Last year, it was Kenny Pickett’s hand size. This year, it’s Bryce Young’s height.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, chose not to get measured Thursday at Alabama’s pro day. But that didn’t stop people from talking about the quarterback’s diminutive stature. Get ready to hear a lot more on the topic before April 27, when Young is expected to be one of the first players taken in the NFL Draft.

Whether Young is the first pick likely comes down to how big a deal the Panthers make of Young’s small frame, and whether new Carolina coach Frank Reich bucks a trend when it comes to tall quarterbacks.

A day after watching C.J. Stroud throw at Ohio State’s pro day, Reich and the rest of the Panthers’ top decision-makers were in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to see Young, who stood on his measurements (5 foot 10 1/8, 204 pounds) from the combine. Working out in front of a huge group of scouts, coaches and general managers, Young overshot a couple of deep throws but otherwise had a solid day.

Afterward, NFL Network analyst and former Panthers wideout Steve Smith raved about Young, saying that watching his quick release and sound footwork was like listening to jazz legend John Coltrane. Not surprisingly, the 5-9 Smith also said he had no issue with Young’s measurables.