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Bryce Young and Will Anderson look to make history for Alabama in 2023 NFL Draft

Bryce Young drops back to pass against New Mexico State
Picture comes via Crimson Tide photos

Nick Saban knew he signed a great recruiting class for the University of Alabama in 2020, but next year’s NFL Draft may prove how marquee it was.

Alabama’s top-ranked 2017 signing class produced several first-round picks, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Jedrick Wills, Alex Leatherwood, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, and Henry Ruggs III. Saban had an elite group in 2017, but the 2020 class may do something that has yet to happen under Saban. Will Anderson and Bryce Young are the top two overall players on Mel Kiper’s draft big board for 2023. Anderson is the No. 1 player on his board, and Young is No. 2 overall (No. 1 quarterback on the board). Saban has never had two players from Alabama go back-to-back as No. 1 and No. 2 in any draft.

Young and Anderson are prepared to set more school records and guide the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship. Both arrived as five stars in 2020 and the best in their respective positions.

Young secured the Heisman Trophy in 2021, becoming the first Crimson Tide quarterback to win it. Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Award and Unanimous All-American honors. Both players earned permanent team captain honors.

Will Anderson points to the sidelines

Photo by Crimson Tide Photo

RELATED: Can Alabama’s summer transfers mesh well with its young talent this season?

If Anderson and Young become the first two players taken in next year’s draft, Coach Saban gains another recruiting boost.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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