Bryce Young | Alabama 5’10” 204 lbs. | 07/25/2001 (21)
Bryce Young was drafted by the Carolina Panthers, becoming the first Quarterback and first overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Completion Percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs |
| 2020 (FR) | 7 | 59.1% | 156 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 (SO) | 15 | 66.9% | 4,872 | 47 | 7 |
| 2020 (JR) | 12 | 64.5% | 3,328 | 32 | 5 |
During his two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, Young accumulated 8,200 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and only threw 12 interceptions in 27 games combined. His collegiate record as a starter finished at 23-4. His stellar play helped his team win the Cotton Bowl (2021) and Sugar Bowl (2022) while also taking them to the National Championship game against Georgia in 2021. He sits second all-time for Alabama in passing yards (8,356) and passing touchdowns (80). He’s also a two-time All-American, a Maxwell award winner, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2021.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Elite awareness, with stellar accuracy and football IQ. Calm and patient in the pocket, especially noticeable in late-game/fourth-quarter situations. Can deliver the ball through tight windows regularly. Has a sharp, quick release. Picks apart zone coverages while also showing off his ball placement to “throw his receiver open.” Improvising is one of his most unique traits. Always seems to be cognizant of what’s going on around him, as he seems to have above-average rush awareness. Also showcases great mobility and makes a ton of plays on the move.
WEAKNESSES
Very undersized for the quarterback position. Durability is a slight concern because of his smaller frame. Seems to be a bit of a scheme-specific signal-caller. Doesn’t throw the deep ball great, as he oftentimes flattens his passes, leaving little time for his receivers to go out and chase it down. At times, can be susceptive to leading his pass-catchers too close to the boundaries. Needs to work on planting his feet in. Too many throws with his back foot off the ground. Likes to sit in the pocket a tad too much, as he could make so many more plays if he took off and ran the rock.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL Combine, Young measured in at 5’10” and 204 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 29.3. He did not participate in any strength or speed drills at the combine but he did post an unofficial 4.63 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day. That was good enough to land him in the 89th percentile at his position.
Young shows above-average speed for his position. He doesn’t have elite athleticism or size, but he makes up for it based on his college production. Young finished his collegiate career with a QBR of 85.7 (91st percentile), a college yards per attempt of 8.8 (76th percentile), and a breakout age of 20.1 (65th percentile).
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Young was selected with the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Panthers.
After acquiring the top pick from the Bears in a trade that dealt D.J. Moore to Chicago, Carolina hands over the future of the franchise to Young. He joins an offense that looks a lot different than last season. His top targets will be Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Hayden Hurst, and rookie Jonathan Mingo.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
In a startup rookie draft, Young could go as high as first overall (especially in Superflex). His ceiling may not be as high as Anthony Richardson’s, but he has a very high floor. With a decent defense and a solid running back room surrounding him, Young has certainly been placed in an ideal situation as a rookie. If you’re in need of a safe quarterback selection, Young is your guy. He may be the most pro-ready signal-caller of the rookie bunch and could draw the most fantasy value right off the bat.
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