ESPN's Mel Kiper explains his prediction of four QBs in Top 5 of 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has four quarterbacks going in the top five of his latest NFL Mock Draft. That includes Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

That’s followed by Bryce Young (Alabama) to the Houston Texans at No. 2, Will Levis (Kentucky) at No. 3 to the Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson (Florida) at No. 5 to the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterbacks came off in bunches.

Kiper released his latest Mock Draft Tuesday and his full top 10 picks can be viewed HERE.

Below is an explanation from Kiper on why he slotted each of the signal callers high up, from ESPN’s Get Up:

C.J. Stroud goes No. 1 to Panthers

“CJ Stroud, he’s got the edge at the number one spot to the Carolina Panthers,” Kiper said. “The big quarterback that Frank Reich has preferred during his career in the National Football League. If he could bottle what he did against Georgia and take that into the NFL throughout his career, he will be outstanding. But we didn’t see that on a regular basis at Ohio State, that dual threat capability, had the strong combine, with a real good pro day, private workouts, he can ride that momentum from that Georgia game all the way to be the number one pick overall to the Carolina Panthers.” 

Bryce Young goes No. 2 to Texans

“Then you’ll get Bryce Young,” Kiper said. “Why does Bryce Young get No. 2? Size, he lacks it. 5-10 and change and you have 204 (pounds), but can you maintain that 204 throughout the season? He doesn’t have the rocket arm, doesn’t have 4.4 speed, but he’s a great processor and he’s a big time quarterback who can do everything you want, but the size at the pro level, can he hold up and withstand punishment?”

Will Levis goes No. 3 to Colts

“Will Levis to me, had he played in 2022 like he did in 2021, he’d be the number one overall pick,” Kiper said. “Why didn’t he play great? He didn’t have help. The O-line was terrible at Kentucky, he didn’t have Wan’Dale Robinson catching the football. What he has though is a rocket arm, mobility, had nine rushing touchdowns in 2021. He was hurt this year, couldn’t run, he was limited and had zero rushing touchdowns over the last eight games. When he’s healthy, Will Levis is outstanding.” 

Anthony Richardson goes No. 5 to Seahawks

“Now the most intriguing quarterback is Anthony Richardson,” Kiper said. “Why? Because he has incredible talent, but he’s raw. He has one year as a starter, that’s it at Florida. He misses layups throwing the football, easy throws are incomplete. Can’t have that … But Anthony Richardson is dynamic as a runner. He’s got a rocket arm just like Will Levis does. I tell you what for a team like Seattle who can develop him behind Geno Smith, I think that would be the perfect scenario in terms of the right team for the right player.”

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The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is located at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft will begin 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft is broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.