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Pewter Report analyzes the highest gamers within the 2023 NFL Draft with its place previews – energized by CELSIUS, the official energy drink of Pewter Report. Bailey Adams kicks issues off by previewing the quarterback place, with a complete have a look at what the Bucs have and what they want at quarterback. Adams additionally supplies an in depth record of this yr’s high quarterbacks. As well as, Scott Reynolds gives up the Bucs draft wants and the annual Pewter Report Bucs’ Greatest Bets – the most certainly quarterback for the Bucs to pick in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.
What The Bucs Have At Quarterback
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Cliff Welch//PR
What the Bucs have at quarterback in 2023 appears to be like a lot totally different than it did in 2022. Final yr at the moment, Tampa Bay had survived a Tom Brady retirement scare, with the seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion signal-caller retiring after which unretiring inside the span of 40 days early within the offseason. This time round, there’s no “scare” about it: Brady retired for good on Feb. 1. So, after avoiding it final yr, the group now has to step into the post-Brady period. Which means opening up the Bucs’ first actual quarterback competitors in a couple of decade.
As soon as Brady retired and Blaine Gabbert hit free company, the Bucs’ quarterback room included only 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask. Group decision-makers and coaches spoke extremely in regards to the former Florida Gator early on within the offseason and mentioned he would get an opportunity to be Brady’s successor, however they clearly acknowledged that they would want to usher in some veteran competitors on the place en path to filling out the room.
That’s the place Baker Mayfield entered the fray, signing with the Bucs on a one-year deal in free company. The 2018 No. 1 total decide of the Browns, Mayfield cut up the 2022 season between the Panthers and Rams. Now, he will get a contemporary begin in Tampa Bay. He and Trask determine to be the group’s two major decisions on the quarterback place this offseason, and that’s a battle that can doubtless proceed into – and thru – coaching camp and the preseason.
What The Bucs Want At Quarterback
The Bucs might not want to spend a premium decide on a quarterback in 2023, however they positively want one other one or two to fill out their QB room. The Bucs draft plans may imply drafting one late, signing one or two as undrafted free brokers or perhaps bringing in a rookie whereas signing a veteran who can compete with that rookie for the third-string position. Maybe longtime Buc Ryan Griffin will nonetheless be within the combine as a coaching camp arm, follow squad quarterback and/or veteran voice of the group. Lengthy story brief, there’s at present nobody behind Mayfield and Trask on the depth chart.
Tampa Bay definitely gained’t rule something out, as normal supervisor Jason Licht at all times says. The group theoretically may draft a signal-caller early, including a 3rd candidate into the combination for the beginning job. Nevertheless, the Bucs wish to see what they’ve in Trask, and spending a premium decide on one other quarterback would doubtless stop that likelihood. That might additionally imply Licht and Co. wasted a second-round decide in 2021.
Time will inform if that was the case anyway, however the group wants to provide itself an opportunity to determine what it has within the 25-year-old earlier than transferring on to a different younger rookie. That’s why a late-round QB can be extra doubtless than a Day 1 or 2 QB.
Prime Quarterbacks In 2023 NFL Draft
*Vital Observe: These gamers are NOT listed within the order of Pewter Report’s rating for them. Quite, the numbers are offered to point out you the tough order wherein we count on them to return off the board in the course of the draft.
1. Alabama QB Bryce Younger – Junior – 5-10, 204, N/A
Alabama QB Bryce Younger Photograph By: USA Right this moment
Younger has excellent pocket presence and processes the sport exceptionally rapidly. Alabama head coach Nick Saban in contrast his enjoying type to that of some extent guard, as he’s capable of see the entire area properly and distribute the ball at an elite degree. To not point out, he can play out of construction and create one thing out of nothing. There’s nothing overly particular about Younger’s arm power, however he’s correct and may make all of the throws. In spite of everything, over two years because the Crimson Tide’s starter, he threw for 8,200 yards and 79 touchdowns to simply 12 interceptions. He gained the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and made a case once more in 2022 with 3,328 yards and 32 scores to 5 interceptions.
After all, the most important knock on Younger is his dimension. At 5-foot-10, 204 kilos, he’ll be the smallest quarterback within the league as soon as he will get drafted. And whereas he weighed in at 204 kilos on the NFL Scouting Mix, his enjoying weight is beneath 200 kilos. That didn’t hamper him with the large boys of the SEC, to be truthful. However that doesn’t imply questions gained’t persist about his sturdiness and the way properly he’ll maintain up bodily over the course of his profession. Nonetheless, Younger’s pure potential and excellent psychological sport makes him QB1 within the 2023 class.
2. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud – RS Sophomore – 6-3, 214, N/A
Stroud, a California child like Younger, has a case for being borderline QB1 on this class. He began for 2 years at Ohio State, totaling 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The 2-time Large Ten Offensive Participant of the 12 months possesses sturdy footwork and appears clean within the pocket. With top-tier safety, he can comfortably decide defenses aside from the pocket. He’s very correct and shows a capability to throw away from defenders, making him a turnover-averse quarterback. Total, he’s technically sound and does all the things proper on the place. He’s a pure chief and maintains a coolness beneath stress, one thing that served him properly on the large stage throughout his school profession.
Stroud confirmed late in his profession with the Buckeyes that he does have some elusiveness to his sport. That a lot grew to become clear. However the massive detrimental about him has lengthy been that he will get too snug staying within the pocket and doesn’t faucet into the improvisational facet of the sport all that a lot. His elusiveness is nothing particular and ball safety from the pocket grew to become an issue on the collegiate degree, as evidenced by his 10 profession fumbles. However the extra he exhibits that he is usually a dashing menace, the upper his ceiling turns into. Even because it stands, although, Stroud has impeccable contact and above-average potential as a passer. That may serve him properly wherever he finally ends up.
3. Florida QB Anthony Richardson – RS Sophomore – 6-4, 244, 4.43
Florida QB Anthony Richardson – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Richardson is probably probably the most polarizing quarterback prospect on this yr’s draft. Bodily, he’s extraordinarily spectacular. He has all of the instruments, however over his brief school profession with the Gators, his manufacturing didn’t match these instruments. His arm power and skill as a runner are massive pluses. The Gainesville product has no downside getting the ball downfield, no less than when it comes to distance. It’s the accuracy that isn’t fairly up to the mark along with his arm expertise. He proved to be a tough man to carry down, too, totaling 39 damaged tackles final yr. The athleticism, velocity and power are off the charts with Richardson, however there are different areas of his sport that must catch up.
The most important difficulty with Richardson at this stage is his accuracy. He accomplished lower than 60% of his passes at Florida, and he misses open receivers far too often. It’s not that he can’t get the ball to his receivers – it’s that he does so at an inconsistent fee. With some mechanical work on the subsequent degree, that might change. It’s additionally price noting that Richardson may be very younger and continues to be within the early levels of his improvement as a quarterback. The uncooked expertise is there with him, and that’s what’s going to excite a group sufficient to draft him within the Prime 15.
4. Kentucky QB Will Levis – RS Senior – 6-3, 229, N/A
Levis has seen his inventory rise and fall probably the most amongst these quarterbacks, however he nonetheless figures to go within the Prime 20. He’s one other prospect who has spectacular bodily instruments, with construct and elite arm power. With a fast launch, excessive velocity on his throws and the power to resist stress, there’s so much to like about him within the pocket. However there’s a lot to love about him outdoors the pocket, too, as he displayed a whole lot of escapability and playmaking potential throughout his time at Kentucky. He ran for 17 touchdowns over 4 seasons, with 9 of these coming in 2021.
Levis was extra up-and-down in 2022 than he was in 2021, and that usually got here all the way down to decision-making. He pressured too many throws and locked in on receivers an excessive amount of, resulting in some questions on his processing. As a lot as he has to supply as a dual-threat sort, he has additionally proven a nasty behavior of holding on to the ball too lengthy and taking sacks. There’s loads of room for him to enhance on his reads, however as soon as the psychological facet catches up with what he gives bodily, his upside might be taken to a brand new degree. He may very well be within the Bucs draft plans because the group had him in for a Prime 30 go to.
5. Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker – RS Senior – 6-3, 217, N/A
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Hooker is without doubt one of the extra attention-grabbing quarterback prospects on this yr’s class. He’s a little bit of a wild card for a wide range of causes. He was extraordinarily profitable at Tennessee, however his success coming in a “gimmicky” Josh Heupel system is a possible concern. Then once more, he confirmed a mastery of that offense and was extraordinarily environment friendly as a passer. A tough employee and glorious communicator, Hooker has the mentality wanted to be a profitable quarterback within the NFL. He’s additionally very cautious with the ball, throwing solely 5 interceptions over his two years with the Volunteers in opposition to 58 touchdowns.
Exterior of the scheme questions, different points raised with Hooker are his age and damage standing. He’s already 25 years outdated, having spent 4 years at Virginia Tech earlier than transferring and beginning two seasons at Tennessee. And simply as he gave the impression to be gaining traction as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate final season, he tore his ACL in November. That meant no participation on the Senior Bowl and NFL Mix, and his restoration is prone to value him some (or all) of his first offseason within the NFL. Nonetheless, regardless of the considerations, there’s motive to consider Hooker may very well be a high-risk, high-reward choice for somebody. Like Levis, Hooker may very well be within the Bucs draft plans as he too got here in on a Prime 30 go to.
Greatest Of The Relaxation
6. Fresno State QB Jake Haener – RS Senior – 5-11, 207, N/A
Haener earned MVP honors on the Senior Bowl earlier this offseason, capping off a stable week for him. He’s a robust competitor and does the little issues proper, studying the sphere successfully and displaying really feel for protection. Throughout his time at Fresno State, he protected the soccer fairly properly, totaling 67 passing touchdowns to 17 interceptions. His most interceptions in a season got here in 2021 when he threw 9, however these went together with a career-high 33 passing scores. He has a pure accuracy that serves him properly, particularly given the restrictions in different features of his sport.
Sadly for Haener, he lacks the perfect dimension and total body for an NFL quarterback. He doesn’t have a lot room to proceed to fill out, so he’s doubtlessly maxed out at 5-foot-11, 207 kilos. What additionally works in opposition to him is the shortage of any notably elite trait. His processing and anticipation are stable, however his bodily instruments seem common. His arm power leaves so much to be desired and mixing that with him being undersized limits his ceiling on the subsequent degree.
7. Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell – RS Senior – 6-3, 213, N/A
Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell Photograph By: USA Right this moment
O’Connell’s accuracy, processing and total smarts made him successful at Purdue, as he completed close to the highest of virtually each one of many program’s passing classes. He isn’t probably the most agile, neither is he all that speedy, however he has proven a capability to maneuver up within the pocket properly sufficient to increase performs when mandatory. He reads the sphere properly and delivers the ball excessive with spectacular contact. His coaches have praised his maturity and management potential, and he comes from a walk-on background, which has provides an inherent sense of competitiveness to his profile.
As a lot as O’Connell gives in the best way of accuracy, he doesn’t possess elite arm power and has a lean body that might give him issues holding up in opposition to NFL cross rushers. He did show an inclination to power throws too often, too, which led to some turnover issues. He completed with double-digit interceptions in each of his seasons as a full-time starter at Purdue and threw 24 interceptions over these two seasons. The 24-year-old has the makings of a dependable backup quarterback within the NFL.
8. BYU QB Jaren Corridor – RS Senior – 6-0, 207, 4.63
After backing up Zach Wilson for 2 years in 2019 and 2020, Corridor stepped in as a starter at BYU in 2021 and did so to the tune of two,583 passing yards and 20 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. He adopted that season with a 3,171-yard, 31-touchdown season in 2022. The Cougars used him properly on RPOs and took benefit of his fast ft and spectacular physique management. There’s one thing to be mentioned about his management potential too, as he seamlessly changed Wilson when he was drafted and served as a captain over his last two seasons.
Corridor has a smaller body and does have a prolonged damage historical past, which may give some groups pause on the subsequent degree. He additionally confirmed some inconsistent accuracy over his couple of seasons as BYU’s starter, particularly on throws down the sphere. And as a lot as he took care of the ball within the passing sport (throwing simply 11 profession interceptions), he completed his profession with 13 fumbles, which is a startling quantity. Corridor is an older prospect, however he may need sufficient athleticism and smarts to carve out a job in a quarterback room someplace.
9. Stanford QB Tanner McKee – RS Sophomore – 6-6, 231, N/A
It’s not arduous to see what groups would possibly like most about McKee, and that’s his bodily profile. He’s a powerful 6-foot-6, 231 kilos, and that’s the kind of body that NFL coaches and power staffs like to mould. His area imaginative and prescient is stable and he processes properly, which enhances the contact that he throws with. Coming from a faculty like Stanford, it stands to motive that he’s extremely clever. That interprets to the soccer area, too, which is able to make him quarterback to have in any room.
Whereas McKee’s bodily stature is imposing, he’s not a plus athlete and confirmed nothing at Stanford that may point out that he poses any sort of menace as a runner. He was one of many most-sacked quarterbacks in school soccer and has little to no escapability to his sport. His touchdown-interception ratio additionally leaves so much to be desired, given he threw for 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2021 and totaled 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions final yr. There’s so much for McKee to beat if he’s going to show into something on the NFL degree.
10. Houston QB Clayton Tune – RS Senior – 6-2, 220, 4.64
Houston QB Clayton Tune – Photograph By: USA Right this moment
Tune mixes some stable dimension with sneaky athleticism, and that mixture made him a serious success at Houston. He threw for 104 touchdowns to 41 interceptions whereas passing for 11,996 yards over a five-year profession. He strikes properly out and in of the pocket and has pro-level accuracy, having accomplished 68.2% of his passes in 2021 and 67.3% of them in 2022. There’s some first rate arm power to work with right here, plus he has sound mechanics. Tune additionally displayed some spectacular dashing potential, too, particularly in his last season with the Cougars. He ran for 546 yards and 5 touchdowns to go along with his 4,074 passing yards and 40 passing scores.
The place Tune can enhance is along with his decision-making. He threw 10 interceptions in every of his last three seasons at Houston, displaying some struggles with wanting off protection. There’s a “no threat it, no biscuit” factor to the three-time group captain, which could be each and unhealthy factor. Extra so than a few of the different Day 2-Day 3 quarterbacks, the upside with Tune is intriguing. He has a pure passing potential and adequate athleticism, which is able to give him an opportunity to develop with time within the NFL. It wouldn’t be stunning to see the Bucs draft him on Day 3, as he got here in on a Prime 30 go to.
11. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV – RS Senior – 5-11, 192, 4.67
Bennett’s story at Georgia was one thing out of an underdog film. A former walk-on, he later went the junior school route earlier than coming again and ultimately rising up the ranks to begin for the Bulldogs. And when he acquired his likelihood, all he did was lead his group to back-to-back nationwide championships. In 2021, he accomplished 64.5% of his passes for two,862 yards and 29 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He gained MVP honors in each the Orange Bowl and the School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship Sport. Then, in 2022, he threw for 4,127 yards and 27 scores whereas including 10 touchdowns on the bottom. He as soon as once more gained MVP within the nationwide title sport, closing his profession with extra confetti.
Sadly for Bennett, his story might not lengthen all that a lot into the NFL. He’s undersized to start with and doesn’t possess the elite traits wanted to thrive as an NFL quarterback, plus he’s already set to show 26 throughout his rookie season within the league. There have been questions on how a lot he needed to maintain enjoying soccer after he declined all-star invites earlier this yr, and his arrest for public intoxication again in January might be one thing he may have needed to reply for when assembly with groups.
12. UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson – RS Senior – 6-1, 203, 4.56
Thompson-Robinson possesses nice velocity, which helped him run for 1,827 yards and 28 touchdowns throughout his UCLA profession. He has above-average arm power, too, and wowed in 2022 with 3,169 passing yards and 27 scores. He exhibits a knack for figuring out when to go from passer to runner, improvising properly and creating one thing out of nothing. There are NFL traits to work with for Thompson-Robinson, however he positively has room to develop on the subsequent degree.
The previous Bruins quarterback, who began 48 video games over the course of his profession, is slightly gentle and will stand to fill out his body slightly extra. He had turnover points at instances throughout his school profession, too, with decision-making issues main to 2 seasons with double-digit interceptions. As a projected Day 3 decide, Thompson-Robinson may grow to be a robust backup if he falls into the fitting state of affairs.
13. TCU QB Max Duggan – Senior – 6-1, 207, 4.52
Senior Bowl QBs Clayton Tune, Hendon Hooker, Tyson Bagent and Max Duggan – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
As spectacular as Bennett’s story was, Duggan’s is up there, too. He began 29 video games for TCU from 2019-2021, however he then misplaced out on the beginning quarterback job to start 2022. He rapidly reassumed his beginning position, although, and it led to a historic season for the Horned Frogs. His 3,698 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns and 9 dashing scores led to Duggan changing into TCU’s first Heisman Trophy finalist since LaDanian Tomlinson in 2000. He led this system to the School Soccer Playoff and an exhilarating semifinal win over Michigan earlier than the Cinderella story got here to an finish by the hands of Georgia. Nonetheless, it was a powerful run for Duggan.
The issue for Duggan, although, is that he lacks elite NFL traits. He has inconsistent accuracy and doesn’t possess the perfect pocket presence, plus he must refine his area imaginative and prescient on the subsequent degree. There’s sufficient to love about his dual-threat potential and aggressive nature for somebody to take a seventh-round flier on him, however he’ll be a mission with a restricted ceiling for whichever group drafts him.
14. Shepherd QB Tyson Bagent – RS Senior – 6-3, 213, 4.79
One of many less-heralded quarterback prospects on this yr’s class, Bagent possesses a construct that’s appropriate for the NFL degree. He additionally has a fast launch and arm, which helped him throw for 17,034 yards and 159 touchdowns to 48 interceptions as a four-year starter at Shepherd. Bagent has sufficient purposeful mobility to maneuver round within the pocket and make performs, and enjoying beneath three totally different offensive coordinators over the course of his profession gave him loads of expertise with totally different techniques and terminology.
After all, leaping from Division II Shepherd to the NFL is sure to be an adjustment for Bagent, and whereas his body is projectable, he’s removed from a completed mission or certain factor. He has some stable instruments to work with, however he’ll want time in an NFL system earlier than we are able to see if he’s able to placing collectively a protracted profession.
15. Louisville QB Malik Cunningham – RS Senior – 5-11, 192, 4.53
On the NFL degree, Cunningham could possibly latch on with a group that may play to his strengths as a creator. He would excel in a scheme that makes use of QB boots and waggles, particularly if he makes strides along with his mechanics. His lanky construct could also be a limiting issue to his potential, although, and he’ll already flip 25 years outdated throughout his rookie season. Seemingly an undrafted free agent, Cunningham is prone to be somebody signed to fill a quarterback room moderately than outline it.
Bucs’ Greatest Bets: Quarterback
Bucs’ Greatest Wager – Rounds 1-3: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
Is it doable that the Bucs draft Kentucky’s Will Levis if he falls to Tampa Bay at No. 19? Don’t rule it out. However there are 4 quarterback-needy groups drafting forward of the Bucs, so it’s unlikely he’s nonetheless on the board. With extra urgent wants elsewhere, and the group really wanting to provide former second-round decide Kyle Trask a authentic shot to compete for the beginning job, it’s extra doubtless the Bucs draft a quarterback on Day 3.
However Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker may be tempting. He’s coming off an ACL damage and might not be prepared for camp, so it may very well be a two-man race between Mayfield and Trask. However Hooker may develop behind the scenes and be able to compete in 2024 with a yr in Dave Canales’ system. Hooker, a Prime 30 customer to Tampa Bay, may very well be an possibility within the first or second spherical.
Bucs’ Greatest Wager – Rounds 4-7: Houston QB Clayton Tune
If the Bucs draft a quarterback this yr, it’s doubtless going to be on Day 3. Houston’s Clayton Tune, a former teammate of Bucs defensive sort out Logan Corridor, final yr’s second-round decide, got here in for a Prime 30 go to and may very well be the goal. He has a pleasant mix of dimension, athleticism, moxie and arm power to be a pleasant developmental quarterback in Tampa Bay.
Tune led the Cougars to a number of fourth quarter, come-from-behind wins in his 4 years as a starter. The three-time group captain would possibly finish being a steal on this draft and he appears to have the fitting instruments to achieve Dave Canales’ offense. The Bucs don’t have a fourth-round decide, but when Tune lasts to the fifth spherical he would doubtless garner consideration. Or if he’s excessive on the Bucs draft board, the group may commerce up into the fourth spherical to get him.
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