When the smoke between the Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young began to spread, Peter King was one of the first football scribes to proclaim it all came from a fire. And now, he’s gotten extremely hot on the expected union.
King, in the latest edition of “Football Morning in America,” dished out his first (and only) mock draft of the offseason. He starts with what he believes to be the obvious by sending a tide over to Charlotte:
I think Carolina’s making the right call here. Young showed consistently on tape (and on the newly important S2 processing test) that his quick-twitch decision-making is the best in this QB class. He gets high marks for leadership and ability to shine under pressure. I understand those who would say it’s a reach by the Panthers, because he’ll be playing in the land of the giants every week. But Carolina needs a franchise quarterback. You don’t get to pick which year you’ll have the top pick or be able to trade for the top pick. It’s right here, right now for the Panthers, and Young is the best candidate for the pick.
Given his relatively diminutive frame—the 5-foot-10, 204-pound (on a good day) passer is not a foolproof investment at the pro level. But he’s certainly no fool, having apparently impressed the likes of general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich with his wisdom and football acumen.
Young’s incredible poise, playmaking ability and decision making combine for a package that’s appealing enough to find its way into that No. 1 overall spot. It’s just up to the Panthers to make a decision of their own an official one.
