As fantasy football draft season approaches, there is plenty of debate and speculation regarding the rankings of top quarterbacks for the upcoming season. Two young signal callers, C.J. Stroud and Kyler Murray, are at the center of this discussion as fantasy owners weigh their potential upside against certain factors that could hinder their performance.

C.J. Stroud, the rookie quarterback for an undisclosed team, had an impressive debut season, throwing for over 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Despite these solid numbers, Stroud's current projected ranking as the QB5 leaves some experts puzzled. One key aspect that Stroud lacks is rushing ability, which means he will heavily rely on his passing game to propel him further up the rankings. It is interesting to note that if he maintained his exact stat line but accumulated 5,000 passing yards instead, he would have been ranked as QB7. While Stroud is undoubtedly a strong fantasy option, some analysts caution against selecting him too early, suggesting that taking him as the 50th overall pick might be a bit of a reach, especially when other running backs with potential or quarterbacks with rushing upside are still available.

Moving on to Kyler Murray, the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, his fantasy ranking is accompanied by a greater level of uncertainty. Although Murray displayed a dual-threat ability, rushing for 244 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games last season, there are concerns about his consistency as a passer. Murray's passing yards have failed to reach the 300-yard mark since Week 8 of the previous season, and throughout his career, he has only achieved this feat in 13 out of 65 games. Some experts argue that Murray's fantasy value heavily relies on his rushing performance. Thus, if his rushing opportunities decrease, his overall value may diminish quickly. Additionally, the Cardinals' offensive line remains a topic of scrutiny, and the addition of Trey Benson to the backfield might limit Murray's rushing attempts even further.

In terms of supporting cast, both quarterbacks have seen some positive reinforcements. Stroud's team acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs, which adds another weapon to his arsenal alongside the returning Tank Dell. They have also added Joe Mixon to the backfield, posing a potential threat to his rushing opportunities. Meanwhile, Murray will have the freshly drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. to rely on, alongside tight end Trey McBride and the hope of Michael Wilson taking a step forward.

As the fantasy football community prepares for their drafts, the question remains: should Stroud and Murray be drafted as high as their current rankings suggest? While both quarterbacks undoubtedly have their share of strengths and weaknesses, it is essential for fantasy owners to carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards associated with each player. Stroud, although expected to be a top-10 quarterback, may struggle to exceed his average draft position. On the other hand, Murray's volatility and reliance on rushing make him a notable wildcard, with the potential for a breakout season or a decline in value.

Ultimately, fantasy owners must weigh all these factors and make strategic choices based on their preferred draft strategy, available options, and risk tolerance. The quarterback rankings will inevitably spark intense debates and discussions among fantasy football enthusiasts as they aim to secure the best rosters for the upcoming season.