Jeff LegwoldESPN Senior Writer3 minute read
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INDIANAPOLIS — Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, one of the top-rated prospects in the NFL Draft in April, says he understands the questions league staff evaluators might have on its size and potential durability.
Because, well, he has a mirror.
“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young said with a slight smile during a Friday speech at the NFL Combine. “I know who I am, I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate, ask me all the questions. I will continue to control what I can control, continue to work from my best.” .. I have confidence in myself. I know what I can do.”
Young, who won’t be officially weighed or measured at the combine until Saturday, also happens to be one of the most decorated players in this year’s draft. A Heisman Trophy winner and 2021 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Young threw for 79 touchdowns with 12 interceptions while going 24-3 in his two seasons as a Crimson Tide starter. In his final college game, Alabama’s Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State in January, Young threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
Young is the No. 1 ranked player by Scouts Inc. and No. 4 on ESPN’s latest Mel Kiper Jr. Big Board.
But with him listed as 6-foot-0 and 194 pounds at Alabama, Young’s height has become one of the most talked-about parts of his NFL potential — especially after missing time with a sprained AC joint at his right, throwing the shoulder last season. .
Young, however, showed the same unflappable nature on Friday that he showed behind center.
“To be honest, I’m not sure what people are saying about me,” Young said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s opinion… I respect everyone’s opinion, but I focus on what I can control. I take advice and direction from people I trust.”
On what he might weigh on Saturday, Young said, “I’ve been in the 200-pound range, and that’s something that hasn’t been too difficult to do.”
Young said Friday he officially met the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans at the combine. The Bears have the No. 1 draft pick and the Texans have the No. 2 and 12 picks.
He said each of these teams had “great staff” and “great coaches”.
Young, who said he spoke to former Alabama quarterback and current New England Patriots QB Mac Jones about the pre-draft process and “how to behave,” was asked Friday about what he thought was the best part of his game.
“For me, I’m really proud of my leadership,” Young said. “I know it’s something I have to earn at the next level. I’m really excited to…try to earn that trust and respect from this dressing room. I know it’s not something I’m entitled to. .”