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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