Tag: Bryce Young

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Colts GM downplays desire to deal for No. 1 pick

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carousel is not a winning plan at quarterback, that much the Indianapolis Colts have proven since Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season.

But general manager Chris Ballard denied the Colts’ need to move up from the No. 4 overall pick to find a long-term solution at the position, especially if it means a deal for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft.

“Everybody has already stamped that you have to move up to No. 1 to get the guy. I don’t know I believe that,” said Ballard, whose trades for Carson Wentz (2021) and Matt Ryan (2022) flopped, sparking a coaching change last season and mandate from owner Jim Irsay to get it right this time.

“There’s got to be a guy worthy of it.”

Since Ballard became general manager in 2017, single-season stopgaps at quarterback haven’t held up with the exception of Philip Rivers, who followed Jacoby Brissett (2019).

Ballard has used 53 total draft picks and selected just two quarterbacks — Texas’ Sam Ehlinger was the 218th pick in the 2021 draft and Jacob Eason was selected 122nd overall in the 2020 draft after spending time at Georgia and Washington — and has a tendency to seek value in free agency and stockpile extra selections in the draft.

At coach Shane Steichen’s introductory press conference, Irsay sounded more than enamored with Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021, but at 6-foot, 194 pounds, his height and weight are question marks.

“Do we stay put? Do we trade up? There’s really many things we can do,” Irsay said. “The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell ya.”

Ballard said winning quarterbacks come in all shapes and sizes. The Bears draft first and appear intent on dealing the pick to a team desperate for a fix at quarterback. The Houston Texans have the second pick and head coach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday the franchise “must add” a quarterback. Arizona has Kyler Murray at quarterback and the Cardinals pick third overall, meaning only one of the teams in the current top three needs a passer.

In addition to Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson are viewed as likely first-round picks.

Ballard asked rhetorically, “Who’s to say that we won’t get a good quarterback at 4?”

He was then questioned about what it would take to entice him to make the offer to the Bears to make the jump to No. 1.

“That we were just convicted. That this is no freaking doubt the guy,” Ballard said.

Ballard hired Steichen, offensive coordinator of the Eagles, as head coach in February. Steichen helped mold Jalen Hurts from second-round pick to MVP candidate in Philadelphia. Ballard said their success is a study in finding the right fit.

“The accuracy is one of the biggest things,” Steichen said. “I think when it’s third-and-8 and you’ve got to have it, you’ve got to be able to stand in the pocket and deliver a strike with a guy barreling down your chest. That says a lot about a guy’s toughness. I look for that on tape. The vetting process of it, the physical process, guys come in different shapes and sizes. We’ve seen Hall of Famers that are 6-foot, we’ve seen Hall of Famers that are 6-5. Again, it’s that “it” factor.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 02, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Bryce Young announces his intention to enter the NFL draft during a press conference for University of Alabama juniors to announce their intentions. Ncaa Football Ua Juniors Announce For Nfl

Bryce Young nixes combine workout; other top QBs will throw

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Projected No. 1 pick Bryce Young will not throw at this week’s NFL scouting combine but the other top three QBs – C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis – will work out, ESPN and NFL Network reported Monday.

The combine begins Tuesday in Indianapolis and runs through next Monday. The throwing sessions for QBs are scheduled for Saturday.

Young, who will work out for scouts at his pro day on March 23 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., will go to Indianapolis for interviews, medicals and measurements, per the reports.

All four quarterbacks are projected to be selected in the top 10 of April’s draft.

The Chicago Bears own the No. 1 pick but are expected to trade out, with quarterback-needy teams looking to move up.

Young and Stroud are expected targets of the Indianapolis Colts, who would like to move up from No. 4 to avoid losing out on an elite passer. The Houston Texans own the No. 2 pick and are also in the QB market, as are other teams with selections in the top 10 — the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers among them.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young, Will Anderson among Alabama trio NFL-bound

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and running back Jahmyr Gibbs all declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Monday.

Young and Anderson are expected to be top-five picks, with Young likely to go No. 1 overall if the Houston Texans earn the first pick. Gibbs projects to be a late first-round pick.

All three announced their decisions — which were expected — at a news conference Monday. The players were introduced by head coach Nick Saban.

Young completed his career with a five-touchdown performance in Alabama’s 45-20 win over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Anderson won back-to-back Bronko Nagurski awards as the nation’s top defensive player. The two-time All-American finishes with 34.5 career sacks.

Young was asked what he’d say to Anderson about hitting him at full speed in the pros.

“Please take it easy,” Young said. “Remember all the good times we had. … Before we play I’ll probably send him a picture of us from freshman year together.”

Gibbs spent just one season in Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech. He rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass as offensive lineman Tyler Steen (54) blocls against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 49-27. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama QB Bryce Young, LB Will Anderson to play in Sugar Bowl

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Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed to reporters Friday night that quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson will play in the Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 rather than opt out to prepare for the NFL draft.

The Crimson Tide had no players opt out of the bowl game, according to Saban.

Young is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, and Anderson, considered among the best defensive prospects available, is expected to be a high selection as well.

More players in recent years have chosen to sit out bowl games to protect their bodies and, in turn, their draft stock. Saban framed Young’s and Anderson’s decisions as team-first moves.

“I think it sets a great example for guys that respect their teammates,” Saban said, “want to be a part of their team, know the impact that they can make, the value that they can make, that they can create for themselves by playing well against good competition. I’m extremely proud of these guys. We’re gonna support them in every way that we can.”

Alabama (10-2) missed the SEC championship game and finished No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the first team out of the playoff field. The Crimson Tide will face Big 12 champion Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, has followed up a breakout season by completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,007 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions thus far. Anderson, at one point considered the likely No. 1 draft pick in 2023, has tallied 51 tackles, 10 sacks and a pick-6 this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) walks off the field after a Crimson Tide victory over the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama still uncertain about Bryce Young’s availability

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The status of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young remains uncertain for the third-ranked Crimson Tide’s visit to No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner did not play last week in Alabama’s 24-20 win over Texas A&M because of an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder. He got hurt during the previous game against Arkansas.

Coach Nick Saban said after practice on Wednesday, “Bryce continues to practice a little bit more. We’ve got him on a little bit of a pitch count just to kind of wean him back into it and see how it goes. So we expect him to do even a little more tomorrow. That’s all I really have to say about that.”

Jalen Milroe played in Young’s spot last week and completed 12 of 19 passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. The Crimson Tide were held scoreless on their final four possessions and held on after the Aggies reached their 2-yard line in the final seconds.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said of Young and Milroe, “I think you have to prepare for both of them. You have to have a plan even if you know who the starter is because you know there’s gonna be some things that are different depending on if the other guy goes into the football game.

“For us, starting with Coach (Tim) Banks and our defensive staff and our players, understanding who’s in and the types of things that you’re gonna see. Obviously, our calls may adjust in situations based on who the QB is, but you have to prepare for both of them anyways.”

Young has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 1,202 yards with 14 TDs and three interceptions. Milroe has a 60.9 percent completion rate for 262 yards with five scoring passes and two interceptions.

The Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) slipped out of the top spot in the rankings this week after the tight escape vs. Texas A&M. The Volunteers (5-0, 2-0) have their highest ranking of the season this week after routing then-No. 25 LSU 40-13 last week.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates with quarterback Bryce Young (9) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban hopeful for Bryce Young’s return vs. Vols

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Monday that starting quarterback Bryce Young'[s passing shoulder was re-evaluated and that “hopefully” the reigning Heisman winner can return for this week’s clash at No. 6 Tennessee.

Both teams are undefeated heading into Saturday’s showdown in Knoxville, Tenn. Alabama is ranked No. 3.

Young missed last Saturday’s narrow win over Texas A&M with shoulder soreness. He sustained a sprained AC joint in the Oct. 1 game against Arkansas. Young was a game-time decision against the Aggies. He was in uniform but never entered the game.

“Hopefully we’re going to try to get him ready to play this week,” Saban told reporters Monday. “But this is something nobody can predict how quickly he’ll get an opportunity to do what he needs to do.”

Jalen Milroe started against A&M and played “with a lot of anxiety,” Saban said. Milroe threw three touchdowns but also turned the ball over three times, including two fumbles.

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young has passed for 1,202 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama to make gameday call on QB Bryce Young

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is a game-time decision for Saturday’s matchup with Texas A&M.

Head coach Nick Saban said on Friday that Young, whose right shoulder was sprained a week ago, continues to participate in portions of practice but his status for the No. 1 Crimson Tide remains a medical decision that won’t be made until Saturday during pregame warmups.

Under medical advice, Young did not throw in Thursday’s team workout.

“We’ll have to make a game-time decision before the game in pregame to see if he can throw the ball well enough to go out there and do his job,” Saban said.

Young was injured in the second quarter against Arkansas and was replaced by Jalen Milroe, who rushed for 91 yards and passed for 65 in the victory. He also supplied two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young has passed for 1,202 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

“(Young) is a sharp guy, and I think he’ll know whether he can go out there and do it,” Saban said.

–Field Level Media