WATCH: Bryce Young 'respectfully' responds to critics about his size, makes his case for No. 1

If Alabama quarterback Bryce Young had prototypical size, he’d easily be the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He doesn’t, though, and that could potentially cost him a couple of slots in the draft as teams wonder about his long-term durability.

However, as Young explained at the NFL Combine, he’s always been the little guy and that’s never stopped him before.

You can watch his answer, here:

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young @_bryce_young @AlabamaFTBL #NFLCombine2023 @KPRC2 emphasized he's confident his size won't impact his ability to play in NFL @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/Z1er2fi9Kn

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 3, 2023

“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life. I know who I am, and I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair — everyone can speculate and ask whatever questions are necessary. I’m going to continue to control what I can control.”

Bryce Young went on to explain that he’s confident in himself and is going to keep working to do the best that he possibly can at the next level.

Unfortunately for Young, ahead of the NFL Draft players are critiqued over and over again. He doesn’t have many flaws, but in the league’s eyes, this is one of them.

Will Anderson defends Bryce Young

At the NFL Combine, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson defended Bryce Young against criticism that he’s too small for the NFL. He argued that Young played against several future NFL players in the SEC and his size was never an issue there.

“I would say Bryce played in the SEC,” Anderson said.

“One of the best conferences in college football. Big defensive tackles, big defensive lineman, big pass rushers, and took a lot of hits during his years there. I have all confidence in Bryce Young. If I was in the position to take him, I’m taking him.”