Did Nick Saban blast Anthony Richardson while defending Bryce Young?

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban may have taken some shots at former Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson while defending Alabama product Bryce Young. 

As shared by Mike Rodak of AL.com and Kevin Harrish of The Comeback, Saban spoke about the much-publicized concerns regarding Young's size during a recent appearance on the "Know Mercy" podcast hosted by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. 

"We’ve all seen the 6-4, 225-pound guy that can throw it like a bazooka, but he can’t make the choices and decisions, he can’t distribute the ball, he can’t throw it accurately," Saban explained. "So who’s the better bet? I’m going on history, production, performance, and Bryce Young’s done it about as well as anybody."

Saban didn't name Richardson, but Internet sleuths were quick to put two-and-two together to make four. As The Athletic's Vic Tafur noted, Richardson checked in at the NFL combine at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds. 

Richardson then dazzled on-lookers with impressive showings during numerous drills, but J.J. Stankevitz of the Indianapolis Colts' website and some others were quick to point out that the to-be rookie completed just 53.8% of his passes this past college season. 

Meanwhile, Eric Edholm of the NFL's website mentioned that Young measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and 204 pounds at the combine. Odds are Young played at well under 200 pounds in college, but Saban reminded doubters that his former starter "has no history of being injury-prone" at a high level. 

"Because the SEC — there’s a lot of folks in the SEC that end up playing in the NFL," Saban continued. "And he plays against those guys every week. He’s never had a problem with injuries." 

In a mock draft updated on Tuesday, ESPN's Todd McShay predicted that the Colts will trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick in this year's player-selection process and then use that asset to land Young. 

"He's still not only the top quarterback on my board but also the top overall prospect," McShay added about Young. 

McShay then forecasted the Las Vegas Raiders will move up to draft Richardson with pick No. 4. 

"His physical traits are exciting, and if coach Josh McDaniels can work with him on his footwork and accuracy, the sky's the ceiling," McShay said of Richardson. McShay does, however, believe Richardson "might need more time to develop before taking over as an NFL starter."