Bryce Young was scheduled to visit Raiders on Thursday, despite being expected to be taken before the Las Vegas pick
Bryce Young will visit Raiders on Thursday despite expected to be taken ahead of Las Vegas pick as Alabama quarterback continues NFL Draft preparations
While it’s widely expected that Bryce Young won’t be available with the second pick in this month’s NFL Draft, he’s at least willing to talk to teams afterwards.
The Raiders aren’t due until April 27, having just signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75 million deal.
That won’t stop them from hosting must-see prospect Young, though, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that a visit will take place on Thursday.
Young will most likely end up in Carolina or Houston, with the Panthers and Texans having the top two picks of the draft, respectively.
Young has also visited both teams, while his main competitor CJ Stroud, Ohio State’s quarterback, is the top choice.
The former Alabama passer is extremely small for a quarterback, as he weighed 5 feet 10 and 204 pounds on the NFL combine in February.
Bryce Young had an impressive workout on his pro day, after reportedly meeting the Raiders
Young ended his Alabama career by winning the 2022 Sugar Bowl over Kansas State
Nevertheless, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be a high pick later this month and has received critical acclaim from scouts and ex-pros alike.
After Young’s pro day in March, NFL Network analyst and legendary Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. said, “He’s processing on a different level…he’s not someone you want to pass up.”
While Young’s meeting with the Raiders isn’t a hugely unusual move, not all of his colleagues have been as generous with their time.
Top-10 projected pick and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter will not visit teams that draft outside of the top 10, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN.
Carter has already visited the Eagles, who have the ninth pick, and the Bears (10th pick).
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ apparent interest in Young is worth keeping an eye on in terms of Garoppolo.
As the ex-Patriot and 49er begin the season under center in Vegas barring an injury, the Raiders were mentioned by ProFootballTalk as a potential trade destination for Mac Jones, who Bill Belichick is reportedly shopping for.