Panthers GM Has Not Told Bryce Young He'll Be No. 1 Pick
Expert Analysis 4/18/23
Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer told reporters on Tuesday he has not informed quarterback Bryce Young (scouting report), or anyone else, who the team will select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
On Monday, reports surfaced that Young canceled his remaining pre-draft visits despite only meeting with the Panthers, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders. The Texans hold the No. 2 overall pick — behind the Panthers — while the Raiders stand at No. 7 overall. The move showed confidence from Young's camp that the 21-year-old quarterback will be one of the first players taken, if not the No. 1 overall pick.
"That was a decision he made on his own," Fitterer said. "I just refer you to his reps and to Bryce as to the why."
Fitterer clarified the team is keeping an open mind on how to proceed with the top pick.
"Obviously, through this whole (process), since February, the combine, everything else, there's been some clarity," he said. "But we've put a conscious effort to keep an open mind about this, be continuous throughout the process. We have the last group in today. We have the coaches Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and at that point, we'll get together and kind of make that decision but we've got some clarity through this process."
The Panthers hosted quarterback prospects, C.J Stroud (scouting report) and Will Levis (scouting report), on Tuesday. Still, Young has held strong as the betting favorite to go No. 1 when the draft kicks off on April 27 — an impressive feat considering Young also has had to overcome questions surrounding his unconventional size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds)  and questionable durability.
"This doesn't seem to be an issue," Fitterer said of Young's size. "When you grow up a shorter quarterback, you learn how to evolve your game and adapt and see the field. He's done that."
Carolina has its choice of quarterbacks to pair with first-year coach Frank Reich thanks to an aggressive trade that sent first- and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024, along with wide receiver D.J. Moore, to the Chicago Bears.
"I'd hate to be at nine right now trying to figure this out," Fitterer said. "So I know we made the right decision to go up there. The next step is going to be execution on draft day and giving these guys the resources they need beyond that to be successful."
Although the Panthers appear undecided on who to select with the No. 1 overall pick, it's a good problem to have.