The NFL Draft is approaching fast. Experts have been debating who should be the number one pick. One player in contention for the top spot is former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who was previously seen as a top prospect before some fluctuations in his stock. However, Mel Kiper, a well-known NFL draft analyst, believes Carter is still the best player in this year’s class and hasn’t dropped in the eyes of NFL teams. He has been consistently viewed as one of the best defensive players in the country and a top 10 pick in the draft.
While Carter is in the running, there are several quarterbacks that could also be considered for the top pick, including Bryce Young from Alabama, C.J. Stroud from Ohio State, Will Levis from Kentucky, and Anthony Richardson from Florida. ESPN Stats & Information’s John Parolin pulled two telling stats from each quarterback’s 2022 season for each of five key statistical areas. NFL draft analyst Todd McShay then evaluated the numbers against what he sees on tape, with additional context from Parolin.
Ultimately, McShay believes that Stroud is the best choice for the number one pick, as he is a mostly pocket passer who can make all the throws, and has accuracy and timing. McShay sees untapped upside in Stroud, much like Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ quarterback. Meanwhile, Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich hasn’t ruled out any of the four quarterbacks targeted for the top pick, including Young, whose biggest drawback is his height at 5’10”. Kentucky’s Levis could be a pocket passer, but that might not be the best use of his skills, and Florida’s Richardson has size and strength, but his college completion percentage is under 55%.
Ultimately, the choice for the number one pick will depend on the team’s specific needs and preferences, and the debate is likely to continue until the draft takes place.
