The Carolina Panthers made a bold move earlier this offseason acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Chicago Bears. The Panthers traded multiple draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to have their choice of quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class.

The player that they came away with was Alabama star, Bryce Young. Young began the offseason program as the backup quarterback behind veteran Andy Dalton with no timetable for when he would be elevated to QB1. When he was ready for the promotion, he would receive it.

Well, he was ready quicker than anyone likely could have anticipated. Young has already been announced as QB1 on the Panthers’ depth chart with a few weeks until training camp gets underway.

It was a rapid move up the depth chart, but Young has been very impressive in the early going. Former Panthers star wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr., has said that he reminds him of Drew Brees from the shoulders up. He isn’t the first person to heap such praise on the Alabama product, as many scouts believed that Young had shades of Brees in his game during the pre-draft process.

Brees was able to overcome his physical limitations with a high football IQ and cerebral mind, being as prepared as possible. He stood only 6 feet tall, which Young is listed at as well. Similarly to Brees, Young is also reportedly very advanced mentally, even surprising the Panthers with how far along he is.

One of the most important steps for a young player in their development is to become a leader, commanding respect in the locker room. According to NFL Rookie Watch on Twitter, Young has already done that, putting a stamp on the Panthers’ locker room according to veteran players.

It would seem that Young is developing at a rapid rate. At this point, seeing anyone other than Young under center for the Panthers in Week 1 would be a surprise.