VDT: Alabama QB Bryce Young Is an Incredible Improviser
Josh Frey
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There has been much debate regarding who actually is the best quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Well, we here at PurplePTSD have decided to throw our proverbial hat into the ring, and throughout the next few days, we will be releasing Vikings Draft Thermometer features on the consensus top four QBs in this draft class. Today, we will discuss the top overall quarterback prospect in this class, Alabama QB Bryce Young.
Background
- Height: 5′ 10″
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Arm Length: 30 1/2″
- Hand Size: 9 3/4″
- School: Alabama
- Games Watched: Texas (2022), Tennessee (2022), Auburn (2022), Kansas State (2022)
Statistics
- 2020: 13/22 (59.1%), 156 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
- 2021: 366/547 (66.9%), 4872 yards, 47 TDs, 7 INTs (15 games)
- 2022: 245/380 (64.5%), 3328 yards, 32 TDs, 5 INTs (12 games)
Strengths
Bryce Young has been one of the most successful QBs in college football during his time at Alabama. He always plays with incredible poise regardless of the situation, and he has helped lead Alabama to a number of clutch wins over the past two seasons.
In terms of his actual passing, Young has a very fast delivery which allows him to get passes away even in the midst of pressure and fit throws into some tight windows. When facing pressure, he is also more than capable of using his legs to roll out of the pocket as well.
And finally, Young’s ability to process through his reads is unmatched by anyone in this class. He baits defenders with his eyes before finding openings in the coverage and delivering an accurate pass.
Weaknesses
If you’ve followed this year’s draft process at all, you’ve probably heard about the concerns with Young’s size. Those didn’t necessarily go away after the combine when he measured in well under 6 feet while just cracking the 200-pound mark.
This is essentially an unprecedented size for a first-round QB, and even with all of Young’s talent, that could quickly be derailed if he went through any injury troubles. We saw him already run into some injury concerns in 2022 with his sprained shoulder that forced him to miss their game against Texas A&M.
Additionally, Young is not a player that has a particularly strong arm. His deep ball falls a bit flat at times, so much of his passing at the NFL level will likely be limited to the short-intermediate ranges.
NFL Projections
- Draft Round: First Overall-Top 5
- Immediate Role: QB1
- Best-Case Scenario: More mobile, less accurate Drew Brees
- Vikings Draft Temperature: 5
Overall, Bryce Young is the most talented quarterback in this draft class. His IQ and poise in the pocket is outstanding, and it doesn’t hurt that he knows when he should use his legs to evade a pass-rush. That being said, there is virtually no chance that the Vikings will land him.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.