Quite a ruckus was caused yesterday when a Reddit user claimed that the Carolina Panthers told University of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis he’d be this year’s No. 1 overall pick. But that’s probably not the case.
In fact, the player they’re actually taking hasn’t even been told yet.
During a pre-draft appearance for NFL Play 60 at Central High School in Kansas City on Wednesday, Bryce Young was asked by Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer if the Panthers had communicated their plans to him yet. The prospective top pick said they have not.
“No, no,” he stated. “I haven’t heard anything from any team. For me, throughout this whole process, I wanna put my best foot forward. Try to present myself in the best light, communicate openly who I am, how things have played out.”
Fowler then asked Young if he expects to be taken atop the board on Thursday night.
“I don’t expect anything at all,” he replied. “I don’t have any expectations—especially throughout everything that’s happened in the history of drafts and just throughout my whole life. I don’t take anything for granted, I don’t expect anything. And whatever team it is, I’m super grateful for it.”
I asked Bruce Young if he expects to be the #1 pick. pic.twitter.com/z8PWRbGOoV
— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) April 26, 2023
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has been the odds-on favorite for the honor over the better part of the last three weeks. From reports by the game’s top insiders to a bit of meal plan talk from general manager Scott Fitterer, all signs seem to point to Young.
So even though he’s prepared to expect the unexpected, the expected is still expected to happen.
