Bryce Young

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.

Bryce Young Cancels Remaining Visits

April 17th, 2023 at 4:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

Further pointing to this draft leading off with Bryce Young, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes the 2021 Heisman winner has shut down his pre-draft visit schedule (Twitter link). Players can take visits through Wednesday, but Young will halt his pre-draft meetings.

Young has completed his Panthers and Texans visits, and he also met with the Raiders. The Colts worked out Young and were believed to be planning a visit, but as we move closer to the draft, it appears Indianapolis (No. 4 overall) will be out of reach for the latest Alabama QB prospect. FanDuel now has Young a prohibitive favorite (minus-1050, via VSiN’s Femi Obebefe) to go No. 1 overall. BetMGM has Young as an even more imposing favorite, at minus-2000. C.J. Stroud and Will Levis are visiting the Panthers on Tuesday, but the Young connections overshadow those meetings.

Once linked closely to Stroud, the Panthers have been tied to Young for several days now. While recent executive polls produced a few Stroud-to-Carolina predictions, NBC Sports’ Peter King indicates he has not spoken to anyone in recent days who expects the Panthers to pass on Young at No. 1. While a report last week indicated the Panthers had not thrown in the towel on Stroud or Anthony Richardson yet — both QBs met with the team — it is difficult to ignore the signs pointing Young to Charlotte.

The Panthers have been unable to find quarterback continuity since cutting Cam Newton in March 2020, and Newton had begun a steady downhill slide since Super Bowl 50. The former MVP’s injuries accelerated that descent, and the Panthers have used six starting quarterbacks (Kyle Allen, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater, P.J. Walker, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield) since Newton’s 2019 foot injury led to his eventual release. The team that pursued Deshaun Watson for two offseasons (and passed on the likes of Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Kenny Pickett) removed all doubt about securing this draft’s top available QB by moving into the Bears’ No. 1 slot before free agency.

Young totaled 50 touchdowns (47 passing) during his Heisman campaign and grades as this year’s top prospect, per ESPN’s Scouts Inc. and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah. His 5-foot-10, 204-pound frame injects additional risk into Carolina’s likely decision, but many staffers in the Panthers’ building are believed to back the two-year Crimson Tide starter. Barring a borderline-shocking development, Young appears poised to become the third first-round quarterback (Newton, Kerry Collins) in Panthers history.

Falcons Taking “Serious Look” At QB Prospects?

April 15th, 2023 at 12:43pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons have been doing their homework on rookie quarterbacks. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Falcons have been “taking a serious look” at the 2023 QB draft class.

Despite their efforts, Miller believes it would take a “dream scenario” for the Falcons to end up with a top quarterback prospect, and the reporter believes the organization would only extend itself for Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Barring a trade, there’s no chance those two QBs will be on the board when Atlanta is on the clock at No. 8. By that point of the draft, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis will also likely be gone, and the front office would surely trade back before going with someone like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker. In other words, the Falcons probably won’t have the ability to make a choice at the position when it’s their turn to pick, but it sounds like the front office could pounce if an opportunity presents itself.

It makes sense that the Falcons would only make a push for one of their preferred prospects, especially since they used a 2022 third-round selection on Desmond Ridder. The Cincinnati product went 2-2 as a starter last season and will mostly likely lead a depth chart that also consists of Taylor Heinicke and Logan Woodside.

ESPN’s Michael Rothestein explored some options for the Falcons at No. 8, noting that an edge rusher, cornerback, or guard could all be in play. The reporter also wonders if the Falcons would be willing to reach for Texas running back Bijan Robinson, and he also questions if the front office could end Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter‘s potential fall down the draft board. Rothstein doesn’t expect Atlanta to select a WR with their first-round selection, with Miller adding that the position (along with safety) will be a clear emphasis for the front office during the second day of the draft.

Texans Not Sold On Non-Bryce Young QBs?

April 14th, 2023 at 1:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Panthers-Bryce Young connection intensifies, the focus could soon shift to the Texans’ decision at No. 2 overall. Thanks to a fourth-and-20 Davis Mills-to-Jordan Akins touchdown heave in Week 18, Houston may have a difficult call to make.

The Texans attempted to acquire the Bears’ No. 1 pick in early March but backed out of the talks late, leaving the door open for the Panthers’ eight-spot jump. That leaves the Texans faced with the prospect of drafting the second-best quarterback available. C.J. Stroud has also been linked to Carolina at 1, but Matt Miller of ESPN.com notes a belief in league circles suggests Houston is not sold on any of the non-Young QBs on the board.

Stroud, Young, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker have visited the Texans during the pre-draft stretch, giving GM Nick Caserio plenty of intel ahead of his third draft in charge. But the team has also hosted Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Houston making the surprise move of drafting Anderson should not be completely ruled out, with Miller adding the team is very high on the two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner. The Texans have Anderson as the highest-ranked player on their board, per Miller.

It is not uncommon for teams with quarterback needs to have non-QBs ranked higher on their draft boards. The Panthers admitted this last year when they faced a quarterback-or-left tackle decision at No. 6 overall. Carolina went with Ikem Ekwonu over ex-Matt Rhule recruit Kenny Pickett. The Texans face a slightly higher-stakes choice at 2, given their draft slot and the team not addressing its QB need since Deshaun Watson‘s off-field trouble surfaced.

Texans ownership is believed to be more involved this year; that could certainly complicate a potential plan to take Anderson over Stroud. But smoke continues to emerge on the team shocking the draft world by passing on the Ohio State product. If the Panthers take Stroud, it would seem the Texans will have an uncomplicated start to the draft. But Young going to Carolina may bring considerable intrigue to the second draft slot. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Houston taking Stroud at No. 2. A trade-down maneuver may also be in play, and if the Texans do make a non-QB pick at 2, the Cardinals figure to field more interesting offers — with Stroud viewed as a safer bet than Levis or Anthony Richardson — at No. 3.

In a scenario in which Stroud remains on the board at No. 3, two of the Texans’ AFC South rivals — the Colts and Titans — would figure to be involved in trade-up talks with the Cards. The Colts’ Stroud visit is set for Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Panthers Not Receiving Calls On No. 1 Pick; Team Down To Two QBs?

April 13th, 2023 at 5:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

It would be unusual for a team to acquire the No. 1 overall pick and then trade out of that slot, but the Panthers did obtain this draft pick several weeks ago. And the team was believed to be comfortable with multiple options in this year’s draft.

But nothing is pointing to Carolina moving back again. The Panthers have not received calls on the No. 1 pick, per David Newton of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Sticking at No. 1 will affect the team’s quarterback search, which still may be a Bryce Young-or-C.J. Stroud call.

Anthony Richardson was on Carolina’s “30” visit schedule, and the Florida product’s athletic profile has generated extensive buzz during the pre-draft process. A report earlier Thursday indicated Richardson remains in the mix for the Panthers at 1. But a Richardson-at-1 plan does not appear to be universally viewed as realistic. The Panthers would likely only consider Richardson if they traded down, per Newton. Given the boom-or-bust strings attached to Richardson — a one-year Florida starter who completed less than 54% of his throws during that slate — it would be a massive risk to bet on the athletic prospect’s upside at No. 1.

Stroud is still scheduled to visit the Panthers on Tuesday, and ESPN’s Matt Miller said he joins Young in having “serious support” in Carolina’s building. But Young has overtaken the two-year Ohio State starter as the favorite. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. swapped the QBs on his most recent mock draft, sliding Stroud down to Houston at No. 2. The growing Panthers-Young connection should still be viewed as an indicator of where this process will end up, Newton adds (on Twitter).

Still, NFL execs, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, view Stroud as the clear-cut second-best QB in this year’s draft who brings prototypical size (6-foot-3) compared to the 5-10 Young. The two-year Crimson Tide starter graded as the polled execs’ most pro-ready passer available. Richardson and Will Levis, who will visit Carolina along with Stroud but is not believed to be in consideration for the Panthers, reside a tier below Young and Stroud here.

The Texans were deep in discussions about moving into the No. 1 slot, and the Bears were interested in a trade that would have seen them drop from 1 to 2 to 9. Houston backed out, but the Panthers and Texans’ involvement in those talks point to the NFC South team being open to multiple QBs and the AFC South franchise clearly preferring one. How the Texans proceed at No. 2 will become more interesting after the Panthers make their choice. It should be expected Carolina is closing in on a consensus, but with the NFL preferring to keep fans in suspense, the pick’s identity may not emerge until Roger Goodell reads the card.

Houston holds intriguing draft capital to move up, having two first- and third-round picks this year and two firsts in 2024, and Carolina did part with a lot to acquire this year’s top pick. Still, dealing such a package — one that included D.J. Moore — and then being fine with the second-best QB in this year’s draft would invite unnecessary risk into the retooled team’s draft. For teams interested in moving up, the Texans may entertain trade offers. The Cardinals are already doing so, with at least six teams having spoken with Arizona about the No. 3 choice.

Latest On Draft’s QBs: Young, Panthers, Texans, Hooker, Vikings, Richardson, Levis

April 12th, 2023 at 2:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

With each passing day, the reality of Bryce Young leading off the 2023 draft looks more likely. C.J. Stroud does not seem to be gaining momentum and looks set to be available when the Texans go on the clock at No. 2 overall. Although Stroud-to-Charlotte buzz emerged recently, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes the Panthers have been leaning in Young’s direction for weeks. They have not deviated from that plan, and SI.com’s Albert Breer adds Carolina sees special qualities in the 5-foot-10 passer.

Buzz regarding Frank Reich preferring the 6-3 Stroud has died down, with multiple reports last week indicating the Panthers — who hosted Young on Tuesday — are big fans of the 2021 Heisman winner. This will put the Texans to a decision; their previously reported Young meeting is on tap for today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Here is the latest from this draft’s QB crop:

Teams continue to look into Hendon Hooker, who dazzled at Tennessee before tearing an ACL in November 2022. The Texans look to have gotten a head-start with the rehabbing passer, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson indicating the former Virginia Tech recruit trekked to Houston for a meeting not long after the Combine (Twitter link). Hooker would be an interesting option for the Texans if they take the unexpected route and pass on a QB at 2. While the Texans’ No. 12 overall pick would be a bit early for Hooker, who turned 25 earlier this year, they hold the No. 33 overall pick as well. Of course, the team might be in a bit of trouble at QB1 this season were it to take this highly unexpected path. Case Keenum and Davis Mills are Houston’s current QBs.
It should not be assumed Hooker will drop out of Round 1, however, given the annual demand at this rather important position. Rival executives are connecting Hooker to the Vikings, La Canfora adds. Minnesota would make for an interesting landing spot, having merely restructured Kirk Cousins‘ contract — after extending him in 2020 and 2022 — this offseason. Cousins going into a contract year will put the onus on new Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to find a successor, but Hooker would make for an unusual developmental candidate due to his age. The previous Vikes regime tried to trade up for Justin Fields two years ago. Hooker’s Lions, Buccaneers and Raiders visits are this week. Detroit’s second first-round pick (No. 18) and Tampa Bay’s only Round 1 choice (No. 19) check in ahead of Minnesota’s (No. 23).
Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock draft calls for what would be a draft first: a QB-QB-QB-QB start. Part of that equation would require a team to trade into the Cardinals’ No. 3 draft slot. Arizona has received extensive interest in that pick, though some of the teams exploring a move up might be hoping Stroud falls to No. 3. A value gulf may well exist between this draft’s top two arms (Young and Stroud) and the next two options (Anthony Richardson and Will Levis), with Breer expressing doubt a team would trade to No. 3 for the Florida or Kentucky QBs. Kiper has the Titans moving up from No. 11 to No. 3 for Richardson, who displayed elite athleticism at the Combine but has just one season as a full-time starter. Similar to the Vikings’ Cousins situation, the Titans have Ryan Tannehill contracted for one more season. Trade rumors have emerged regarding the fifth-year Titan, and Ran Carthon‘s team has been connected to a trade-up.

Draft Rumors: Young, Panthers, Stroud, Texans, Colts, Smith, Lions, WRs, Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, Johnston, Jaguars, Vikings

April 10th, 2023 at 8:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Panthers have not locked onto Bryce Young just yet, but the pendulum continues to swing toward the Alabama prospect over C.J. Stroud. David and Nicole Tepper spent extensive time with Young’s parents at Alabama’s pro day last month, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, and Michael Lombardi said during his GM Shuffle podcast the Carolina owner met with Nick Saban in the Crimson Tide HC’s office during the pro day. This comes after reports last week began to stray from the Stroud-to-Charlotte narrative, one that formed largely because Young stands 5-foot-10 and plays under 200 pounds (despite his 204-pound Combine weight).

Carolina will meet with Young on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, with Breer adding Young has already impressed Frank Reich in previous settings. It will be interesting to see if more smoke emerges here, as the Panthers do not exactly have to keep this a secret given their updated draft position, or if Stroud remains in the mix. Many scouts and execs polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Stroud’s 6-3, 214-pound frame make him safer and will help him become Carolina’s choice, though that poll still produced a slim advantage for Young to go No. 1 overall. Despite the Panthers meeting with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, it certainly looks like Young or Stroud will be the pick.

Here is the latest from the draft scene:

The Colts discussed the No. 1 pick with the Bears before the Panthers won out, but Breer adds Indianapolis was not ready to do a deal before free agency. The team was still in the process of evaluating the QB prospects and was not prepared to part with significant capital to move up from No. 4 to No. 1. Houston also backed out, having been farther down the road in trade talks with Chicago. Bears GM Ryan Poles spoke of his team trading down twice — moving from 1 to 2 to 9, allowing the Texans and Panthers to climb up for QBs — but Breer notes Nick Caserio‘s team became uncomfortable with the deal later in the process.
Texans ownership is more involved in this year’s draft process, per Breer, who is less bullish on Houston selecting a quarterback compared to how this situation looked ahead of the Combine. The Texans’ negotiations with the Bears unmasked them as being willing to trade up for one particular quarterback, potentially pointing to the team being high on either Stroud or Young but not as sold on the other. Since the Panthers obtained the pick, the Texans have been connected to possibly punting on their QB need and taking Will Anderson Jr.. A trade-down scenario, per Breer, should also not be discounted.
Nolan Smith is gaining steam during the pre-draft process, with Fowler noting some scouts are pegging the edge rusher as a top-10 pick. The Lions (Nos. 6, 18) have done homework on the Georgia outside linebacker, per Fowler, and the Patriots (No. 14), Buccaneers (No. 19), Ravens (No. 22) and Jaguars (No. 24) have met with Smith. Scouts view the 238-pound defender as a better fit for a team in a 3-4 scheme, and the Steelers (No. 17) — long users of that base alignment — have emerged as a potential Smith floor.
More teams are bringing in TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Following a report that indicated the Ravens, Cowboys and Chiefs were hosting Johnston, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes the 6-foot-3 pass catcher will meet with the Cardinals, Falcons (No. 8), Vikings (No. 23) and Jaguars. Most of these visits will occur this week, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who adds the Titans (No. 11) huddled up with the ex-Horned Frog on Monday (Twitter link). Barring a fall into Round 2 or the Cards moving down considerably from No. 3 overall, Johnston would not seem in their range. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Vikings selecting Johnston. This receiver class has generated mixed reviews, with NBC Sports’ Peter King adding teams have the higher-end wideouts in varying orders on their respective boards, but Johnston has consistently been mocked as a first-rounder.

Panthers Leaning Toward Bryce Young?

April 7th, 2023 at 10:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

In what looks to be signaling a shift, Bryce Young is looking like a strong candidate to go No. 1 overall now. Although C.J. Stroud continues to be the leadoff man in the major mock drafts, Young-Panthers links are multiplying.

Even as Panthers-Stroud connections persist, Frank Reich-driven height concerns re: Young might be overblown. Carolina’s trade-up may have been Young-centered all along, with ESPN’s Chris Mortensen indicating during a recent TV appearance (h/t Panthers On Tap) the Alabama prospect will likely be the No. 1 overall pick.

A report from longtime NFL insider Peter King revealed Young has plenty of support in Carolina’s building, and Mortensen confirms the Panthers are big fans of the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. While Young’s 5-foot-10 stature and slender frame has injected uncertainty into an otherwise standout prospect’s viability, he displayed high-level accuracy and pocket movement during a dominant two-year run as the Crimson Tide’s starter.

Young is set to become the third straight Alabama starting quarterback to be a first-round pick, and he will undoubtedly be selected higher than Tua Tagovailoa (No. 5) and Mac Jones (15) were in their respective drafts. Mortensen also likened this Panthers situation to the 49ers’ 2021 process, doubling down on the notion San Francisco indeed had Jones in mind when it traded up nine spots to No. 3 that year. The 49ers’ course change to Trey Lance is close to being viewed as one of the bigger draft missteps — considering what the team gave up to obtain that pick — in recent draft history, and Mortensen said the Panthers should be expected to stick with their initial preference (Young) instead of going through with a size-based Stroud pivot.

Young would obviously bring a considerably different type of QB into the building compared to the last time Carolina selected a passer at No. 1. At 6-3 and 214 pounds, Stroud is also not especially close to Cam Newton here (6-5, 245). Reich has been mentioned as preferring big-frame QBs, but this will be his first significant draft choice at the position as a head coach. Though, he was the Eagles’ OC when they traded up for the 6-5 Carson Wentz in 2016. Panthers GM Scott Fitterer was with the Seahawks when they drafted Russell Wilson. While drafting a quarterback 75th overall is rather different than a No. 1 pick, Fitterer has obviously seen a short quarterback enjoy tremendous success up close.

Reich and Fitterer have brought several Panthers staffers into this process, and the new HC is not viewed as likely to overturn a consensus. The Panthers taking this route would leave Stroud on the board for the Texans, who have been more connected to Young during the pre-draft process. Stroud met with the Texans on Wednesday.

Many Panthers Staffers Back Bryce Young

April 6th, 2023 at 2:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

The last time the Panthers held the No. 1 overall pick, little doubt existed about the franchise’s direction. The consensus top quarterback in the 2011 draft, Cam Newton served as Carolina’s quarterback for nearly a decade. Three weeks ahead of this year’s draft, the team — despite trading up eight spots for the top pick — may not have a decision yet.

Although the Panthers’ pendulum is swinging toward C.J. Stroud, Peter King of NBC Sports reports Bryce Young has several key supporters in the building. New QBs coach Josh McCown looks to be one of them. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay each mock the Ohio State passer to Carolina at 1, but ESPN and NFL.com rank the former Alabama superstar as the draft’s best prospect. Stroud sits second on ESPN.com’s big board and seventh on Daniel Jeremiah’s.

Frank Reich and GM Scott Fitterer have included many staffers in this process, bringing more than 10 to prospects’ pro days. Reich has wanted the staff to draw their own conclusions before the franchise decides how to proceed. While Reich said Young’s height will not be a key factor, King adds it likely is an issue for Carolina’s first-year HC. A longtime friend of Reich’s informed King he would be surprised if the Panthers took the 5-foot-10 Young. Stroud brings a prototypical QB frame to the equation, standing 6-3 and weighing 214 pounds. Young’s weight has generated scrutiny as well. After bulking up to 204 pounds at the Combine, Young did not weigh in at his pro day.

Reich will be unlikely to throw his weight around and overrule a consensus, per King, should he not agree with the prevailing staff opinion. This could lead to a scenario in which the new coach is outvoted. But the veteran leader does hold Young in high regard, opening the door to the coach being OK with either QB. When revisiting Reich’s Colts tenure, it would be strange to see him stand down if enough Panthers staffers back the QB he ranks second. Reich’s Indianapolis setup looked like a premier foundation in 2019, but Andrew Luck‘s retirement led to it unraveling. The Colts’ inability to find a Luck replacement led to Reich’s midseason firing last year. And the Panthers obviously sent the Bears plenty to pry away the No. 1 pick.

It might end up that the HC views Stroud as a safer bet compared to a 5-10 QB that did not rush for 200 yards in a college season. But Young’s production-athleticism combination still intrigues. He will attempt to follow the likes of Drew Brees, Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray to the Pro Bowl level despite pre-draft height concerns.

The Panthers going with Stroud would put the Texans to a decision. Long mocked to take Young at 2, Houston will need to decide if he is worth the investment. The Texans going with a safer pick, in ex-Young Crimson Tide teammate Will Anderson Jr., and tabling their QB choice should not be ruled out. Young making it to No. 3 on the board would create a fascinating draft sequence, with teams previously linked to higher-variance options like Anthony Richardson or Will Levis potentially prepared to send the Cardinals big offers to move up for Young. The Colts (No. 4) are working out Young this week; the Raiders (No. 7) are hosting the 2021 Heisman winner today. The Titans have also been linked to moving up to No. 3 for a passer.

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