Now that we’re more than halfway through the 2022 college football season, it’s time to start taking a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class.
We start with Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
- Big Board Rank: 1
- Listed Height: 6-foot
- Listed Weight: 194 pounds
Stat to know: His 90.1 PFF passing grade ranks fourth among 174 Power Five signal-callers through Week 10.
NFL role: Young looks like a sure-fire top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and there’s a very good chance he could end up going No. 1 overall. The Alabama quarterback has experience playing against top-caliber defenses, which should stand him in good stead as a starter at the next level.
Highest-graded game: WEEK 4 VS. VANDERBILT (93.4)
Yes, it came against Vanderbilt, but Young really flexed his muscles in this one, throwing for 384 yards and four touchdowns. He also recorded four big-time throws and no turnover-worthy plays.
The Bama quarterback posted a 12.2-yard average depth of target yet still finished with an adjusted completion percentage of 84.8% — tied for the highest mark of his 2022 campaign.
That’s elite-level stuff, no matter who you’re playing.
Bryce Young with a ball placement masterclass against Vanderbilt.
By far one of the best traits of his profile. pic.twitter.com/FQtakpGb9G
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) September 26, 2022
Lowest-graded game: WEEK 10 VS. LSU (62.0)
In the Week 10 loss to LSU, Young's completion percentage dipped below 50.0% for the first time since Week 13 of the 2021 season, and he finished with as many turnover-worthy plays as big-time throws (2).
It didn't help that Young was pressured on 40.0% of his dropbacks, but Young still went just 5-of-19 on pass attempts under pressure.
What he does well: The 6-foot, 194-pounder has playmaking ability in spades. No Power Five quarterback has passed for more yards (565), touchdowns (10) and first downs (52) after scrambling from the pocket over the last two seasons.
It’s been a damn hour since Alabama and Texas game ended and I still can’t believe Bryce Young pulled this off pic.twitter.com/YqCEmidQy5
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) September 10, 2022
Against a vaunted Georgia defense that boasted no fewer than five first-round picks, Young went 60-of-101 for 781 yards and four scores in two games. No quarterback has graded higher against Georgia over the last two seasons.
Bryce Young connects with Jameson Williams 🎯
Bama extends its lead to 31-17 against Georgia! pic.twitter.com/ZWUD8hSk3I
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 4, 2021
What he needs to improve: As a quarterback on the shorter side, Young needs to add a good amount of muscle to his frame. Coming in at 194 pounds right now, he will want to put on about 10-15 more pounds to feel comfortable at the next level.
Best NFL traits: Accuracy, quickness and decision-making.
Best NFL fits: Any team in need of a quarterback.
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