Alabama QB Bryce Young (9). (Courtesy of Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
QB – Bryce Young, Alabama
6000–194, 4JR Pasadena, California
Games Reviewed: 2021 vs Georgia (2x), 2022 vs Texas, vs LSU, vs Tennessee, vs Kansas State
Pro: Pocket-manipulation
The trait that will set Bryce Young aside from most quarterbacks outside his essential abilities to read a defense and throw accurately is his uncanny ability to stay upright in the pocket. Despite a weakness that will be discussed in the next blurb, Bryce can feel and balance his way through trash at an NFL level already. He keeps his eyes downfield through even the messiest of pockets. This has created multiple big plays even at the SEC level when the play breaks down and defenders leave their coverage responsibilities to deal with the scrambling threat.
Con: Body composition
Bryce Young is small. Some people certainly care more than others. There’s an inverse correlation between size and QB injuries at the NFL level. The real concern here will be how Young’s game is limited due to his height. To this point, his anticipation has done enough to make those middle-field throws. As for the weight, he shouldn’t have much of a problem going over 210 pounds in a modern-day weight room.
Pro: Vision + anticipation
Back in high school, Bryce Young flashed his ability to anticipate throws. He excels at leading receivers downfield while in rhythm from the pocket. Though Young has a good, not great, arm his ability to see the field quicker than any other player creates production. This part of Bryce’s game expands when the play breaks down.
Con: Dropback footwork
It’s consistently difficult to tell what the drop-back landmark is for Bryce Young. Though his footwork managing the pocket and setting a base to throw on is good, there’s a clear drop-off at the start of the play. The issue with inconsistent drop-back footwork is the timing of play design. If Bryce can clean up his dropback form, he can maximize his terrific anticipation.
Pro: Consistent accuracy
Generally, accuracy tops the most important traits in quarterback evaluation. Young isn’t the most accurate quarterback from the past half-decade of drafts, but he consistently hits his targets to all levels of the field. Most importantly, Bryce sees an increase in his accuracy over the middle of the field from 10 to 20 yards. This cushions the immediate impact of being a shorter NFL quarterback.
Positional Projection
Bryce Young projects as a year one starting quarterback due to his consistency in reading the field, anticipating throws, and making changes at the line of scrimmage. His accuracy and improvisational traits are a bonus. By year two it’s likely with an average supporting cast and enough continuity to develop that he can become a pro-bowl-level quarterback.
Round Speculation
The expectation is Bryce Young will be a top-2 pick in the NFL draft. Given the history of quarterback development, this projection aligns with our beliefs about the quarterback position. He is highly likely to be the first quarterback selected on draft night. Each of the Texans, Colts, Panthers, and Raiders should be interested.
DTF Film Session #1: Bryce Young, QB Alabama
ICYMI@TheMaxDean and I did a film breakdown of Bryce Young's strengths on YouTube ➡️ More film sessions to come‼️ #NFLDraft
📽️: https://t.co/ZHaNhantHi pic.twitter.com/jEz1xlMRf7
— Nick Merriam (@nickwithsports) February 15, 2023
All Rights Reserved – Defiant Takes Football – 2022