What major observations should the Carolina Panthers take from former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young's pro day ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft?
After C.J. Stroud impressed considerably in front of a large Carolina Panthers contingent on Wednesday, it was Bryce Young's turn to enhance his claims of becoming the No. 1 overall selection in 2023. Something that looks entirely possible after an exceptional college career that also came with a Heisman Trophy.
Much has been made about Young's size and durability issues. This wasn't a problem in college and head coach Frank Reich stated recently that finding a playmaker is more important than any measurable at football's most important position.
Alabama is a renowned NFL pipeline that draws substantial interest from scouts, front-office personnel, and coaches every year. Young's presence added an extra spark and there was a notable level of excitement before the signal-caller got ready to strut his stuff.
With this in mind, here are four major observations the Panthers can take from Young's pro day showing heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers saw slick processing from Bryce Young
One thing that sets Bryce Young apart from most college quarterback prospects is his ability to process information. The height might not be what's normally associated with NFL quarterbacks, but the trend has been breaking of late and this has no impact whatsoever on the player's ability to see the field efficiently.
Young made a point of going through reads despite being in a structured environment. This is the strongest part of his game by a considerable margin and something the Carolina Panthers should factor heavily into their thought process.
Carolina Panthers witnessed Bryce Young's rapid release
Bryce Young's height is something that rarely plays a factor in his game-day performance. While every hit he takes looks brutal, the aforementioned processing coupled with a rapid-fire release should ensure complications are kept to a minimum.
Alabama's pro day was another chance for Young to showcase his mechanics, which already look NFL-ready. Getting the football out of his hands quickly is the primary factor behind this, which allows the signal-caller to become a magician-like presence under center in the biggest moments.
The Carolina Panthers new offensive system under Frank Reich needs someone exactly like Young. While the typical quarterback normally desired by the head coach looks and plays like C.J. Stroud, this could be the wildcard they go with as their next franchise presence under center.
Matt Corral's release was a big reason why the Panthers traded up for the Ole Miss product at No. 94 overall last year. Most of those key decision-makers are no longer around, so it'll be interesting to see if anything alters now that general manager Scott Fitterer has control of personnel.
In truth, Young didn't demonstrate anything from a release standpoint that doesn't come across on film. He is technically sound, measured, and routinely puts his primary playmakers in the best positions to thrive.
Carolina Panthers probably got more out of dinner than the pro day
Pro days are a great spectacle and they are useful for testing purposes. They also give a broader insight into how potential prospects of interest handle the spotlight when all eyes are on them.
However, as general manager Scott Fitterer stated recently, the film is all that matters. What have prospects put out on tape consistently during their time in college and how that can translate to the next level?
Bryce Young doesn't have anything to prove in that regard. His production was often flawless at Alabama and an impressive pro day did nothing to dispel the notion he's going to be a massive success in the NFL.
That's why the dinner Young went on with the Panthers the night before could hold more weight than anything else. This gave influential figures within the organization a chance to delve deeper into the person rather than football matters, which will be discussed in depth on his top-30 visit before the draft.
Carolina did the same with C.J. Stroud and is likely to hold similar social occasions with Will Levis and Anthony Richardson later this week. The Panthers must get this decision right after sacrificing a significant amount to jump eight spots, so being thorough is going to help considerably once the time comes to make their official decision.
It should be a two horse race for Carolina Panthers at No. 1
The Carolina Panthers are doing their due diligence throughout the pre-draft process. But based on what those in power have seen over the last two days, it should be a two-horse race for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
There is the obvious allure of Anthony Richardson's upside. However, the Panthers didn't trade up to the top spot for a project - they did it so they could get a Day 1 starter that can hit the ground running in the best possible environment.
Bryce Young fits the mold. So does C.J. Stroud.
And in all honesty, no Panthers fan should moan if it's one or the other.
Obviously, every fan and analyst has their favorite. And that's fine - but overlooking the bigger picture would be foolish.
What is that exactly? That there are two right answers atop this draft and Carolina has assembled a coaching staff more than capable of helping their new rookie signal-caller succeed sooner than anticipated.
After so long lanuishing in quarterback purgatory, it's a strange feeling for the fanbase. Some are coping better than others, but everyone should look forward to a more prosperous future with either Young or Stround controlling proceedings under center.
An exciting new era dawns. One that could have Young spearheading Carolina's ambitious plans when it's all said and done.