Bryce Young downplays importance of being No. 1 overall pick

There’s a certain aura that comes with being the top selection of a draft class. It’s something you get remembered for and puts you in a very select group in history. Still, ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, having that distinction isn’t something that concerns Bryce Young.

In an interview on ‘The Pivot’ Podcast, Young addressed if there was a need or an importance for him to be the top selection in 2023. To him, he said there isn’t because it’s out of his control and that it would drive him crazy if he did concern himself with it. He says it’s just easier to not put anything into it and only worry about what’s to follow after a franchise selects him.

“For me, I don’t think it’s something that I put stock in,” Young said. “Again, I feel like I’m gonna land where I’m supposed to. I feel like, again, everything happens for a reason. And I can’t control it, honestly.”

“If I worry about stuff I can’t control? I’m gonna go crazy…That just doesn’t feel like an efficient way for me to operate,” said Young. “Being the No. 1 pick falls in that…That’s not up to me. That’s stuff that’s away from me.

It’s fairly obvious that Young won’t have to wait long to hear his name called off the board. His resume as a recruit, Heisman winner at Alabama, and pro prospect more than justify that. It might even be the very first one Roger Goodell reads as several things suggest that Young will end up being the Carolina Panther’s selection.

With all that said, though, it isn’t worrying him whatsoever for no other reason than it’s not his choice. Young knows that he did everything that he needed to do to put himself in this position. Now, he’s at peace with letting the chips fall where they may and making the most out of what happens from there.

Young says NFL Draft process has been ‘hectic’

Seven days separate Bryce Young from potentially becoming 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 are all locked in on making yourself better without the team goal in mind.”

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 the commissioner calls his name.

“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.”