Brandished as the NFL's answer to Steph Curry, former Alabama and now Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has officially been selected with the first overall pick.
Six weeks ago, the Panthers took a huge swing when they decided to trade a huge haul to the Chicago Bears, acquiring the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They sent the ninth overall pick, the 61st overall pick, a first-round selection in 2024, a second-round selection in 2025 and star receiver DJ Moore to the Bears to control the draft with the first overall pick.
For around a month, many had believed that the player that they would be selecting would be Ohio State's CJ Stroud. New Panthers quarterbacks coach Josh McCown had openly admitted that he thought Stroud was the best player in the draft after his sensational performance against George in the college playoff semi-finals.
However, Young had been the consensus top player in the draft - with almost every single NFL Draft analyst in agreement that the Alabama man should go first.
And over the last few weeks, it became apparent that Young would be their man, which was confirmed just moments ago.
But what makes Young such an interesting prospect? Here are the two main reasons why he has been selected with the first overall pick.
The best playmaker in the draft
What makes Young such an intriguing quarterback, is his measurables. Standing at 5'10 and weighing around 190lbs, Young will be the smallest and slightest player ever to play in the NFL at the position.
A quarterback's height has always been an issue for talent evaluators, potentially hampering their ability to see the field, or throw into the middle over their offensive lineman - who could be as tall as 6'8.
That's an issue Denver Broncos, and former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has dealt with and been criticised for throughout his entire career.
Like Wilson in his prime though, Young has the ability to make plays off-schedule. He has incredible football IQ, manoeuvring away from pass-rushers in the pocket with his excellent footwork before getting the ball out quickly with touch on his throws.
To combat his small stature, Young quickly drops back deep, able to see the field before throwing with incredible poise - being the most accurate passer in the draft.
Simply put, he has shown the ability to make plays that the other three prospects - Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and Stroud have yet to prove.
Proven winner
Young had been dominant in his final two years at Alabama, winning the National Championship in his freshman year as Mac Jones' back-up, Young took the starting spot the following year and won the Heisman Trophy - college football's MVP award.
Alabama have not had their usual dominant roster throughout Young's time as a starter, however, he was able to will the Crimson Tide to a number of wins.
When compared to previous Alabama quarterbacks who have entered the league, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, it's pretty clear to state that Young is, by far, the best prospect out of the four - getting the most out what was around him.
With a 23-4 win-loss record, and throwing 80 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions, Young limits turnovers and does the simple things needed to move the ball downfield and puts points on the board.
If he were two inches taller, it's likely he'd be in the Joe Burrow, Andrew Luck level of conversation as a prospect.
