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Bryce Young lists NFL quarterbacks he watches to improve

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham04/20/23

AndrewEdGraham

2022 CFP National Championship - Georgia v Alabama
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide passes the ball during the College Football Playoff Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs held at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young might be able to become the No. 1 pick in the draft. But he’s also always looking to get better — a big reason he might get drafted so high.

Speaking on “The Pivot” podcast, Young shared a handful of NFL quarterbacks that he aspires too and tries to take lessons from. It is by no means a complete list, but Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow are pretty good company to try and keep.

“Aaron Rodgers is someone that I’ve definitely always, always — that’s somebody I’ve always watched and always admired a lot. Patrick Mahomes, of course. Patrick Mahomes has just, the success he’s had, how he plays the game. He’s legitimately changed the game a lot. How the position is played. Joe Burrow is someone that I really, I am a big fan of his game and what he can do. You can’t get me start on this list man,” Young said, laughing before the hosts let him off the hook at three names.

Young has good taste in quarterback idols. The three quarterbacks he named have five Super Bowl appearances between them and a trio of rings — and Burrow still has plenty of chances to get a Lombardi. Rodgers and Mahomes (with a bit of projection) too, are likely both headed to the Hall of Fame after their careers and Burrow certainly has the potential for that sort of honor.

And just examining how each quarterback plays, the way Young plays out of structure starts to make more sense. There are arguably not any quarterbacks better than that trio at navigating havoc and mayhem behind the line of scrimmage while maintaining a throwing platform to let them unleash explosive plays when the defense gets out of shape.

Outside of maybe Caleb Williams, no quarterback was better at that the last two seasons in college football than Bryce Young.

Good company for Young to aspire to. And pretty soon here, those quarterbacks he looks up to are going to be his peers.

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“We just had football discussions. In visits and talking, we’ve all talked football. I’ve been able to learn a little bit about their philosophy and it’s just been getting to know each other. There’s definitely been no communication about what’s going to happen going forward, but I’m blessed to have conversations with them and for them to have reached out,” Young said.

He continued, sharing that he was mostly grateful for the visits he did go on and the knowledge and insights he’s gleaned.

“It’s all been about football and trying to get a feel for each other, as I know that they’re doing with everyone in the draft. So, again, this is a great process for me,” Young said. “I’m blessed to be able to be a part of it. And I’m just — whatever franchise it is that takes a shot on me, I’ll be extremely grateful for.”