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

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?

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.

NFL Franchise #2: Houston Texans

The time is now for the Houston Texans franchise. Their struggles on the field have existed for years – resulting in numerous first-round picks with few results to show for it. Wins against the Jaguars and Titans last season showed glimpses of promise for a front office working to find the right pieces. Houston finished fourth in the AFC South – left to evaluate the future of the franchise.

David Mills worked hard to make the most of a rough situation in 2022. He demonstrated his willingness to develop under center – improving as the season progressed. Ultimately, his mistakes were too expensive and cost the Texans in pivotal moments of the season. Mills finished the regular season ranked 15th in passing yards (3,118) but also threw 15 interceptions.

A chance to draft the quarterback of the future will help the Texans bounce back from several disappointing seasons. They currently hold the second pick and are looking at one of the two quarterback prospects. We can assume C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) or Bryce Young (Alabama) will become the next quarterback for the Texans, raising the expectations for a highly anticipated 2023 season. Houston has other positions to fill, but I don’t think they are in a position to pass up this chance.

NFL Franchise #1: Carolina Panthers

An impressive off-season has changed the projection of Carolina’s future. The front office began its rebuild by reconsidering its Head Coach. On Jan 26, the franchise announced former player Frank Reich as the new man in charge – a new start in a positive direction.

The hard work continued, shifting Carolina’s new staff to focus on improving the roster. The Panthers struggled to score points in 2022 – ranking 20th (20.4) at the season’s end. A quarterback carousel prohibited teammates from developing chemistry and resulted in sporadic drives. Baker Mayfield (1,313) led PJ Walker (731) and Sam Darnold (1,143) in passing yards, but it did not help add victories to the win column.

A blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears could solve Carolina’s quarterback woes for the upcoming season. An opportunity to draft C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young with the No.1 pick will cause the Panthers’ owners to consider the state of their franchise. The Panthers added a handful of role players through free agency and could rely on Baker Mayfield to redeem himself as an NFL quarterback. Miles Saunders, D.J. Shark, and Adam Theilen will make an immediate impact on offense – but will it be enough to hide Mayfield’s inconsistencies?

Only time will reveal what the Panthers are planning to do with the first pick. General Manager Scott Fitterer made statements, reiterating Carolina’s decision to remain open-minded.” We’ve made a conscious effort the keep an open mind about this” he replied during Monday’s press conference.

The NFL draft will help franchises add skill to their depth chart – raising the competition level for the upcoming season. As fans wait to see who will become the next member of their favorite team – analysts and coaching staff will continue to evaluate the best moves for a busy 2023 NFL Draft.