Panthers News: Luke Kuechly, Bryce Young, Cam Newton and Frank Reich

Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as their landmark moment officially arrives at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?

We made it. 

The 2023 NFL Draft officially gets underway this evening and the Carolina Panthers will formally announce their future franchise quarterback at No. 1 overall. Something that's been seven weeks in the making and marks the start of what will hopefully become a more profitable future under Frank Reich.

Among the stories making headlines include Bryce Young on whether he knows for sure, Cam Newton making his endorsement, Frank Reich on the big night, and the prospect of legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly joining Carolina's coaching staff.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Story No. 1

Frank Reich on the Carolina Panthers' big night

The level of excitement across the entire Carolina Panthers franchise is palpable. After years of quarterback purgatory, a new franchise quarterback is set to be announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just after 8 p.m.

If there's a level of nervousness within the fanbase, that is not evident where Frank Reich is concerned. In fact, the head coach seemed to have more conviction than ever when speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon. 

Getting it right will be the hardest part for Reich. But there is a consensus between influential figures that the direction they're about to go in should shift the landscape positively at long last. 

Where there was once nothing but misery, excuses, and incompetence under Matt Rhule, there is now genuine hope. And for Reich, this is more about excitement rather than any pressure.

Carolina Panthers haven't told Bryce Young he's the guy

Many have deemed the Carolina Panthers' pick at No. 1 overall as a foregone conclusion. It's been a thorough process involving the top-four quarterbacks, but the consensus reached is likely to be Bryce Young when push comes to shove.

Most - if not all - media insiders have now reached this conclusion through various sources. However, Young indicated during brief media availability on Wednesday that the Panthers have yet to confirm anything one way or another.

"No, no. I haven’t heard anything from any team. For me, throughout this whole process, I wanna put my best foot forward. Try to present myself in the best light, communicate openly who I am, how things have played out."

Bryce Young via Panthers Wire

This statement was corroborated by head coach Frank Reich, who also stated in front of the press that the Panthers had yet to inform anyone of their decision and might not until the call arrived in the green room.

It all adds to the slight suspense. Even though it looks like a done deal based on some significant momentum generated by Young throughout the evaluation process and especially over the last fortnight.

C.J. Stroud looked like the guy for a while. But there are now rumors that he might fall out of the top 10 entirely, which is a ludicrous notion looking at the prospect's production and upside.

Thankfully for Panthers fans, there isn't much longer to wait before we find out for certain. This will mercifully end what quickly became an exhausting phase from the moment Carolina landed the No. 1 overall pick from the Chicago Bears.

Cam Newton makes his Carolina Panthers prediction

As stated previously, it will come as no surprise to see the Carolina Panthers select Bryce Young from No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft this evening. And the one-time Alabama star received a glowing endorsement from the man he'll hopefully succeed as a true franchise player for the organization. 

Cam Newton, who is still looking for a route back into the NFL after throwing at Auburn's pro day earlier this spring, put on his general manager hat during a recent YouTube appearance. If it was his choice, the former NFL MVP would go with Young at No. 1 despite the obvious concerns about the player's slender frame. 

"If I’m the GM, if I’m the head coach, if I’m David Tepper—I’m selecting Bryce Young. And we all know the upside, we all know he went to Alabama, we all know that he has an incredible arm, upside, whatever. Relatively young. But, at the end of the day, all that changed when the NFL chose Baker Mayfield No. 1, when you chose Kyler Murray No. 1. Like, that’s not even a valuable topic or valuable, kind of, point. That’s not even a valuable point that you’re trying to make if you’re tryin’ to say he’s small. My thing that I will point out that makes all the difference in the decision is this No. 1 stat right here—23-4."

Cam Newton via Panthers Wire

Young has been highly complimentary of Newton throughout interviews and the veteran stated he'd be willing to back up the projected top pick. However, the chance of another go-around in Carolina is remote when one considers the presence of Andy Dalton and Matt Corral already on the roster. 

This is another ringing endorsement for Young, who seems to have separated himself from the rest and wowed the Panthers' brass along the way. 

Carolina Panthers sound out Luke Kuechly about coaching

Although the focus is on which college players are coming into the Carolina Panthers via the 2023 NFL Draft, current players have been put through early paces at the start of their voluntary minicamp this week. And there was one familiar face lending a watching eye that remains beloved by everyone associated with the franchise. 

Luke Kuechly was in attendance on Wednesday, speaking with coaches and players. Head coach Frank Reich also revealed he's sounded out the legendary linebacker about a potential coaching gig down the line, which came with a hugely positive reaction on social media. 

"I've talked to him [about coaching]. I kind of broached that with him a few months ago actually. I don't think he was ready for that conversation yet, but I just tried to maybe plant that seed a little bit. I don't know if he'll ever do it but certainly we would welcome it if he would."

Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated

While Kuechly might not be ready just yet, there's no doubt whatsoever that he would thrive in a coaching role. His cerebral approach and meticulous preparation were catalysts behind an extraordinary career, with Jeremy Chinn benefitting greatly from his presence as a pro scout in 2020 en route to a fantastic rookie campaign.

Adding Kuechly to this current coaching staff would be the icing on the cake. And now that Matt Rhule is not around, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer might be more receptive to a formal offer under Reich.