NFL insider names ‘probable’ No. 1 pick based on Combine draft rumors

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed who will be the probable first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it’s not a surprising name.

The NFL Scouting Combine is nearing it’s end. All of the defensive prospects completed their on-field drills on Thursday and Friday, leaving the offense remaining. Saturday, March 4 will be a huge day, as that will be when quarterbacks will participate in drills and get their official measurements. In all likelihood, there will be a quarterback that will be the first off the board, considering the Chicago Bears are shopping their first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. So, who has the edge?

While speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport mentioned that even though his height and weight are going to be a topic of discussion, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the probable first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Bryce Young still the ‘probable’ No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

“The height is a thing. The weight is a thing. It matters. But it doesn’t matter enough from the people I’ve spoken with to knock him out of the No. 1 spot,” said Rapoport. “Quarterbacks can be smaller nowadays, we’ve seen a couple, with Kyler Murray probably the best and latest example now. [Young] has played at a high level at Alabama. It doesn’t seem like his height has been a detriment. So it’s a thing, I get it. But if it’s not changing his status, it just gives teams something to think about.”

Young is considered to be the best quarterback prospect in this year’s class. Even though he has shown that during his time at Alabama, as evidenced by his Heisman Trophy win in the 2021 season, his height and weight is something that has been and continues to be talked about in the NFL.

On Alabama’s official website, Young’s stands at 6-foot tall and weighs 194-pounds. ESPN’s Todd McShay said a scout told him that Young is actually around 5-foot-10.5. That, and Young is working with a nutritionist to get to 210-pounds.

On Saturday, the attention will be on Young’s measurements. As for drills, Young won’t be participating. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Levis will be throwing at the NFL Combine, while Florida’s Anthony Richardson will throw and participate in drills.

There is still plenty of time between now and the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft (Apr. 27), so we’ll see if Young’s stock remains the same, or falls based on the performances of the other top quarterbacks at the NFL Combine.