Anthony Richardson

Panthers HC Frank Reich Enamored With Anthony Richardson; Latest On QB’s Draft Stock

April 27th, 2023 at 5:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers will begin tonight’s draft by making its first overall selection. It has long been presumed that Bryce Young will be headed to Charlotte, but another signal-caller has frequently been mentioned in their evaluation process.

Anthony Richardson represents the largest wild card in this year’s class, but he is squarely within the group of four passers (along with Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis) expected to hear their names called tonight. The Florida product is the most raw of the group, but possess unmatched physical traits and thus has the highest ceiling in the eyes of many evaluators. One of those appears to have been the Panthers’ head coach.

Frank Reich was “leaning towards” Richardson during much of the pre-draft process, reports Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network (Twitter link). The Panthers declined to seek Reich’s opinion until very recently, and the team is now in agreement on who they will be selecting. The fact that Young remains the overwhelming favorite to be chosen means Reich’s views on Richardson may have changed to a degree.

With that said, ESPN’s David Newton notes that Richardson was never given serious thought at the top of the draft board (Twitter link). Young and Stroud are seen as the safest options in the 2023 class, and the team’s ultimate choice will be tasked with starting from Week 1 of his rookie season as the Panthers look to find their first long-term answer under center since Cam Newton. Richardson, on the other hand, could very well find himself behind an established starter to begin his career, depending on where he lands in the draft.

On that point, veteran NFL agent Brett Tessler tweets rather definitively that Richardson will be taken “a lot higher than most people expect.” His range has varied over the past few months, and the run (or, perhaps, lack thereof) on quarterbacks in the top five of the order will no doubt affect Richardson’s stock. A number of teams with uncertain futures at the position beyond 2023 could be interested, though, which should not leave him having to wait long to hear his name called.

Texans Likely To Draft DE At No. 2 Overall; Latest On C.J. Stroud

April 27th, 2023 at 10:00am CST by Sam Robinson

The Davis Mills-to-Jordan Akins fourth-and-20 touchdown connection may go down as one of the more impactful plays in Texans history. That Week 18 sequence, which led to the Texans falling out of the No. 1 draft slot, ended up allowing the Panthers access to Bryce Young, a player by most accounts Houston would have taken if given the opportunity.

While the Texans attempted to trade up to No. 1 with the Bears, the team settling on a second-best quarterback option continues to look unlikely at No. 2. Houston going with either Will Anderson Jr. or Tyree Wilson is the more likely scenario compared to the team selecting C.J. Stroud at that spot, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes.

The team brought Stroud in for a pre-draft visit, attended the Ohio State prospect’s pro day, interviewed him at the Combine and, per Wilson, has spent time considering how it would obtain a quarterback after passing on one at No. 2. But the Texans drafting Stroud would be a “major surprise” at this point, according to Wilson.

Momentum has headed in this direction for weeks, with Stroud falling from potential Panthers pick at No. 1 to a player with an uncertain destination. The Texans obviously have a quarterback need, and while Wilson adds the team’s past with David Mulugheta — Deshaun Watson‘s agent and Stroud’s representative — will not determine the team’s stance on Stroud, the ex-Buckeyes starter appears likely to remain on the board at No. 3 overall. As should be expected, GM Nick Caserio (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) doubled down on Stroud’s agent not being part of the team’s decision-making.

Regarding Stroud’s potential landing spot, Wilson adds the Titans — via a trade-up with the Cardinals at No. 3 — are rumored to be exploring a move up to select him. Peter Schrager’s NFL.com mock draft projects the Titans to make that move as well.

The Titans have been viewed as Stroud fans for a bit now, and Schrager cites Mike Vrabel‘s relationship with Ohio State HC Ryan Day as one that helps Justin Fields‘ Buckeyes successor here. Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds is also believed to back Stroud, which could well lead to the Cardinals having a taker for a trade-up, as Indianapolis holds the No. 4 overall pick tonight. The Titans were mentioned weeks ago as having explored a trade into the No. 3 position; this appears to be a realistic scenario. Though, it probably will not take place until the Texans make their choice at 2.

The Texans are not expected to select Will Levis or Anthony Richardson at 2; the Texans did not host the Florida prospect on a visit. The team does have high opinion of Hendon Hooker, per Wilson, but the Tennessee prospect does not appear to be in the team’s first-round plans at either No. 2 or No. 12. The Vikings, who hold the No. 23 overall pick, have been mentioned as a potential Hooker destination. The two-year Volunteers starter, who suffered an ACL tear in November, expects to be cleared by Week 1.

An Anderson-or-Wilson decision looks to be where Houston’s process concludes. Mentioned as being open to trading down, the Texans are not expected to do so, Aaron Wilson adds. Questions about Anderson’s ceiling remain a factor here, per Aaron Wilson, who lends more credence to Tyree Wilson as being a higher-ceiling player (and a prospect who, at 271 pounds, would better fit DeMeco Ryans‘ 4-3 scheme compared to Anderson, at 253). The Texans are believed to have cleared the Texas Tech prospect, who suffered a Lisfranc fracture late in the Red Raiders’ season. Schrager mocks Anderson, whom a GM calls the “safest pick in the draft,” to Houston.

Draft Rumors: Commanders, Chargers, Giants, Bengals, Bears

April 26th, 2023 at 10:09pm CST by Ely Allen

It’s the eve of the 2023 NFL Draft, and connections are being made left and right. Every team has hosted several prospects and done their fair share of homework. Here’s a few things we’re hearing in the hours leading up to the draft:

The Commanders can go in a lot of directions at the exact midpoint of the first round. They’ve been connected to offensive tackle and cornerback prospects in most situations. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, though, Washington’s executive vice president of football/player personnel Marty Hurney is a big advocate for Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. The team has committed to last year’s fifth-round pick Sam Howell as their starting quarterback for 2023, as well as bringing in Jacoby Brissett as an experienced backup. Drafting Richardson would likely be a sit-and-learn situation while either Howell or Brissett man the starting spot under center.
The Chargers have been rumored to be looking ahead in this year’s draft towards next year’s needs, according to Breer. Even though wide receiver is clearly not a need with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer, Williams may end up as a cap casualty after this season with a pending $32.46MM cap hit in 2024. This could lead to Los Angeles getting ahead of that hole and drafting a wideout in the first round this year. Breer hears the team really likes Boston College receiver Zay Flowers.
Another team who could possibly be looking to cover a future contract situation, the Giants are reportedly fairly high on Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs, according to Breer. With contract negotiations with veteran Saquon Barkley being reported as tenuous, it’s hard to imagine general manager Joe Schoen further stirring the pot with another first-round running back. It would provide the team with a backup option if negotiations with Barkley turn sour, though.
The Bengals ranked 29th in 2022 for team sacks and are reportedly looking for more pass rushing help on the interior defensive line, according to Breer. At the end of the first round, there’s only so many options. Georgia’s Jalen Carter surely won’t still be around at No. 28 overall. Clemson’s Bryan Bresee has some strong tools but is expected to need to improve his pass rushing arsenal. Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey is the only real answer here. With 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over the last two years, the diminutive tackle projects as a discount Aaron Donald. If Kancey isn’t available or not what the Bengals are looking for, they could trade back or just wait for someone like Auburn’s Colby Wooden in the third or fourth round.
Lastly, the Bears have been frequently tied to offensive line prospect Peter Skoronski out of Northwestern. It’s unclear whether they like Skoronski as an improvement at tackle or a new starter on the inside, but if he’s available by the time the tenth pick rolls around, it’s hard to imagine Chicago passing up the nearby offensive lineman.

QB Draft Notes: Patriots, Seahawks, Lions

April 25th, 2023 at 7:15pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve heard several times that the Colts have interest in Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, and Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com reiterated today that the organization is a fan of the prospect (via Pat McAfee Show on Twitter). However, one surprising suitor has emerged in the Levis sweepstakes.

According to Mike Giardi (on Twitter), the Patriots have “real interest” in Levis, While there isn’t “universal” interest in the quarterback within the organization, there are some “important folks in that building” who believe in the player’s ability and potential. Giardi also cautions that the prospect hasn’t “blown anyone away” during his workouts, a surprising remark considering Levis’ draft stock seems to be climbing each day.

While Bill Belichick and co. have a penchant for moving back in the first round, the organization would surely have to move up the board if they hope to get their hands on Levis. The Patriots are currently sitting with the No. 14 pick in the draft, and if the Colts’ interest is for real, New England would have to jump into the top-three to get their hands on the signal-caller.

That would be a shocking development after the Patriots used a first-round pick on Mac Jones only two years ago. Jones took a step back during his sophomore season in the NFL, leading some to wonder if the coaching staff could be eyeing a quarterback competition heading into training camp. While that competition was assumed to feature Jones and Bailey Zappe, the Patriots could shock the NFL world by adding another player to the mix.

More QB draft notes…

ESPN’s Todd McShay writes that he’s getting a “strong sense” that the Seahawks won’t leave the first round without a quarterback. McShay wonders if the front office could be eyeing Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Florida’s Anthony Richardson with the fifth-overall selection, noting that either prospect would make sense as a long-term developmental option behind Geno Smith. McShay also notes that the Seahawks could skip over the position at No. 5 before targeting Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker at No. 20.
As we’ve heard previously, the Titans are in the mix for a quarterback, with McShay noting that they’re contenders to trade up from No. 11 to select Stroud or Levis. If the organization is unable to pull off a trade up the board, McShay writes that the front office would likely pivot and trade back, in which case they could select Hooker later in the first round.
McShay says the Lions could be a surprising suitor for a quarterback prospect at No. 6. If Stroud does fall down the board, the writer opines that he won’t fall any further than Detroit, where he could serve as a temporary backup to Jared Goff. Meanwhile, while the Raiders previously sniffed around at a trade for Alabama’s Bryce Young, they’re unlikely to take a quarterback with the No. 7 pick, per McShay.

Latest On Colts’ First-Round Plans

April 22nd, 2023 at 12:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Multiple reports have connected the Colts to Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, and the organization is still very interested in the prospect. However, things could get tricky if Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud falls to Indy at No. 4. One NFL scout told ESPN’s Matt Miller that the Colts may prefer Levis over Stroud, while another scout indicated that the Colts are hoping another front office will make the decision for them.

“The Colts would probably love for someone to jump them and select Stroud so they can take Levis,” the scout said.

The conversation involving the Colts and Levis initially involved Florida’s Anthony Richardson, with most draft pundits assuming the Colts wouldn’t have a shot at Bryce Young or Stroud. Young is still the favorite to go first-overall, but there are now whispers that the Texans may not select a QB at No 2. If the Cardinals are unable to find a trade partner at No. 3, then the Colts could have their choice of the three remaining QBs with first-round grades.

There’s a better chance that trades impact the top-three selections and, in that scenario, the Colts won’t have their preferred target on the board by the time the fourth pick is on the clock. Previous reports indicated that the front office was not interested in making a move up the draft board, but if Chris Ballard and co. are determined to draft a QB and aren’t enamored with Richardson, then they may have no choice than to make a trade for Levis or Stroud.

Of course, all of these reports could simply be a smokescreen while the Colts hide their true intentions. Ballard seemed to question the legitimacy of the recent reports, stating that there’s no incentive to show their hand.

“I always love to read the reports that the Colts love this guy and they love that guy,” the GM said (via Zak Keefer of The Athletic). “Like, who’d that come from? It didn’t come from me. Who’s telling them who we love and who we don’t love? They don’t know.

“…Like, there’s always this assumption we’ve targeted one player,” he said. “This is the main assumption right now. I don’t know if that’s an accurate assumption. Matter of fact, I’d say it’s not.”

Raiders Still Considering First-Round QB?

April 22nd, 2023 at 9:37am CST by Ben Levine

Even after adding veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this offseason, the Raiders are still considering a rookie QB. We heard earlier this week that the organization was eyeing projected second-round quarterback Hendon Hooker, but the front office is also keeping their options open in the first round. General manager Dave Ziegler told reporters that the Raiders “haven’t ruled anything out” in regards to a first-round QB.

“Having Jimmy does supply us with a very high-quality starting player at the position. And so, we feel comfortable with that,” Ziegler said (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal). “But I think to close that door and say that’s not something you would do because of X, Y and Z. That’s not the business we’re in.

“…Any time you can find a young player at that position that’s going to have an impact on your team, you have to keep an open mind to that.”

As Bonsignore writes, the Raiders “were as active as any team in the NFL” when it came to evaluating quarterback prospects. Currently sitting with the No. 7 pick, the Raiders could even move up the draft board in pursuit of their preferred player. The Raiders are armed with selections in each round of the draft, including extra picks in the third, fifth, sixth, and seventh.

However, the Raiders might not even have to make a trade. If the Cardinals keep their pick (coupled with the possibility that the Texans could pivot away from a rookie QB at No. 2), then the Raiders may find that one of Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis falls to them at No. 7. Further, thanks to the addition of Garoppolo, the Raiders are in no rush to add a player at the position, and a rookie QB would surely be redshirted behind the Raiders’ free agent acquisition for at least the 2023 campaign.

The Raiders have plenty of holes on defense, so even if a QB does fall to No. 7, there’s still a chance the front office goes for a player who could contribute now. In that scenario, the front office could make a push for Hooker. The Tennessee product visited the Raiders earlier this month and are believed to have been impressed with the prospect. Coming off a November ACL tear, Hooker isn’t expected to be a serious option for the organization with the seventh-overall pick.

Ravens High On QB Anthony Richardson?

April 21st, 2023 at 6:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens have already been at the heart of plenty of QB-driven speculation this offseason with Lamar Jackson‘s future remaining in the air. A draft-day development which would alter the team dramatically could be in the cards.

Baltimore’s interest in Anthony Richardson is seen by a number of other teams as being “very real,” as noted by Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. The Ravens’ affinity for the Florida product may reach the point that they could trade into the middle part of the first round to secure him, La Canfora adds. Such a move would obviously require a specific set of circumstances and represent a franchise-defining commitment.

Richardson is arguably the most polarizing prospect in the 2023 class, especially at the quarterback position. He served as the Gators’ starter for only one season, and delivered an inconsistent performance which included accuracy issues (53.8% completion percentage) but also a demonstration of his dynamic rushing ability (654 yards, nine touchdowns). His draft stock was boosted considerably at the Combine when he was among the top performers in athletic testing at any position, let along signal-callers.

The Ravens were one of several teams which hosted Richardson on a pre-draft visit, suggesting they wanted to at least do their due diligence on the 6-4, 236-pounder. If they remain high on him – and are willing to get aggressive by moving up several picks to select him – they would obviously be convinced that the risk of investing in his athletic traits would be worth the reward. A number of factors point to a trade-up being unlikely, however.

With several QB-needy teams set to pick in the top 10 on Thursday, a run on passers is expected. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis could easily be off the board within the first four picks, meaning Richardson may not have to wait long to hear his name called. A few teams (including the Raiders and Titans, set to pick seventh and 11th, respectively) have been named as candidates to move up the board for a QB, something which would take the Ravens out of the picture.

Baltimore is also dealing with an uncharacteristically low amount of draft capital this year. They have only five total selections in 2023, and are without a second-rounder due to the Roquan Smith trade. Trading up (rather than down) in the first round would thus come as a surprise for any target, though the addition of a potential franchise signal-caller certainly alters traditional practices with draft picks.

Were the Ravens to draft Richardson, Jackson’s standing with the organization would be called even further into question. The former MVP had the non-exclusive franchise tag applied last month, opening up the possibility of an offer sheet. No market has developed for him, though, and he went public with his trade request in an attempt to move contract negotiations with the Ravens along or accelerate the process of another team acquiring him. Richardson is seen as a developmental project – much like Jackson was upon his arrival in the league – so the team’s plans at the QB spot would become even more of a storyline than they already are if the former was to find himself heading to Baltimore.

Latest On Texans’ No. 2 Overall Pick

April 21st, 2023 at 1:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

A stream of skepticism about the Texans taking C.J. Stroud second overall has come out over the past few weeks. With Bryce Young all but certain to go No. 1 overall to the Panthers, Stroud’s chances to be the next name announced may depend on trade offers the Texans receive.

Nick Caserio said teams have called regarding Houston’s No. 2 pick, and if genuine interest exists in Stroud, rumblings about a Texans trade-down will intensify as we move closer to the draft. The Texans passing on a QB at 2 and rolling the dice ahead of Caserio’s third season in charge — which the GM insists will take place, rather than an abrupt exit — would be one of the more interesting draft decisions in recent memory, but that appears to be where this is headed.

Some on Houston’s staff do not appear as high on Stroud compared to Young, whom the Texans presumably targeted when they entered trade talks with the Bears for No. 1, and Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes the team’s interest in taking Will Levis or Anthony Richardson that high does not appear strong. A previous report indicated a value gap between Young and the other QBs existed in Houston as well. This would open the door to a pass rusher pick, and La Canfora adds more fuel to the Tyree Wilson-over-Will Anderson Jr. fire by indicating execs expect the Texans — should they be unable to trade the pick — to take the Texas Tech edge rusher over Alabama’s two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner.

Stroud’s choice of agent may at least be a fringe issue for the Texans. Deshaun Watson‘s agent, David Mulugheta, is representing Stroud. The bad blood between Mulugheta and Texans ownership dates to Watson — before the run of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced — asking for a trade months after signing a four-year extension. One anonymous GM offers that Mulugheta’s top 2023 rookie client becoming the face of the Texans would be a “nonstarter” for owner Cal McNair, La Canfora adds. As could be expected, the Texans are not exactly over the Watson ugliness that included a paid full-season absence and a settlement with 30 Watson accusers who had sued the team or were preparing to do so.

While the agent component would serve as an interesting reason to pass on a well-regarded quarterback, Texans coaches also being iffy on Stroud may bring enough concerns to follow through with a non-QB pick or trade-down scenario. In the event the Texans can move down, La Canfora adds the Texans would want to stay in the top 10. That would wall off the Titans at No. 11; Houston trading up so Tennessee can take a quarterback would be an unusual development as well. The Titans, who joined the Raiders in venturing to QB pro days but not in hosting passers on visits, loom as a wild card. They have both been connected to moving up and being too iffy on the QB crop to do so.

The Raiders and Falcons continue to generate buzz as a trade-up candidates, per La Canfora, who adds a Titans move up — be it to No. 2 or the Cardinals’ No. 3 slot — would most likely be for Stroud. The Raiders have done extensive homework on QBs, meeting with the five top prospects, while the Falcons hosted Stroud on a visit this week.

Were the Texans to pass on a QB, they would essentially be further delaying their rebuild. The team trading down only to use its No. 12 overall pick to move back up for a passer would bring some odd complications to a process that could wrap by simply drafting a passer at 2. While other roster areas appear somewhat improved from 2022, Houston waiting until 2024 to acquire its franchise-QB hopeful would extend this already-lengthy rebuild. Then again, team connections to using a top-10 selection on a quarterback often include talk of that franchise not expecting to be picking high again. That has not been an issue for the Texans, who have either landed a top-three pick or seen their draft choice fall in that territory in each of the past three years.

And, if the Texans actually exit the first round with Case Keenum and Davis Mills as their top QBs, Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) continue to generate considerable attention around the NFL a year away from their draft eligibility.

QB Draft Notes: Texans, Titans, Levis, Hooker

April 18th, 2023 at 9:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Alabama’s Bryce Young is the favorite to go No. 1 to the Panthers, and most pundits have assumed that the Texans would then select Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. However, there are some “rumblings” that the Texans could pivot away from quarterback and select someone like Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. with the second-overall pick, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. One anonymous executive believes those whispers aren’t a smokescreen and questioned if Houston’s front office is even a fan of Stroud.

“Maybe it’s a smokescreen — you never know this time of year — but I really believe the Texans don’t like Stroud,” the “longtime personnel executive” told La Canfora. “I keep hearing it, and I’m inclined to believe it. The Titans are the team that really likes Stroud, and I don’t know if they would move all the way up [from the 11th pick to the second] to do it, but I’d keep an eye on that. The Texans could take Anderson or [Georgia defensive lineman Jalen] Carter, but I think they want to trade down more than anything else.”

Jim Wyatt of the Titans backs the sentiment about Tennessee’s inability to move up the draft board. The writer cites the question marks surrounding the top QB prospects, the Titans’ need at other positions, and the team’s lack of draft capital (the Titans are currently armed with only six draft selections). Of course, Wyatt adds the caveat that it’s tough to predict how new GM Ran Carthon will operate during the draft.

Texans GM Nick Caserio hinted yesterday that the organization would consider trading the No. 2 pick, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter also noting that Houston’s front office could end up keeping the pick but not selecting a signal-caller.

More QB notes leading up to the draft…

Indy has their eye on a particular QB prospect, with La Canfora noting that the Colts “covet” Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. We previously heard that the organization was targeting Levis but didn’t intend to trade up for their preferred prospect. Unfortunately for the Colts, they would need the draft board to shake out in their favor if they hope to get Levis; the team has the fourth-overall pick and may have to settle for whichever QB is still left on the board.
Speaking of, La Canfora writes that league executives believe four quarterbacks will be selected atop the draft. The Texans could throw a wrench in that plan, and the Cardinals would have to find a suitable trade partner for the third-overall pick. La Canfora adds that the expectation is that a No. 3-pick suitor would use their newfound selection on Florida QB Anthony Richardson.
The Giants recently inked Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160MM deal, but that hasn’t stopped the organization from doing their due diligence at the position. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter), Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker will visit the Giants tomorrow. The quarterback has had a busy pre-draft process, with Garafolo noting that organizations want clarity on Hooker’s recovery from a torn ACL. The Tennessee product is a fine fallback option for teams that don’t have the ammo to get one of the top-four prospects at the position; Hooker is the only other QB outside of Young/Stroud/Richardson/Levis to earn a spot in Scouts Inc.’s top-85.

Panthers Yet To Finalize No. 1 Overall Choice, Unconcerned With Bryce Young’s Height

April 18th, 2023 at 3:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bryce Young bets to go No. 1 overall are no longer particularly appealing, as odds currently indicate the Panthers taking someone else first overall would be a major surprise. Carolina GM Scott Fitterer attempted to slow down the Young-to-Charlotte train Tuesday.

The third-year Panthers GM said the team has not determined its choice atop the draft and made the interesting confession he has not asked Frank Reich for his opinion yet. Carolina does expect to finalize its decision this week, and while the team brought sizable staff contingents to pro days, Fitterer said (via the Associated Press’ Steve Reed) he and Reich will make the final call.

“The reason I didn’t want to ask [Reich] that question was I didn’t want to close off our minds to where we, like, made that decision back in March,” Fitterer said, via ESPN.com’s David Newton. “But we do see things the same way. We value the same traits, the same characteristics. There’s certain things we really want, and that’s where the clarity comes from.”

Although Reich took this job after seeing quarterback instability define his previous gig, the veteran HC is not expected to insist on one of this draft’s passers. The Panthers parted with several assets — including D.J. Moore and their 2024 first-round pick — to move up eight spots for the top pick. Fitterer said the team continues to discuss Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, who has joined Stroud on a pre-draft visit Tuesday, but Newton notes Young and C.J. Stroud were the two QBs the Panthers were targeting when they made the March deal with the Bears.

Midway through Carolina’s process, the team was still at a Stroud-or-Young decision. But the Alabama prospect has surged since. Concerns about Young’s height have kept Stroud in the mix, but Fitterer voiced a stance on this matter that will only strengthen the Panthers-Young ties.

“This doesn’t seem to be an issue,” Fitterer said of Young’s 5-foot-10 stature. “When you grow up a shorter quarterback, you learn how to evolve your game and adapt and see the field. He’s done that.”

Fitterer, who was in Seattle when the Seahawks gave Russell Wilson the QB1 reins ahead of his rookie season, said Young has added lower-body strength over the course of his Crimson Tide career. Young weighed 204 pounds at the Combine but did not hop on the scale during his pro day, injecting more frame-related questions. The Panthers appear to prefer Young add some bulk to his frame, but the undersized QB remains the favorite to be taken first overall.

Young canceled his remaining visits ahead of Wednesday’s deadline, and while Fitterer said that was unrelated to a potential Panthers pick, nothing has blunted the former Heisman winner’s momentum. Young is believed to have extensive support in the team’s building, and multiple reports indicated the Panthers have zeroed in on Mac Jones‘ Crimson Tide successor for weeks. The former Ohio State superstar is now uncertain to be picked second.

The Panthers have not received much interest in their No. 1 pick, and Fitterer said the team should be expected to stay where it is. Nothing the veteran exec said Tuesday should remove Young from his place as the favorite to end up in Charlotte.

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