2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, CJ Stroud Lead Updated Top 10 QB Rankings

QB8: Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213 pounds
DOB: 6-08-2000 (22 years old)
Good Stat: 41 TDs; 69.9% completion in 2022
Bad Stat: All numbers came vs. D2 opponents

Before the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, I cannot blame you if you had never heard Tyson Bagent’s name. However, his performance at both events should have the Shepherd quarterback firmly on your radar.

Bagent only fetched offers from non-FBS programs coming out of high school. Rather than sign at a more prestigious FCS program, the talented signal-caller opted for the D2 route — choosing the Shepherd Rams.

This decision proved to be a great one as Bagent started from day one. He posted impressive numbers in 2019 and had his 2020 campaign canceled due to COVID, but 2021 is when a star was born. Bagent threw for 5,000 yards and 53 touchdowns en route to earning the D2 Heisman, also known as the Harlon Hill Trophy.

In 2022, Bagent continued his torrid pace by setting an NCAA record for career touchdown passes (158). This success earned him an invitation to Mobile and Indianapolis, where he made the most of each opportunity.

Bagent’s NFL projection is a difficult one due to the level of competition he played against. I see starting upside if the team that drafts him is committed to developing the youngster. At worst, Bagent should stick around as a backup and spot starter.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day Three

QB7: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 203 pounds
DOB: 11-14-1999 (23 years old)
Good Stat: 69.3% completion in 2022
Bad Stat: 10 fumbles; 10 INTs in 2022

Dorian Thompson-Robinson feels like he has been at UCLA since the mid-2000s. Way back in 2018, DTR committed to the Bruins and appeared in 10 games as a freshman, but never was named the full-time starter behind center.

In 2019, Thompson-Robinson took the reins and never looked back. He accounted for 25 touchdowns and proved to be a threat as a passer and a runner. The COVID-shortened 2020 season stalled his momentum a bit, but DTR saved his best play for his last two seasons.

Under the guidance of Chip Kelly, Thompson-Robinson took major leaps as an all-around player as a senior. In 2022, DTR posted career highs in completion percentage (69.3) and passing touchdowns (27). He also did the same with rushing yards (741) and rushing touchdowns (12). Simply put, his fingerprints are all over the box scores for UCLA.

At the Combine, Thompson-Robinson boosted his stock. He displayed his arm strength, with the velocity standing out the most for me. The zip DTR puts on the football is as good as any in this class. He also moved well, which was to be expected from a dual threat.

The shortcomings in his game showed up in Indy as well. In passing drills, Thompson-Robinson failed to control his timing and anticipation on throws. He regularly put too much steam on it or too much air under it. This happened frequently on tape, too.

If an NFL coaching staff can get DTR more comfortable in the pocket and more willing to win with his arm first before tucking and running, there is potential for him to be a lower-end starter in this league. It will take some creativity, but I would feel comfortable taking a chance on the UCLA star on day three.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day Three