If Bryce Young was about four inches taller, we may not be having a debate as to who the Carolina Panthers would be picking atop the 2023 NFL draft. But, he’s not—so here we are.
On Monday, head coach Frank Reich held his first press conference since the team acquired this spring’s No. 1 overall pick. And when asked how much Young’s 5-foot-10 frame factors into his evaluation, he said it’s about more than just size.
“We’re, first and foremost, just looking for playmakers,” Reich stated. “You look at everything. Every trait that a guy has, and you weigh it. Right? You weigh it. The thing is—if there’s 10 categories that you look at in a quarterback, or any player for that matter, the real question is not how to evaluate each of those categories. A big part of the question is how much are you gonna weigh each of those categories.
“So, everything’s a factor. But, ultimately, it really comes down to being a playmaker. Being a guy who can make plays all over the field and that happens a lot of different ways.”
So, uh, how much will that frame weigh in? Reich was reluctant to reveal any such details.
“Yeah, I mean, that would be like giving away the propriety formula for Kentucky Fried Chicken,” he replied with a laugh.
Reich was also reminded of general manager Scott Fitterer’s past in Seattle with quarterback Russell Wilson, who measured in at 5-foot-11 for his combine visit back in 2021. He then proceeded to clear up a few misconceptions about himself.
“It’s like everybody says—everything matters,” he said. “All those conversations matter, especially when it’s Scott Fitterer. It’s the GM. And he’s talking about a guy like Russell Wilson . . . who, by the way, I had a very high grade on.
“You don’t have to read anything into that. But I don’t mind telling you I had a high grade on Russell Wilson. But don’t read anything into it, I’m just sayin’ that. ‘Cause all these people puttin’ this label on me that I only work with big quarterbacks. Don’t read anything into that.”
You heard the colonel—don’t read into that.
