Three Black QBs Make History in 2023 NFL Draft with Top Five Selections
Former Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud winds up to throw a pass at practice
Credit: Oho State Dept. of Athletics
By: Joshua Martin
The 2023 NFL Draft witnessed a groundbreaking moment in the history for the culture as three black quarterbacks, Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, were drafted within the first five picks. This is a significant achievement for the black community, especially given the challenges that African American quarterbacks have faced in the past.
THE moment. pic.twitter.com/MrOwKr52eT
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 28, 2023
Ultimately, the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young with the number 1 overall pick. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, is a talented quarterback who possesses excellent leadership skills, agility, and a strong arm. His exceptional performance in college football, coupled with his incredible work ethic, made him a prime candidate for the top pick.
C.J. Stroud, who played for Ohio State, was drafted as the second overall pick by the Houston Texans. Stroud is a skilled quarterback who is known for his accuracy and ability to read defenses. He had an outstanding college career, and his selection in the top five picks is a testament to his talent and hard work.
Lastly, Anthony Richardson, who played for the University of Florida, was drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. Richardson is a dual-threat quarterback who is known for his speed and agility. His incredible performance in college football, coupled with his impressive physical attributes, made him an attractive prospect for the Colts. The selection of these three black quarterbacks in the top five picks is a significant achievement for the NFL and a sign of progress towards greater diversity and inclusion in the league.
More from the 2023 NFL Draft
The Texans were eager to acquire top level prospects on both sides of the ball. After making a deal with the Arizona Cardinals to move up to pick 3, Houston acquired who many feel was the top overall prospect in this year's class, edge rusher from the University of Alabama Will Anderson Jr. A monster of an athlete with quick hands and an extremely high motor.
Rounding out the top 5 was the Seattle Seahawks selecting Devon Witherspoon, defensive back from the university of Illinois. With the attitude and athletic profile scouts gush over, Witherspoon has a chance to become a high impact player immediately.
The middle of the draft saw teams focusing on interior lineman and defensive difference makers. The Philadelphia Eagles continue to knock this drafting thing out of the park with their selection of Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia at pick 9. A disruptive force in the interior who fell due to off the field concerns.
All for this moment@breadmanjalen | #NFLDraft | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/g6YVlxGDgH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 28, 2023
“Grinding all my life for this moment.”
After 19 consecutive picks to begin the draft without a wide receiver, four in a row came off the board to start the 20s.
The bottom of the draft usually spots pretty good teams who simply are looking to add depth or crazy value. With no topflight prospect still on the board at 26, The Cowboys selected Mazi Smith, DT, University of Michigan much to the delight of Dallas’s All Pro edge rusher Micah Parson.
Micah Parsons got his wish, he texted Cowboys DC Dan Quinn earlier in the day that he wanted Mazi Smith
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 28, 2023
(Video: @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/LUCjQsCwMt
To round out the first round, the two participants in last season’s Super Bowl added to their defense with Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State respectively at 30 and 31.
KEY NOTES from the Draft
The running back position saw a slight resurgence with 2 players chosen within the top 12 picks. (Pick 8 - Atlanta Falcons Bijan Robinson,Texas; Pick 12 - Detroit Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama)
The selection of Gibbs at pick 12 was probably the most surprising selection on Day 1. With Gibbs even being surprised by the pick.
"I feel great," Gibbs said. "I didn't know I would get picked as high as I did because running backs don't get picked as high in this new age and new era of the NFL draft, but it was pretty shocking to me.” - Jahmyr Gibbs, ESPN
Alabama also sets a NFL Draft record with 15 consecutive seasons with a draft pick in the first round. This is also the third time in the last four years a Alabama QB was taken in the first round.
Congratulations to all of the young men drafted on opening day. It's an honor to be a first round pick and potentially life altering for them and their families for generations. Now that their draft fates are sealed, it's time for these guys to live up to the hype!! We’ll be watching!!
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