Insider predicts two QBs will slide out of top 10 in NFL Draft

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer is among NFL insiders not buying the hype about four quarterbacks becoming top-10 picks in this year's draft that opens on Thursday night. 

In a mock draft shared on Wednesday, Breer predicted that, as most expect, the Carolina Panthers will take Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young first overall. Breer then has the Indianapolis Colts grabbing C.J. Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes at pick No. 4. 

"This is what I’ve gotten after dozens of calls, texts and check-ins with every team in the league over the last two months," Breer said about his forecast which includes Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis and Florida Gators signal-caller Anthony Richardson sliding past pick No. 11. 

Breer has the Houston Texans taking Levis at No. 12 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landing Richardson with the 19th choice. 

"I had to find a home for Levis, and if it’s not Indianapolis, it’s hard to find one," Breer explained. "Levis has had a very up-and-down ride through the predraft process—from some interviews that left teams wondering about his personality, to the more recent buzz that he’ll go higher than expected. In the scenario I’ve laid out, I do think Richardson would be a consideration. But Levis, who is tough, experienced and was beloved in Lexington, gets the nod, with the feeling he’ll be ready to play faster."

To compare, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco argued on Tuesday that Levis and not Young should be viewed as the top-ranked quarterback in this draft class.

Breer also acknowledged he believes the Buccaneers "are excited to see what they have in Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask" during an expected summer competition to find a hoped-to-be long-term quarterback following the retirement of Tom Brady. However, Breer called the Bucs taking a flier on Richardson at pick No. 19 "a swing that Tampa has to take," especially since the club theoretically could sit the rookie who likely needs some seasoning behind either Mayfield or Trask.

Interestingly, Breer shared his takes the same day that ESPN's Matt Miller noted that the Texans (selection No. 2) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) "want to trade down from their respective picks" but have found that "no team is anxious to trade up with them." While the Tennessee Titans have repeatedly been linked in rumors with Stroud, multiple reporters have said the Titans are more likely to move down from pick No. 11 than up. 

In short, whispers have grown louder suggesting no quarterback-needy team is ready to mortgage the future by trading into the top 10 for any of the supposed top-tier prospects at the position assuming Young is the first player drafted on Thursday night.