Bryce Young is widely expected to be among the first selections in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In fact, NFL insider Jeff Howe of The Athletic recently reported that Young is “viewed as the most likely option to be the first quarterback off the board in April.” Obviously, where Young is selected is contingent on whether a team trades up with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick or if the Houston Texans are fortunate enough to select him at No. 2.
While the league seems to remain steadfast in Young being the first quarterback off the board, multiple draft analysts have raised concerns over Young’s frame.
“Young has most commonly been discussed as the best quarterback in the class, but there are undeniably some nerves over his 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame as it relates to his durability at the professional level,” Howe wrote.
A first-round draft pick of that size is unheard of in recent history. According to NFL Rookie Watch, only two of the 301 quarterbacks drafted in the past 25 years were under 5-11 and 200 pounds. Neither of those QBs went in the first 100 picks.
Of the 301 QB’s drafted over the last 25 years, only two were under 5-11 and 200 pounds.
Neither were drafted within the first 100 picks.
Bryce Young currently stands around 5-10 and 190 pounds and is tied as the favorite to be the first overall pick 😳 pic.twitter.com/AF3AgJqDAW
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 20, 2022
Despite Young’s durability concerns, he was pretty durable throughout his Alabama career. He has only been injured once and sat out Alabama’s 24-20 win over Texas A&M back on Oct. 8, 2022, due to a sprain in his throwing shoulder. He returned the following week and threw for 455 yards in a losing effort at Tennessee.
Those durability concerns may be warranted at the professional level, but Young has done everything he could to solidify himself as the draft’s top quarterback prospect. Whether those concerns still hold weight by the time the NFL Draft rolls around, remains to be seen.
