The NFL’s quarterback landscape is transitioning. It’s no secret that the position demands the highest end of athletic and mental talent to be relevant for fantasy football purposes. Additionally, the quarterback position is going through turnover with recent retirements and the regression of quarterback’s going into their mid and late-30s. For the future, the quarterback classes from both 2023 and 2024 are extremely exciting and can give certain NFL teams a look at their future franchise quarterback.
In this article, let’s look at the top options starting from this 2023 class and up to 2025. These talents should not only be leading NFL franchises in the near future but also lead fantasy lineups for dynasty fantasy football and Devy teams.
1. Caleb Williams, USC
Eligible: 2024
Caleb Williams remains at the top of quarterback lists for the future. This is largely due to his name recognition and explosiveness while leading from his position. Additionally, he is a first-round talent with Trevor Lawrence-type draft capital security at this point in the process. Williams is a top prospect in 2024 rookie drafts, due to his rushing ability and the fact that he can lead a franchise to success with his skills.
Furthermore, Williams can take control of a game on a single play or two. He’ll be atop many team’s big boards and shouldn’t last beyond the first overall pick. I would take this talent on a roster right now, even knowing I’m getting nothing from him in 2023. This is a player who can make your roster develop quickly out of a rebuild. Whether that’s through hitting on picks and winning with him, or selling for a ransom when he does hit.
2. Drake Maye, UNC
Eligible: 2024
Drake Maye or Anthony Richardson was an incredibly difficult decision to differentiate between. Richardson has the opportunity to become a QB1 in the fantasy world and may even be valued as such after his rookie season. I think that would make this decision closer if Richardson does well this season, but Drake Maye also has the size and skills for strong fantasy output.
Furthermore, Maye is a player who could use his size to score from the goalline, giving managers a strong big rushing threat at quarterback. He has a strong arm that is more accurate than Richardson’s currently, and he should only solidify his current high draft stock this upcoming season. If Maye can again put up nearly 40 touchdowns in 2023, it’s very likely we’re looking at a top-five NFL Draft pick and top option at quarterback for years to come.
3. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
From the 2023 NFL Draft class, Anthony Richardson is the best fantasy talent not named Bijan Robinson from the 2023 NFL Draft. He provides a rushing upside and strength that should excite his current owners. Of the 2023 quarterbacks, his skillset allows him the best opportunity to become a top-twelve option at the position. His rushing should keep him in fantasy lineups, and he will start his career with Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and fellow draftee Josh Downs.
Richardson also has coaching that should be able to develop an offense for this ability. Richardson and Taylor can create a very fantastic backfield duo for the Colts, and the arm he possesses should be moldable into at least a viable option at quarterback. This may be the next Justin Fields, someone who can put insane numbers up largely through the rushing he provides. Both Richardson and Fields have similar arm abilities. If Richardson can assimilate with teammates quickly and lead the Colts as Fields has in Chicago, this situation should work well for Richardson, the Colts, and fantasy managers.
4. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Another 2023 rookie, Bryce Young makes fantastic decisions from the pocket. He should offer the Carolina Panthers security at the quarterback position for years to come. In 2023, they invested in a possible long-term wide receiver by grabbing Jonathan Mingo at 39th overall in the draft. Overall, this is a sign that they’re at the least willing to invest for this quarterback to succeed.
Additionally, the Panthers have a solid defense and added players like Miles Sanders, Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, and D.J. Chark on offense this year. Young should come into a fairly stable situation, the team is focused on a new direction and Young will get every chance to succeed in it. Expect this team to continue giving this player weapons in the future, which gives fantasy managers both sell windows and time to feel secure in his chance at this level. Overall, he should be able to grow into this level of the game and should become a premium QB2 for many owners to have by this time next year.
5. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
The third of the top quarterbacks in 2023 comes on this list right now, mainly due to knowledge of his landing spot and also the investment the Houston Texans made into the player. CJ Stroud should receive every opportunity to succeed in Houston over the next five years. He has a head coach that should bring some fire and toughness to the defensive side of the ball, which could allow Stroud to grow in his rookie season while developing chemistry and learning with his teammates.
If the Texans are able to stop teams, that will allow Stroud to show what he can do in a methodical offense built off a strong rushing game. This is a situation that is going to be monitored and discussed in the fantasy space over the next year. Not many love the Texan’s weapons, but there is the strength of Dameon Pierce in the backfield and security with Dalton Schultz catching the balls at tight end. However, if Stroud can show some production in his rookie season, the backers will become more convinced of his ability to succeed. Not to mention, the Texans can move into the next phase of their rebuild with a franchise quarterback.
6. Cam Ward, Washington State
Eligible: 2024
The first huge call on this list comes in the athletic form of Washington State’s Cam Ward. Ward had a solid first season last year for the Cougars, following a transfer from Incarnate Word. He has the rushing ability you want from fantasy quarterbacks at the NFL level, that will be his greatest strength discussed until he is drafted. Ward returns backfield mate Nakia Watson in 2023, and both should extend on their productive 2022 seasons.
Ward was able to make the Cougars a competitive team last year in college football, due to his arm talent and big play ability. This player is a gigantic threat, as he can make all the platform throws and also show some creativity when a play breaks down. This player feels like the largest boom-or-bust candidate on this list. Ward needs to show more consistency passing this upcoming season, but his athleticism and ability to make all throws when focused should keep him as a top quarterback in 2024. He may be next year’s Anthony Richardson, a difficult player to project currently but one that could see a huge ascension with these traits.
7. Quin Ewers
Eligible: 2024
Quin Ewers is a bit of a wildcard going into 2023. He had some fantastic moments for the Texas Longhorns in 2022 and also has plenty of gusto behind his name going back to his recruiting process. Ewers has all the physical traits you want. Additionally, he is built big and should be able to hold up at the next level physically, that’s a positive. He has the arm talent to make every NFL throw, that’s another positive. Plus, he has talents like Ja’Tavion Sanders and Xavier Worthy returning which should give him some familiarity.
Ewers should receive some pressure from future Longhorn starter Arch Manning. But ultimately, this should be Ewer’s team in 2023. He needs to stay healthy, put up big numbers, and win some games. With a player like Ewers, the entire package has been there and it still is there. However, he is not going to be a rushing threat for fantasy football, but if he goes to a well-run organization, Ewers can reach the height of Daniel Jones or Kirk Cousins. If he’s gonna succeed, it will be due to being a sufficient or above-average passer. I believe he’s certainly capable of at least that.
8. Cade Klubnik
Eligible: 2025
The first 2025 prospect to discuss is Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. He was named the ACC Championship’s MVP in 2022, following a 39-10 victory over Drake Maye’s Tar Heels. Klubnik doesn’t currently have much college production but has tools that are often found in franchise quarterbacks. Additionally, he is more athletic than players such as Quin Ewers and CJ Stroud and he became the leader of the Clemson Tigers during the 2022 season.
This is Dabo Swinney’s quarterback in 2023 and a lot of this program’s success will be on Klubnik, Will Shipley, and Antonio William’s success in the offense, starting now. Klubnik’s biggest knock for this list is being eligible the farthest out. He has similar talent to players such as Young and Stroud, but there’s so much left to be known about Klubnik’s game.
Finally, he was a top name in his recruiting class for a quarterback and is now getting his opportunity. He could definitely ascend in 2023 and become the next tantalizing prospect spoken in the same breath with Maye and Williams.
9. Michael Penix
Eligible: 2024
Michael Penix should have a very adaptable NFL game and should receive plenty of buzz next NFL offseason. Penix transferred from Indiana to Washington, achieving relative success in both his stops in college. With that, he has come into the Huskies program and made them a threat to win the conference in 2023. Additionally, he has outside weapons in Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan, but so much of this offense stems from Penix’s ability at the start of the play.
Furthermore, I believe Penix can run an NFL offense. This player has been the leader and most talented player at two different schools. And, his transition has allowed Penix to receive some recognition for the next level.
Unfortunately, Penix has had some injury issues in the past. That could allow you to swoop in for a very disciplined franchise quarterback. He has good processing skills and he has the ability to extend plays. While he won’t take the ball for 30-yard carries or throw Kyler Murray deep balls, Penix usually makes the right play, which could lead to NFL production. He’s spent some time in college but is a bit more youthful than a similar talent in Hendon Hooker. Finally, with a strong 2023 season, he should become a first-round pick for an NFL franchise.
10. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
This spot on this list may be more accurate of Will Levis‘ situation versus his perceived talent. Levis has a big arm, he’s got athleticism, and he even has good coaching that should be able to bring the best from his game. The questions around Levi’s are when he will get his chance, and if his mental game will allow him to extend that chance. However, the Titans invested a decent pick in him, and draft capital matters less and less if he can show production at this level.
For Levis, the physical tools are there, and he may have come to the Titans at a time when they could be exploring a change in philosophy. If he can do something with the limited weapons in Tennessee, I see this being a situation the Titans allow to play out in 2024 and beyond. He’ll have Treylon Burks until at least 2026, and building around a second-round quarterback could allow the Titans to splurge on weapons for Levis. This could crash and burn and they could be drafting a player listed above him here, this time next year. However, it could also be a good time to start investing in these Day 2 quarterbacks more often in the future if they’re going to get some time to show their skills.
This list was all about the next talents at this important NFL position. These players may not become the top quarterbacks in their prospective classes, but these are the talents that if put together properly, will become very valuable for fantasy managers. These players have shown leadership skills and a varied skillset that should allow teams many different avenues to finding their next quarterback. Drafting any of these quarterbacks and having them start for your dynasty fantasy football teams should allow you to better maneuver the changing of the guard for this position in the next half-decade.
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