On Tuesday, Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich said the team has come to a consensus on who they’ll be taking with this year’s No. 1 overall pick. And that consensus includes owner David Tepper.
Following the second session of voluntary minicamp this afternoon, Reich—of course—answered some questions about tomorrow’s draft. When asked if he and general manager Scott Fitterer have told Tepper about their choice, Reich stated the following:
“Yes, he is 100 percent onboard,” Reich replied with a laugh. “He’s been an instrumental part of the process—as has been said, even though he kinda empowered us to make the decision.”
That decision materialized after months of support from Tepper, who Reich has already praised for his financial backing and wisdom. He also stated that his involvement throughout the process has been nothing but positive.
“Listen, we all know he’s very involved in the best of ways,” Reich added. “And as Scott has said repeatedly, although Mr. Tepper empowered Scott and I to make this decision, this was a group effort—starting with the scouts, coaches, everybody together. Really good people, really good process. So, we finally get to see the results and then that’s just the beginning. That’s just the beginning.”
The beginning starts a little after 8 p.m. ET tomorrow night, when the Panthers are expected to take University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.