Bryce Young is one of the top prospects in the NFL Draft 2023, however, he may no longer be seen league-wide as the best quarterback available in this year’s class.
This year’s draft has a deep class of first-round-level talent. Yet, what makes it special compared to years past — especially the 2022 edition — is that there are at least three signal-callers with top-10 potential. But there are two QBs that stand head and shoulders above the rest: Bryce Young and CJ Stroud.
Related: NFL Draft QB rankings – Bryce Young leads best QB prospects in NFL Draft
Alabama’s Young and Ohio State star Stroud have been considered the top two QBs in the NFL Draft 2023 for close to a year and not much has changed. During that time, the Crimson Tide talent has often been viewed as the better of the pair. However, that thinking may be shifting among NFL decision-makers three months away from the annual event.
CJ Stroud moving ahead of Bryce Young on some NFL Draft 2023 boards
On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported on some of the rumblings around Super Bowl week and the views on Young and Stroud, which seems to be changing. One NFL executive informed them that “the gap between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud isn’t as big as you’d think.”
While Young may have the skills that make him the readiest now for the NFL — outstanding accuracy and touch — the word around the league is that he is an “acquired taste” for some teams and CJ Stroud is starting to pass him on many draft boards.
A major reason why some organizations are not sold on Bryce Young is due to his size and weight. He is listed as 6-foot tall and weighing 190 pounds. Some question the accuracy of his height and one AFC scout told ESPN he was as light as 168 pounds early in his Alabama Crimson Tide career.
Stroud on the other hand is listed as 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds. Giving him much more of a frame that could hold up to the rigors of the NFL.