2 min read • February 26, 2023
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The prevailing stories in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft are likely to be whether the Bears will select a new franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick and who of the 6’3” Ohio State star C.J. Stroud or 6-foot Bryce Young will be the first signal-caller off the board.
Young made 27 starts at Alabama and won the 2021 Heisman Trophy but missed one game in October 2022 after he suffered a right shoulder subluxation and ac joint sprain against Arkansas when he fell hard to the turf with his arm outstretched.
Alabama, as is customary, didn’t divulge specifics about the injury, and Young’s medicals exams and MRIs in the coming months will be needed to ensure that the dynamic 21-year-old didn’t suffer any labral damage, according to the Pro Football Docs.
Despite Young appearing to be healthy after his return on October 15, a labrum injury would likely drop him below Stroud and could require surgery, whereas a clean bill of health would help level the playing field.
As of February 26, FanDuel Sportsbook has Young listed as the -150 favorite to go first overall and -165 to be the first quarterback selected.
In the first five games, Young threw for 14 scores and three picks on 67.2% completion and rushed 18 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns, 100 of which came in Week 1 against Utah State.
After the injury, the blue-chipper threw for 2,126 yards, 18 touchdowns, and two picks on 63% completion and rushed 31 times for 31 yards and one touchdown.
The 194-pounder would be the third “small” quarterback taken first overall in the last five years, following back-to-back Oklahomans Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, at 6-foot 5/8 inches and 215 pounds and 5'10" and 207 pounds, respectively.
Both players have missed time with significant injuries, including a torn left labrum, several ankle sprains, and a torn ACL.
Russell Wilson, meanwhile, played in 165 consecutive regular and playoff games to begin his career with two Super Bowl appearances and eight pro-bowls, and fellow Crimson Tide Tua Tagovailoa has been marred by injuries in the NFL, including multiple concussion last season.
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