Bryce Young with the Carolina Panthers [@AP_NFL] Bryce Young with the Carolina Panthers [@AP_NFL]
NFLBy DJ Byrnes on

The Carolina Panthers selected former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Friday, we got our first look at the former Heisman Trophy in his new professional digs, practicing with his new team.

Young, who measured at 5’10” and 194 pounds during this year’s NFL Combine in February, admitted during the pre-draft process that he’s faced doubts about his size throughout his entire career.

However, the Panthers were won over by his live arm and scrambling ability in deciding to draft him over former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud, who went No. 2 overall to the Houston Texans.

The NFL world was quick to react to the news:

https://twitter.com/__laxned/status/1657103174174494721

Young began his football career at Cathedral High School in Las Angeles before transferring to Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where he won California’s Gatorade Player of the Year.

Recruiting services ranked him as the No. 1 overall quarterback as a five-star prospect. He played collegiately with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020.

Only time will tell how his small stature affects his ability at the next level. So far, though, the returns are that he’s been able to rise above his small size and deliver results for his team. The Panthers are banking on that continuing.

[Steve Reed]

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