Being the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, most people expect Bryce Young to be the Week 1 starter.
However, that might not be the case, as the Carolina Panthers reportedly plan to bring him along slowly.
According to GM Scott Fitterer, via Pro Football Talk, Young is not a lock to be the starter, and it will be up to the coaches to decide when he’ll be ready to lead the way.
The Panthers have "no timeline" for playing Bryce Young. Until he's ready, Andy Dalton is once again "QB1." https://t.co/ka4t8q24Tg
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 5, 2023
The Panthers signed veteran QB Andy Dalton in the offseason to replace Sam Darnold, so he’s now the favorite to lead the way when the season starts.
Young was the consensus No. 1 pick in this draft, mostly because of his football smarts, instincts, and IQ.
He showed an impressive ability to read opposing defenses and make adjustments in real-time when he was with Alabama, so one could think he shouldn’t find it difficult to get a hold on his new offense.
But as promising as he is, there are also some serious concerns about his durability and health.
While he doesn’t have a history of injuries, Young is on the smaller side of the spectrum, and he might not be able to withstand the physical beating that comes with playing in the National Football League.
So, perhaps the Panthers will want their new franchise quarterback to bulk up a little bit before taking the field.
Or maybe, they’re just bluffing, and there’s no way we get to see the Red Rifle starting over him come Week 1, which would be better for the fans.
NEXT: Recent Photo Illustrates The Top Bryce Young Critique
