“Joe Burrow Comes to Mind”: Peyton Manning Compares Potential First Pick Bryce Young to Cincinnati’s Star QB Ahead Of 2023 Draft Day

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has been the subject of most conversations in the NFL community of late. Especially since he became one of the contenders for the #1 position in this year’s draft. Many have compared Young to past and present NFL stars. However, he probably would never weigh all those as the same as a validation from an NFL legend himself, Peyton Manning.

Young is one of two realistic prospects for becoming the #1 pick this year, and he is definitely by far the most favored one. However, being the first pick means nothing if you don’t have what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Fortunately for Young, he has someone important on his side. Someone who knows what it means to be a successful QB. Enter 2x Super Bowl winner Peyton Manning.

Peyton Manning compares Bryce Young to Joe Burrow’s playstyle

On the television series ‘On the Clock’, Manning talks about how Young‘s playing style resembles Bengals’ star, Joe Burrow. “I think Brees and Russell Wilson are kind of the easy comparisons because of the size similarities. But when you talk to real scouts — Burrow is kind of the guy that comes to mind, right? Because of the sixth sense in the pocket, the decision-making, processing information quickly.”

“I’m not saying Bryce is going to have that same success as Joe right away. But I think the instincts that Joe has that Bryce had, the ability to beat the coverage keeps a lot of plays alive. … Recognition, processing, instincts, you see a little bit of Joe Burrow in Bryce Young,” he adds. It is definitely a positive sign that Manning isn’t worried about Young’s height, unlike many other analysts.

Young in close competition for the #1 spot with Richardson and Stroud

Bryce Young may be the favorite to be the #1 pick this year, but he is not the only one. QBs C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson have gained massive ground in the race to be the top pick this year. Especially after Richardson put up some impressive stats at the Combine this year. It has become increasingly hard to differentiate between these three talented signal callers.

With the Carolina Panthers holding the first pick of the draft, it is almost certain that a QB will be their choice. However, there is still no concrete evidence that the Panthers might swing one way or the other. What is certain, is that their choice will dictate the next few picks in the draft. Which rookie will the Panthers gift with the honor of being the first pick this year?