Young, Anderson among 4 Alabama stars to declare for NFL Draft
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young joined teammates Will Anderson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brian Branch in declaring Monday for the 2023 NFL Draft.
"Coming here was the best decision of my life," Young said, according to Mike Rodak of AL.com. "I'm forever grateful for the University of Alabama."
Young is regarded as a candidate to go first overall. The signal-caller became the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021 after throwing for 47 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
His final campaign was capped off with a magnificent 321-yard, five-touchdown performance in a victory over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. Young ended 2022 with 32 touchdowns to five interceptions.
Anderson is also expected to go early in the first round after posting 34.5 sacks in three campaigns. The pass-rusher put himself on the map in 2021, leading the nation with 17.5 sacks. He followed that up with a 10-sack year in 2022. Anderson was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in those seasons.
Gibbs enjoyed a productive 2022 season after transferring from Georgia Tech. The running back averaged 6.1 yards per carry and tallied 926 yards on the ground. He also showcased his ability as a receiving threat with 44 receptions for 444 yards.
Branch, a safety, posted 90 total tackles and two interceptions in 2022.
The Houston Texans are currently slated to hold the No. 1 pick.