Hello and welcome to the inaugural edition of the 2023 NFL Draft Focus. In this series, we will take a look at the incoming prospects who are hoping for their names to be heard on draft night. Be sure to check often as we will produce content until the event’s start.
BACKGROUND
Bryce Young is a quarterback from California. As a senior, he was the #1 QB prospect in his class and the #2 recruit overall. He earned multiple awards such as California’s Gatorade Player of the Year and Los Angeles Times Player of the Year after a dominant senior season. As a senior, he threw for 4,528 yards and 58 TDs. After originally committing to USC, he had a change of heart as he switched to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
COLLEGE CAREER
As a freshman at Alabama, Bryce Young was the QB2 behind Mac Jones, who led Alabama to the National Championship that year. As a sophomore, Bryce Young led Alabama to the National Championship Game, where they lost to Georgia 33-18. Individually, he had an amazing season where he threw for 4,872 yards and 47 TDs. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy, the first Alabama QB to win the award.
2022-2023 COLLEGE CAREER
There was a lot of hype surrounding Bryce Young in his most likely final season at Alabama. He was one of the top bets to win the Heisman Trophy again and lead Alabama to a National Championship. Fans were expecting a Georgia vs Alabama rematch in the National Championship Game.
Early on, there was trouble when Alabama took on Texas when Quinn Ewers was torching the Alabama defense. However, an injury forced Ewers to miss the remainder of the game. In the end, Bryce Young led a game-winning drive that gave the Crimson Tide a 20-19 win. Young ended up with 27/39 passing for 213 yards and a TD.
Later in the season, #6 Alabama took on #5 Tennessee in a game-of-the-year candidate. Bryce Young took on Hendon Hooker in a QB battle that was won by the Volunteers 52-49. Young finished with 35/52 for 455 yards and two TDs.
As the season progressed, Alabama was looking in at the College Football Playoff while being ranked #5 in the country. In a matchup against #16 LSU, the Tigers defense gave Bryce Young fits as he only threw for 25/51 and 328 yards for a TD. LSU won in OT as they converted for two. This game basically sealed the playoff fate of Alabama.
In his final game as a Crimson Tide, Alabama took on Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. It was classic Bryce Young as he torched the Wildcats with 15/21 for 321 yards and five TDs.
STRENGTHS
Throwing With Touch
Bryce Young throws a beautiful ball and his talent is undeniable. This is why even with the physical concerns, he is the most pro-ready QB in this draft. Teams will be getting a guy who can throw the ball with accuracy and touch.
WEAKNESSES
Physical Attributes
Currently, Bryce Young is listed at 6-0, 194 lbs. These measurements are very small compared to the current size of NFL QBs. He has a very thin frame so injuries may be a concern especially if he gets hit a lot early on.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Russell Wilson
TEAMS WHO COULD DRAFT HIM
In almost all of the mock drafts as of this moment, Bryce Young is listed as the first overall pick and the first QB to be taken. With Chicago having the number #1 pick and Justin Fields as their franchise QB, a team is most likely going to trade for the #1 pick. I believe it’s either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud as the top pick. An impressive showing in Alabama’s pro day and the draft combine can solidify the hype for Bryce Young as the #1 pick in the draft.
For more 2023 Draft Profiles check out our NFL Draft Focus on C.J. Stroud.
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