Namely, Jalen Hurts has become an important factor in the 2023 NFL Draft. Three years ago, Hurts was drafted 53rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. At that time, Hurts was considered a low-value afterthought. Now, Hurts is the epitome of what a dual-threat Alabama quarterback can do. Hurts ranks only behind Patrick Mahomes as a QB brand with the NFL Draft Odds. Since the NFL is a copycat league, GMs see how Hurts developed himself. And that is attributed to his time under Nick Saban at Alabama.
2023 NFL Draft – Overview
| Date: | Thursday, April 27, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Kansas City, Missouri |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
2023 NFL Draft Player Taken First Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bryce Young | -2000 |
| CJ Stroud | +1000 |
| Anthony Richardson | +2500 |
2023 NFL Draft Player Taken Second Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Will Levis | -140 |
| Tyree Wilson | +250 |
| Will Anderson | +380 |
2023 NFL Draft Player Taken Third Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| CJ Stroud | -250 |
| Tyree Wilson | +250 |
| Anthony Ricardson | +350 |
| Will Anderson | +380 |
| Will Levis | +1000 |
| Jalen Carter | +1600 |
Bryce Young Projected #1 Overall
It is true that Bryce Young and CJ Stroud have gone back and forth on the sportsbook board for first overall. In fact, there were a couple of weeks when Stroud was projected first overall. But as the process moved forward, Young won over the Carolina Panthers. And much of his emergence can be traced back to Jalen Hurts.
Specifically, NFL Scouts and executives believe that an Alabama-trained quarterback has an edge if everything else is equal. Hurts overcame what was perceived to be a lack of physical skills with character and work ethic. And that can be attributed to Alabama coach Nick Saban.
In like manner to Hurts, Young rates high for his work ethic and character. He is seen as the basketball equivalent of a point guard. And after his record-setting career at Alabama, his projection to go first makes a lot of sense. Also, it helps that QB guru Frank Reich is the new Carolina coach.
Stroud Projected #2 to Houston
The Houston Texans desperately need a quarterback. Second overall in the NFL Draft is projected to be CJ Stroud of Ohio State. In a similar way to Bryce Young, Stroud is coveted for his dual-threat ability to be a point guard on turf. Young is one of the best quarterbacks in Buckeye history. And the Texans are a franchise that has nowhere to go but up. Stroud would have been a certain #1 pick if not for Bryce Young. As mentioned earlier, Stroud was a close second to Young in the eyes of Carolina. Houston will gladly take Stroud and build toward contention.
Will Anderson Projected Third to Arizona
Yet another Alabama star is expected to go third in the 2023 NFL Draft. Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr is slated to go #3 to the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona’s defense has dropped dramatically in the past two seasons. But Anderson will be the best available player for third overall and is an impact defender.
Will Levis Creates Most Debate
On the whole, no player in the 2023 NFL Draft has taken more heat than Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. First, it is undeniable that Levis brings a strong arm and a big build. He is more of the traditional and prototypical NFL QB. Of major concern is his inconsistency at Kentucky. Yet Levis is one of the great quarterbacks in Kentucky history. And the Indianapolis Colts hope Levis will be the 2023 NFL Draft betting sleeper that beats projections.
Richardson Drops in Esteem
The Seattle Seahawks are looking hard at Florida QB Anthony Richardson for 5th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson is viewed as a project-type player that would serve as an understudy to Geno Smith. On the positive, Richardson has plenty of physical skills. However, he needs a lot of polish.