Todd McShay released his first 2023 NFL Mock Draft, which included the Houston Texans selecting star Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick. If the mock holds true, it would be the first time an Alabama quarterback was selected first. Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones was selected by the New England Patriots with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. McShay compared Young Tuesday morning to a current Super Bowl-winning and MVP quarterback on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
“I think the biggest thing for me is he’s got that Patrick Mahomes kind of poise and presence in the pocket,” McShay said. “He knows where the rush is coming from. He knows where he has to keep his eyes while he’s moving around. He knows how to slide and climb the pocket. He’s just so under control on the field and he can create and extend plays. That’s what you’re looking for now in an NFL quarterback. The game has changed and he’s exactly what the NFL teams are looking for.”
Three CBS NFL Draft experts agree that Young will go No. 1 overall to the Texans. Young isn’t the only quarterback listed in mock drafts going inside the top 10. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Levis are both in consideration to be a top pick come April.
“Now, size is the concern,” McShay said on why Young wouldn’t be the first quarterback. “It’s not about height and seeing over his offensive line. It’s about the durability and long-term durability. So if he doesn’t go No. 1, it will be because of the team probably the Texans in this in this scenario, says you know, ‘we’re worried about the long-term durability.’ But to me, he’s the best quarterback, he’s the best playmaker at the quarterback position in the 2023 class.”
Young will have to make a decision in the coming days about his future at Alabama. The Crimson Tide plays Big 12 champion Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl Dec. 31. Young will either begin the pre-draft process as a consensus top pick or focus on bowl prep with Alabama.
“That’s not something I’ve thought about yet,” Young said after the Iron Bowl. “I just try to live in the moment, attack each day, as I’ve been. Right now, we have the 24-hour rule, so I’m just happy we pulled this one out.”
After winning the Heisman Trophy last season, Young followed up his impressive campaign by throwing for 3,007 yards with 27 touchdowns to five interceptions. Young missed a game earlier this season against Texas A&M after suffering a sprain to the AC joint in his shoulder during a win over Arkansas.
