Within the Market: Wanting on the prime QB prospects within the 2023 NFL Draft class after Week 9
Did Kentucky’s Will Levis tank his NFL Draft inventory in Week 9? Check out the newest version of “Within the Market.”
Similar to that, October has come and gone, and we’re formally in November. Which means there’s lower than a month remaining of the common season earlier than the convention championship video games start, after which bowl season.
In Week 9, prime groups had the possibility to make their case on the very first Faculty Soccer Playoff rankings of the season, which was launched on Tuesday. There have been 4 prime quarterback prospects who performed this previous Saturday. There have been performances from some who helped their inventory, and others who could have skilled a drop primarily based off of their play.
There have been two quarterbacks who didn’t play in Week 9. Alabama’s Bryce Younger was on a bye, whereas Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke didn’t get the beginning as a consequence of a proper shoulder harm suffered in Week 8.
Let’s check out how the highest quarterback prospects carried out in Week 9 within the newest version of “Within the Market.” Earlier editions might be discovered within the hyperlinks beneath:
Taking Inventory: How prime 2023 NFL Draft QBs fared in Week 9
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Final week, C.J. Stroud had a tough first half when going through the Iowa Hawkeyes, however then rebounded within the second half to guide Ohio State to a 54-10 win. Stroud adopted that very same components in Week 9 when the Buckeyes took on the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Stroud did put up strong numbers within the first half-hour of the sport, however they may solely get one landing and two subject targets out of it. Very like in opposition to Iowa, Penn State’s errors gave Ohio State an opportunity to additional cushion their lead.
One in all Stroud’s greatest throws of Saturday afternoon arrived within the fourth quarter when he related with extensive receiver Emeka Egbuka for an enormous 42-yard acquire to set them up close to the aim line. The location of the cross is one to actually marvel at.
Stroud completed the day finishing 26-of-33 cross makes an attempt for 354 yards and one landing. The accuracy was there for the junior quarterback, however he didn’t put up the video game-like landing totals like earlier within the season.
Subsequent Recreation: at Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Midday ET
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker would be the favourite to win the Heisman over Stroud contemplating the efficiency he had in Week 9. Taking up the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats, Hooker had a duel in opposition to fellow prime quarterback prospect Will Levis. Hooker gained the battle, by leaps and bounds. Critically, it was not even close.
The senior quarterback set the tone early. He observed star extensive receiver Jalin Hyatt break free from defensive protection, and Hooker threw what has develop into his signature, stunning deep cross to him for the straightforward walk-in landing.
From there, the Volunteers constructed upon their lead and didn’t look again. Critically. Tennessee didn’t path the sport in any respect.
On the night time, Hooker accomplished 19-of-25 cross makes an attempt for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He additionally ran for 23 yards and a landing on 10 carries.
Subsequent week, Hooker has the possibility to presumably clinch the Heisman Trophy and enhance his NFL Draft inventory if he’s to place up a robust exhibiting and defeat the Georgia Bulldogs, the reigning Faculty Soccer Playoff nationwide champions.
Subsequent Recreation: at No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Will Levis, Kentucky
Nicely, this was a tough week for Will Levis. The Kentucky Wildcats had been ranked nineteenth within the nation, however they needed to tackle undefeated Tennessee. What was anticipated to be a duel between Levis and Hooker turned out to be a one-sided blowout in favor of the Volunteers.
Levis might barely do something in opposition to Tennessee’s robust protection. He was solely capable of throw for 98 yards on the night time. That was it.
He did throw three interceptions, considered one of which was not his fault. He related with extensive receiver Dane Key, who acquired hit onerous by defensive again Doneiko Slaughter. The affect triggered Key to let go of the ball, which flew within the air and into the arms of Juwan Mitchell. His second decide was a foul one, as he threw it proper to defensive again Brandon Turnage, which you’ll view beneath:
Levis did have an excellent throw within the first quarter when he dropped a dime cross to tight finish Jordan Dingle.
Nonetheless, it was not an ideal exhibiting by Levis. This doubtless is not going to have an effect on his draft standing, as he has the traits and intangibles that NFL groups love. He’ll be a first-round decide, however possibly not a top-five choice.
Subsequent Recreation: at Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Anthony Richardson, Florida
Anthony Richardson returned from the bye week, however they’d a troublesome process in facing the Georgia Bulldogs.
On the very first play, Richardson was banged up after touchdown awkwardly on the sidelines after getting hit within the thigh by a Bulldogs defender. It regarded as if the harm did harm his capability to make performs. Nonetheless, he did make a formidable cross to Justin Shorter alongside the sidelines.
Richardson and the Gators trailed 28-3 at halftime, however he helped lead the workforce to a third-quarter surge. The Gators decreased their deficit to 28-20 close to the top of the third quarter on a three-yard landing run by Trevor Etienne, a 26-yard subject aim by Adam Mihalek, and a 78-yard landing cross from Richardson to Xzavier Henderson.
As soon as the clock struck triple zeroes, Richardson had thrown 18 completions for 271 yards and one landing on 37 makes an attempt.
Subsequent Recreation: at Texas A&M on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET
One 2023 NFL Draft QB sleeper who turned heads in Week 9
Bo Nix, Oregon
Welcome Bo Nix again to the column for the second consecutive week. He had an incredible exhibiting in opposition to the UCLA Bruins in Week 8. May he comply with it up in Week 9 in opposition to the California Golden Bears.
Nix accomplished 27-of-35 cross makes an attempt for 412 yards and three touchdowns whereas throwing two interceptions. The statistics should not completed there, as he ran for 59 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. That’s proper, Nix had six complete touchdowns, another than what he put up in opposition to UCLA the week prior.
One in all Nix’s landing runs noticed him figuratively break the ankles of a Cal defender to succeed in the top zone.
Nix will look to prime himself as soon as once more in Week 10 when the Geese tackle the 1-7 Colorado Buffaloes.
One 2023 NFL Draft QB who wants to indicate groups extra after Week 9
Will Levis, Kentucky
Despite the fact that Levis is closely anticipated to be one of many first three quarterback prospects chosen on the NFL Draft in Kansas Metropolis subsequent April, his efficiency in opposition to Tennessee left loads to be desired. He was outshined by Hendon Hooker, who little question elevated his draft inventory.
Levis has the possibility to rebound subsequent week when Kentucky takes on Missouri.
Who’re consumers within the NFL?
Right here’s what the highest 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft would seem like if the season ended in the present day, via Tankathon:
- Detroit Lions (1-6)
- Houston Texans (1-5-1)
- Carolina Panthers (2-6)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (through New Orleans Saints (3-5))
- Houston Texans (through Cleveland Browns (3-5))
- Seattle Seahawks (through Denver Broncos (3-5))
The Detroit Lions are within the driver’s seat to have their alternative of taking one of many prime quarterbacks within the NFL Draft. Following their 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the workforce fired defensive backs coach Aubrey Nice. Then, on the commerce deadline, they dealt prime tight finish T.J. Hockenson to the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit’s essential competitors for the No. 1 decide is prone to be the Houston Texans, who had been run over for the second week in a row, this time by Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.
The Carolina Panthers practically would have dropped down the first-round draft board, as they virtually defeated the Atlanta Falcons. However an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by extensive receiver D.J. Moore pushed the Panthers again, and Eddy Pineiro missed the go-ahead further level. Then in extra time, Pineiro missed a 33-yard subject aim, and the Falcons capitalized. The Panthers are far more aggressive with interim head coach Steve Wilks on the helm, and will very nicely steal some wins down the stretch.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the latest workforce to enter the highest 10, as they’re having a surprisingly dangerous season. If issues proceed to spiral uncontrolled, the Buccaneers ought to think about drafting their quarterback of the long run, particularly if Tom Brady retires once more any time quickly.
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