At long last, the 2023 NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, and there has been some debate over who the top pick will be.
Many have felt it would be University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, but there has been some talk that perhaps C.J. Stroud of the Ohio State University, another potential-laden signal-caller, should go No. 1.
But NFL insider Albert Breer has revealed that the Carolina Panthers, who have the No. 1 pick, will indeed make Young their man.
The Panthers will make Bryce Young the first pick in the NFL Draft in about two hours. And as for what stood out with him—his football intelligence and ability to process really separated Young from the pack.
He was the baseline pick when the trade happened. And he held serve.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 27, 2023
Most of the concern and doubt surrounding Young has had to do with his lack of size.
He is listed at just 5-foot-10 and weighed in at just over 200 pounds during the NFL Scouting Combine several weeks ago, and it is very uncommon to see a man of such average stature succeed at the QB position in the NFL.
However, Young has a great pocket presence, a strong instinctual feel for the game and decent mobility, and those abilities may allow him to fully overcome his lack of size.
Assuming Young does become a member of the Panthers, he will have some decent help around him on offense.
For starters, the team has Adam Thielen, a two-time Pro Bowler, and DJ Chark at wide receiver, and Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders will help open up the passing game.
The Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick in a blockbuster trade a few weeks ago that sent wideout D.J. Moore and multiple picks to the Chicago Bears, and it appears the organization is intent on building a winner as soon as possible.
NEXT: NFL Reporter Names Other QB On Panthers' Radar