The Most Exciting Quarterbacks on Draft Boards Right Now

23 February 2025

It’s that time of the year again. The anticipation, the hype, the endless debates on sports channels—yes, I’m talking about the NFL Draft. And if there’s one position that always gets the lion's share of attention, it’s the quarterback. Let’s be honest, quarterbacks are the face of the franchise, the commanders-in-chief on the field, and the ones who carry the weight of their team’s fortunes on their shoulders.

But this year has something special in store. The 2023 NFL Draft class is packed with some of the most exciting quarterback prospects we’ve seen in a while. From dual-threat dynamos to classic pocket passers, these young guns have everyone buzzing. So, who are the quarterbacks making waves on draft boards right now? And what makes them so electrifying?

Let’s dive in and take a look at the most exciting quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

1. Bryce Young – Alabama

Let’s kick things off with one of the most talked-about prospects—Bryce Young. If you've followed college football in any capacity, you know this guy. Young has been the poster boy for Alabama’s offense, and he’s got the accolades to back it up.

What Makes Him Exciting?

Bryce Young is a magician on the field. He’s the kind of quarterback who can turn a broken play into a highlight-reel moment. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his elite decision-making, makes him a defensive coordinator's nightmare. While he may not have the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback (he stands at 6’0” and weighs around 194 lbs), he more than makes up for it with his football IQ and quick release.

Young’s ability to read defenses pre-snap is second to none among this year’s crop of quarterbacks. He’s a master at manipulating defenses with his eyes and making accurate throws under pressure. Think of him as a chess grandmaster playing a game of blitz—you blink, and he’s already two moves ahead.

The Big Question Mark

The one knock on Young is his size. In an NFL world where defensive linemen are bigger and faster, can he take the hits and still stay productive? That’s the million-dollar question. But in terms of sheer talent, he’s one of the most exciting prospects on the board.

2. C.J. Stroud – Ohio State

Next on the list is C.J. Stroud, the man who lit up defenses while playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Stroud has been a consistent performer throughout his college career, and he’s got the production stats to prove it.

What Makes Him Exciting?

Stroud is your classic pocket passer, but he comes with a twist. He’s got the arm strength to make all the throws, but what really sets him apart is his accuracy. Stroud can throw darts into tight windows and delivers the ball with pinpoint precision. His mechanics are clean, and his footwork in the pocket is textbook.

What’s more, Stroud has shown the ability to elevate his game in big moments. His performance in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final against Georgia was nothing short of spectacular. He was making NFL-level throws and putting his team in a position to win despite being under constant pressure.

The Big Question Mark

Stroud has faced criticism for his lack of mobility when compared to some of the other quarterbacks in this draft class. He’s not the type of quarterback who’s going to make a ton of plays outside the pocket, and he hasn’t shown a lot of willingness to run when things break down. However, if you’re looking for a quarterback who can pick apart defenses from the pocket, Stroud is your guy.

3. Anthony Richardson – Florida

If you’re looking for a quarterback with sky-high potential, look no further than Anthony Richardson. This guy is the definition of a physical specimen. At 6'4" and 232 lbs, Richardson has the size, speed, and athleticism that NFL scouts drool over.

What Makes Him Exciting?

Richardson is a raw talent, but boy is he fun to watch. He’s got a cannon for an arm and can make throws that few quarterbacks in the league can even dream of. He can also hurt defenses with his legs. In fact, Richardson is arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in this draft.

When Richardson is on, he’s unstoppable. He can launch deep bombs with ease, and when he tucks the ball and runs, it’s like watching a freight train barreling down the tracks. His athleticism is off the charts, and he’s the kind of quarterback who can change a game with a single play.

The Big Question Mark

The downside? Richardson is still very raw. He’s inconsistent when it comes to accuracy, and his decision-making needs work. He’s the kind of player who can make a jaw-dropping throw one play and then a head-scratching decision the next. In the NFL, that kind of inconsistency can be costly. But if he can develop his mechanics and improve his football IQ, Richardson has the potential to be a game-changer.

4. Will Levis – Kentucky

Will Levis is another name that’s been climbing up draft boards. He’s got the size (6'3", 232 lbs), the arm strength, and the intangibles that NFL teams look for in a franchise quarterback.

What Makes Him Exciting?

Levis has one of the strongest arms in this draft, and he’s not afraid to use it. He can make all the throws, from the short slant to the deep out, and he can do it with velocity. Levis also has good mobility for a quarterback his size. He’s not a run-first quarterback by any means, but he’s more than capable of picking up yards with his legs when needed.

One thing that stands out about Levis is his toughness. He’s taken a beating in Kentucky’s offense but has shown resilience time and time again. NFL teams love that kind of grit.

The Big Question Mark

Levis’s biggest issue is his decision-making. He’s prone to forcing throws into coverage, and that’s led to some costly turnovers. He also struggled with consistency, especially when playing against top-tier SEC defenses. However, his physical tools are undeniable, and if he can clean up his mental game, he’s got all the traits to be a franchise quarterback.

5. Hendon Hooker – Tennessee

Hendon Hooker is a bit of a sleeper pick in this draft class, but don’t sleep on him for too long. The former Tennessee quarterback has been flying under the radar, but he’s got the skills to make an impact at the next level.

What Makes Him Exciting?

Hooker is an experienced quarterback who has shown steady improvement throughout his college career. He’s got excellent mobility, and his ability to read defenses is impressive. Hooker is also a great decision-maker, which is something you can’t always say about young quarterbacks.

He’s got a quick release and throws an accurate deep ball, which makes him a dangerous passer in the vertical game. Hooker has also shown a knack for making clutch plays in big games, which is always a plus when transitioning to the NFL.

The Big Question Mark

Hooker is coming off a torn ACL, which is always a red flag when it comes to draft prospects. There’s no guarantee he’ll return to his pre-injury form, and teams may be hesitant to take a chance on him because of that. However, if Hooker can recover fully, he’s got the potential to be a steal in this draft.

Conclusion

The 2023 NFL Draft class is loaded with quarterback talent. From Bryce Young’s football IQ to Anthony Richardson’s raw athleticism, each of these quarterbacks brings something unique to the table. The big question for NFL teams is figuring out which one has the best chance to succeed at the next level.

While there are question marks surrounding each of these prospects, the excitement is undeniable. These quarterbacks have the tools to be franchise players, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how their careers unfold. Whether you’re rooting for the dual-threat dynamo or the classic pocket passer, one thing’s for sure—this draft class is going to be fun to watch.

So, who do you think will have the biggest impact in the NFL? Will Bryce Young live up to the hype? Is Anthony Richardson the next big thing? Or will a sleeper like Hendon Hooker surprise everyone? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the future of the NFL is in good hands with these exciting young quarterbacks.