The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move by selecting University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The move comes as no surprise to many football fans as Young was widely tipped to be the first choice after the Panthers traded him to the Chicago Bears for the first pick.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young is known for his accurate throwing and ability to break out of the pocket. At 5 feet, 10 inches, he is the shortest quarterback taken first overall, along with Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers are hoping Young can give them an elite quarterback, something they’ve lacked since the Cam Newton era.
“As amazing as this moment is, I’m going to try to live in the moment. I’m looking forward to going to work tomorrow and starting to build,” Young said after the draft. Can’t. I’m going to give everything to the franchise, to the organization, to the coaches who believed in me and drafted me. I’m forever indebted to that. Whatever I have to prepare, no. Not just on Sundays but all week long, I’m going to give it my all.”
During his time at the University of Alabama, Young made 27 starts and threw for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. The Panthers finished second in the NFC South last season with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold in the quarterback role with a 7-10 record. However, they brought in 35-year-old quarterback Andy Dalton on a two-year deal in March, and are expected to mentor Young.
Texans Draft C.J. Stroud as Second Pick
The Houston Texans also took a quarterback in this year’s draft, selecting C.J. Stroud with the second pick out of Ohio State. Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021 and 2022, and passed for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in his two years as a starter.
The Texans then traded with the Arizona Cardinals for a third-round pick and chose to bring in highly-rated outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama. The Indianapolis Colts took a quarterback with the fourth pick when they selected Anthony Richardson from the University of Florida.
Other Picks
The Seattle Seahawks opted for a defensive addition by drafting cornerback Dion Witherspoon out of Illinois, while the Arizona Cardinals took Parris Johnson, an offensive tackle from Ohio State, with the sixth pick. The Las Vegas Raiders took outside linebacker Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech with the seventh pick.
The draft was held in Kansas City, home of the defending Super Bowl winners, the Chiefs.
Finally, the Carolina Panthers have made a smart move by selecting Bryce Young as their number one overall pick. With his ability to throw accurately and break out of the pocket, Young has the potential to give the Panthers an elite quarterback, something they’ve been missing since the Cam Newton era. With the help of mentor Andy Dalton, Young can develop his skills and lead the Panthers to future success.
