As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Bryce Young.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
6’0” – 194 lbs.
Background:
Attended Mater Dei High School, where various other quarterbacks like Matt Barkley, Matt Leinart, and Todd Marinovich also played. Five-star recruit who originally committed to Southern California before switching to Alabama. Backed up Mac Jones as a freshman before taking over the starting job the following year and winning the Heisman Trophy in a year where he passed for 4,872 yards (66.9%, 8.9 YPA), 47 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, finishing the year with a loss to Georgia in the national championship game. Missed time with a shoulder injury this past year, and his overall level of production dropped to 3,007 yards (64.1%, 8.4 YPA), 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Offense features a lot of package plays/RPOs out of both the pistol and the shotgun, with a mix of screens, short throws over the middle, and deep shots.
Positives:
Had a monster sophomore campaign for arguably college football’s premier program, establishing himself as one of the premier playmakers in the country. Gets the ball out fast on predetermined reads. Able to work through progressions, and makes quick decisions with the ball. Willing to hang in the pocket and take a hit to complete a pass; doesn’t panic when pressure’s coming. Can escape from rushers with effective pocket movement and complete passes while throwing out to his right, even across his body. Generally hits the checkdown when he doesn’t like what he sees down the field. Shows some ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes. Anticipates throwing lanes and isn’t shy about pulling the trigger. Throws the ball with touch and a tight spiral. Overall ball placement is generally excellent; capable of putting throws right on receivers even when throwing off his back foot. Consistently drops deep throws into the bucket. Can get some zip on throws as needed, with at least adequate arm strength. Able to drop his arm slot to work around defenders. Doesn’t need to throw off of play-action to succeed.
Negatives:
Shoulder injury derailed his junior campaign and will raise flags given his small build and contact-heavy style of play; eats a ton of big hits. Doesn’t always transfer weight effectively to drive the football. Too many unnecessary off-platform throws. Leaves the pocket prematurely, allowing defenders to have a free run at him. Appetite for risk may be higher than some teams are comfortable with. Rarely throws the ball away, and some attempts turn into costly sacks because he refuses to give up on a down. Good athlete who can extend plays, but hasn’t really been a legitimate dual-threat in college.
Summary:
Was considered the favorite to go first overall in this year’s class after his Heisman campaign, but wasn’t able to replicate that success as a junior. Could still end up being the first pick in the draft and will certainly hear his name called very early, but may no longer be the consensus top passer. Consistently does things few other passers do, with a rare combination of playmaking skills, decision-making, anticipation, and accuracy that will have quarterback-needy teams at the top of the draft salivating.
Projection: Top-5 Overall Pick
Other 2023 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects
- Max Duggan (QB – TCU)
- Jaren Hall (QB – Brigham Young)
- Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
- Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)
- Tanner McKee (QB – Stanford)
- Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
- CJ Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
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