The Carolina Panthers are looking for a franchise signal-caller and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young could be that guy.
The last few years have been nothing more than quarterback purgatory for the Carolina Panthers. They have spent millions of dollars and trade assets for now-failed experiments such as Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Will Grier, Kyle Allen, and P.J. Walker. There has not been a sense of stability at the NFL's most important position since 2018.
Now, the Panthers have a rare opportunity in front of them. For the first time since 2011, the franchise owns the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft. They will be controlling the top of the order and how things shape out in this year's event, which is going to be quite dramatic, especially in the first five picks.
It is more than a guarantee that Carolina will be selecting a quarterback in the first round for the first time since they took a Heisman Trophy winner by the name of Cam Newton out of Auburn over 12 years ago. Who the selection will be has seemed to be clearer as each day passes. In recent weeks, Alabama's Bryce Young has emerged as the near-odds-on favorite to be selected first overall.
Ever since the NFL Scouting Combine in early March, just days before the blockbuster trade-up, general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich have continuously raved about Young as a player and person. Despite concerns about his size at the next level, both don't see it as a major issue.
After a few botched attempts of securing a franchise quarterback through "changes of scenery" and reclamation projects, the Panthers are in a position to take Young as the future of the franchise with the hopes of elevating the team into a consistent contender in the NFC South.
With that being said, here is my scouting report on the unique and incredibly talented Crimson Tide signal-caller who could be the Panthers' new starter for years to come.
Bryce Young scouting report
- Height: 5-foot-10
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Arm length: 30.5 inches
- 2023 Combine QB rank: 1st
- 2022 PFF grade: 91.5
If you're looking for a quarterback with a stockpile of production and accolades, Bryce Young fits the bill. He threw for 8,300 total career passing yards with the Crimson Tide and was feared by any defense he went up against thanks to a skill set that made him one of the best college football quarterbacks in the last two seasons.
Now, he'll look to rekindle that magic at the professional level.
There is so much to like about Young's skill set, even with his size inadequacies. He offers terrific decision-making skills, ample accuracy on all three levels of the field, and amazing feel and instincts within and outside the pocket.
From a football intelligence standpoint, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has the goods.
I do appreciate Young's creativity as a quarterback. He also displays awesome twitch and quickness that allows him to side-step rushers from the interior and exterior areas of the pocket. This allows the prospect to manipulate defenders on all three levels, using his eyes and body and discombobulate defenses.
A common misconception about Young is that he can't throw to the middle of the field due to his size. On film, he has shown great vision behind an offensive line with NFL talent, showcasing a quick release that allows him to generate enough velocity to hit his targets accurately in tight windows.
The signal-caller has also shown enough arm strength to layer throws to the deeper portions of the field and out-breaking routes from the far hash.
Size is a concern with Young, of course. He will be the smallest quarterback ever drafted this high and is certainly an outlier. How will he withstand hits at the professional level?
Young might not be for everyone. However, he offers the skill set to mitigate these concerns and is likely to add more mass to his frame as he enters an NFL strength and conditioning program.
Outside of his size, I do think Young's velocity dies down at times, especially when he's on the move. I think he can showcase calmer feet within the pocket, yet has shown to create accurate throws thanks to a corrective failsafe due to the twitchiness and quick footwork he possesses. Young can also be baited into throws at times and will sometimes try too much, creating turnovers in the process.
Young's ceiling might be limited at the next level. However, he can certainly improve in other areas of his game, and the playmaking ability he possesses will allow his new offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers or someone else to do a lot of exciting things.
How would Bryce Young fit on the Carolina Panthers?
- Starting quarterback, potential long-term starter
Over the next several months and years in his NFL career, Bryce Young will have to answer questions about his size and whether or not he can withstand the speed and physicality the league presents.
Young is arguably the best quarterback in this draft class, though C.J. Stroud is not too far behind him on my board. He offers incredible playmaking skills that translate to the modern-day NFL players at the position. Even if he doesn't become an All-Pro, the floor is still quite high, and should see a lengthy career.
If and when the Carolina Panthers draft the former top-ranked high school recruit, there will be a transition that he and every other prospect in the draft will go through. However, Young will be entering one of the best situations for a rookie quarterback with a star-studded offensive coaching staff, an offensive line that is on the rise as one of the most formidable, and a steady group of playmakers that will help his transition.
I don't expect Young to light the world on fire in his rookie campaign. This upcoming season will be a learning experience, understanding what he can or can't do at the next level, and adjusting to that as the season moves along.
These are exciting times for Panthers fans, as Young is expected to be the team's first pick in just a few days' time. There is hope he can be the one to put Carolina back into NFC contention, and potentially help them reach the promised land with a ring in hand.