NFL mock draft 2023: Colts select a quarterback, but at No. 1 or No. 4?
The Indianapolis Colts hold the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and general manager Chris Ballard has to go for a quarterback, right? Remember, Matt Ryan, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger are still under contract.
The Colts might try to move up to No. 1, just to make sure they get their preferred QB. But who would that be, and what would they have to give up? Read below for a potential package to secure that pick.
Rookie or veteran?: Here are quarterbacks who could be available in the offseason
Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Colts trade up to No. 1
The Chicago Bears are sitting on a golden ticket. With a quarterback talent like Young in this class, the No. 1 overall pick is going to be in high demand. The Colts make too much sense to be the team willing to offer a sweetheart deal to the Bears because a) it would still allow the Bears to be in striking distance for one of the two blue-chip defensive line prospects in the class, and b) the Colts are desperate for a franchise quarterback after years of one-season rentals at the position.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
Since Andrew Luck's retirement, the Colts have had little success turning to QBs nearing the end of their careers, and it's safe to assume that owner Jim Irsay will be looking for the team's next face of the franchise. C.J. Stroud has flown under the national-media radar all season, but some NFL teams will tell you he'll be in the running for QB1, and his performance in the semifinal game vs. Georgia showed that he can beat you with his arm and his legs.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
A disastrous season bookended by humiliating results against the Texans looks like it could prompt the Colts to do what Chris Ballard has avoided for so long: take a swing on a young quarterback. Stroud might give an impatient group a shot at a relatively smooth transition, as the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist is a sharp distributor who repeatedly finds targets in favorable positions. Of course, even with Jonathan Taylor in tow, Stroud will have to demonstrate composure in the face of chaos early on, as the rest of the Colts' offense is in rough shape.
Walter Football: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
The Colts need to find a permanent solution at quarterback, rather than play musical chairs at the position. C.J. Stroud completed 71 percent of his passes this past season. He's a lethal passer, and as we saw in the college football semifinal, he can run if he needs to with his 4.65 speed.
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
When you look at CJ Stroud, he’s a prototypical pocket passer, with accuracy to all three levels and a great processor pre and post snap. ... One of the biggest criticisms of Stroud was his ability to create out of structure and use his legs. Stroud is a good athlete, but often chose not to run or extend plays with his feet. He answered that question emphatically against Georgia in the CFP Semifinal however, showcasing every tool in the toolbox.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
The Colts' reward for an absolute QB mess between Matt Ryan, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger in the final abbreviated season under Frank Reich is being bad enough to get in position to stop recycling veteran QBs. They can land Stroud, a smart pocket passer with the right accuracy and intangibles to thrive as their true delayed franchise replacement for Andrew Luck.
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the Texans taking Bryce Young at No. 2
Stroud’s potential in this offense is intriguing. The Colts need to solidify a couple of spots on their offensive line to support him, but he has top-20 QB upside as a rookie in this offense. Of course, some of that will also depend on who the head coach ends up being. Adding Stroud would also provide a boost to the value of Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce while taking some of the attention away from Jonathan Taylor.
Jaime Eisner, Draft Network: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Colts trade up to No. 1; they give the Bears their 2023 1st-round pick (No. 4 overall), 2023 2nd-round pick (No. 36 overall), 2023 4th-round pick (No. 106 overall), 2024 1st-round pick, 2024 2nd-round pick
Chris Ballard may survive this offseason, but we won’t be so lucky a year from now if the quarterback position is still in flux. At some point, he’s going to have to take a swing on a young passer or be out of a job — and I believe Ballard knows this. Which GM will mortgage the future in hopes of finding a franchise QB? How about one that won’t be around to use those future picks if he’s wrong? I expect Jim Irsay to have a heavy say in which QB gets drafted, and I can see him falling in love with Will Levis’ size and traits — expect a lot of buzz in the pre-draft cycle. If Levis reaches his full potential, he can help the Colts return to the playoffs. I just can’t get the idea of Irsay loving Levis and demanding he becomes a Colt out of my mind.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL mock draft 2023: Colts select quarterback, likely C.J. Stroud
