Bryce Young Confident He Can Overcome Size Challenges Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
Bryce Young, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, has arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young, who stands at 5-foot-10 and 1/8th of an inch and weighs 204 pounds, measures in nearly identically to Arizona Cardinals signal caller Kyler Murray, who went No. 1 overall out of Oklahoma in the 2019 draft.[0]
Young had a dominant two-year run as Alabama's starting quarterback, culminating in a 2021 Heisman Trophy win, and he remained confident when questioned about his smaller size.[1]
“I've been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young told reporters.[2] I am confident in my abilities and I know what I am capable of. Everyone is free to make their own assumptions and ask me any questions. I will keep pushing myself and doing my best, and will focus on what I can control. I believe in myself and my capabilities.[3]
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will be held from March 3rd to March 4th, and can be watched on NFL Network.[4] Young is reportedly not expected to throw in Indianapolis and will wait until Alabama's Pro Day to go through throwing drills.[5]
When asked which game of his was the best to show off his style of play, Young pointed to the 2021 Iron Bowl, which the Crimson Tide won in overtime.[6]
Young is expected to be one of the smallest quarterbacks in the NFL when he gets drafted, and he will have to compensate for his smaller and slighter frame with superlative skills in other areas to be successful. He has proven to have the poise and playmaking ability to do just that, and NFL teams have taken notice of his impressive stats, which include a 30-4 record, one Heisman Trophy, 80 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions, and a 65.8 career completion percentage.[6]
Similarly, he looks to be the lightest first-round passer since at least 2003, and according to NFL.com's Lance Zerlein, no quarterback since 2003 weighing fewer than 207 pounds at the combine has been drafted in the first round.[5] Young has also had guidance from former Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones, who was recently drafted 15th overall by the New England Patriots.
Young is well aware of the challenges that come with his size, but is confident he can overcome them.
0. “NFL Combine 2023: Bryce Young checks in with official measurements, Alabama QB draws reaction” 247Sports, 4 Mar. 2023, https://247sports.com/Article/NFL-Combine-2023-Bryce-Young-checks-in-with-official-measurements-Alabama-QB-draws-reaction-205697148
1. “Bryce Young at 2023 NFL Combine: Measurements, Highlights and Reaction” Bleacher Report, 4 Mar. 2023, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10067572-bryce-young-at-2023-nfl-combine-measurements-highlights-and-reaction
2. “NFL combine: Bryce Young not worried about size concerns” Yahoo Sports, 3 Mar. 2023, https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-combine-bryce-young-not-worried-about-size-concerns-171338247.html
3. “NFL Draft Quarterback Graphic Going Viral Today” msnNOW, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-draft-quarterback-graphic-going-viral-today/ar-AA18e2Un
4. “NFL scouting combine Saturday schedule: Draft prospects to watch, TV and streaming info” USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2023/03/04/nfl-combine-2023-saturday-prospects-watch-tv-streaming-info/11370436002/
5. “Here's Bryce Young height, weight at NFL Combine, how Alabama QB compares to Kyler Murray” Tuscaloosa Magazine, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/football/2023/03/04/bryce-young-size-nfl-combine-alabama-football-quarterback/69971234007/
6. “Bryce Young named his proudest Alabama game, and it shows why he’s a top NFL Draft QB” SB Nation, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.sbnation.com/2023/3/4/23623996/2023-nfl-draft-bryce-young-alabama-iron-bowl
