Carolina Panthers were buzzing with excitement as the NFL Draft approached. After 12 years without holding the No. 1 overall pick, the team was ready to make a statement with their selection. The pressure was on for GM Scott Fitterer and new head coach Frank Reich to make a choice that would bring a new era of success to the Panthers. Fitterer had not yet consulted Reich on his preferred pick, but that changed when he sought his opinion on Monday. Although Reich had undoubtedly provided input throughout the thorough process, the Panthers had reached a consensus.
The long-awaited announcement of their choice would have to wait until Thursday night when the NFL’s annual preference for building drama would be on full display. The expected pick was Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman winner from Alabama. Though his 5-foot-10 frame had raised concerns, the Panthers were all but certain to make him their next franchise QB. Their efforts to fill this gaping hole in the past had been unsuccessful, using free agency and trade routes to no avail. The team’s push for Deshaun Watson had also not produced the desired outcome.
The failed attempts led the Panthers to trade up this year, giving up their 2024 first-rounder, D.J. Moore, and other assets. The pressure was on for Reich and Co. to turn Young into an upper-echelon option at the game’s premier position. Despite the frame concerns, Young was viewed as the safest option in this draft. It would be shocking if the Panthers went in another direction Thursday. The Panthers were eager to move on from their stopgap quarterbacks of the past three seasons and find a new franchise QB to follow in the footsteps of Cam Newton.
Newton had given the Panthers franchise QB certainty for about seven seasons, ascending to the MVP tier and becoming the top passer in team history. But after Newton’s foot injury in 2019, his time in Charlotte came to a close. Now, the Panthers were looking to the future with excitement and anticipation. The selection of Bryce Young was the first step in their quest for success. As the draft approached, fans and analysts alike were eager to see who the Panthers would choose. Would they take the safe route with Young or make a surprise selection? Only time would tell, but the Panthers were ready to make their mark on the league with their No. 1 overall pick.
