While the 2023 NFL Draft's top quarterback prospects (Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis) suck up a lot of oxygen in regards to where they'll get drafted in the first round, there are some quarterbacks set to come off the board at the end of Day 2 (Round 3) or on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) who could play crucial roles during the 2023 season. Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, ended up winning a couple playoff games, perhaps changing the long-term future at his position for the 49ers. Granted, Purdy's situation was the perfect marriage of opportunity plus a phenomenal supporting cast and offensive play-caller, but other rookies could end up with spot starts or extended play time if similar injuries occur in front of them like they did for Purdy.
Fourth-round picks like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins are two of the higher-paid players in the entire NFL, and who knows, maybe a Day 3 quarterback in this year's draft eventually follows in their footsteps. Here's a look at six of the more promising mid-round quarterbacks, each with a light scouting report and potential NFL team fit.
Clayton Tune
- Height: 6-2 1/2"
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Hand size: 9 3/8"
Clayton Tune has the size and agility NFL teams are looking when evaluating quarterbacks. He always remains balanced when throwing, thanks to great movement inside the pocket, which allows him to create just enough time for his intended targets to come open. Tune was incredibly productive in college, as his 104 touchdown passes were the second-most in school history behind Case Keenum's 155, the most in college football history. He had his best season in 2022 with a career-high 4,074 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns, tied for the third most in college football, trailing only Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Stroud. Tune's knocks are that he will stare down receivers, resulting in double-digit interceptions in each of his past three seasons, and he isn't nearly as good while throwing on the run. If he improves his decision-making, Tune could have a nice NFL career.
Potential Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tune could compete for the Buccaneers' starting spot right away in Tampa Bay with Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield. Even if he doesn't win, Tune would be in a nice spot to develop with receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin around. Mayfield is only on a one-year deal, so Tune could get chances at playing time in 2024 if it doesn't materialize in 2023.
Max Duggan
- Height: 6-1 1/2"
- Weight: 207 pounds
- Hand size: 9 7/8"
TCU quarterback Max Duggan being a 2023 NFL Draft prospect would've sounded ludicrous after his first three seasons from 2019-2021. His season high in passing touchdowns across his first three seasons was 16 in 2021. Then, Duggan became a changed man in Year 1 of the Sonny Dykes Era in Fort Worth, throwing 32 touchdowns to only eight interceptions while rushing for nine scores. That led to a Heisman runner-up run as the Horned Frogs reached the National Championship. What changed? Duggan became a more accurate passer, locating his high-velocity passes with much more regularity while playing in a much more nuanced offensive scheme. He led college football in touchdown passes of 20 or more yards (17) and 50 or more yards (nine). His 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine matches his tape where he consistently runs by and through defenders while putting his body on the line for extra yards at all times.
The cons would be that Duggan needs a decent amount of work with his touch on throws, but he continues to work on cleaning up his footwork and throwing mechanics with superstar quarterback trainer Jordan Palmer. He's a project who needs to develop at the next level, but he could surprise the NFL world like he did the college football world if provided the right environment to grow.
Potential Fit: Los Angeles Chargers
