Bryce Young says NFL Draft process has been 'hectic'
Seven days separate Bryce Young from being named the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His pre-draft process has put him under a magnifying glass, but the pressure is all going to be worth it once he hears Roger Goodell say his name in Kansas City. Young recently revealed how the four-month process between Alabama‘s Sugar Bowl victory and next week’s draft has readied him for the next level.
“It’s been crazy. It has been something I’ve always dreamed of. It’s crazy to see one of those dreams to go to the NFL is right around the corner,” Young told the Pivot Podcast. “It’s been hectic. Honestly, it is a rare time in my life. You don’t really know what you’re working toward — you really focus on yourself and you are all locked in on making yourself better without the team goal in mind.”
Young ended his time at Alabama as the greatest quarterback to ever come out of the program. He ended his career in Tuscaloosa throwing for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns.
He got his first year of starting experience during the 2021 season, and he didn’t disappoint. That season, Young completed 66.9 percent of his pass attempts, throwing for 4,872 yards with 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Young’s dominant 2021 season led to him winning the Heisman Trophy in a landslide with 684 first-place votes.
Concerns about his size have been discussed over the process, but it ultimately seems as though the Carolina Panthers have waived off that conversation and betting odds say they are looking to make him their next franchise quarterback.
Still, Young won’t know his NFL fate until draft night. He’s still in the dark about what his future in the league will look like until he hear’s his name called.
“I don’t know what my system is going to be. I don’t know who my teammates are going to be. That uncertainty took a little bit of adjusting,” Young said. “It’s cool for once to finally focus on yourself without any team goals, without there being any other layer.”
If not No. 1, he won’t fall much father. The 2023 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station. The first round of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET. on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.