Grading the Panthers' Selection of QB Bryce Young

Moments ago, the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here is how our staff views/grades the pick.

Schuyler Callihan: A

If we're talking just about talent, Bryce Young is the safest option for Carolina. He's the most pro-ready of any of the quarterbacks in this class. The slender frame is what makes this a little risky. But the good thing is, the Panthers have one of the best offensive line units in the NFL and should have a formidable rushing attack headed by Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard.

Every rookie quarterback will hit a wall at some point but Young has the maturity and the ability to overcome adversity which will lessen the impact of that wall. He's a smooth thrower of the football, has great feet in and out of the pocket and consistently makes good decisions. What he can do when he goes rogue is special. He can Houdini his way out of trouble and make off-platform throws with pinpoint accuracy. I expect Young to begin the 2023 season as the starter.

Matt Alquiza: A

The Panthers have their franchise QB. When Carolina traded up from 9 to 1 everyone (me included) immediately assumed they were taking CJ Stroud. Bryce Young ends up being the pick and it's a home run. Size aside (which is a huge aside), Young has everything it takes to be a good NFL quarterback. Solid athlete, accurate to all levels, good arm, elite processor, what more do you want?

Matt Welch: A

Bryce Young is in line to be the next franchise quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. That phrase has grown on me. I’m not 100% sold on Young, but of the QBs in this draft, he ultimately grades out to be the best on paper, in my opinion. He can move, he can sling it, he’s shown he can take care of the ball and he knows how to win. I wasn’t sold on either Young or CJ Stroud just going off of what they’ve had working around them the last few years. Is it the QB who makes the WRs or vice versa? We’ll see. I think Young has intangibles and could fit into the Carolina community well. He should be able to come in and command a locker room and move the offense - finally - in the right direction.

Ian Black: A

Young is lightning quick physically and mentally. His ability to process and make plays both in and out of structure is unmatched in this QB class. He maneuvers a pocket well, keeps his eyes downfield even when he’s improvising, and is confident making throws in tighter lanes. While he’s a strong creator, his arm strength isn’t on par with some of the other best playmaking QBs currently in the NFL, or even some of the other rookies for that matter. Confidence and preparation will be key, and Reich is a great first coach for the young QB to grow under.

Tyler Ball: A

Bryce Young is a high-caliber QB and will have plenty of room to grow with the Carolina Panthers under former Panthers QB and now head coach Frank Reich. Young brings a new level of accuracy, the ability to adapt and overcome pressure, and produce points. His record in college shows he is consistently reliable on the field, a leader that teammates would follow and fight for on the field, something not found during the Rhule era. Young’s ability to make smart plays in both the air and on the ground makes him a smaller but dangerous factor for teams trying to defend him, especially with the weapons he will have on offense. Things are looking bright for the future of Carolina under the Reich/Young era.

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