ESPN draft guru compares Alabama QB Bryce Young to Super Bowl MVP
ESPN NFL Draft guru Todd McShay has compared Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young to the reigning Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.
"I think he’s a smaller version of (Kansas City Chiefs star) Patrick Mahomes," McShay said of Young during Wednesday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, as shared by Kevin Harrish of The Comeback. "The presence he has in the pocket, the ability to feel pressure coming, the ability to see the whole field and make all the throws with really good touch and timing. He’s different than all these other guys."
Like ESPN's Mel Kiper did last month, McShay noted Young is undersized for the position and will carry questions about his ability to remain healthy into the early days of his pro career. ESPN lists the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at 6-foot-0 and 194 pounds, and McShay said on Wednesday that Young is working to add positive weight and get to over 200 pounds to help ease concerns about his durability.
Ahead of McShay's television appearance, he predicted in his latest mock draft that the Indianapolis Colts will trade with the Chicago Bears to obtain the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and then use that asset to give new coach Shane Steichen none other than Young as his QB1.
"Steichen got Justin Herbert up to speed when he was the (Los Angeles Chargers') offensive coordinator during Herbert's rookie season, and then helped turn Jalen Hurts into one of the league's top quarterbacks over his two years with the (Philadelphia Eagles)," McShay explained.
This past season, Young completed 64.5% of 380 passes for 3,328 yards with 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 185 yards and four scores.
Interestingly, some believe the Bears will trade current starter Justin Fields presumably so they can select Young first overall. It sounds like McShay would support Chicago general manager Ryan Poles going in that direction this offseason.
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