Bryce Young addresses size concerns ahead of NFL Draft

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young has addressed the undeniable size concerns hovering over his status roughly one week before the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway. 

"I think it’s valid. I get it. I think everyone’s entitled to their opinion," Young explained during a Wednesday appearance on the ESPN "First Take" program, as shared by Keith Farner of Saturday Down South. "...I’ve been playing with a lot of people that have been bigger than me my entire life. I’ve always been the smaller one on the field, and I know that’s not going to change at the next level. 

"It’s something I’m super used to, so at the next level it’s about how quickly you can process, how well you can make the right decision. How well you can get the ball out of your hands and into playmakers’ hands. And that’s something I pride myself in. I’m ready for the challenge at the next level."

Young measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the combine back in early March. He then declined to weigh in before he began his throwing session at Alabama's pro day, and that decision caused many to assume he was walking around at under 200 pounds at that time. 

However, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer are among members of the NFL community who have brushed aside worries that Young is either too small to succeed playing the position in the league or won't be able to stay healthy. 

"Nutritionally, we can do some things to educate him, get him in the weight room," Fitterer said about Young on Tuesday. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, Oddschecker had Young as the massive betting favorite at -1200 odds to go to the Panthers via the first overall pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and four out of six CBS Sports analysts are among draft gurus predicting Carolina will happily grab Young with the No. 1 choice.