TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama football coach Nick Saban believes Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback the past two seasons, will be the best prospect available when the NFL draft begins April 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Now, though, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is trying to convince the league’s teams — particularly the Carolina Panthers, who will pick first — that Saban is right. Young’s latest opportunity came Thursday, during Alabama’s pro day at his old practice facility.
“We think he’s the best player in the draft,” Saban said.
Young, who didn’t throw at the NFL scouting combine earlier this month in Indianapolis, threw a scripted series of 50 passes mostly to former teammates before a large contingent of league coaches, scouts and executives representing all 32 teams. Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud are considered the top possibilities to be the first player drafted.
“It was great to be back here throwing to my guys again,” Young said. “This was a really cool experience. I always dreamed of having a pro day, and to be able to have it means a lot to me.”