The Chicago Bears already have lots of leverage when it comes to trading the #1 overall pick. Houston sits behind them at #2. Everybody knows they’re taking a quarterback. With several teams in the top 10 needing a quarterback, it’s hardly a stretch to learn they are interested in the Bears’ pick. The biggest key was whether the quarterbacks in this draft class could check enough of the boxes to convince somebody to pull the trigger. Bryce Young appears to have done exactly that. In multiple ways, too.
Most draft experts agreed coming into the off-season that the Alabama quarterback was the #1 option. His performance in 2022 alone justified it. He plays so well from the pocket, sees the field, throws with accuracy, and has natural playmaking instinct. The problem was his size. He was listed at around 190-195 lbs. That is very thin for an NFL quarterback, especially one who is under 6’0 tall. Teams wanted to know if he could put on any weight to help with that. The quarterback answered those questions at the scouting combine when he weighed in at 204 lbs.
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) March 4, 2023
Some context from @NFLResearch on the combine measurements of Alabama QB Bryce Young, who checked in today at 5’ 10 1/8” and 204 pounds. pic.twitter.com/MIwumEFOep
Even better, Jordan Schultz of The Score revealed that Young had been acing interviews with teams from the moment he arrived at the event. It’s clear he is leaving a positive impression in every sense.
Bryce Young has been sensational in draft meetings, according to league sources who’ve met with him. Young’s football acumen is off the charts, as one executive explained to me. As is his ability to understand advanced coverages, even ones that he’s yet to see. @theScorepic.twitter.com/N3YjyNYOVp
He’s proven he can put on weight. He showcased his football acumen and natural leadership in interviews. Combine that with hours of excellent tape and there isn’t much else to say. Everything suggests this kid has a chance to be a good quarterback in the NFL. Teams have may have been uncertain before should be assuaged. Now it comes down to which of them were really high on Young heading into the spring. This is when the paranoia starts to set in. Yes, they’re sold on the kid. Is Houston? Reports are this is the case.
That means only one thing. If they want Bryce Young to be their quarterback of the future, they have to get the #1 pick. Ryan Poles’ phone is on. He is ready and willing to make a deal. His price tag appears clear. If you’re coming from outside the top 10, it’ll take a 2nd this year, a 1st in 2024, and a 1st in 2025. Maybe that can be whittled down by including a veteran player in the package. This is exactly the development the Bears wanted. Now all they have to do is wait it out.
