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2023 NFL Draft: Which 3 teams need a quarterback the most?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

2023 NFL mock draft; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown with teammates at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
2023 NFL mock draft; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown with teammates at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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The art of playcalling differs for men orchestrating NFL offenses. Athletes are stronger and faster, creating more opportunities for creative minds to put points on the board. An influx of offensive production has raised the importance of personnel – especially at the quarterback position. High expectations from coordinators require gunslingers to play with poise and resilience.

As fans anticipate the kickoff of the 2023 season, I can’t help but worry about the franchises that have not established a starting quarterback. Here are a few teams I have my eye on as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches.

Which teams need a rookie QB the most in the 2023 NFL Draft?

2023 NFL Draft
2023 NFL Draft: Desmond Ridder #4 of the Atlanta Falcons gets set against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

NFL Franchise #3: Atlanta Falcons

It was a rough season for Arthur Smith and the Falcons. Are we surprised by their results? The franchise entered the regular season with high expectations for Kyle Pitts – a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. He recorded 1,026 yards in the previous season and proved he was an X-Factor in a developing offense. When he missed games due to injury, Atlanta’s offense sputtered. Without Matt Ryan under center, the Falcons put their faith in Marcus Mariota to lead the franchise through a rigid schedule.

The Falcons did not fare well against their opponents. They finished fourth in the NFC South (7-10) – missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Atlanta ranked 24th in average yards per game (318.6) and 31st in total passing yards (2,699). Mariota threw 15 touchdown passes, but it was not enough to outscore opposing foes.

The season ended with former Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder taking over as the starter, and he appears in line to start the year as QB1 for the Falcons again. Perhaps there will be competition from free agent signing Taylor Heinicke, who also has plenty of experience.

A chance to shuffle the roster will bring optimism to a concerned Falcons fanbase. Atlanta holds the 8th pick in the upcoming draft and will consider using it wisely. Other franchises are shopping for a quarterback, but the Falcons are positioned to make a selection from a talented group. C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young will probably find homes before the 8th pick, but Will Levis (Kentucky), Anthony Richardson (Florida), and Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) are all possible options for an Atlanta team desperate for a solution.

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