Although it’s a long way off, the Carolina Panthers should already be thinking about drafting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in 2023.
We are about to embark on Week 7. But fans of the Carolina Panthers are already casting their eye towards what promises to be another dramatic offseason period next spring.
According to Football Outsiders, the Panthers have an overwhelming chance of attaining the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Something that would likely bring another shift at the quarterback position after years of personnel mismanagement.
Next year’s quarterback class has two elite prospects and many others that come with real potential. It appears neck and neck between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud to be the first player taken, although cannot rule out the possibility of stud defensive end Will Anderson Jr. also entering consideration depending on who secures the first pick.
There will be many twists and turns to come. However, here are three reasons why the Panthers should strongly consider drafting Young in 2023.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers need poise at QB
Much has been made of Bryce Young’s size and his long his shelf-life will be at the next level. But one cannot dismiss the signal-caller’s poise and composure within the pocket, which is the best among all draft prospects by a considerable margin.
Young is rarely rattled in the pocket and displays the footwork needed for elusiveness in tight windows. Even when he is the subject of big hits, the Alabama product dusts himself off as if nothing has happened and continues to make plays.
Considering how brittle things have been for the Carolina Panthers under center since Cam Newton was at his peak, this would be a refreshing change of pace behind a much-improved offensive line.
Carolina Panthers need an exciting playmaker
Fans were spoiled with the electrifying presence of Cam Newton during the 2010s. After the Carolina Panthers selected him No. 1 overall in 2011, the former Auburn sensation propelled the franchise from an afterthought into the national spotlight, winning an NFL MVP award in 2015 and coming within touching distance of an elusive first Super Bowl.
It’s been a cataclysmic series of errors since Matt Rhule went back on his initial comments and released Newton. Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold didn’t meet expectations and Baker Mayfield is well on his way to the same fate despite the obvious challenges within Ben McAdoo’s scheme.
Drafting Bryce Young changes all that in an instant. This is an exciting player that fans can get behind, something they haven’t had since Newton took the league by storm.
Young has a rare ability to make plays out of nothing. He has no trouble going off script and is extremely accurate on the run, which has brought a significant amount of success with the Crimson Tide and also individually with a Heisman Trophy triumph in 2021.
It’ll be a process for Young upon joining the NFL. Rookie quarterbacks rarely have it all their own way right out of the gate, but patience is something Panthers fans would likely demonstrate if they had someone that can provide long-term belief.
Carolina Panthers are desperate for a franchise QB
This is the biggest reason of all.
Whether it’s C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Hendon Hooker, Will Levis, or someone else, the Carolina Panthers need a franchise quarterback.
No more gambles on veteran trades. Find a prospect with tremendous upside from the college ranks and build around them accordingly.
Had Matt Rhule done this over his first few weeks in the role rather than set his sights on Teddy Bridgewater, he might still have a job. A mistake the new appointment must not make if they had any sense.
Young has everything one looks for in a franchise quarterback. He has plenty of big-game experience at Alabama with proven credentials that is a leader of men for good measure.
In truth, there isn’t much separating Young and Stroud. Any team that ends up with either is going to have a difference-maker on their hands.
Carolina will likely possess a top-five selection at the very worst. Judging by how things are currently unfolding, they’re a lock to have the pick of the latest college litter.
The Panthers’ freefall cannot go on for much longer. This might seem harsh on Matt Corral, but any new coach won’t have a sentimental attachment to the Ole Miss product and it’s hard to deny Young doesn’t have much more going for him.