POLL: 2023 Colts QB - Who do you Want Part II

[RollerColt]

The offseason is rolling right along, and the combine is over for our QB prospects. It's time to once again gauge the forum and see where we stand on who we want. This time around, I have decided to also include some free agents as they have been tossed around as options for us. 

 

Previous poll results:

1. CJ Stroud 43.62%

2. Will Levis 24.83%

3. Bryce Young 14.09%

4. Anthony Richardson 8.72%

5. Stetson Bennett 3.36%

6. Tanner McKee 2.68%

7. Hendon Hooker 2.01%

8. Dorian Thompson-Robinson 0.67%

 

Some stats and general information: 

 

CJ Stroud - Ohio State

6'3", 214lbs

 

Will Levis - Kentucky

6'4", 229lbs

 

 

Bryce Young - Alabama

5'10", 204lbs

 

 

Anthony Richardson - Florida

6'4", 244lbs

 

 

 

 

Hendon Hooker - Tennessee

6'3", 217lbs

 

Tanner McKee - Stanford

6'3", 231lbs

 

Aiden O'Connell - Purdue

6'3", 213lbs

 

Jake Haener - Fresno State

6', 207lbs

 

Jaren Hall - BYU

6', 207lbs (No you read that correctly, Jake and Jaren are the exact same)

 

Stetson Bennett - Georgia

5'11", 192lbs

 

Dorian Thompson-Robinson - UCLA

6'1, 203lbs

[adubb84]

@RollerColt Thanks for putting this together! On that note after watching Interviews and throwing sessions I feel Stroud is the guy. Poised, focus, and as he said an accuracy specialist. The balls he threw were SO pretty.

 

Something about Levis is a bit off putting and I can’t put my finger on it. Think Ryan Leaf…

 

I will double down on my preference by stating that we think we we need to move up to at least 3 to secure him. In all honestly it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Texans take him first. 
 

I’ve had this feeling for some reason that we end up with Young somehow. 
 

Draft can’t get here fast enough! Lol. Ready to see a young signal caller take the rains 

[RollerColt]

3 minutes ago, adubb84 said:

@RollerColt Thanks for putting this together! On that note after watching Interviews and throwing sessions I feel Stroud is the guy. Poised, focus, and as he said an accuracy specialist. The balls he threw were SO pretty.

 

Something about Levis is a bit off putting and I can’t put my finger on it. Think Ryan Leaf…

 

I will double down on my preference by stating that we think we we need to move up to at least 3 to secure him. In all honestly it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Texans take him first. 
 

I’ve had this feeling for some reason that we end up with Young somehow. 
 

Draft can’t get here fast enough! Lol. Ready to see a young signal caller take the rains 

I've got a weird feeling about Levis as well. I had Stroud as my #1, and after the combine that hasn't changed. Levis has dropped a bit for me. Nothing wrong with him being serious, but the body language just seemed off. Maybe he was nervous. 

[adubb84]

1 minute ago, RollerColt said:

I've got a weird feeling about Levis as well. I had Stroud as my #1, and after the combine that hasn't changed. Levis has dropped a bit for me. Nothing wrong with him being serious, but the body language just seemed off. Maybe he was nervous. 

Yes! Overly buttoned up and making the moment about his throwing power rather than focusing on his overall skill set. Took things too seriously and that affected his performance. Imagine that same mindset compounding on the big stage. Just screams Carson Wentz. Hard pass..

 

I have it now:

Stroud

Young

Richardson

Levis

 

In that order. Wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on Bennett. He was sharp. 

[RollerColt]

2 minutes ago, adubb84 said:

Yes! Overly buttoned up and making the moment about his throwing power rather than focusing on his overall skill set. Took things too seriously and that affected his performance. Imagine that same mindset compounding on the big stage. Just screams Carson Wentz. Hard pass..

 

I have it now:

Stroud

Young

Richardson

Levis

 

In that order. Wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on Bennett. He was sharp. 

My list is the same at the moment. Interested to see how Young's pro day goes. I'll probably post one final poll next month with videos of all the pro-days (hopefully). 

[adubb84]

Me too. Look forward to it. 

[hoosierhawk]

1. Stroud

2. Young

3. Richardson

Hope we stay put at 4 and feel we will get one of these guys. Richardson scares me a little but they say he has a high football IQ which is positive. We will need to invest in a stop gap QB with Richardson in my opinion for sure. 

[VikingsFanInChennai]

still not even an entry for Tyson Bagent in the poll? 

 

not that I'd choose him , but he had some nice throws in the Combine 

[VikingsFanInChennai]

1 hour ago, RollerColt said:

I've got a weird feeling about Levis as well. I had Stroud as my #1, and after the combine that hasn't changed. Levis has dropped a bit for me. Nothing wrong with him being serious, but the body language just seemed off. Maybe he was nervous. 

yeah, looked nervous though he didn't want to be seen that way. But definitely, I-see-through-you-when-you're-nervous kind. 

[stitches]

If we plan on pulling a Washington and double down on QB in the same draft... I think I'm warming up to the idea of drafting Stetson Bennett on day 3 as a potential cheap backup. 

 

At the top, I think I want Richardson the most... 

[ADnum1]

1 hour ago, adubb84 said:

Yes! Overly buttoned up and making the moment about his throwing power rather than focusing on his overall skill set. Took things too seriously and that affected his performance. Imagine that same mindset compounding on the big stage. Just screams Carson Wentz. Hard pass..

 

I have it now:

Stroud

Young

Richardson

Levis

 

In that order. Wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on Bennett. He was sharp. 

Stetson is clutch

[RollerColt]

11 minutes ago, stitches said:

If we plan on pulling a Washington and double down on QB in the same draft... I think I'm warming up to the idea of drafting Stetson Bennett on day 3 as a potential cheap backup. 

 

At the top, I think I want Richardson the most... 

Stetson had a good combine. His interview was genuine and he owned up to his mistakes. Then the next day he went out and made some really nice throws.

[RollerColt]

 

Found a few more reference resources for folks. 

[Hawkeyecolt]

Stetson weighs even less than Young. I’ll pass. Sign a vet. Draft Stroud or Richardson is my preference. 

[superrep1967]

I liked Stroud until he said Vick was his favorite player. I mean there’s some bad character issues with Vick with the dog fighting. I can’t stress even how horrible that was for them animals. I’m not a animal activist or anything but come on. 

[superrep1967]

38 minutes ago, Hawkeyecolt said:

Stetson weighs even less than Young. I’ll pass. Sign a vet. Draft Stroud or Richardson is my preference. 

Richardson accuracy is terrible and you want him okay got you. 
 

[superrep1967]

I’ll choose Bryce Young yes he’s small but his stats at Alabama was out this world. His accuracy was top notch he’s the best QB in the draft this year hands down. I mean Drew Brees was small and he’s a hall of fame QB. 

[RollerColt]

3 hours ago, VikingsFanInChennai said:

still not even an entry for Tyson Bagent in the poll? 

 

not that I'd choose him , but he had some nice throws in the Combine 

Lol my bad, I actually meant to include him but my eyes got crossed with all of the text. 

 

3 hours ago, VikingsFanInChennai said:

yeah, looked nervous though he didn't want to be seen that way. But definitely, I-see-through-you-when-you're-nervous kind. 

He did show a genuine smile during the deep throw routine. I just hope for his sake he learns to be humble. Nothing wrong with being confident in the ability, but to be a leader in the NFL locker room you can't go in acting like you're better than everyone else. 2022 Russell Wilson and Zach Wilson come to mind... 

 

What's up with Wilsons in the NFL? 

[Moosejawcolt]

21 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

Lol my bad, I actually meant to include him but my eyes got crossed with all of the text. 

 

He did show a genuine smile during the deep throw routine. I just hope for his sake he learns to be humble. Nothing wrong with being confident in the ability, but to be a leader in the NFL locker room you can't go in acting like you're better than everyone else. 2022 Russell Wilson and Zach Wilson come to mind... 

 

What's up with Wilsons in the NFL? 

Here's what I think. Everyone is just throwing crap against the wall after the combine. The so called experts are juat gushing over Richardson and saying how smart  Young is and   Stroud is do fluid throwing the ball. I think the GMs and coaches  know something else. When they panned to them in the stands , I never saw  moments where the coaches were in awe of what they saw. Sure u heard Brooks and Jeremiah gushing but they have become extensions of the agents. Ask  yourself this. The Bears have Fields who I believe is not a starting qb in the NFL. I have  seen enough and GMs that  I listen to say he has hit his ceiling. Now the Bears got  know he is  not the long term answer. So ask yourself this. If the Bears r willing to trade the pick and stay with Fields and internally they know he is not the guy what does that say about this draft  class??? I think it is  bad draft for qbs.  I actually think the guy the Colts could pick is Hooker.  I think they go Dend with the  1st pick and slide back to get Hooker.

[Moosejawcolt]

1 minute ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Here's what I think. Everyone is just throwing crap against the wall after the combine. The so called experts are juat gushing over Richardson and saying how smart  Young is and   Stroud is do fluid throwing the ball. I think the GMs and coaches  know something else. When they panned to them in the stands , I never saw  moments where the coaches were in awe of what they saw. Sure u heard Brooks and Jeremiah gushing but they have become extensions of the agents. Ask  yourself this. The Bears have Fields who I believe is not a starting qb in the NFL. I have  seen enough and GMs that  I listen to say he has hit his ceiling. Now the Bears got  know he is  not the long term answer. So ask yourself this. If the Bears r willing to trade the pick and stay with Fields and internally they know he is not the guy what does that say about this draft  class??? I think it is  bad draft for qbs.  I actually think the guy the Colts could pick is Hooker.  I think they go Dend with the  1st pick and slide back to get Hooker.

Or a player like DTR out of UCLA

[throwing BBZ]

I Guess that Stroud and Richardson will be Steichen's preference.

Ballard has to figure out the path.

[NFLfan]

8 hours ago, adubb84 said:

Just screams Carson Wentz. Hard pass..

 

Someone on the Vikings site told me that he thought Levis reminded him of Wentz and Jake Locker.

 

His cockiness reminded me a bit of Jeff George who had all the physical tools but was over-confident. 

[coltsfan_canada]

Stroud

Young

 

After that hopefully anything better than previous years. 

[James]

Richardson all day

[2006Coltsbestever]

5 hours ago, throwing BBZ said:

I Guess that Stroud and Richardson will be Steichen's preference.

Ballard has to figure out the path.

That is too bad if true because Young is better than both.

[2006Coltsbestever]

What will be frustrating is, if the Texans take Young and he eats us alive for the next 10 years. Only other QB I would want is Stroud, Stroud can be a good pro. AR's accuracy is terrible and I have watched enough of Levis to know he isn't better than Young or Stroud.

[Two_pound]

Stroud is the best player in this draft, period! You want to compete with Mahomes and Burrow, you need Stroud.

[throwing BBZ]

12 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

That is too bad if true because Young is better than both.

 

 The reason'S to Not take shorty are clear and Obvious to many.

His deficiencies could allow you to make the playoffs for some period of time. lol getting to a SB. Stroud is a better choice from day #1, Richardson has a higher ceiling than Cam Newton who carried a team to the SB.

 I suppose you would re-draft Kyler Murray #1. He was terrific, for his size.

Would you trade #4 for Kyler if he had a 4 year contract for $25M per. 

I wouldn't because he won't ever play in a SB. 

[Shive]

On 3/5/2023 at 5:52 PM, superrep1967 said:

I liked Stroud until he said Vick was his favorite player. I mean there’s some bad character issues with Vick with the dog fighting. I can’t stress even how horrible that was for them animals. I’m not a animal activist or anything but come on. 

Since somehow you didn't hear the same thing everyone else did, let me transcribe what he said:

"Growing up for me, one of the reasons I wore number 7 was because of Michael Vick. He inspired me not just to be athletic and use my athleticism, but as a black quarterback to stay in the pocket and throw the ball. And that's something that he was very underrated in. I also looked up to Deshaun Watson as someone that I feel like I have a similar playing stay to and then Joe Burrow, being able to create. Not being the fastest guy, but can extend plays, throw guys off of you...be tough. And that's something I feel like I do in this game."

 

I don't know how you took comments about players that have influenced Stroud's playing style as an indictment on his character.

[superrep1967]

2 hours ago, Shive said:

Since somehow you didn't hear the same thing everyone else did, let me transcribe what he said:

"Growing up for me, one of the reasons I wore number 7 was because of Michael Vick. He inspired me not just to be athletic and use my athleticism, but as a black quarterback to stay in the pocket and throw the ball. And that's something that he was very underrated in. I also looked up to Deshaun Watson as someone that I feel like I have a similar playing stay to and then Joe Burrow, being able to create. Not being the fastest guy, but can extend plays, throw guys off of you...be tough. And that's something I feel like I do in this game."

 

I don't know how you took comments about players that have influenced Stroud's playing style as an indictment on his character.

He just didn’t like him looking up to someone with character issues especially those character issues. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

10 hours ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 The reason'S to Not take shorty are clear and Obvious to many.

His deficiencies could allow you to make the playoffs for some period of time. lol getting to a SB. Stroud is a better choice from day #1, Richardson has a higher ceiling than Cam Newton who carried a team to the SB.

 I suppose you would re-draft Kyler Murray #1. He was terrific, for his size.

Would you trade #4 for Kyler if he had a 4 year contract for $25M per. 

I wouldn't because he won't ever play in a SB. 

I think he will be better than Murray.

[Stephen]

On 3/5/2023 at 3:08 PM, adubb84 said:

Yes! Overly buttoned up and making the moment about his throwing power rather than focusing on his overall skill set. Took things too seriously and that affected his performance. Imagine that same mindset compounding on the big stage. Just screams Carson Wentz. Hard pass..

 

I have it now:

Stroud

Young

Richardson

Levis

 

In that order. Wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on Bennett. He was sharp. 

I think that order is right though I think we end up with the worst one of that group in Levis

[RollerColt]

4 minutes ago, Stephen said:

I think that order is right though I think we end up with the worst one of that group in Levis

It remains to be seen. The Seahawks giving Geno Smith that 3 year deal is big. The Panthers are now the team to watch for Levis in my opinion. 

 

My thinking at the moment, which will change by noon probably is that the Texans take Young, we take Stroud, Panthers take Levis and then perhaps Bucs or someone along that type of team takes Richardson. 

[Stephen]

18 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

It remains to be seen. The Seahawks giving Geno Smith that 3 year deal is big. The Panthers are now the team to watch for Levis in my opinion. 

 

My thinking at the moment, which will change by noon probably is that the Texans take Young, we take Stroud, Panthers take Levis and then perhaps Bucs or someone along that type of team takes Richardson. 

What happens at noon?

[chad72]

21 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

It remains to be seen. The Seahawks giving Geno Smith that 3 year deal is big. The Panthers are now the team to watch for Levis in my opinion. 

 

My thinking at the moment, which will change by noon probably is that the Texans take Young, we take Stroud, Panthers take Levis and then perhaps Bucs or someone along that type of team takes Richardson. 

 

If the Colts move to No.3, I can see the Panthers moving from No.9 and swapping with the Cardinals at No.4 for Levis, giving up 2 first rounders instead of giving up 3 first rounders to the Bears. 

[RollerColt]

27 minutes ago, Stephen said:

What happens at noon?

Nothing, my mind just changes on the ranking of prospective QBs besides Stroud. 

[runthepost]

15 hours ago, superrep1967 said:

He just didn’t like him looking up to someone with character issues especially those character issues. 

Looked up to as a player is different than liked up to as a role model

[TimetobringDfence!]

On 3/6/2023 at 5:30 AM, Two_pound said:

Stroud is the best player in this draft, period! You want to compete with Mahomes and Burrow, you need Stroud.

Stroud definately performed well at combine, I'd prefer him then Young. But we have had a course with Ohio ST. Players staying healthy for us. Mike Doss, Jack Mehort, Malik Hooker, Tyquan Lewis, and Paris Campbell. Do we risk 6 in a row...

[stitches]

My biggest hang up with Stroud is his athleticism and playmaking ability. I think you NEED to have those in the modern day NFL in order to be competitive at the highest level. And even the best of the best head coaches in the league have made that abundantly clear over the last several years - Andy Reid got rid off Alex Smith for Patrick Mahomes, Shannahan gave up 3 1st rounders+ to replace Jimmy G with Lance, McVey gave up on Goff for Stafford, Harbaugh replaced Flacco with Lamar, etc. 

 

Those are some of the best coaches in the league and some of the best offensive coaches in that list. They are telling us pretty directly what they think about trying to win at the highest level with those types of QBs. Sometimes good schemes and playcalling can get you so far... then you need top tier talent and playmaking for consistent year after year contention at the highest level. 

 

So... does Stroud have that? First, purely athletically and second - does he have the feel and vision to playmake out of structure and under pressure? And if he doesn't... can it be improved? Because right now he doesn't have that part of the game, IMO. I don't know... I've been thinking about the lower limit to what I would consider workable as an athlete and I came up with Joe Burrow. I think he's the lowest level athlete that would actually work and allow you to be consistent contender. But to a huge degree it's because his vision and poise when pressured is at such a high level... So for me the question for Stroud is - Is he as good of an athlete as Burrow? And can he improve his poise, vision, creativity off-structure to get to at least partly the level Burrow is at now? 

 

 

[RollerColt]

23 minutes ago, stitches said:

My biggest hang up with Stroud is his athleticism and playmaking ability. I think you NEED to have those in the modern day NFL in order to be competitive at the highest level. And even the best of the best head coaches in the league have made that abundantly clear over the last several years - Andy Reid got rid off Alex Smith for Patrick Mahomes, Shannahan gave up 3 1st rounders+ to replace Jimmy G with Lance, McVey gave up on Goff for Stafford, Harbaugh replaced Flacco with Lamar, etc. 

 

Those are some of the best coaches in the league and some of the best offensive coaches in that list. They are telling us pretty directly what they think about trying to win at the highest level with those types of QBs. Sometimes good schemes and playcalling can get you so far... then you need top tier talent and playmaking for consistent year after year contention at the highest level. 

 

So... does Stroud have that? First, purely athletically and second - does he have the feel and vision to playmake out of structure and under pressure? And if he doesn't... can it be improved? Because right now he doesn't have that part of the game, IMO. I don't know... I've been thinking about the lower limit to what I would consider workable as an athlete and I came up with Joe Burrow. I think he's the lowest level athlete that would actually work and allow you to be consistent contender. But to a huge degree it's because his vision and poise when pressured is at such a high level... So for me the question for Stroud is - Is he as good of an athlete as Burrow? And can he improve his poise, vision, creativity off-structure to get to at least partly the level Burrow is at now? 

 

 

Burrow's strength has always been his ability to make a big time play happen. But, in order to do that he needs some big time weapons. At LSU he had probably one of the greatest WR duos in CFB history. Matthew Stafford as well can get the ball to anyone anywhere on the field as long as they're talented enough to catch it and get YAC. 

 

Harrison was Manning's go to guy early on. Wayne was Luck's. I think regardless of who we get, we're going to have to get someone next year to be our young QBs target. 

 

It's either that or we bulk up this defense to a max degree and play ala early Tom Brady style with a monster defense that puts less pressure on the offense. 

 

Will the rest of the offense be able to support a rookie QB? They didn't do Ehlinger any favors last season...