With The First Pick
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Future top NFL Draft pick currently leads the Heisman Trophy race

By Tommy Jaggi

Nov 20, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2021 Heisman Trophy candidates will soon be finalized. Here’s why one future top NFL Draft pick is currently leading the pack. 

This year’s race for the Heisman Trophy has been very interesting. In years past, it was often a heated discussion coming down to the wire as to which impressive college football player is the most deserving of the NCAA Football’s greatest honor.

Last year, the Heisman went to Alabama wide receiver, Devonta Smith, after one of the most impressive single-seasons we have ever seen from a receiver at the collegiate level.

Typically, however, this award goes to the top quarterback in the nation. While there have been a few really impressive quarterback performances this season, one player leads the pack: Alabama’s Bryce Young.

In 12 games for the Crimson Tide, the true sophomore was remarkable — earning 3,901 passing yards to go with 40 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on an impressive 9.3 yards per attempt. According to Heisman Trophy betting odds from WynnBET, Young is the clear favorite this year with -190 odds. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is the only one with even a remotely good chance to unseat him right now with +350 odds. Betting the field is also currently at +350, via WynnBET.

Bryce Young isn’t eligible for the NFL Draft this year, but most believe he is on the fast track to being the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Why Young is a future top NFL Draft pick

As this year has taught us, nothing is set in stone when it comes to the NFL Draft. Before the 2021 college football season began, most pegged Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler and North Carolina’s Sam Howell as top five picks in the upcoming draft. That won’t be the case at all. While Howell will still receive first-round consideration, he hasn’t progressed as many thought, and Rattler has entered the transfer portal as he was benched this year for freshman Caleb Williams.

However, I have to believe that Bryce Young isn’t going to see the same slide we saw with these potential top picks. Over the past two seasons, Alabama has proceeded two first-round quarterbacks in Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. In the second half of the NFL season, both players are proving why a team should take yet another Alabama quarterback with the first pick.

For my money, Young is the most physically gifted of the three. While he isn’t a runner, he’s a solid athlete that can extend the play and has remarkable touch down the field.

Next. 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Trenches dominate the first round. dark

Sadly, quarterback-needy teams will have to wait one more year if they want to enter the Bryce Young sweepstakes in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s running away with the Heisman odds for a reason: he’s just that good. The Heisman Trophy finalists will be announced on December 6th with the winner being announced on December 11th at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

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