It’s way too soon to give up on Justin Fields, so I think it is highly unlikely that the Bears will try to move him and then draft a quarterback with the top pick. But Chicago has so many needs that it may very well trade down to acquire multiple high choices.
Presumably, a team would only try to trade into that number one overall slot if it is in love with a particular quarterback. Remember also that Houston owns the second pick, and it’s a virtual certainty that the Texans will take a QB. Here’s who’s out there:
C.J. Stroud—Ohio State
There’s a lot to like. Stroud is big (6-3, 218), strong, mobile and can really push the ball downfield. He’s a high character guy and was the unquestioned leader of the Buckeye offense. He was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. Alarm bell? Well, he’s an Ohio State quarterback.
Bryce Young—Alabama
Smart, versatile, extremely competitive, owns an off-the-charts football IQ and is comfortable on the big stage. Young has legitimate 4.5 speed and a very quick release. Concern? At 5-11 and 194, Young does not have a thick frame. Durability could be an issue.
Will Levis—Kentucky
Trendy, and trending up. After beginning his college career at Penn State, Levis transferred to Kentucky, where he started for two seasons. Prototypical size (6-3, 232) and physique, big league arm strength and must be accounted for as a runner. Downside? Consistency. You don’t always know what you’re getting game to game or even series to series.
Anthony Richardson—Florida
See the above critique of Levis. Copy and paste. I’m leery, because he is not . particularly accurate and completed less than 55 percent of his passes in his one full season as the Gators’ starter. His TD to INT ratio at Florida was only 24-15. That’s concerning.
Jaren Hall-BYU
Mature. He completed a two-year Mormon mission before arriving at BYU, where he started for two years. Also played baseball for the Cougars. Major arm talent, including exceptional ball placement. Reason to worry? Hall was injury prone at BYU and his frame may not be able to withstand NFL poundings. He needs to go to a team who can be patient in developing him.
Hendon Hooker—Tennessee
Looked like he was vectored toward the Heisman Trophy until a torn ACL ended his 2022 season. He may need a full “redshirt” year in the NFL. Very clean mechanics, and has natural leadership skills. I’d love for the Cowboys to draft him as a project and potential back-up to Dak.
Max Duggan—TCU
Who didn’t love Max at TCU? The ultimate gamer. Is a master at running RPOs and the quick screen game, but may lack NFL downfield arm talent. But are you going to count him out? Kinda reminds me of Brock Purdy, and that’s a compliment.
