3 quarterbacks who could replace Russell Wilson in 2023. Yes, 2023.
By Lee Vowell
Bryce Young, 2023 NFL draft
How is Seattle going to move up enough to get Young who will be a sure first-round pick in 2023? Well, trading Russell Wilson, that’s how. Young might not be the first quarterback picked in next year’s draft (safely assuming he leaves college early) and might be the third overall but will definitely go first round. The only thing really holding Young back is he isn’t extremely tall. He is 6-feet tall.
Maybe the stigma of the “short” quarterback is diminishing because of players like Russell Wilson. But while Kyler Murray was the first overall pick in 2019 (thanks to Wilson who proved a quarterback who isn’t 6’4″ could still be great) and has some excellent physical skills he has lately been a bit odd as far as leadership and being a teammate.
With a choice between a 6’4″ quarterback and one that is 5’10” and both might have leadership issues, teams are going to choose the taller player. So, Murray has probably hurt the chances of shorter quarterbacks being drafted above taller ones if the skill set and leadership qualities seem close.
Young, however, would be a near-perfect replacement for Wilson in Seattle, however, because the Seahawks are already used to playing a quarterback who isn’t tall. Plus, and most importantly, Young has dynamic accuracy (66.9 percent completion in 2021) and doesn’t turn the ball over (47 touchdown passes against 7 interceptions). Great traits for any quarterback but a team can win with a rookie who doesn’t force the ball.