Nothing impacts the success of a franchise quite like a heavy investment at the quarterback position. For better or for worse, NFL teams (and Devy managers) continue to prioritize investing in the most difficult position in the sport to evaluate. With the increase in superflex leagues in fantasy football, the demand for quarterback is at an all-time high. I don’t advocate for using premium Devy draft capital on the position, but the incoming 2023 Freshman class is loaded with potential.
While my personal strategy would remain to target the best value later in drafts, here are important names to know.
Arch Manning
That’s right, another legacy player coming into the league to remind us just how old we are.
Arch Manning is the nephew of legendary QB Peyton Manning – and his brother Eli, who led my New York Giants to two Superbowl Championships.
The younger Manning has caught some backlash from critics, claiming his 5⭐️ status is inflated due to his name recognition. The name brand certainly stands out, but it’s also set the young man with lofty expectations to live up to.
As far as his game goes, his play style is very similar to his uncles’. Arch already has prototypical size at 6’4″ 212lbs. He has adequate arm strength; he can make all the throws necessary on the field and is more of a cerebral playmaker than one that will wow you with physical traits. However, he is a little more athletic than you’d assume a Manning to be.
A four-year starter at Isidore Newman in Louisiana, Arch has a ton of reps under his belt. He’ll face a big step up in competition level when he gets to Texas – especially once they join the SEC.
Nico Iamaleava
Nico Iamaleava is bursting with raw potential. He is one of those kids who will wow you with his physical traits and is the walking definition of having a “live arm”.
A slim-built kid at 6’6″ 205lbs, it’s shocking to see the kind of velocity he puts on the ball. That velocity gives him the ability to fit throws into extremely tight windows. It also allows him to get away with throws on late reads or progressions he should move on from. That’s something he won’t be able to get away with at the next level.
Nico has shown growth over his senior season. He’s become a more complete quarterback, rather than just an elite thrower of the ball. A very good athlete, he’s a dangerous scrambler and is elusive in the open field.
Suiting up for Tennessee in the fall, he’ll be playing under offensive guru Josh Huepel in a very quarterback friendly system. Huelpel’s system has been labeled “gimmicky” by some critics, but there’s no doubt he’s been able to get the most out of his offensive players.
Iamaleava is easily one of the most physically gifted players to come into this system. It should be a treat for fans to witness and could come as early as this season; should veteran Joe Milton fail to meet expectations.
Dante Moore
He’s not as physically gifted as some the others on this list, but Dante Moore gives off the vibe of being pro ready. It’s a strange assessment for a kid who just finished high-school.
At 6’2.5″ and 210lbs, Moore has adequate size for the position. His tape is littered with high level, anticipatory throws to all levels of the field. It’s something you just don’t see from a kid his age.
Moore layers the ball over defenders regularly and shows the ability to throw his receivers open. He also plays with immense poise and does not get rattled under pressure.
A four year starter, Moore won two State Championships and played in a third during his time at Martin Luther King high-school in Detroit. Moore walks on campus at UCLA as the most talented player in the quarterback room. It would not surprise me at all to see him start at some point his Freshman season. He has a chance to be the guy from day one and a player to target in Devy leagues.
Malachi Nelson
Not only is Malachi Nelson one of the most physically gifted players in the class, he’ll also get the benefit of playing for Lincoln Riley, the “Quarterback Whisperer”.
Riley has developed standouts like Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield. He’s also responsible for the recruitment and development of current USC star quarterback, and reigning Heisman winner, Caleb Williams.
It’s that type of track record, combined with Nelson’s natural abilities, that have fans drooling over the potential of what he can become under Riley’s tutelage.
At 6’3″ 180lbs, Nelson is a tall, thinly built kid who will need to add some weight to his frame during his time in college.
Arm talent is evident with Nelson when you watch his tape. A natural thrower of the ball, he is equally impressive throwing off platform, on the move, as he is from a clean pocket.
Nelson possesses the ability to make every throw on the field and excels with his ball placement and touch he puts on his throws. He will need to improve his decision making and cut down on his turnovers going forward.
Nelson has a unique opportunity to learn playing behind an All-American level player in Williams his Freshman campaign. Look for him to take over one of the best offenses in the Country his Sophomore season and become a Devy star.
Jackson Arnold
The 2022 Elite 11 MVP, Jackson Arnold is everything you want in a modern quarterback. At 6’1″ 205lbs, he has a sturdy athletic build that holds up well to his dual threat play style. Arnold has solid mechanics, makes sound decisions with the ball, and delivers his throws with great touch and accuracy. He excels in RPO settings, which you’ll see a lot of from Oklahoma. His ability to evade the rush, as well as throw on the run, will make him a dangerous weapon for the Sooners – and in Devy leagues.
Arnold plays a throwback style of football. He brings a level of toughness and enthusiasm to the position that fans will love. It makes him an easy kid to root for.
Arnold played at the 6A level in Texas. That is some of the stiffest competition in the nation for a high school kid. There should be little doubt about his skill level and readiness to compete at Oklahoma to burst on to the Devy scene.
