The mystery atop the 2023 NFL draft seems to be solved.
With less than a week left until the annual calling of names begins, University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has emerged as the heavy favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers. And that feeling, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, has spread like wildfire amongst league decision makers.
In his breakdown of this year’s passing prospects, Pelissero quotes one AFC general manager who seems quite convinced it’s a done deal between Young and Carolina:
“The guy who can just play is Bryce Young,” an AFC GM said. “Is he going to be 185 pounds? He’s such a good processor and thinker and accurate, it probably works. They’re taking him. Just write it in. I would bet my house.”
An NFC executive has a very similar belief:
“I’d be shocked if Bryce didn’t go first. If I was Carolina and I wanted to win right now, that’s the guy I would take. I think he’s the most ready to do it. He’s a phenomenal kid. He’s unbelievably intelligent. (Former Alabama OC) Bill O’Brien holds him in really high regard, and it matches up when you meet with him.”
Young’s intelligence, maturity and poise may be the main driving forces that have delivered him up to this very spot. In addition to reportedly blowing away head coach Frank Reich and leaving a lasting impression on general manager Scott Fitterer in interviews, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is believed to have absolutely crushed the S2 Cognition test—scoring in the 98th percentile.
So, it really feels like the Panthers are preparing to bet their own house on the 21-year-old savant.
