Bryce Young Projected to go First Overall in McShay’s Recent Mock
ESPN analyst Todd McShay recently released a mock draft with four Alabama players going inside the first 31 selections, including the Colts striking a deal with the Bears to move up to the first overall pick to select Bryce Young.
The Indianapolis Colts, who haven't had a franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in 2019, would send the No. 4 pick, a second-rounder (35th) 35th, a 5th-rounder, and their 2024 first, to the Chicago Bears to find their potential franchise guy.
McShay also had the Tide's star pass rusher Will Anderson going inside the top-5, projecting him to go to the Arizona Cardinals third overall.
The Cardinals, who recently hired the mastermind behind the Eagle's historical pass rush Johnathan Gannon, were 23rd in total sacks across the league. With the departure of J.J. Watt, adding an elite pass rusher becomes even more important for the new regime in Arizona.
The next Bama alum to be selected in McShay's mock was the do-it-all defensive back Brian Branch, being selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 20 overall pick.
Yes, the Seahawks have both Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams under contract up until 2024. But, Branch can be aligned almost anywhere in the secondary and inside the box. Additionally, Adams has struggled to stay on the field and is recovering after a Quadriceps injury in the season opener.
The final ex-member of the Crimson Tide in McShay's mock draft is Jahmyr Gibbs, projecting him to the Buffalo Bills with the 27th overall pick.
Buffalo, who has had a lackluster rushing offense outside of Josh Allen, finally adds the game-changer out of the backfield that they have needed so desperately the past few seasons. Gibbs possesses all of the skills and versatility that are needed to be an elite NFL running back.
While mock drafts are mostly projections and educated guesses, it is still interesting to see where your favorite team's players will continue their football careers.
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