Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson are in line to start during their rookie seasons. Here is one weapon that can help each of them succeed this year.
Every time the NFL Draft comes around, fans wonder where the top quarterback prospects are going to spend the beginning of their seasons. While 2022 was a rough class for quarterbacks, the 2023 class had much more star power, so there was more urgency for teams to draft one of them. These prospects were Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, and Florida's Anthony Richardson. Young was selected by the Carolina Panthers, Stroud drafted by the Houston Texans, and Richardson taken by the Indianapolis Colts.
This past weekend, all three took part in their first preseason games. As is the case, there were ups and downs for each of them. All three of them are in line to start this upcoming season. Young was named the starter in the opening days of training camp, Richardson was named the QB1 on Tuesday, and Stroud is competing with Davis Mills.
Considering that fans will be watching all of them take meaningful NFL snaps this season. As is the case, rookie signal callers are going to need some help to ensure they can succeed. Here is one player on each team that can help these rookie quarterbacks.
1 weapon who can help Anthony Richardson: WR Josh Downs
For Richardson, he may have the highest upside of all of his fellow rookie quarterbacks. He has ridiculous arm power and the ability to make plays on the run. The thing is, he had his share of struggles in his lone season as the starter at Florida this past year. But, he has a coach that can probably get the most out of him in Shane Steichen, who helped develop Jalen Hurts as a legitimate top 10 quarterback during his time as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator.
As for a player who can help him, it probably would have been running back Jonathan Taylor. However, his status with the team is in flux, as he demanded a trade from the team, which has not been accepted by owner Jim Irsay.
While Michael Pittman Jr. is a name that fans will list as a weapon at wide receiver, we're actually going to go with Josh Downs.
Playing at North Carolina, Downs has shown to be a more than capable option in the slot. Not to mention, he rarely drops the football when it's thrown his way. This past season, Downs caught 94-of-116 targets for 1,029 yards. In 2021, Downs caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns on 144 targets.
In the team's first preseason game, Downs caught both of his targets for 29 yards.
If given the opportunity, Downs could present himself as a reliable, middle of the fieldmiddle-of-the-field option for Richardson.
1 weapon who can help C.J. Stroud succeed as a rookie: WR Tank Dell
The question that remains is if C.J. Stroud will become the starter for Week 1, or at some point later on in the season. Either way, he should start at some point this upcoming season. The Texans have struggled to find a star at their quarterback position and felt that Stroud could be that player for them. After all, he shined during his time at Ohio State, with his final game being an impressive outing against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl.
When looking at Houston's offense, it's far from one of the best on paper. But, there has been one name that is standing out early on in training camp and the preseason. That is rookie Tank Dell.
Playing for the Houston Cougars, Dell recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and over 12 receiving touchdowns in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The numbers didn't lie, especially when watching him play. The thing is, he measured 5-foot-8 and weighed 186 pounds. The Texans selected Dell in the third round. In fact, Dell claims that Stroud called the team after he was selected second overall and requested they draft the Cougars wideout.
Dell has earned rave reviews in training camp. Then in the team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots, Dell logged five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, all of which were team highs. He put defensive backs in blenders and showed off his speed after the catch. Oh, and there was this impressive touchdown catch.
Dell could be a true difference-maker in Houston's offense this season. He may be a go-to target for Stroud if he does get the nod under center.
1 weapon who can help Bryce Young succeed as a rookie: WR Adam Thielen
After watching Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker start for the team last season, they made it a priority to get a better option at quarterback. While the free agency and trade block was rather barren, the Panthers made the big move to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the Chicago Bears. All it cost was a ton of draft capital and top wide receiver D.J. Moore. The Panthers then used the selection of Bryce Young, the former Heisman Trophy winner.
It came as no shock that Young would be the starting quarterback for Week 1. Head coach Frank Reich didn't need much time to announce the move. So, who can really help Young navigate his rookie season?
Adam Thielen.
The veteran wide receiver spent all of his time with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent signed back in 2013. That signing paid off, as Thielen became a reliable option in the passing game for the Vikings, whether it was paired alongside Stefon Diggs or Justin Jefferson. In nine years with the team, Thielen caught 534 passes for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns on 776 targets.
This offseason, the Vikings opted to release Thielen from his contract, allowing him to become a free agent. It took a little over a week for Thielen to find his new team, and they were the Panthers.
Having a veteran like Thielen to throw to is a massive plus for Young. That connection was already on show, as Young completed his first pass to Thielen for an eight-yard gain.
While the team does have D.J. Chark, Jonathan Mingo, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Laviska Shenault on the receiver depth chart and Hayden Hurts as the top tight end, Thielen should receive plenty of targets from Young.