After failed stints with Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and a second try with Cam Newton, the Panthers were tired of waiting for their next franchise quarterback, as they jumped from No. 9 to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL draft. With a star-studded staff led by new coach Frank Reich, the Panthers ignored the size concerns and went with Bryce Young, the star quarterback from Alabama with a Heisman Trophy.
Young didn’t walk into an organization that’s in the early stages of a rebuild, which is often the case for No. 1 picks. The Panthers already had a strong offensive line in place and a talented core group on defense with edge rusher Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn. But Carolina still had plenty of roster holes and quickly went to work after acquiring the No. 1 pick before the start of free agency. It added wide receiver Adam Thielen, running back Miles Sanders, tight end Hayden Hurst and safety Vonn Bell. With most roster holes addressed, Young could be in a position to succeed in Year 1 of his NFL career.
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Derek Carr is also a new starting quarterback in the NFC South, signing with the Saints weeks after being released by the Raiders. Carr had inconsistent performances throughout his nine-year career with the Silver and Black. New Orleans is banking on the quarterback having a career resurgence with a veteran-filled roster featuring wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara. But second-year wide receiver Chris Olave might now be the top offensive weapon in New Orleans after a memorable rookie season. There are many familiar names on defense with end Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and safety Tyrann Mathieu.
The Falcons could once again be a top rushing team in the NFL with the arrival of first-round rookie running back Bijan Robinson. But they’re hoping for a more balanced attack from second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, who showed enough promise in four games as a rookie to be considered QB1 heading into the 2023 season. It will be up to Ridder to feed tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London. Atlanta retooled on the defensive side after having one of the worst pass-rushing units in the league last season. The team added Calais Campbell and David Onyemata to the defensive line, and acquired Jessie Bates and Jeff Okudah to assist the secondary, specifically former Pro Bowl cornerback A.J. Terrell.
The Buccaneers are starting a new era after the retirement of Tom Brady. They signed Baker Mayfield to compete with Kyle Trask, a 2021 second-round pick. But those two might not be the answer at quarterback to quickly help Tampa Bay retool with a roster filled with former Pro Bowlers. The Bucs added safety Ryan Neal and re-signed cornerback Jamel Dean to keep their talented secondary intact, which features cornerback Carlton Davis III and safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
Carolina Panthers
Best case: Concerns about Young’s lack of size become afterthoughts because the Panthers’ offensive line buys him plenty of time to pick teams apart with his accuracy and anticipation. Young’s poise quickly earns him the respect of his veteran teammates, igniting a surprise season in Carolina.
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Worst case: Concerns about Young’s size become a constant talking point with the No. 1 QB having a record number of batted passes. He’s frequently on the injury report because of the wear and tear on his narrow frame from the hits he’s unable to avoid on a weekly basis.
New Orleans Saints
Best case: The Saints laugh at those who said they’re being reckless with the salary cap. The arrival of Carr gives the veteran core one last run to pick up where Drew Brees left off before retirement. Carr and Thomas quickly hit it off, with the QB making the Pro Bowl and Thomas winning Comeback Player of the Year.
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Worst case: Carr is the latest veteran quarterback unable to make the most of his fresh start. His untimely turnovers and uninspiring performances create tension in the veteran-filled locker room, leading to a poor start and QB change. In turn, the front office decides to have a fire sale and trades Thomas, Kamara and Jordan.
Atlanta Falcons
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Best case: Robinson delivers a better rookie season than Saquon Barkley in 2018 to give the Falcons one of the best offenses in the league. His blocking and pass catching helps Ridder find his footing as the starter, helping him connect with London and Pitts on play-action plays.
Worst case: Ridder’s pedestrian play reminds coach Arthur Smith why he pulled the plug on Marcus Mariota late last season. The Falcons end up leading the league in rushing, but get nowhere with a passing attack that hovers around 200 yards per game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best case: The Buccaneers’ offensive line has a bounce-back season to make Brady question whether he retired too soon. With stout blocking, Mayfield flourishes with a receiving crew of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, creating complementary football with a defense that still features many standout playmakers.
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