What are some pros and cons behind the Carolina Panthers selecting former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?
After speculation became rampant throughout the offseason, general manager Scott Fitterer made his bold move to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. But that was just the start of what will be a franchise-altering decision this spring.
Fitterer stated that the Panthers have to move with conviction, but they must also be right. This means coming to a consensus agreement and finding the right signal-caller from atop the draft.
While none of the top four quarterbacks emerging from the college ranks next month has been officially ruled out, it would be a shock if the pick wasn't either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. The Panthers are working hard to put everything in place for their next quarterback and looking at the film on both, Carolina couldn't go wrong with either.
With that being said, here are three pros and cons to the Panthers making Young the No. 1 overall pick to kick off the 2023 NFL Draft.
Pro No. 1
Bryce Young is ready to start immediately for the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers did not give up substantial draft capital and wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick for their quarterback to sit as a rookie. They'll likely want them to start right away despite signing veteran Andy Dalton as the team's bridge/backup option.
This alone narrows the search down to two prospects. Young's performance levels at Alabama indicate he's ready to take control of an NFL offense and the foundations laid by Nick Saban always translate well to the next level.
Young is a playmaker - a leader of men. This holds a lot of weight and is something the Panthers might prove too tempting to ignore when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers must examine potential durability issues
Much has been made of Bryce Young's size and weight throughout his pre-draft evaluation process. The quarterback's played it down when speaking publicly, but it's something the Carolina Panthers would be wise not to ignore before making their final decision.
Young stated that he's been the same height for a while now and it's not impacted his production in college. His exceptional processing and field vision make this a non-issue - so it is more a case of the brutal hits he could receive against explosive NFL defenders.
Watching Young's film, every shot he receives seems to look worse because he is undersized. So the Panthers and others high up the pecking order must figure out quickly whether this is going to be a complication big enough to go in a different direction.
The modern-day NFL and its current trend indicate size isn't the issue it once was under center. The likes of Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Kyler Murray have gone on to achieve great things, so Young could be next in line if he matches or even exceeds expectations.
That's all positive, but the Panthers have risked their long-term future with a daring trade to No. 1 and have to be absolutely convinced there won't be injury concerns for Young once he gets to the pros. Something that's entirely possible not just for him, but for any signal-caller.
Young has everything one looks for in a franchise signal-caller. Sure, he's not C.J. Stroud's size and he doesn't have the elite athletic attributes of Anthony Richardson, but that does not detract from what a special talent he is.
Carolina Panthers would be getting a true difference-maker
Forget the size. Forget the height. Forget the durabilty concerns.
Bryce Young has the potential to be a true difference-maker. Something the Carolina Panthers have sorely lacked in their quarterbacks since Cam Newton's controversial release in 2020.
As stated previously, his processing and seeing the field is the best of any prospect. Young recognizes pressure well, makes sound decisions, can make every throw imaginable, and has no trouble whatsoever going off-script when a specific play isn't developing as anticipated.
The Panthers would be playing with fire if they ignore Young in favor of C.J. Stroud. Although the Ohio State product has all the tools needed to thrive and looks like the sort of quarterback Frank Reich normally goes for based on intangibles.
With that being said, taking a shot with Young is a very real possibility. One that could completely change Carolina's future aspirations as they aim to emerge from irrelevancy and into the playoff picture.
Nobody would complain too much if Young was the guy. A player with the world of his feet and will be incredibly difficult to pass up.