The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top two draft picks to square off Sunday; Panthers coach stands by picking Young
The Carolina Panthers defend their decision to take Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, even as C.J. Stroud has gotten off to a stronger NFL start.
When the Panthers traded up to the top spot in the draft and selected the smaller Young over Stroud, who went second overall to the Houston Texans, the comparisons between the two QBS became inevitable.
And through six games Stroud has clearly been better.
But Panthers coach Frank Reich doesn’t seem concerned as the top two picks prepare to meet for the first time on the NFL stage Sunday in Carolina, as he views their careers as a marathon rather than a sprint.
“We got the guy that we wanted to get,” Reich said. “We couldn’t be happier about that, in every way. I am happy for C.J. He’s had six good games and I have no doubt he will have many more good games. But I know this: when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks or any other position it is (about) years, not weeks.”
Stroud has thrown for 1,660 yards with nine touchdowns with one only interception for the Texans (3-3). He leads the league in yards per completion (13.1), and his 191 pass attempts without an interception to begin his career established an NFL record.
Young, on the other hand, has struggled behind an injury-filled offensive line, going 0-5 as a starter. He’s thrown for 967 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions and his 8.4 yards per completion is tied for 31st in the league.
Stroud’s QB rating (96.4) is 10th best in the league, while Young ranks 29th (78.7).
Still, the slow start for Young hasn’t wavered Reich’s view of him as the “best” prospect out of college, something he’s believed since taking over the Panthers in January.
“My eyes and our eyes were on Bryce Young from start to finish,” Reich said.
Even if the Panthers do have some buyer’s remorse, they’re unlikely to admit it. They have too much invested in Young.
Carolina sent four draft picks, including next year’s first-rounder, and wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears to move up eight spots to get Young. If the Panthers (0-6) finish with the league’s worst record, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 would go to the Bears.
Reich is still optimistic the Panthers will turn things around and insists the tough start will only drive Young to be better.
“I’m sure he’s never experienced anything like an 0-6 start,” Reich said. “But the way he’s handled that — the resolve and the determination you can see in his eyes and you can feel in his demeanor — is the way you would expect someone with his toughness and competitiveness to handle it.”