Bryce Young is considered one of two favourites for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The quarterback is already invoking thoughts of Patrick Mahomes in a former general manager.

He’s already one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Patrick Mahomes.

Last weekend, the 27-year-old playmaker was crowned Super Bowl champion for the second time with the Kansas City Chiefs. In a breathtaking final game, they managed a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The MVP of the game was Mahomes himself. Despite his ankle injury he delivered one of the best individual performances in the history of the NFL final.

Bryce Young like Patrick Mahomes?

For years, the Chiefs have dominated the AFC with him – no end seems in sight. But if Rick Spielman is to be believed, a new Patrick Mahomes could soon be in sight. The former Minnesota Vikings general manager told “CBS Sports”‘ “With the First Pick” podcast that a quarterback in the upcoming draft reminds him a lot of the Kansas City superstar.

Bryce Young is the name of the up-and-coming athlete who has Spielman excited. “I think he has a lot of the style of Patrick Mahomes, and by that I mean he’s one of the best pitchers I’ve seen in the college game,” the ex-GM said.

He added: “For a small quarterback, he does a great job with his vision on the field. His anticipation and the way he throws the ball and the way he creates spaces for the receivers with it as well,” Spielman expressed his excitement.

Heisman Trophy award

But who is the 21-year-old creating such a buzz? An unknown, Bryce Young is not at all. His resume is paved with awards. Manning Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Sugar Bowl MVP – and last but not least: Heisman Trophy winner.

In 2021, the young signal caller snagged the most coveted of all college awards, vaulting himself to succeed players like Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

And not without reason!

After a successful time in high school, throwing for more than 13,500 yards and 152 touchdowns, Young had actually committed to the University of Southern California. But the Philadelphia native changed his mind and joined the University of Alabama and star coach Nick Saban instead.

Alabama instead of USC

A decision he is unlikely to have regretted. While he was a backup to now Patriots quarterback Mac Jones in his first year, he really took off in his second. In November 2021, he broke his college record with 559 yards thrown in just one game – followed soon after by the Heisman Trophy award.

He also impressed in his second year as a starter. In twelve games he threw for 3,328 yards and 32 touchdowns with five interceptions. In next April’s draft, Young is considered one of two contenders for the No. 1 pick.

The 21-year-old is competing with Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud to be the very first player selected. There should be quite a few interested parties. Hottest rumour at the moment: the fourth-ranked Indianapolis Colts and their new head coach Shane Steichen could trade up to the first position to secure their new franchise quarterback.

Size of Young causes concern

But teams might not be without doubts about signing the young playmaker. It is his size that could be a concern for some franchises.

The University of Alabama website lists Young’s height as 6’2″ and his weight as 88 pounds. At the Combine, however, his measurements could be revised.

“If this guy was 6-foot-5 and 95 pounds, I think he would be a next-generation quarterback,” Spielman said.

“But because he’s so small, everyone will be nervous about taking him. There will be questions about whether he can stand to go through a preseason, go through 17 games – and if his team makes it to the Super Bowl, whether he can even go through that many games and stay healthy. I think that’s a big concern for a lot of teams.”

Who the highly talented playmaker ends up getting will be revealed by the draft on April 27. Whether he can match the success of a Patrick Mahomes, however, is something he’ll have to prove first, despite all his talent.