The 2023 NFL draft class brought us several rookie quarterbacks that have a shot to start in 2023. However, the NFL is a whole different world compared to the NCAA. Rookies of every position in the game will need to make adjustments to help their team succeed, especially the quarterbacks.
Each of the rookie quarterbacks fresh out of the NFL Draft will feel some pressure in the pocket. As such, each quarterback will look to a ‘safety valve’, who will be a reliable crutch at receiver when things are tough.
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Every Rookie Quarterback’s ‘Safety Blanket’ in 2023
C.J. Stroud – Dalton Schultz
C.J. Stroud finds himself in one of the NFL’s most improved offenses this season. The Houston Texans added the likes of Robert Woods, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz.
The third of those options is most likely to act as the safety valve for Stroud. Schultz is coming off of another very solid year with Dallas. He managed to put up 57 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns.
Why Schultz, though?
Dell, John Metchie and Robert Woods are all wide receivers with something to prove in 2023. All are going to get targets in Houston’s new-look offense thanks to their speed and hands.
However, rookie quarterbacks still have that giant rookie shaped asterisk hanging over their head their first year. Stroud is going to make some rookie mistakes. Schultz thrives in the flat and in short routes, making him an excellent safety valve and a touchdown magnet.
Bryce Young – D.J. Chark
Carolina’s offense also underwent a number of major changes during the offseason. D.J. Moore would be the obvious safety valve for Bryce Young, but he got traded to Chicago. Moore was replaced in the off-season by Jonathan Mingo, D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen.
Out of this group, the most likely to act as Young’s safety valve is Chark. Chark found himself in a rather crowded offense in 2022, only managing to catch 30 balls for three touchdowns, the lowest amount of production since his rookie year.
After four years in Jacksonville and one in Detroit, there is a good chance he gets a higher number of targets. The additions of Thielen and Mingo will greatly boost Carolina’s offense in 2023. While those two are solid, but they do not quite have the proven route running and pure speed as Chark.
Chark is primed for more than nine touchdowns and 1,000 yards receiving this season, with a fresh face at quarterback. Do not sleep on him in fantasy either.
Anthony Richardson – Michael Pittman Jr.
Perhaps the most polarizing quarterback to be drafted in years, Anthony Richardson’s ridiculously high upside is hard to ignore. The former Florida Gator is a raw talent that could thrive in the Colts’ new offense, but he needs a safety blanket.
How do you do, Michael Pittman Jr.?
Pittman has been climbing the offensive ladder steadily since his rookie campaign. Year after year, his targets have increased.
Pittman, unfortunately, remained slightly inconsistent due to lacklustre play at quarterback. Matt Ryan is an amazing locker room presence, but his prime was past him last year.
Richardson has a chance to light a fire under the feet of Indianapolis’ receivers and tight ends. Watch for Pittman to get the most targets and most receiving yards on a rebuilding offense.
Will Levis – DeAndre Hopkins
Strap in, Titans fans. This upgraded offense has a chance to go nuclear.
Notice the word ‘chance’. Rookie quarterback Will Levis has shown flashes of incredible athleticism at Kentucky and his pro day.
Despite falling out of the first round, Levis landed in a system that might offer a starting opportunity this year. However, Levis is not the only new Titan to be noted.
DeAndre Hopkins, come on down.
Hopkins is the obvious choice. Tennessee did not just bring in Hopkins for a career revival, they did it to provide security to their quarterback. Whoever is starting for the Titans in Week 1 will be looking his way within the first few pass attempts.
By the time Levis gets the keys to the offense, Hopkins will be his favorite target. Hopkins has provided a safety blanket for many below-average quarterbacks.
His transition from a scrambling Kyler Murray-led system to a pocket passing Titans system will be dramatic. Either way, Hopkins will be the true no.1 in Tennessee, providing a dream safety blanket that any rookie quarterback would kill for.
It is still a ‘time will tell’ situation on who each rookie quarterback will lean on the heaviest. Look for the guys above to be yardage and touchdown-dependent in rookie quarterback-led offenses in 2023.
Main Photo: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
