We’ve officially gotten our first look at the college football landscape for this season. It’s early, but we have a little bit of an idea of just what sort of cream is going to be rising to the top throughout the season. Last week, we had six candidates for this position. I don’t think any of the “Original Six” as I’ll be calling them did anything to be taken off this list, but I definitely have a prospect in mind who has, within one game, put himself firmly in contention for No. 1 pick status. Let’s get started.
These are my week one No. 1 Pick Power Rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft.
1. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
To make myself perfectly clear, Bryce Young is not topping this list because I thought Utah State was a worthy opponent for Alabama in week one. But rather, it was the sheer volume by which Young and the Crimson Tide were able to succeed which surprised me. Young showcased, especially with this play, No. 1 pick levels of poise, accuracy on the run, and escapability.
The Tide’s 55-point victory, led by five passing touchdowns from Young, was Alabama’s largest opening-week win in the Saban era. They wiped the floor with the Aggies so thoroughly that Young didn’t even finish the game. His backup came in for him. Now that’s efficiency.
2. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Stroud didn’t look quite as good as Young in his week one matchup, but he also had a much tougher test against No. 5 ranked Notre Dame. Even still, Stroud was able to win in the big spots when it counted. With the Buckeyes doing their best Bonnie Tyler impression and holding out for a hero in the second half, Stroud came through in a big way to lift the offense. I can’t point to statistics for this, but Stroud made some downright ridiculous plays against the Fighting Irish’s stout defense. It may have only amounted to two touchdowns but again, he was fighting much superior competition.
Narcissistic Penguin 
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