The NFL Draft saw a drove of quarterbacks splash new depth charts plus hint at the future of the position for franchises. Here are the most significant stories at the position coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft:
10. It's Jordan Love or bust for the Packers
Aaron Rodgers' drawn-out trade from Green Bay was finalized, and Jordan Love has officially become the Packers' starter for 2023, his fourth season in the NFL. Love has sparsely played and will be one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks this season, even with a host of rookies likely in starting lineups. The Packers built out their young offensive nucleus, as Sigmund Bloom outlines here, adding three skill position players on Day 2 (Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave, and Tucker Kraft) plus one of the better selections on Day 3 with Dontayvion Wicks. On an ancillary note, the Packers did not add a quarterback in the draft to potentially upgrade on Danny Etling until Sean Clifford was taken deep on Day 3.
9. Geno Smith is safe. For now
Commonly mocked as a spot for a developmental quarterback of the future, Seattle built around Geno Smith instead of challenging him for 2024 and beyond. The Seahawks added Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the first receiver off the board, adding to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to create one of the better trios in the NFL. After a surprising late-career breakout in 2022, Smith is poised for a repeat campaign after a new contract.
8. Mac Jones survives the draft
Storylines of Mac Jones being on the move during the draft, plus the Patriots had a look at Will Levis of note in Round 1 as the Kentucky product slid down (and out) of Round 1. Mac Jones will have only his in-house competition of Bailey Zappe this season.
7. Anthony Richardson's perfect fit
Richardson stayed inside the top five, landing fourth overall and avoiding a Will Levis-type fall. The fit with Indianapolis could mirror the Eagles' progression with Jalen Hurts for his career start. Richardson paired with Jonathan Taylor marks one of the flashiest run games in the league.
Our Sigmund Bloom outlines Richardson as one of the bigger winners coming out of the NFL Draft in his recent article.
6. Trey Lance stays in San Francisco
The 49ers added Sam Darnold this offseason and have hopes for Brock Purdy to be ready for the start of the season as well. Trey Lance is lost in the shuffle as a possible trade piece, but a deal was never reported as overly close during the draft. After barely playing in college, Lance has barely played in the NFL as one of the bigger mystery profiles, throwing only 102 passes over two partial seasons with the 49ers.
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