Herm Edwards reveals how NFL teams address questions about Bryce Young’s size
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is one of the top overall prospects in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Young has a decorated college resume and a unique skillset at the quarterback position, but his size has been a big topic of conversation when evaluating him as a prospect, listed at just 6 feet tall and 194 pounds. And former NFL and collegiate head coach Herm Edwards broke down how NFL team will evaluate and consider Young’s stature through the draft process.
“There’s going to be concern with some teams, and some teams there won’t be any concern. They’ll just say we’re going to take him, he’s gonna be fine, he played in the SEC, I get it,” Edwards said.
In Young’s two years as an SEC starter he threw for 8,200 yards, 79 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions, picking up a Heisman Trophy along the way. He did miss some time last season due to a shoulder injury he sustained following a hit versus Arkansas, and his build reminds Edwards of another Alabama quarterback of the past who ended up struggling with injuries in his professional career.
“Look I drafted Brody Croyle out of Alabama, similar build, got hurt. Never was healthy,” Edwards explained. “So you’re kind of going hey, he made it through the SEC, he’s a special player. I recruited the kid (Young) out of high school to come to Arizona State so I know a lot about this guy.”
Croyle stood at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, and was drafted by Edwards when he was the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 85 overall pick of the third round in the 2006 NFL Draft. Young will likely get drafted a lot higher as a higher-rated prospect. A player whose size will be overlooked by some teams due to the tremendous upside he brings to the table compared to the downside of his stature.
“But he is a special player, but the size will look at some teams and go no we’re not going there, and that’s okay,” Edwards said. “There’s different sizes, there’s different quarterbacks.”
Young’s NFL Combine and Pro Day measurements will definitely be closely watched by NFL organizations leading up the NFL Draft, but only time will tell who’s going to be most willing to draft Young to their squad. The first round NFL Draft will kick off on April 23 in Kansas City at 8 p.m. ET.