Michigan State Football: Early look at top 2023 NFL Draft prospects

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) drops back to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Payton Thorne has been the best Michigan State quarterback since the 2017 version of Brian Lewerke and even, before that, Connor Cook. He broke single-season passing touchdown records in 2021 and yet people still overlook him.

Entering his second year as QB1 after breaking some records, Thorne is going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and I could even see him entering the NFL draft a year early.

Thorne threw for 3,232 yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his passes, but as long as he improves on his accuracy and cuts down his interceptions (he had 10 last year), he will be one of the best in the nation. He’s already incredibly underrated, but another season like he had in 2021 with some key improvements and he’s a legit prospect.

I only have him at No. 9 on this list despite believing he has a future in the NFL because I’m not 100 percent sure he would leave a year early, but Katin Houser probably hopes so.

Thorne could be the latest MSU quarterback in the NFL, joining Lewerke, Kirk Cousins, and Brian Hoyer.

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