Which Carolina Panthers news stories made the headlines after the organization selected Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?
After generating some tremendous momentum in the final few weeks before the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers made Bryce Young their future franchise quarterback at No. 1 overall. A move that received widespread approval from the team's fanbase and also came with jubilant scenes in the rain at Bank of America Stadium.
Although it was largely anticipated, the level of relief was breathtaking after so much misery under previous regimes. Among the stories making waves include Young's ambition, Scott Fitterer discussing the pick, David Tepper's influence, and Frank Reich's perspective on Carolina's choice.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Carolina Panthers owner lauds the process
After his early ownership stint didn't go according to plan, David Tepper has been moving a little differently this offseason. The billionaire is looking to right some serious wrongs and after landing the No. 1 overall selection, seemed pleased with how the entire process panned out according to Joe Person of The Athletic.
"Tepper says Panthers were "true to the process" in selecting a QB, which wasn't always the case previously. "We're not messing around.""Joe Person, The Athletic
Messing around is something the Panthers could be accused of plenty when Matt Rhule held absolute power. Thankfully, there's been more professionalism and purpose within the new hierarchy, which struck with conviction to move atop the draft in pursuit of finding a potential franchise signal-caller and settle on Bryce Young following an extensive few weeks of thorough assessments.
Scott Fitterer thrilled with Carolina Panthers pick at No. 1
This was the play that Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer had been waiting for. The chance to draft and develop a top-level quarterback and build around a cheap rookie contract in pursuit of becoming a contender.
Striking this trade with the Chicago Bears that eventually resulted in Bryce Young becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft was done pretty quickly. But the assessment was thorough.
When speaking to the team's website, Fitterer stated that Young checked every box and there was true conviction in his potential at the next level. Something everyone was unanimously on board with despite providing each prospect a legitimate opportunity to alter their initial perceptions.
"Throughout the process, he checked every box that we had. We tested him. We talked to him. We had dinner with him. And just every time we met with him, we felt more and more convicted. And we liked all the guys, but Bryce was the guy that we really felt strongly about."Scott Fitterer via Panthers.com
The Panthers resisted the temptation to move back into the first round, even though Fitterer said it might be an option. Perhaps the run-on wide receivers changed their mind, or perhaps they feel like one of the top prospects on their board will be around at No. 39 overall.
Either way, there was only one objective from Day 1. In terms of that, it was mission accomplished.
Frank Reich lauds Carolina Panthers approach
There was a real need for the Carolina Panthers to finally find a long-term solution under center. When Frank Reich was named head coach, that further heightened the sense of urgency.
Reich hasn't had the benefitted of drafting his own quarterback in a head coaching capacity before. So when he saw how the staff was already working on finding a solution - even from No. 9 overall - the respected figure became part of the process.
When explaining how things initially unfolded after Bryce Young became the guy, Reich couldn't have been more complimentary about the way Scott Fitterer, other influential figures, and even team owner David Tepper navigated proceedings at a level he'd not been privy to before.
"I sat in this meeting that Scott's running, and they're talking, and Scott and all the scouts are talking about all the quarterbacks – all of them. And basically, Scott proposes a question at the end of that meeting, like, 'Hey, so, if we trade up, where's our conviction?' And it was unanimous with every guy in that room, starting from Scott on down, that Bryce was the guy. That was great for me to hear. And listen, we've all been around, and we've all heard good stuff. The other guys said good stuff too. But this was just at a level that was different."Frank Reich via Panthers.com
Young was the reason Carolina traded up in the first place. And throughout the assessments, meetings, and everything in between, he held serve.
Now, Reich can get to grips with Young quickly, immerse him in the playbook, and do everything in his power to hit the ground running. Something the head coach and his all-star staff are more than capable of.
Bryce Young eager to repay Carolina Panthers' faith
Bryce Young will officially visit his new home on Friday when the Carolina Panthers welcome the No. 1 overall selection to Bank of America Stadium once again. And make no mistake, the quarterback cannot wait to get started.
Not only does Young represent hope for the future, but he can also have a big say in the present with a smooth transition. The Panthers are keen to make a playoff run in the first year of Frank Reich's reign and have worked tirelessly across all areas of the franchise to put everything in place.
Young is the biggest remaining piece of the puzzle. While the one-time Heisman Trophy winner was appreciative of the moment, it's clear he knows the hard work starts now.
"It’s surreal. It’s a dream come true. I’m blessed. I want to thank God for allowing me to be here, for my parents and everyone who supported me. Although it my name being called here, there’s so many people, that pushed me and allowed me to be here. As amazing as a moment this is, I’m going to try and live in this moment. I can’t wait to get to work and start building off of it. I can’t wait to get to work."
Young's mentality and willingness to be great is exactly what attracted him to Carolina in the first place. If his elite-level production makes a smooth transition from college to the pros, there's just no telling what the signal-caller and the team overall can accomplish moving forward.