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Steve Young (College Stats) - 1978 NFL Draft Pick #266 by HOU

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Young - 1978 NFL Draft

Player Name: Steve Young

College: Brigham Young University (BYU)

College Stats Overview

• Passing Yards: 3,902 yards
• Touchdowns: 33 touchdowns
• Interceptions: 19 interceptions
• Completion Percentage: 64.3%
• Rushing Yards: 1,100 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 12 touchdowns

Strengths

• Strong Arm: Young showcased a powerful throwing arm, able to make deep throws with accuracy.
• Mobility: His ability to escape pressure and gain yards on the ground made him a dual-threat quarterback.
• Intelligence: Young demonstrated a high football IQ, with excellent decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Leadership: He exhibited strong leadership qualities both on and off the field, earning the respect of teammates and coaches.

Weaknesses

• Inexperience: Young had limited experience against top-tier college competition, which raised concerns about his readiness for the NFL.
• Injury History: His college career included some injuries that could affect his durability in the professional league.
• System Fit: Critics questioned how well his collegiate system would translate to the pro level, particularly regarding his reliance on the passing game.

Overall Assessment

Steve Young was regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the 1978 NFL Draft class. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and football intelligence made him an intriguing prospect. However, concerns about his inexperience and the transition from college to the NFL created uncertainty among scouts. Many believed he had the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback, provided he was given time to adapt to the professional game.