Charlotte, North Carolina –
The Carolina Panthers believe they’ve finally found a quarterback for their franchise.
The Panthers selected Alabama’s Bryce Young with the first overall pick in Thursday night’s NFL Draft. It was the team’s first overall QB pick since Cam Newton in 2011.
He was the first Alabama player to be named No. 1 overall since Harry Gilmer in 1948.
“A dream come true,” Young said. “I am blessed. I want to thank God for allowing me to be here.”
At a rainy draft night party at Bank of America Stadium, Panthers owner David Tepper was asked in front of fans what Young’s addition would mean for the organization.
“I mean the Super Bowl,” he replied.
Tepper’s wife, Nicole, added, “We have him.”
Young was 30-4 as a starter in his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, throwing for 8,356 yards with 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 after throwing 47 TD passes and helping Alabama go 13-2 and reach the national championship game of the college football playoffs.
“The quarterback we’re getting has been a winner forever,” said manager Frank Reich. People like us, without a doubt, we got the best quarterback in college football at this stadium.”
At 5 feet 10 inches and 204 pounds, Young is considered small by NFL standards and is the third person under six feet tall to be picked in the first round since the merger, joining Kyler Murray and Johnny Manziel. ‘s quarterback.
But the Panthers said they had no reservations about his height, noting that he only hit two passes at the line of scrimmage last season.
“I am who I am. I know who I am. I am confident in my abilities.” And I was this size compared to the people around me..I can’t grow.I can’t get any taller..”
The Panthers attacking Young is crucial.
General manager Scott Fiterer sent the Chicago Bears four draft picks, including two first-round picks, and wide receiver DJ Moore last month. Carolina also considered CJ Stroud at Ohio State University, Will He Levi’s at the University of Kentucky, and Anthony Richardson at the University of Florida.
The Panthers hope Young will bring stability to a position that has been in flux since 2017, when the franchise last reached the postseason.
Carolina has tried several options under the center, including trading Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, signing free agent Teddy Bridgewater, and drafting Matt Corral in the third round last year. rice field.
They recalled Newton for a second stint and considered Deshawn Watson before moving to the Cleveland Browns.
but nothing is working.
The Panthers have gone 29-53 in the past five seasons and have yet to make the postseason since David Tepper bought the team for then-NFL-record $2.3 billion in 2018.
Young has proven he can win games, coming to Carolina and earning a reputation as a high IQ quarterback who excels at making quick decisions. Young is primarily successful as a pocket passer, but he can also play while running.
It’s unclear if Young will start anytime soon.
Prior to the draft, Reich said the decision on whether to start a rookie quarterback would largely depend on how fast he developed and grasped the system. has signed veteran Andy Dalton.
“We have a great coaching staff,” Reich said. “…that’s what it takes. At the end of the day, it’s about the players, but we’re proud of this coaching staff.”
