Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as Bryce Young got a hero's welcome during his formal introduction at Bank of America Stadium?
After the monumental occasion that saw Bryce Young descend on Charlotte for the first time as a Carolina Panthers player, it was time for general manager Scott Fitterer and other influential staff to get back down to business for the second and third rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. There were plenty of decent prospects there for the taking, which only added to the level of fascination ahead of the occasion.
Among the Panthers stories making waves over the last 24 hours include Young's intent, a legendary figure announces Carolina's pick, Matt Corral sends a message, and the team's interesting Day 2 of the draft.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Carolina Panthers legend announces pick
Although the Carolina Panthers are looking forward to a brighter future, fans are always eager to see heroes of the past thriving away from the team. And there was a real sense of nostalgia in the air when former running Jonathan Stewart took to the podium in Kansas City to announce their second-round selection.
Stewart formed a sensational backfield tandem with DeAngelo Williams and was a key cog in Carolina's contending teams of the mid-2010s. The pick was (), which was fitting considering the ex-pro's prowess on that side of the football.
If he has a career half as good as Stewart, then the Panthers might another good call.
Bryce Young will earn Carolina Panthers respect
It was a welcome for the ages as Bryce Young descended on Bank of America to be formally introduced as the Carolina Panthers' next franchise quarterback. Fans and staff gathered en mass to see the former Alabama quarterback in the flesh, who spent time signing autographs and going around the team facility before speaking with the media in attendance.
Young was asked numerous questions throughout the session - his first in Charlotte. The softly-spoken player answered them all with supreme confidence and is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to make a real go of this exceptional opportunity.
One notable answer Young gave was winning over his new teammates, contributing immediately, and emerging as a leader within the locker room in whatever shape or form.
"I wanna do everything I can to earn the respect of my peers—the guys in the locker room, everyone in the building. I’m super grateful for what’s happened in my past and for being selected where I was. But I know that doesn’t entitle me to anything. It’s on me to prove myself—to show up every day and work and earn the respect of the people around me. And that’s something I’m looking forward to starting to do."Bryce Young via Panthers Wire
Young's passion, drive, work ethic, and cerebral approach to his preparations are going to go down extremely well with teammates and coaches alike. He might not be the vocal leader Cam Newton emerged into quickly, but there is more than one way to inspire those around him.
Matt Corral's cryptic messages to Carolina Panthers
Matt Corral has been acting a little differently over the last couple of days. Not really surprising when one considers the attention on Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers trade to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it does seem a little out of character all things considered.
Corral began his cryptic tirade with a quote that inferred going somewhere to be wanted. This was swiftly followed by another Instagram story with his No. 9 clearly in view, which came during Young's introductory press conference where the number was discussed.
Nine is obviously what Young wore at Alabama en route to the Heisman Trophy and hearing his name called first. There is obviously some sentiment attached, but Corral doesn't appear all that willing to give it up without a fight.
These messages could be determined one of two ways:
Either Corral wants a fresh start via trade or release. Or the player isn't going to sacrifice what he's earned to a certain extent without getting a fair chance to compete, first.
Getting opportunities has been difficult for Corral thanks to Matt Rhule's incompetence and his devastating foot injury. A new regime is now in place with no sentiment attached to the signal-caller whatsoever and the last thing they need is any awkwardness potentially jeopardizing Young's pivotal transition from college to the pros.
Carolina Panthers' interesting draft Day 2
After all the furor surrounding Bryce Young being the No. 1 overall selection, how the Carolina Panthers approached Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft was of critical importance. Speculation was rife about what the team would do from No. 39 overall, with Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports highlighting the possibility of a trade-down given the long wait until their next pick at No. 93.
As it turned out, the Panthers held firm and ignored two big defensive needs to select Jonathan Mingo, an athletically gifted wide receiver that could be an absolute stud once he pits everything together.
General manager Scott Fitterer then did what he does best during the draft - trade. But not down as many envisaged, the front office figure moved up to No. 80 overall and select D.J. Johnson much to the bemusement of most within the fanbase.
Johnson represents another Fitterer pick that's primarily based on athletic intangibles rather than production. He's transitioned over to an edge rusher and spent six seasons in college, which means time is of the essence to turn the former Oregon star into a valuable contributor.
If the Panthers were widely praised for their handling of business in the first round, their interesting approach on Day 2 was less well received. However, as we've stated before, this new regime has earned a certain level of trust after navigating their offseason superbly to date.