Quarterback Bryce Young doesn’t have much physical upside — literally. But talent-wise, most NFL Draft experts believe the former Alabama Crimson Tide star has the most of any in the 2023 draft class.
Every two to three years now, it seems, some top rookie-to-be QB prospect possesses just about every talent or intangible trait a team would want in a quarterback, except ample height.
Any thrower who stands under 6-foot-1 throws up an immediate red flag long before he throws an NFL pass. Few that short make it in the league as a long-term starter. In modern times there have been, in descending order by height, Baker Mayfield (6-foot-0-5/8), Drew Brees (6-foot-0-¼), Russell Wilson (5-foot-11), Doug Flutie (5-foot-10) and Kyler Murray (5-foot-10).
Mayfield and Murray were each drafted No. 1 overall in back-to-back years — 2018 and 2019, respectively. But only Brees and Wilson, at least so far, became bonafide superstars of the above quintet.
See, the thing is it’s much more difficult for short QBs, while in the pocket, to see over the mass of offensive and defensive linemen smashing pads in front of them. The ideal NFL quarterback stands in the 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-5 range, and does not experience that problem nearly as often.
Which brings us to Young.
He’ll officially be measured on Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, before concluding his on-field testing and throwing drills, along with other quarterbacks and pass catchers. Alabama listed Young at 6 feet flat in his time there, but few believe he’s that tall. ESPN reported earlier this week that at least one scout is certain Young stands only 5-foot-10½. Some think that’s even a stretch.
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But that’s not the only size concern about Young. The other is that his frame is not stocky, unlike Brees, Wilson and Murray, all of whom weigh or weighed between 203 and 210 pounds. Alabama listed Young as weighing 194 pounds over the past two seasons but, again, some believe that might be true only if wore his equipment onto the scale.
Injury concerns about Young, thus, are widespread. He’s short and slight for his position, no question about it.
Young spoke to reporters early Friday morning and, as you’d expect, he brushed off concerns about his height, and weight too. For what it’s worth, Young said he now weighs “in the 200-pound range.”
“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” he said at his designated podium. “I know who I am, I know what I can do. For me it’s fair — everyone can speculate, ask me every question. I’m going to continue to control what I can control, continue to keep working my hardest (and remain) confident in myself.
“I know what I can do.”
Height and weight aside, so does everybody else. Indeed, Young’s NFL QB credentials are as impeccable as you’ll ever find — some say as promising, overall, as any prospect since Andrew Luck 11 years ago.
Young, 21, won the Heisman Trophy two seasons ago at the University of Alabama. And while battling injuries for much of this past season (especially a dinged throwing shoulder) he arguably dazzled even more than he did in 2021 in rescuing, or nearly rescuing, the Tide from certain defeat.
Young’s stats glistened over his final two seasons as a collegian: 65.9% completions, 8,200 pass yards, 79 touchdowns vs. 12 interceptions and an impressively high 8.8 yards per attempt.
No one denies Young’s insane accuracy all over the field, but especially on difficult, tight-window throws. He’s as legit a Top 10 draft pick from the QB position as we’ve seen in recent times.
That’s why several top NFL Draft experts in the media continue to rate him at or near the top of this entire draft class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. still has him No. 1 overall, for instance.
NFL Network’s top draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Young is better than the consensus No. 2 QB in this draft, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
“If Young can maintain his health, he should quickly emerge as a quality starting quarterback in the NFL,” Jeremiah said. “I think Bryce is just a little — he is a little bit more of a playmaker to me, consistently, when you watch him. I just love his instincts and feel, his ability to manoeuvre within the pocket I think is better too.
“He has such good awareness and feel. I think he will be able to protect himself because of that. In terms of the ability, it’s all there. I mean, every type of throw you want to make. He can drive it. He can layer the ball. He can make plays on schedule, off schedule. The talent is exceptional. (People at Alabama say) this is the best football player (they’ve) been around. Like, he is outstanding.”
Every quarterback prospect, every year, has at least one area of concern, or risk, Jeremiah said. Young is no different, but not with anything he does with the football.
“With Bryce, the gamble is just the durability. Is he going to be able to physically hold up? That’s the gamble I would take, when you stack all these guys up.”
We all get tired — especially at this time of year — of hearing about any prospect’s trumpeted intangibles, dedication, leadership and work ethic. Jeremiah cited one example that would seem to authenticate Young’s. Particularly, in what he’d do first thing on Monday morning, following a Saturday game.
“Normally, kids would come in and you’ll start digging into (the game plan) on Monday. (Those at Alabama) said he would show up on Monday (already) with a list of questions and suggestions of how to do this, with this protection, and how you can attack this coverage with this, and … a lot of times they would incorporate his ideas.”
So go ahead and pick your nits, Young all but said to reporters Friday in his usual supremely polite manner.
“To be honest,” he added, “I don’t really know too much about what’s said about me. I’m grateful for everyone’s opinion … but I focus on what I can control.”
And he can’t control his height, however much short of six-feet flat it might prove to be on Saturday.
John Kryk writes a weekly newsletter on NFL matters. That’s where you can first see his straight-up picks each week. You can have the newsletter automatically dropped into your email inbox on Wednesdays simply by signing up — for free — at https://torontosun.com/newsletters/
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