Quarterback, Alabama, Eligible for 2023 NFL Draft
Bryce Young is a 6 foot tall, 194 lbs. dual-threat QB that looks to take over for the Crimson Tide in 2021. Young was the number one rated dual-threat QB coming out of high school and is a top 20 prospect all time according to 247sports ratings. For context, the only QBs outranking Young are Vince Young, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Terrelle Pryor.
Past Production
Shocking to some, Young lost out on the QB battle in his freshman season to Mac Jones. Jones took advantage of the opportunity and was able to put up some historic numbers vaulting himself into the possibility of being a first-round draft pick.
In 2020, Young appeared in seven games, throwing only 22 passes, completing 13 for 156 yards, and a touchdown. As a rusher he was held back as well, recording only nine attempts, six of which were sacks. This has raised some questions about Young’s decision-making as he took sacks on about 21% of his dropbacks while Mac Jones came in at only 2.7%.
2021 Outlook
Young should be the unquestioned starter in 2021. He plays behind an offensive line that proves to be one of the best in the country year after year. He will undoubtedly be surrounded by the next wave of Bama stars. Young’s top receiving option should be John Metchie who recorded 55 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns last season.
With Young behind center, the Crimson Tide could look to abandon the wide-open passing game of recent years and revert back to a system similar to what they ran with Jalen Hurts. Hurts was able to rack up 345 carries and 21 rushing touchdowns before being unseated by Tua Tagovailoa his junior year.
Bill O’Brien takes over as the OC in Tuscaloosa this year, which creates some uncertainty. On one hand, O’Brien washed out of the NFL with a disastrous end that has likely sunk the Texans for years to come. However, he did have success with Deshaun Watson, a player that would be a reasonable comparison to Young’s style of play.
Devy Analysis
Right now Young is in a battle with D.J. Uiagalelei to be the top quarterback in the 2023 draft class. Uiagalelei’s success covering for Lawrence in a couple of games this season puts him above Young in my rankings. The rushing ability could however make Young the better fantasy asset.
In terms of devy picks, Bryce Young is worth an early first round pick, as only Uiagalelei and Spencer Rattler offer more upside. Alabama has had success with the quarterback position as of late, and rushing QBs are the new hotness among NFL teams. Young checks both of those boxes.
Bonus
Young’s frame is going to be the biggest question going forward. For a player that could potentially run the ball over 100 times next season, some added size would put any injury concerns at ease. He’s already added about 15 pounds since coming into the program.
Young is great at escaping pressure and throwing on the run. He looks almost more comfortable improvising when the play breaks down as he is often able to just out-athlete defenders. This will be a big change for the Bama offense that saw a nearly immobile Mac Jones behind center in 2020. With more scrambling play, often comes more turnover opportunity, so don’t be shocked if there are some growing pains as Young learns to better value the football.
He’s got a quick release and is able to throw the ball from varying angles. He doesn’t have the cannon arm that Uiagalelei has, but he is accurate and delivers the ball quickly.
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