The Carolina Panthers made the biggest splash this offseason (so far) when they traded up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carolina sent the Chicago Bears a haul for the right to select first, which could only mean one thing: they have zeroed in on a quarterback they believe will be their next face of the franchise.
Right now, according to USA TODAY’s Draft Wire, it appears Alabama’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young is the betting favorite to be picked by Carolina.
It certainly makes sense why the Panthers would be interested in the Crimson Tide standout. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Young helped guide Alabama to a National Championship, as well as a 23-4 record in two years as a starter. Young is widely considered to be the most NFL-ready prospect of the quarterback class this year. Carolina proved to be a competitive squad last year, and perhaps a quarterback of Young’s caliber can help get them to the playoffs.
Of course, this would eliminate any possibility of the Seattle Seahawks picking Young. Falling to Seattle at No. 5 was always a long shot, but now this likely confirms it won’t happen. If the Seahawks believe Young is this good and would want to draft him, they will have to make a serious bargain with Carolina to move up.
