Why Bryce Young Is the 2023 NFL Drafts Top Quarterback Now

A recent analysis from a prominent NFL media figure has sparked discussion regarding the evaluation of quarterbacks selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. The debate centers on the early performance of the top picks compared to pre-draft expectations and their rookie season results.

Main News

NFL analyst Chris Simms released his post-draft quarterback rankings from the 2023 class, placing Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the top position. Simms stated he believed Young was the best quarterback prospect in the draft at the time of selection.

Simms acknowledged that Bryce Young’s rookie season with the Panthers was challenging, as the team finished with a league-worst 2-15 record. He also noted that C.J. Stroud, who was drafted second by the Houston Texans, had an excellent rookie year.

Despite Stroud’s success, Simms said his ranking was based on who he believed was the best prospect, not who had the best first season. He pointed to Young’s “innate” qualities and performance at Alabama as key factors in his evaluation.

Other analysts, including Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports, have disagreed with Simms’ assessment. Tice stated that the evidence from their rookie professional seasons clearly indicates C.J. Stroud is currently the best quarterback from the class.

Summary

Chris Simms has ranked Bryce Young as the best quarterback prospect from the 2023 NFL Draft class, despite Young’s difficult rookie season. Simms’ evaluation is based on his pre-draft assessment of Young’s talent and collegiate performance.

The ranking comes after C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick, had a standout rookie year with the Houston Texans, leading many to consider him the top performer from the class. Stroud’s immediate success has shaped much of the public and analytical discourse.

Other sports analysts have contested Simms’ view, arguing that on-field results from the first professional season are a more relevant measure. The debate highlights differing philosophies in evaluating young quarterbacks.

The discussion ultimately underscores that definitive judgments on draft classes often require more than one season to fully develop.

FAQs

Who is Chris Simms?
Chris Simms is a former NFL quarterback who now works as an analyst for NBC Sports. He is known for his detailed evaluations and annual rankings of quarterback prospects.

Why does Chris Simms rank Bryce Young first?
Simms ranks Young first based on his pre-draft assessment of Young’s “innate” quarterback qualities and his performance at the University of Alabama, not solely on his rookie NFL season.

What is the main argument against Simms’ ranking?
Other analysts, such as Nate Tice, argue that C.J. Stroud’s superior on-field performance and production during their rookie NFL seasons provide clearer evidence of who is currently the best quarterback.