Mel Kiper Jr. explains why Bryce Young is QB3 on big board

In Mel Kiper’s latest 2023 NFL Draft Big Board, Bryce Young is the third quarterback listed. CJ Stroud takes the top spot, while Will Levis is ahead of the Alabama signal caller. Young, a former Heisman Trophy winner, is still in the top five overall but third at his own position.

Before breaking down Young as a prospect, Kiper still explained how it’s early in the NFL Draft process. He said a final decision on how the rankings shake out will not come until early April, with the event itself taking place just a couple of weeks later. For now, all three of Levis, Stroud, and Young are “bunched together.”

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“It’s really three guys bunched together,” Kiper said. “There’s no real gap between the three. I put them all there together, we’re still in early November. Long way until early April when I have to make the final call on who is QB1, 2, and 3.”

None of the three listed have gone head to head yet this season, with a slim chance of it happening. CJ Stroud would have to face either Levis or Young in the postseason and most likely, the College Football Playoff. Even if they don’t get on the same field, the three will be compared to one another for the next six months.

Mel Kiper cites size of Bryce Young for ranking

Kiper cited Young’s size as to why he is the third quarterback on his board. When looking throughout NFL history, nobody the size of Young has been selected so high, no matter how prevalent the talent is. Russell Wilson and Drew Brees are two common comparisons but Young does not have the build of those two.

“Bryce Young is 5-11.5, 185,” said Kiper. “We haven’t had a quarterback so small and stature this high but when you look at those three, it’s too close to call. Will Levis, CJ Stroud, and Bryce Young all in a similar category grade-wise.”

Stats are not everything when it comes to the NFL Draft, with measurables and mental evaluations taking place. But it’s hard to ignore what Young has done since arriving in Tuscaloosa. This season alone, he has thrown for 1,906 yards, 18 touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven appearances.

Young’s best performance may have even come in the loss to Tennessee, having over 400 yards and two touchdowns.

There will be a lot of time for somebody such as Young to prove some of the doubters wrong. At least four more regular season games remain, plus a possible three postseason games. Although, if size is going to deter teams away, not much will change on that front.