Bryce Young showed out at Alabama's pro day on Thursday, a day after C.J. Stroud got to make his case to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Wednesday.
Young put together a strong showing at his pro day. The 5-10, 204-pound quarterback stood on his measurements from the 2023 NFL Combine and opted just to complete a throwing session on Thursday.
The results were strong, even by the relatively easy standards of a pro day.
Young threw 50 passes as part of a scripted workout and was able to complete 44 of them. Of his six misfires, four were no fault of his own. Two were accurately placed to Jermaine Burton downfield, but the receiver wasn't able to haul them in.
Meanwhile, two others hit the low-hanging roof at Alabama's practice facility. That denied those on hand a chance to see exactly how far Young could chuck the ball downfield.
Young did have two misfires, both of which were overthrows on deep balls. Each time, Young missed his receiver by about a step. Had he taken just a bit off it, or thrown with a bit more touch, they would have been completions.
Young's workout was impressive, as he showed off his best trait, pinpoint accuracy, early and often. He frequently hit his receivers perfectly in stride and almost always delivered the receiver a catchable ball in the right location.
Was Young's pro day a dynamic one? Not exactly, but it did showcase that he is a polished, accurate passer who can make all the throws needed to become an NFL starter. That will put him in the mix to be the No. 1 pick along with C.J. Stroud.
Sporting News tracked Young's performance from his pro day Thursday. Below are the highlights from Young's showcase at the Alabama pro day.
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Bryce Young pro day live updates, highlights
(All times Eastern.)
2:18 p.m. — That will do it for Bryce Young's pro day. Almost all of his throws were delivered with pinpoint accuracy. There were a handful of incompletions, but only a couple were as a result of Young's overthrows. Two catchable balls were dropped by Jermaine Burton while at least one other hit the practice facility's low-hanging roof.
All told, a strong performance for Young. Nothing shown today should concern any NFL teams.
Bryce Young’s dot of the day 🎯 pic.twitter.com/skHm26PGRg
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) March 23, 2023
2:16 p.m. — Young's out routes have been sharp today. Here's a look at one of them:
Nice out route throw by Bryce Young. pic.twitter.com/4kZImwkrKb
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) March 23, 2023
2:13 p.m. — Another miss for Young, as he launched an off-platform throw just a bit too far ahead of his receiver. Every other throw he has had today has been on target — with perfect placement.
2:10 p.m. — And there's Young's first miss of the day. He overthrew his receiver on a downfield shot by about a step.
2:09 p.m. — Here's a good look at one of Young's throws from earlier in the session. He has been pinpoint for most of the day.
Bryce Young’s throwing session has started. The indoor facility is eerily quiet at Alabama’s Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/mYkmLkw25n
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) March 23, 2023
2:06 p.m. — Young's deep passing has looked good thus far. He just launched a pass downfield to his receiver and hit him in the hands in stride. However, the receiver wasn't able to make the catch despite the throw's perfect placement.
Bryce Young deep ball with a fingertip grab by Jermaine Burton.#proday pic.twitter.com/Kitl7FvhP9
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) March 23, 2023
2:04 p.m. — Young looks very calm during the exercises. Every handful of throws, the receivers will regroup and get their next routes, but Young doesn't seem the least bit nervous.
And another look at Bryce Young being as calm, cool and collected as ever while throwing dimes in front of a very large AND silent crowd of NFL coaches, scouts and front office personnel.
— Kari Osep (@KariOsep) March 23, 2023
Intimidated he is not. #Alabama #ProDay pic.twitter.com/mAZ5SPZtTX
2:01 p.m. — So far, so good for Young. He is working well in the quick game, and he is getting the ball to his receivers. Thus far, he has had just one throw that was slightly high; even still, it was placed in such a manner that the receiver could catch it.
A few Bryce Young throws… pic.twitter.com/ZjDieDj0jD
— Brett Greenberg (@74Talk) March 23, 2023
1:58 p.m. — And here we go. Young is now officially throwing. He's starting with the short game and some rollouts.
Alabama QB Bryce Young working the route tree. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/ruP3MgIq6x
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 23, 2023
1:54 p.m. — Jahmyr Gibbs is getting a lot of work right now. Young is now giving him handoffs, and hasn't started his 50-throw script just yet.
1:46 p.m. — Nick Saban is being interviewed as Young warms up his receivers, and he is speaking glowingly about Young's performance on the field. He also stated, unsurprisingly, that Young's height shouldn't be a concern given his success with Alabama.
Nick Saban on if Bryce Young’s height affects his play: “Maybe you should ask some of the people he’s played against the last two years and ask them if they think his height affected his play.”
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) March 23, 2023
1:41 p.m. — And here comes Bryce Young. He's about to start his workout. He is currently helping his receivers get warmed up, as they come out of breaks in a figure-eight drill. Young himself is basically just throwing short curl routes as a part of this.
1:35 p.m. — They are still finishing up some of the offensive line drills right now. Once those are done, it will likely be Young's turn to show his stuff.
1:30 p.m. — It's just about time for Young's workout to start. He should be throwing soon.
1:19 p.m. — Young was just starting to get stretched out as the broadcast cut to a commercial. It shouldn't be long until he throws now.
Bryce Young is set to throw in about 10 minutes. He's here getting warmed up now. pic.twitter.com/zRXXEYLKz1
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2023
1:07 p.m. — Another meeting for Bryce Young: he is expected to talk to the Seahawks at some point after his workout. That news came from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
From Alabama pro day for NFL Now on @nflnetwork: Bryce Young is getting set to begin a throwing session those on hand expect to be as impressive as what he’s put on film. pic.twitter.com/gKihUgYFXY
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 23, 2023
1:04 p.m. — The Panthers are doing everything they can to get information on these top quarterbacks. Frank Reich is evidently talking to Young just before his workout, per ESPN's David Newton.
Panthers coach Frank Reich is spending some time with Bryce Young prior to the throwing.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 23, 2023
1:02 p.m. — For those wondering what Young will be doing until then, he is watching his teammates work out. It looks like he is timing some of them with his phone, too.
Teammates supporting and timing their guys running the 40 yard dash.
— Kari Osep (@KariOsep) March 23, 2023
Bryce Young breaking out his phone to use as a stop watch to time Eli Ricks running his first one.
We’ll have to ask for unofficial times afterwards 😄 pic.twitter.com/MPVIHfhjmU
1:01 p.m. — SEC Network's broadcast of Alabama's pro day just began. They announced the Young is expected to throw at about 1:30 p.m. ET.
12:59 p.m. — Albert Breer has more on the coaches who will be hand to see Bryce Young throw, along with the other Alabama prospect workouts.
Among the head coaches on the ground for Alabama Pro Day, and to see Bryce Young throw ..
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 23, 2023
• Dennis Allen, Saints.
• Pete Carroll, Seahawks.
• Matt Eberflus, Bears.
• Mike McDaniel, Dolphins.
• Josh McDaniels, Raiders.
• Frank Reich, Panthers.
• Mike Tomlin, Steelers.
12:56 p.m. — We know Slade Bolden will be running routes for Young. It looks like Jermaine Burton and JaCorey Brooks will also be involved in the workout. A good opportunity for the Alabama receivers to get some NFL looks.
Alabama WR Jermaine Burton getting loose, expected to run routes for Bryce Young. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/3c1pVpnkgl
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 23, 2023
Alabama WR, Ja’Corey Brooks warming up for Alabama Pro Day.
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 23, 2023
Another Tide wideout who will run routes for Bryce Young. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/Vy8BfEHmbo
12:40 p.m. — Prospects are currently going through the broad jump drills. Eli Ricks' 10-7 mark is the strongest, while Cameron Latu also reached 10 feet to show off his athletic ability.
Alabama best broad jump numbers from Pro Day:
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 23, 2023
-Eli Ricks: 10’7”
-Cam Latu: 10’0”
-Jordan Battle: 9’6”
-Byron Young: 8’9”
-Kendall Randolph: 8’5”
-DJ Dale: 9’10”@TDAlabamaMag
12:38 p.m. — Bryce Young will only be throwing today. He won't run the 40 or do any other drills. As such, his 50-odd passes will be of the utmost importance.
Bryce Young is only expected to throw at Alabama pro day. Like CJ Stroud at OSU no 40. pic.twitter.com/XVf3B9rGjU
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 23, 2023
12:24 p.m. — NFL personnel aren't the only ones at Bryce Young's pro day. His father is there as well. The two were spotted chatting before the event.
Bryce Young and his father share a moment during #Alabama Pro Day, pic.twitter.com/5mShD3EwzR
— Garrett Franks (@garrett_franks) March 23, 2023
12:08 p.m. — Unsurprisingly, Young is not being weighed at his pro day. He tipped the scales at 204 pounds at the NFL Combine, and he will let that number stand.
Bryce Young did not weigh in this morning at Alabama’s pro day. He’ll stand on his 204 pounds from the Scouting Combine.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 23, 2023
12:03 p.m. — For those wondering if Will Anderson will work out today, this should give you your answer. He looks poised to stand on the performance he put up at the 2023 NFL Combine, though he will be at the event with his teammates.
Will Anderson at Alabama’s pro day but is not expected to participate in any drills. He had a pretty damn good combine. pic.twitter.com/LSBQRFjy36
— Andrew Groover (@APGroover) March 23, 2023
11:57 a.m. — A cool story that will be fun to watch: Veteran NFL offensive tackle and former Alabama star D.J. Fluker is attempting an NFL comeback. He hasn't been on an active NFL roster since 2020, though he spent time with three teams during the 2021 season on offseason rosters and practice squads.
DJ Fluker is in the building for Alabama's Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/tzve8K8GHX
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2023
11:53 a.m. — Nicole Tepper, co-owner of the Panthers with her husband David Tepper, greeted Young before his workout on Thursday with a hug.
Owner Nicole Tepper wishing Alabama QB Bryce Young luck ahead of his pro day pic.twitter.com/Y3jhDrVweM
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) March 23, 2023
11:51 a.m. — We now know what Bryce Young will actually be doing when he works out today. He will throw about 50 passes of all kinds, as Albert Breer details.
Inside @_Bryce_Young's throwing program today, via QBs coach @Taylor_Kelly10 ...
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 23, 2023
• ~50 throws.
• Rhythm throws under center and 'gun.
• Midrange off play-action w/off-platform movement.
• Full-field progression throws w/movement.
• End w/play-action shots, scramble shots.
11:02 a.m. — Fun fact: This isn't actually Young's first performance at an Alabama pro day. He threw at last year's iteration of the event and impressed talent evaluators.
Here's a look at what was deemed "the throw of the day" from that event, per Jonathan Adams of Heavy.com.
Play of the day from #Bama WR Slade Bolden (@_slade_10) snagging a pass from future #NFL QB @_bryce_young. #RollTide #NFLDraft #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/TRq1bbHsNW
— Jonathan Adams (@JonDAdams) March 30, 2022
Funnily enough, Slade Bolden will be at Young's workout on Thursday despite having his pro day last year. Bolden signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent but is looking for another opportunity to stick in the NFL.
10:27 a.m. — There are expected to be a lot of key NFL decision-makers at Alabama's pro day, which should come as no surprise. Among the quarterback-needy teams, the Panthers and Raiders will have both their head coaches and general managers in attendance.
Tuscaloosa always biggest stop on spring scouting circuit.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 23, 2023
Huge contingent of NFL decision-makers scheduled to be at tomorrow’s @AlabamaFTBL pro-day:
GM (12): BUF, CAR, CHI, DET, GB, LV, MIA, NYG, PIT, SEA, TEN, WAS
HC (10): CAR, CHI, LV, MIA, MIN, NE, NO, NYG, PIT, SEA pic.twitter.com/C4MtdWwXLp
9:54 a.m. — The Panthers aren't the only ones that met with Young. The Raiders, who own the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, also spoke to the Alabama quarterback on Wednesday night.
Following dinner with the #Panthers last night, Alabama QB Bryce Young met with the #Raiders ahead of his pro day today. Vegas currently holds the 7th pick in the NFL Draft.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 23, 2023
We’re live from Bama’s pro day today on NFL+ at 1:30p Eastern. @SteveSmithSr89 joins me from Tuscaloosa. pic.twitter.com/TUM1zvfwPZ
8:58 a.m. — The Panthers are doing their homework on all the top passers in the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN's David Newton reports that Carolina's brass, including owner David Tepper, dined with Young Wednesday night ahead of his workout on Thursday.
The Panthers turn their focus today to Alabama’s pro day with QB Bryce Young. Their contingent, including owner David Tepper, had dinner with Young last night. That may have been as big or bigger than what they learn on the field today.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 23, 2023
The Panthers had been at C.J. Stroud's pro day earlier in the day, sending 11 people to watch him work out. Thus, their taking a similar approach with Young shouldn't be a surprise, but it is noteworthy.
Will Bryce Young throw at Alabama pro day?
Yes, Bryce Young is planning to throw at Alabama's first pro day on Thursday. He chose to do so after not throwing at the 2023 NFL Combine; he only measured and interviewed at the combine, opting to save the drills for his pro day.
Young's performance in passing drills will be the most important part of his pro day. That said, his measurements will garner attention after he came in at 5-10 1/8, 204 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine.
If Young measures similarly and performs well in the passing drills, which he should, that will help to further the comparisons between his ability and 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray.
How to watch Alabama's pro day in 2023
- Date: Thursday, March 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET (noon CT)
- TV channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo
SEC Network will televise the first of Alabama's two pro days on Thursday, March 23. The event itself will begin at 10 a.m. ET but the network's broadcast won't begin until 1 p.m. ET, shortly before Young is expected to throw.
Those who want to live stream Alabama's pro day but don't have cable will be able to use Fubo to watch it. Fubo carries the SEC Network, a member of the ESPN family, as well as ABC, CBS, Fox and other major networks, meaning you can catch football action leading up to, and including, the 2023 NFL season. Fubo also offers a free trial.
Bryce Young NFL Draft projection
Young was widely considered to be the top quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft class entering the 2022 college football season. He had another good year from Alabama, and that has allowed him to remain near the top of many big boards across the league.
However, Young is no longer guaranteed to be the first quarterback selected. Ohio State's C.J. Stroud is presently favored to be the No. 1 overall pick, so Young may have to settle for being the second quarterback selected.
Even still, it looks like Young is going to be a top-two pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, barring a surprise. If the Panthers don't end up taking Young, the Texans — who have long been tied to Alabama quarterback — well could take him, unless they end up falling in love with the athletic potential of Anthony Richardson.
On the off-chance that occurs, Young still almost certainly wouldn't escape the top four. The quarterback-needy Colts are expected to target a player at the position. Young would fit the Jalen Hurts mold that new coach Shane Steichen is seeking while owner Jim Irsay praised Young unprompted at Steichen's introductory news conference.
So barring a surprise, Young will be a top-four pick. And it would be a surprise to see him be one of the first two players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.