With the 2023 NFL Draft just a few weeks away, the betting markets have seemingly decided that Bryce Young will get selected first overall. However, the next quarterback off the board remains a big question mark.
The 2023 NFL Draft odds at DraftKings Sportsbook suggest C.J. Stroud should go next, although Will Levis is a close runner-up to become the second quarterback taken. Let’s dive into the NFL draft odds at the quarterback position.
2023 NFL Draft Odds: After Bryce Young, It’s a Race Between C.J. Stroud and Will Levis for QB2
A look at the NFL draft odds reveals that Alabama’s Bryce Young sits at -1200 (92.3%) to get selected first overall. With so little uncertainty surrounding the top pick — and the top quarterback — DraftKings Sportsbook has already opened the bidding on the second quarterback taken.
Currently, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud ranks as the favorite to follow Young as the second quarterback drafted. However, Stroud’s odds of -135 imply only a 57.5% chance that happens. Kentucky’s Will Levis trails close behind with odds of +140, which implies a 41.7% chance that he follows Young. Florida’s Anthony Richardson slots in with odds of +400, or 20%, after his dominant showing at the combine. Young rounds out the realistic options with odds of +1200, or 7.7%.
2023 NFL Draft experts don’t really disagree about which quarterback will follow Young: a near consensus has Stroud following him. Dane Brugler, an analyst for the Athletic, had Stroud at second overall in his most recent mock draft. The PFF Analytics team also has Stroud at second overall, one pick before Richardson. ESPN’s Todd McShay and Football Outsider’s Benjamin Robinson also put Stroud at second overall.
Not every expert has Stroud landing with the Houston Texas or at second overall, but those who don’t still have him following Young. NFL Network’s Peter Schrager also has Stroud at second with the Indianapolis Colts trading up to get him. The Ringer has Stroud going third overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis has Stroud going fourth, also to the Colts, and after only pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
So with a near-consensus on Stroud following Young, why do the NFL draft odds have it as a close race between the two players? Draft analysts may be valuing collegiate production more than NFL front offices. Teams looking for the next Josh Allen, a quarterback with underwhelming college numbers but great physical traits, could take a risk on either Levis or Richardson.
Still, I think it’s hard to get excited about drafting a quarterback who couldn’t beat the Vanderbilt Commodores last year, something both Levis and Richardson failed to do. Bettors looking to get action on Stroud to be the second quarterback off the board can do so at DraftKings, where a winning $5 moneyline wager can turn into $150 in bonus bets for new users!
