gmonjimbo

Agreed. Stroud is slightly more accurate than Young on script - clean pocket and throwing window. However, when its throwing on the run or facing direct pressure Bryce is more accurate - which IMO is more important.

I agree with Kaye's assessment - Bryce is the better QB but in terms of fitting a system and Reich's background with QBs and Stroud fitting more of the prototypical size, I'm thinking Stroud will be the pick. I'm conflicted though because how the modern NFL game is played is you need a creator at QB. I could argue that the San Franciso 49ers have had the best system in the NFL the past 4 years - 2 Conference Championship appearances and 1 SB appearance - especially this past year with starting 3 different QBs. However, it's not too surprising that they came up short to Mahomes, Hurts, and Stafford as they created two or three plays outside their system to win. I think that's why Kyle decided to go with Trey Lance over Mac Jones because Lance presented a more dynamic element to his game.

Oh, I forgot about Justin McCray from the Texans. I think we'll manage then. Mays is solid. I like to see how he develops in the offseason as he will have a lot of first-team reps while Corbett and Christensen recover. I just want to avoid the days of Dennis Daley, John Miller, and Michael Jordan quality at Guard after Trai Turner fell off.

I think Guard should be in play with Christensen and Corbett coming off lower leg injuries.

That's fine. Pointing out Stroud's areas of improvement doesn't mean he shouldn't be considered for the No.1 pick "There’s still room for Stroud to become more comfortable as a creator. He has the athleticism and arm to work off-script, but at times, passes up opportunities to create and struggles to stay in control in those situations. Luckily, Stroud’s final game against Georgia was a very promising development in that regard." If you look at the new trend of QB's that have come out the last six years: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, etc. They all use their athleticism to create plays off-script (it doesn't mean turning into Michael Vick - it can simply mean extending time in the pocket to find a WR downfield for a big gain) I prefer Bryce Young over Stroud because Young can make plays on and off-script consistently over the 20+ games he played. I also like the comments from the Panthers GM about his mental preparation and approach to the game already being at an NFL level. I don't think any level-headed Young supporter denies questions about his frame or durability at the next level. I think the Panthers will draft Stroud. He is the safest pick of all the QBs in this draft. He can run the system that Thomas Brown and Frank Reich will install. Then hopefully get him to a stage where he feels more comfortable using his athleticism (and again not saying read option) to create plays.

I'm intrigued by Richardson's skillset. I think the Panthers instantly become a top 3 rushing attack in the league. I don't compare him to Trey Lance, as Lance wasn't in Division 1 Football, much less a Power 5 conference, and played 1 game in 2020 due to a shortened season. He had a long layoff of not playing football. However, Stroud and Young are more polished at QB. I think for Richardson his private workouts and interviews with teams as they go over his film and ask him about certain plays, calls, protections, etc. will be key. I see Frank Reich as conservative. I don't know if it was by choice but taking on QBs like Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan has me thinking he won't invest in Richardson or Bryce Young for that matter. I think the safe pick is Stroud. He plays within the system and can hit all three levels of the field.

I think the point is being missed. I mentioned rushing attempts and mobility within and outside the pocket in the original post. It's more to playstyle not a judgment on a player's performance. CJ is a traditional pocket passer and doesn't move as much as someone with his athletic profile. What's being discussed is whether he can play more like he did against Georgia or the other games he played at OSU in the NFL.

A good game to watch is the game vs Tennessee. I think he threw about 50 times. That game shows his full skillset positive and negative traits. He throws from within and outside the pocket - short, intermediate, and deep passes. Also, I recommend Josh McCown's analysis of Young's game against LSU. It's about 25 minutes long but he goes in-depth on 10 throws Young made in the game My take on Young is he can play well from within and outside the pocket. As a playmaker, he has a tendency to overextend plays or look for the home run instead of simple completion. This was more pronounced in his 2022 season as the talent level at the receiver position at Alabama this year was lackluster compared to their previous 5 years. Stroud is a prototype pocket passer that stays on script and in rhythm. I think he is a good prospect at QB. Like some posters, my only concerns are adjusting to a receiving core in Carolina or Houston as I don't believe he will go past 2 that are inferior in talent at WR compared to what he had at OSU, along with building off his performance against Georgia where he used his legs more.

If you go back to my original statement in the quotes below. I mentioned rush attempts and mobility inside and outside the pocket. I didn't include yards because I'm not advocating for Stroud to run the read option in the NFL. The real crux is does Stroud play more like he did in 1 game vs the 24 others he played. I see Stroud more of a prototypical pocket passer that moves on occasion. If he moves more within and outside the pocket in the NFL. I can understand McCown's comparison of Stroud to Joe Burrow. Otherwise, I see him in the range of Jared Goff, Kirk Cousins, and Derek Carr - fringe pro bowl-level QBs "for Stroud call me dubious in thinking after 79 total rush attempts in 2 years of college and a traditional pocket passer approach to the game he will use his mobility more inside and outside the pocket. What tends to happen in the NFL, is that a QB moves less."

With respect. I can find lowlights and highlights for any QB. In general how do they perform is what im looking at. What Saban said about Bryce is in tune with what Scott Fitterer said about Young two weeks before the Alabama's pro day. - Scott Fitterer "And the way he talks football, it was so fluid coming out of his mouth. Coaches couldn’t even get the question out and he’s already answering, or he went on to answer before they even asked the question because he understands the game so much. So, yeah, he’s not a big man, but he does so many things well. He sees the field, he processes quickly, he makes the right decisions and he’s just a really good person on top of it. Really smart, really good person.” Also, Josh McCown in his 25-minute scouting reporting with Josh Norris before he was hired by the Panthers looks at 10 throws from Young's game against LSU. At 20 minute mark he talks about reading coverage and setting protections, which you don't see a lot in college. Bryce Young is not the perfect prospect. I'm not here to change your opinion. I only challenged the idea that he made Jermaine Burton and JaCorey Brooks look worse than they are because he can't read the field well or go through his progressions.

I'm not talking about yards or advocating for Bryce Young to run the read option like I assume the team that drafts Anthony Richardson will. I'm talking about mobility within and outside the pocket. There isn't necessarily a quantifiable metric that I'm aware of that tracks - extended plays, rush attempts, or throws on the run into one number for QBs. So I used rush attempts. The idea is that college QB tends to move even less when they enter the NFL - which is understandable. The only QB I can think of that moves more in the NFL than they did in College is Justin Fields - who ran an unofficial 4.44 at his pro day.

I did. He had 81 his sophomore year and 49 his final year (also he missed one game and majority of the first game he injured his AC joint). My point isn't based solely on rushing attempts or designed runs. Its more of mobility within and outside the pocket whether it's throwing on the run, running for a first down, extending a play, etc. Any game footage of Young one can see he uses his mobility within and outside the pocket a lot. The topic at hand is Stroud's playing style more of one game against Georiga or the 24 other games he played at Ohio State. I lean towards the latter which is a traditional pocket passer that may occasionally use his legs for first downs and extend plays but is not part of his repertoire. Therefore, I see him in the mold of the aforementioned QBs.

I respect your opinion and the time you spent looking at Young's film. What gives me cause to pause on your analysis is multiple scouting reports that say he can see the whole field and Nick Saban saying Bryce was like an extra coach on their staff, then contrast it with your input that he doesn't see the field and doesn't know where his receivers should be. Maybe you have the smoking gun Also, for Stroud call me dubious in thinking after 79 total rush attempts in 2 years of college and a traditional pocket passer approach to the game he will use his mobility more inside and outside the pocket. What tends to happen in the NFL, is that a QB moves less. To give context Mahomes, Burrow, Josh Allen, and Trevor Lawerence had about 70+ rush attempts in their final seasons as collegiate athletes. I think Stroud's comparison and mobility fit more into Jared Goff, Geno Smith, Derek Carr, and Kirk Cousin molds. Those are pro-bowl-level QBs with great accuracy.

Thanks. At the end of the day, I trust the experience of this coaching staff to develop the QB they choose at 1 into a quality starter even if it's Levis. The concerns about Bryce's frame are warranted. Like you my gut says Bryce. I don't think any QB in this class has a better signature game and win on tape than Alabama vs Georgia 2021 SEC Championship Georgia had an even better defense last year - 5 of their players went in the first round last year (Jorda. Davis, Quay Walker, Travon Walker, Wyatt, and Cine) and combine it with the 3 projected on defense to go in the first this year (Ringo, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith). They had a defense of 8 first-rounders, allowing 6 points a game entering their SEC championship game vs Alabama. They lost and gave up 41 points as Bryce set the SEC championship record for passing yards and threw 3 TDs. Georgia ended up getting their revenge in the championship, but we do have to point out that Metchie and Williams Alabama's top two receivers tore their ACLs before the game and in Wiliams's case beginning of the second quarter.

Agree 100%

I can't really see the guy on the far left if there is a defender there. I see two guys that are open for a 4-yard gain, making it 3rd and 7. I don't disagree that QB's that are playmakers or have elite arm talent have a tendency to go for the big play or more difficult throw instead of opting for the simple pass and completion. However, I push back on the idea he made the receivers look worse than they are. Burton isn't getting drafted and JaCorey Brooks may be a Day 3 pick in 2024 draft. When he had comparable talent at receiver to Ohio State in Metchie and Jameson Williams (who ironically transferred from Ohio State) he won the Heisman and is the only QB to beat Georgia in the last two seasons. Stroud is a safe investment at worst I can see him being 15-17th best QB in the NFL. However, at best I see him being 7th to 8th. His ceiling is around the good version of Jared Goff, Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, and Dak Prescott . All those guys are accurate and get the ball out quick and if you have a strong roster around them, can make a playoff run. Yet, they lack the playmaking ability of the QBs in the top 5. For Stroud, one could argue if he is taken by the Panthers or Texans that he will have an inferior receiving core compared to what he had at OSU. A lot is made about his performance against Georgia. However, after Harrison JR went out with 35 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, OSU was up 14 entering the 4th. They scored 3 points the remaining way.

I have to respectfully disagree. I'm an LSU fan so I watch the SEC West closely. This past season was the worst supporting cast of receivers that Alabama has had in a while. Their RB, Jahmyr Gibbs was their best offensive threat and should be a late first - early second round pick. Jermaine Burton leading receiver (677) was a transfer from Georgia and JaCorey Brooks second-leading receiver this year, was their 8th leading last year. To me this is actually one of the selling points of Bryce Young. I got to see what he looked like without Jameson Williams and John Metchie, who combined for 2700+ receiving yards and 20+ TDs the previous year. That is a lot of production to replace, yet Alabama was in every game it played and lost by a combined 4 points to Tennesse and my LSU Tigers.

I don't remember which poster said it but they mentioned that it would be a bit gutless move to take the lesser prospect because your concerned that the better prospect might get injured. This is like the fourth or fifth statement about Bryce Young's tape making it difficult to pass on him at 1. I've tried to buy into Stroud being the better prospect by watching 5 of his games. He's a good QB and would have definitely been a top 5 pick even last year. He just isn't a better QB than Bryce. He is slightly more accurate with a stronger arm. Outside of that, Bryce is a better playmaker, has stronger instincts, and commander of an offense.

I think your points are warranted. However, we don't have enough data yet. Being under Six-foot QB trying to enter the NFL in the 80s, 90s, and 00s was usually two options - switch positions or alternative football league. With the success of Russel Wilson. It has opened the door for Kyler Murray and Bryce Young to be in consideration as no.1 overall picks. Also, the NFL game is still very much physical but the rules in the pocket have made it more digestable to consider undersized players. Even me as a pro Bryce supporter wouldn't consider him highly if this was pre Brady and Rodgers rule of not going low or putting full body weight on QB.

Enjoyed reading your post. My main concern about Stroud is how to separate his individual brilliance as a prospect versus the team around him. Looking at 2022 actual , 2023, and 2024 mock drafts 5 WRs (Ebuka, Harrison Jr, Jaxon Smith, Wilson, and Olave) and 3 OL (Bookend Tackles and Guard) from OSU drafted or projected to go in first round I'm fine with Young, Stroud, and even Richardson. However, why I prefer Young over the two is I saw how he performed without Metchie and Jameson Williams this year and still had a great season. Nick Saban mentioning yesterday that he was like another coach on their roster in terms of preparation tells me he has the makings of a field general like what Kuechly was for the defense. I don't think that is something easily taught and could take Stroud or Richardson 3-5 years to maybe even reach where Bryce is now in commanding an offense.

First. I acknowledge that Bryce Young's frame is a concern and if he was 6"4 225, it wouldn't be a debate on who the consensus top QB is. Now that's out of the way. The frustration that I have about durability concerns is when does a player's tape and injury history come into effect. Typically past behavior is the best indicator of future success. Bryce Young played two years in the SEC - a conference littered with NFL defensive talent. I know players in the NFL are bigger and faster. My point is he played to the closest level to NFL competition and missed one game as a starter. Unless you have Patrick Mahomes, SB windows are probably 2-3 years in a decade window. I think Young is best ready to be a Day 1 starter and get the Panthers into playoffs year 1.

I think the nature of rookie qb deals incentives teams to put all their chips on the table to win now before having your QB take up a quarter or more of the cap in an extension. Also, teams like the Rams and Bucs signing older established QBs to accelerate their championship window. Something the Jets are trying to do now with a potential trade for Aaron Rodgers Therefore, it's important said rookie QB can hit the ground running. The NFC south is up for grabs.

I'm not going to argue against his frame or height. The concern is warranted. I pushback when comparing him to Tua (not saying you), when Tua definitely showed signs of being injury prone with reportedly five surgeries in college. I think if Young and Stroud have similar draft grades. On the safe side, I would go with Stroud. However, I think Young is better than Stroud when it comes to commanding a game - excellent spatial awareness reading the defense, and knowing where his receivers need to be. I think he can evaluate the players around him. I'm not sure yet about Stroud. I can't fault him but he will probably have thrown to five first round NFL receivers during his college.

I agree with you, Ivory. I think Bryce Young is a generational prospect at QB and I'm an LSU fan. I think it says something to be the consensus No.1 QB in high school, then validate that ranking by winning the Heisman. Alabama wasn't as strong at WR or OL this year compared to the recent history. His frame is a concern. Yet, if we judge by his history, he's missed one game as a starter in the conference that produces the most NFL-ready defensive linemen. I think CJ Stroud is a good player. I just think of "safe pick". He has the least concerns about the QB, yet I don't see him cracking the top 7 QB in the league. I trust the coaching staff to use the next month to evaluate, interview, and whiteboard sessions to pick their guy. At the end of the day, it's their necks on the chopping block.

I don't remember what analyst said it but he mentioned that Hall of Fame Coach Bill Walsh use to tell his scouts to discard a player's top 5 worst highlights along with their top 5 best highlights, and somewhere in-between is the best gauge of projecting how said player will translate to the pros. I'm thinking a lot of noise has been made of Strouds performance against Georgia. In between I think he is a solid qb that can make plays on script. When things break down I don't see much brilliance in his play. I think he is Jared Goff. Goff at his best is in the top 8-15 best QB in the league when everything is on script. However, when he faces pressure or doesn't have the supporting cast, he can plummet into late teens to early 20s in QB rank, where you are questioning if you should look for an upgrade at QB