Raiders HC Mike McDaniels weighs in on Bryce Young's height as team searches for future QB
Alabama Crimson Tide's Bryce Young is the top-rated quarterback prospect in the 2023 NFL draft.
Scouts and analysts have him pegged at number one overall, presumably to a team that trades up for the Chicago Bears' number one overall pick.
While he's regarded as a top prospect, one red flag that he contains is not the ideal quarterback size for the NFL. A recent report showed that his real height is 5'10-1/2" while he was originally listed as 6'0". Young also reportedly weighs in at 195 lbs.
Update: Alabama QB Bryce Young's real height is 5'10½, according to ESPN's Todd McShay.
“If I’m a GM, I’m scared to death of drafting him.” said McShay.
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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels responded to the news of Young's size.
While some, such as Todd McShay, would be scared to take a chance on drafting him, McDaniels seems to think Young's size doesn't matter. He also pointed out the success of Russell Wilson (5'11") and Kyler Murray (5'10") in the NFL.
McDaniels said:
“Height is not a prerequisite for the QB position."
Josh McDaniels on Bryce Young:
“Height is not a prerequisite for the QB position. Mentions Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray having success in the league.”
The Raiders hold the number seven overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They're a team that is looking to find a new quarterback, and could be a team that trades up to draft one of the top QBs in this loaded class.
Could Bryce Young still be the number one overall pick despite his smaller body size?
Despite his smaller size for the position, Bryce Young is still expected to go number one overall.
Like McDaniels said, smaller quarterbacks have been successful in the NFL before.
Kyler Murray was drafted number one overall in the 2019 NFL draft, while Russell Wilson won the Super Bowl as well. Drew Brees (6 feet & 209 lbs) also clinced the Super Bowl and played in the league for 20 seasons.
Young finished his college career with 80 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 162 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns. He sat out most of his freshman season (2020), seeing very little action.
In his second season at Alabama, Bryce Young went 13-2, setting school records in passing yards (4,872) and touchdowns (47). He threw seven interceptions and three rushing touchdowns. As a junior, he led the team to a 9-2 record in the 2022 season while capturing the Sugar Bowl MVP.
The only thing against him is his size, but we've seen on multiple occasions smaller quarterbacks having success in the NFL.