Analyst Todd McShay's mock draft has four first-round QBs

Alabama's Bryce Young is the first overall pick in Todd McShay's ESPN mock draft — one of four QBs to go in his first round.

C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Will Levis of Kentucky and Anthony Richardson of Florida are also projected to be among the names called on the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Young is widely expected to be the top pick.

The biggest surprise comes with McShay pairing Stroud with the Detroit Lions at fourth overall. QB Jared Goff has Detroit in the chase for a playoff spot for the first time in years. 

The Lions could be in a position to draft Goff's replacement or add to an ascending core. That decision will impact how the other QB dominoes fall.

McShay predicts Levis to go sixth overall to the Atlanta Falcons while the Carolina Panthers are projected to draft Richardson 11th overall.

Levis' stock didn't decline despite a down 2022. Richardson may be the most raw QB prospect.

The Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles are in line to receive top-five draft picks while not in dire need of QB upgrades. What they do could pave the way for an offseason of trades involving draft picks. 

McShay mentioned the Colts and Panthers as teams that could trade up if they like one of the top QBs. He also noted the Buccaneers could be looking should Tom Brady retire or elect to play elsewhere in 2023. 

The Commanders and Jets may also be in the market for upgrades at QB, depending on how far Taylor Heinicke (Washington) and Mike White (New York) take their teams.

With the draft months away, the picture is fuzzy, but it's clear the demarcation point for QBs comes by way of the top four, followed by everyone else.