Case File No. 9: Bryce Young

 

Bryce Young. Photo Credit: Eric Verduzco/Associated Press.

Today, I look into the case file of Bryce Young, who had a decorated collegiate career at Alabama, and became the first overall pick--rightfully so, in my opinion--by the Carolina Panthers. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Carolina Panthers

Position: Quarterback

HT: 5-10 WT: 204

Credentials:

CFB Champion (2020)

Heisman Trophy (2021)

Maxwell Award (2021)

College Player of the Year (2021)

Consensus All-American (2021)

SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2021)

First-team All-SEC (2021)

Second-team All-SEC (2022)

Strengths:

-Primarily a pocket quarterback who has the ability to make plays with his feet

-Has enough arm strength to make all the throws or the necessary throws

-Accurate on short and intermediate throws with great timing and anticipation, has good touch on deep throws

-Poised in the pocket, goes through his progressions before making a decision

-Dangerous as a runner, will also use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket

-Great under pressure and usually makes the right decision under duress

Weaknesses:

-Lacks the size coaches look for in a quarterback

Final Analysis:

I never realized how much Bryce's and USC's Caleb Williams' games were alike until I thought back on their games recently. Some say Caleb is more refined, but I think Bryce is the more refined and polished of the two.

He's primarily a pocket passer who is equally dangerous making plays with his feet. He will typically use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket versus looking to escape the pocket and run. He's accurate with great timing and anticipation on his throws, and is typically smart with the ball.

I couldn't find too many flaws in his game. To me, the only glaring downside is that he's undersized for the position--he was listed at 6-0, 194 pounds in college, now he's listed at 5-10, 204 in the pros--but his play and leadership is so exceptional that most coaches will overlook the lack of size.

In terms of talent and intangibles, I think he has everything one looks for in a quarterback. I've seen at his best, I've seen him at his worst, and he finds ways to get it done. The moment is not too big for him. He's one of the quarterbacks who made my prediction last year come to pass, forgoing college and declaring for the 2023 NFL draft, where he became the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.