ESPN Analyst Praises Bryce Young’s “Competitive Fire”

Bryce Young will be talked about as the potential No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL draft from now until the commissioner reads the card on draft night.

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In a recent article, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid talked about what makes the Alabama quarterback an intriguing prospect.

“The competitive fire and calmness he plays with isn’t normal for a prospect his age, especially considering he took over under center in Tuscaloosa for two first-round selections,” said Reid. “Young has plenty of arm strength and the high-level accuracy to succeed in the NFL. His ability to win within the pocket and create plays outside of the normal confines of the playbook places a tremendous amount of stress on opponent defenses."

Young rewrote the Alabama record book in 2021, throwing for the most passing yards (4,872) and passing touchdowns (47) in school history. He also broke the record for most passing yards in a game (559) against Arkansas, the previous record had stood for 52 years.

Young showed incredible accuracy throughout the season. He became the first player in Alabama history to complete his first 13 passes in a game and to throw five touchdown passes with two or fewer incompletions in a game.

In the SEC championship game, Young made a high number of NFL throws against a Georgia defense that saw five players selected in the first-round and another three in later rounds. He also set the records for most passing yards (421) and total yards (461) in the title game.

Young will have a changing of the guard at wide receiver this year, with Jameson Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden all departing for the NFL. In comes transfers Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell to pair with receivers Traeshon Holden, Ja’Corey Brooks, JoJo Earle and Christian Leary.

It’s not just the physical tools or accolades that make Young an elite prospect, but his leadership qualities. Last season, he was voted as one of four permanent team captains.