QBs the Panthers were targeting when they made the March deal with the Bears.

Midway through Carolina’s process, the team was still at a Stroud-or-Young decision. But the Alabama prospect has surged since. Concerns about Young’s height have kept Stroud in the mix, but Fitterer voiced a stance on this matter that will only strengthen the Panthers-Young ties.

“This doesn’t seem to be an issue,” Fitterer said of Young’s 5-foot-10 stature. “When you grow up a shorter quarterback, you learn how to evolve your game and adapt and see the field. He’s done that.”

Fitterer, who was in Seattle when the Seahawks gave Russell Wilson the QB1 reins ahead of his rookie season, said Young has added lower-body strength over the course of his Crimson Tide career. Young weighed 204 pounds at the Combine but did not hop on the scale during his pro day, injecting more frame-related questions. The Panthers appear to prefer Young add some bulk to his frame, but the undersized QB remains the favorite to be taken first overall.

Young canceled his remaining visits ahead of Wednesday’s deadline, and while Fitterer said that was unrelated to a potential Panthers pick, nothing has blunted the former Heisman winner’s momentum. Young is believed to have extensive support in the team’s building, and multiple reports indicated the Panthers have zeroed in on Mac Jones‘ Crimson Tide successor for weeks. The former Ohio State superstar is now uncertain to be picked second.

The Panthers have not received much interest in their No. 1 pick, and Fitterer said the team should be expected to stay where it is. Nothing the veteran exec said Tuesday should remove Young from his place as the favorite to end up in Charlotte.

Latest On Colts’ Plans At No. 4

April 15th, 2023 at 9:36am CST by Ben Levine

There’s been some chatter that the Colts could look to move up in the first round as they pursue their franchise quarterback, but it’s sounding increasingly likely that they’ll stay at No. 4. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there’s “considerable chatter” that the Colts will not trade up for a quarterback.

In this scenario, the Colts would still be selecting a QB, with ESPN’s Stephen Holder adding that the organization feels “immense pressure” to select a quarterback with their highest draft selection in a decade. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will presumably be selected with the top-two picks, and if the Cardinals somehow keep their selection at No. 3, Indy would have their choice of Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson.

Per Miller, sources believe Levis is currently higher on Indy’s draft board than Richardson. This is mostly due to the Kentucky product’s ability to play right away, as the Colts would prefer to insert their rookie QB right into the starting lineup. The organization has some depth at the position in Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger, but it sounds like the Colts are ready to give their rookie a long leash as the starter.

Levis played in more of a pro-style offense during his time at Kentucky, while Richardson’s inconsistency has some pundits believing he may be more of a project. Levis also had almost twice as many collegiate passing attempts by virtue of having an extra season as a starter.

Despite Colts GM Chris Ballard generally being conservative when it comes to trades, the organization still discussed the No. 1 pick with the Bears before it was dealt to the Panthers. Those reports didn’t necessarily paint the picture that Ballard was unwilling to pony up the necessary draft assets; rather, the front office was still in the process of evaluating the QB prospects and was not prepared to trade up three spots in the draft. In other words, there’s still a possibility the Colts move up the board, especially if they’re worried about a potential Cardinals trade partner stealing their preferred prospect.

Latest On Draft’s QBs: Young, Panthers, Texans, Hooker, Vikings, Richardson, Levis

April 12th, 2023 at 2:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

With each passing day, the reality of Bryce Young leading off the 2023 draft looks more likely. C.J. Stroud does not seem to be gaining momentum and looks set to be available when the Texans go on the clock at No. 2 overall. Although Stroud-to-Charlotte buzz emerged recently, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes the Panthers have been leaning in Young’s direction for weeks. They have not deviated from that plan, and SI.com’s Albert Breer adds Carolina sees special qualities in the 5-foot-10 passer.

Buzz regarding Frank Reich preferring the 6-3 Stroud has died down, with multiple reports last week indicating the Panthers — who hosted Young on Tuesday — are big fans of the 2021 Heisman winner. This will put the Texans to a decision; their previously reported Young meeting is on tap for today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Here is the latest from this draft’s QB crop:

Teams continue to look into Hendon Hooker, who dazzled at Tennessee before tearing an ACL in November 2022. The Texans look to have gotten a head-start with the rehabbing passer, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson indicating the former Virginia Tech recruit trekked to Houston for a meeting not long after the Combine (Twitter link). Hooker would be an interesting option for the Texans if they take the unexpected route and pass on a QB at 2. While the Texans’ No. 12 overall pick would be a bit early for Hooker, who turned 25 earlier this year, they hold the No. 33 overall pick as well. Of course, the team might be in a bit of trouble at QB1 this season were it to take this highly unexpected path. Case Keenum and Davis Mills are Houston’s current QBs.
It should not be assumed Hooker will drop out of Round 1, however, given the annual demand at this rather important position. Rival executives are connecting Hooker to the Vikings, La Canfora adds. Minnesota would make for an interesting landing spot, having merely restructured Kirk Cousins‘ contract — after extending him in 2020 and 2022 — this offseason. Cousins going into a contract year will put the onus on new Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to find a successor, but Hooker would make for an unusual developmental candidate due to his age. The previous Vikes regime tried to trade up for Justin Fields two years ago. Hooker’s Lions, Buccaneers and Raiders visits are this week. Detroit’s second first-round pick (No. 18) and Tampa Bay’s only Round 1 choice (No. 19) check in ahead of Minnesota’s (No. 23).
Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock draft calls for what would be a draft first: a QB-QB-QB-QB start. Part of that equation would require a team to trade into the Cardinals’ No. 3 draft slot. Arizona has received extensive interest in that pick, though some of the teams exploring a move up might be hoping Stroud falls to No. 3. A value gulf may well exist between this draft’s top two arms (Young and Stroud) and the next two options (Anthony Richardson and Will Levis), with Breer expressing doubt a team would trade to No. 3 for the Florida or Kentucky QBs. Kiper has the Titans moving up from No. 11 to No. 3 for Richardson, who displayed elite athleticism at the Combine but has just one season as a full-time starter. Similar to the Vikings’ Cousins situation, the Titans have Ryan Tannehill contracted for one more season. Trade rumors have emerged regarding the fifth-year Titan, and Ran Carthon‘s team has been connected to a trade-up.

Buccaneers, Falcons To Host QB Will Levis

April 10th, 2023 at 5:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

The division that housed Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matt Ryan not long ago is going through more changes at the game’s marquee position. Four new starting quarterbacks will take snaps for the four NFC South teams in Week 1, and only the Saints — via the Derek Carr signing — appear to have an unquestioned starter.

The Falcons may come closest here, with both Arthur Smith and Arthur Blank pledging support for 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder to remain at the helm. But the team will still do some pre-draft homework. Will Levis is heading to Atlanta this week for a visit, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. The Kentucky-developed QB will also make a trip to Tampa to meet with the Buccaneers. These visits will occur Wednesday (Bucs) and Thursday (Falcons), NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets.

Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft sends Levis to Tampa, via a trade-up to No. 14. The Bucs hold the No. 19 overall choice, putting them on the fringe of the QB range — for one of the top four arms available, at least — and are planning a Baker Mayfield–Kyle Trask position battle. A position-player pick would also stand to help Todd Bowles’ roster in 2023, given the uncertainty surrounding Levis. But the team, which is also hosting Hendon Hooker this week, will continue to do its homework.

Smith and Blank have offered considerable support for Ridder opening the season as Atlanta’s starter, despite the team giving Taylor Heinicke a two-year deal worth $14MM. Blank also voiced interest in his team — one that gave Ryan two extensions and Michael Vick one during Blank’s ownership tenure — building around a rookie contract. Ridder would seemingly be that piece, but last year’s 74th overall pick has much to prove.

The Falcons are in better position to make a QB move compared to the Bucs, holding the No. 8 overall pick. Atlanta loomed as one of the top potential Lamar Jackson situations, but the team — like everyone else — has not moved in that direction. Blank detailed his staff’s examination of Jackson, providing a bit more insight compared to most teams’ efforts regarding the franchise-tagged passer. As the Falcons now look to the draft, Levis joins Anthony Richardson as QBs on the team’s pre-draft itinerary.

While Richardson started just one season at Florida, Levis — a Penn State transfer — was Kentucky’s starter for two. Both NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. grade Richardson as this year’s 10th-best prospect; Levis appears 12th and 16th on those respective big boards. Not viewed as having a ceiling level with Richardson, Levis would seemingly be positioned to start for a team quicker. But the 6-foot-4 QB fared better as a junior compared to his senior year, when he threw five fewer TD passes — following Wan’Dale Robinson‘s NFL exit — and did not factor into the run game like he did in 2021.

Foot, shoulder and finger injuries did limit Levis in 2022, adding to the uncertainty surrounding him. But the Connecticut native should still be expected to be a first-round pick. QB-needy teams are doing due diligence. Levis has met with the Texans, Colts and Raiders and will meet with the Panthers and Titans soon. His previously reported Titans meeting is set for Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.

QB Will Levis To Visit Colts, Panthers, Titans

April 7th, 2023 at 3:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Much of the quarterback speculation for this year’s draft has concerned the order in which the presumed top two passers, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, will hear their names called. Will Levis remains an intriguing option for a number of teams set to pick near (or at) the top of the board, though, and the Kentucky product has a busy visitation schedule ahead.

It came out earlier this month that Levis was one of several signal-callers Indianapolis hosted for a private workout, an avenue the team preferred to sending a heavy presence to their respective pro days. To little surprise, the Colts will take that one step further by hosting him on a formal visit today, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Levis will also meet with the Panthers and Titans soon, Wilson notes.

The Colts have shown interest in Young and Stroud, though it is widely expected the team will not be able to land either prospect since they hold the fourth overall pick. Indianapolis is seeking a long-term solution under center, something they have been searching for since Andrew Luck‘s retirement. Team officials have only marginally left the door open to a Lamar Jackson pursuit, something which would carry a massive cost in finances and draft capital; preferring a Levis selection would thus be understandable, in spite of the degree to which he is an unknown after his up-and-down performances with the Wildcats.

Carolina’s move up to the top pick allowed them to have a free choice of their top-rated QB. It appeared for some time that Stroud was the team’s preference, but they now appear to favor Young. In any case, Levis’ frame (6-3, 222 pounds) gives him a profile which could appeal to new Panthers head coach Frank Reich, who has historically worked with larger pocket passers. A trade-down on Carolina’s part would likely need to take place for Levis to realistically be in their range.

Tennessee, on the other hand, has been linked to potentially moving up from the No. 11 slot to add a successor to Ryan Tannehill. The Titans drafted Malik Willis last year, but his limited game action wasn’t sufficient to demonstrate he would be capable of handling a starter’s role this year or next. Jumping ahead of the Colts might be necessary to secure Levis, though his market will likely depend on that of Anthony Richardson, the other X-factor at the position presumed to go on Day 1.

The Raiders (who own the seventh overall pick) have also hosted Levis, demonstrating the widespread interest shown in the former Penn State transfer. Maneuvering up and down the board in the top 10 may take place if teams key on Levis as a project worth a premium investment.

Colts Working Out QBs Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis

April 4th, 2023 at 1:24pm CST by Adam La Rose

APRIL 4: Indianapolis brass will go through an important week. In addition to the Stroud and Young meetings, the Colts plan to work out Levis on Thursday in Lexington, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. The Colts are also working out Richardson.

These meetings will carry significant weight. Despite the league knowing the Colts need a quarterback, the AFC South club did not have a representative at Levis’ pro day. Area scout Mike Lacy was the Colts’ only rep at Ohio State’s pro day, and Breer adds chief personnel executive Morocco Brown served as the Indy presence at Alabama’s. These are rather light contingents compared to most teams’ groups, but the Colts will clearly place more stock in their one-on-one sessions. Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock has the Colts selecting Levis; Todd McShay’s has them trading up to No. 3 for Richardson.

APRIL 3: The team perhaps mentioned most frequently with respect to quarterback speculation this offseason has been the Colts. Set to draft fourth overall, they will have the chance to add a long-term signal-caller, though their options are expected to be limited to a degree. In spite of that, the team is committed to doing their homework on the top prospects at the position.

Indianapolis is set to hold workouts today with Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, reports Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated (Twitter link). Those two are widely regarded as the top passers in the 2023 class, leading to the expectation that they will be taken first and second overall (in one order or the other) by the Panthers and Texans.

Presuming that happens, the Colts will need to turn to either Anthony Richardson or Will Levis if they wish to select a quarterback; a number of options at other positions will be available as well, of course. Breer notes that Indianapolis elected to not send a large contingent of coaches, scouts and executives to last week’s quarterback Pro Days, preferring to hold private workouts with potential draftees instead.

Young is seen by many as the top QB available, after his highly productive tenure with Alabama. The 2021 Heisman winner took a step back in terms of production this past season, but still showcased his abilities as a passer and, occasionally, a rusher. His frame has led to notable concerns about his ability to translate his success to the pro game, though the strengths of the other elements of his game and his pre-draft process to date have alleviated some of them.

Stroud likewise delivered on high expectations at Ohio State while serving as their QB1. Putting up two campaigns with substantial production, he projects as the most traditional NFL passer given his combination of size and accuracy. Those factors have led many to believe he is the favorite to be taken first overall, with an apparent floor of the No. 2 spot owned by the Texans.

The Colts are taking an expansive view of all (potential) options under center, as they look to make this the final offseason for many years in which they search for a new quarterback atop the depth chart. They signed Gardner Minshew during free agency, and have been loosely connected to pursuing Lamar Jackson, though an addition of the latter remains unlikely at this point. The team has remained steadfast in their preference for a rookie to take on the starting role relatively soon, and for the long-term future. Young and Stroud most closely fit the bill in that regard, and Indianapolis will be well-informed should either slide down the board to them.

Load More Posts