I think this portrait feels more engaging than the other one. Probably because the pose is more dynamic and the model bows his head towards the viewer. Also, the positioning of the hand feels more "natural". In the other photo, the right hand somehow feels "misplaced", and as a consequence the whole pose a bit unnatural.
Compelling! It's interesting how the protocols of portraiture have changed over the decades from eschewing looking directly at the camera to embracing exactly that. I much prefer this current protocol!