The Carolina Panthers are ready to get hitched on Thursday night.
On Tuesday, following the first installment of veteran voluntary minicamp, head coach Frank Reich took the podium (or lectern) to talk to reporters. When asked if general manager Scott Fitterer approached him about who he wants to select atop the 2023 NFL draft, Reich had his answer . . . or as much as he could disclose at the moment.
“He did,” Reich replied. “He actually came in my office yesterday at some point, and asked the question. It was kinda like a proposal of sorts. And I said yes!”
Mazel Tov!
He continued:
“There is consensus, and we’re excited.”
That consensus is expected to land University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in Charlotte. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has been the considerable odds-on favorite for the selection over the past few weeks.
Reich then spoke on the path in getting to said consensus.
“I think the process was really first-class,” he stated. “Scott handled it perfectly. The scouts were amazing. They really helped us as coaches—helped us frame some things, frame some questions. We all went into the thing with ideas, inclinations, stay true to the process.
“There’s ebbs and flows during the process, right? I wouldn’t say there’s any drastic change of mind, but there’s ebbs and flows of how much you like a guy. And that’s why you have to resist the temptation to make your mind up too early.”
Well, the Panthers have apparently made up their minds—and we’ll find out what they’re thinking in a matter of days.
