The Carolina Panthers took a big risk when they made a trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The cost was substantial as the Panthers traded four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore as part of the deal, but they came away with who they are hoping is their new franchise quarterback.
With the first overall pick, Carolina selected Alabama quarterback, Bryce Young. The team attempted to make some smokescreens, with reports going as far as to say the Panthers could trade the pick again. But as the draft got closer, it became clear that Young was the favorite to be selected.
While it is still way too early to make any definitive statements, Young has certainly lived up to the hype thus far. Head coach Frank Reich said that Young would have to earn the starting role, as he began behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
It hasn’t taken long for that to change as the former Heisman trophy winner is well on his way to being the starter in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Young has already been elevated to QB1, relegating Dalton to a backup mentor role.
That is a promotion that Young earned with his work during OTAs and minicamp. He has showcased a lot of the tools and intangibles that led to him being the player the Panthers sought after and moved up in the draft for.
“Everybody is here for him,” wide receiver DJ Chark said. “And we believe he can take us to some really high places.”
After going 7-10 last season and missing out on the NFC South division crown by one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers aren’t as far off as some people would think. Improved quarterback play throughout the season could have very well led to taking home the division title.
They are hoping that improved quarterback performance now comes in the form of Young. There is still some work to do when it comes to the overall roster, but the Panthers look to have accomplished the toughest part, which was finding a player capable of leading the team at the quarterback position.
