Carolina Panthers should monitor Bryce Young
Six years ago, it would’ve been absurd to think that any Alabama quarterback could be a first-round pick, let alone a Top-15 selection. Entering the 2022 season, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones provided the Crimson Tide with incredible play and a high-powered, juggernaut offense that college football would fear every week.
Now, Alabama has another quarterback that will be leading yet another high-octane and he is most likely the best of the two.
Bryce Young was one of the best players in the country last season. He won the Heisman Trophy and led the Crimson Tide to yet another SEC Championship and a runner-up finish in the National Championship.
Despite having only a year of starting experience, Young looks like a true NFL veteran on the field. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year showcased rare poise in the pocket and was never phased by pressure on and off the field. When standing in the face of pressure, the prospect prevailed and delivered consistently.
Young offers wonderful pocket awareness, using his mobility to navigate in and out of the pocket when the confines break down. His upper body mechanics are very clean, but he needs to show more footwork consistency when things get murky.
If and when you’re looking for an accurate quarterback, Young is the guy. He offers high-level accuracy on all three levels of the field, showcasing great touch and ball placement down the field.
In his release, Young also showcases adequate arm talent with zip and velocity. Something the Carolina Panthers are hoping Baker Mayfield can bring to the team in 2022.
The Associated Press CFB Player of the Year offers good decision-making skills with the football and doesn’t often put it in harm’s way. When needing to get the ball out of the pocket, Young offers the out-of-structure ability to create plays and throws off-script.
The biggest concern with Young that will follow him throughout the year and the rest of his career will be his size, as he’s only 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds. Taking lesser risks with the ball and cleaning up his footwork will be something the quarterback also needs to improve if he wants to improve his draft stock this season.