Carolina Panthers confirm further Bryce Young blow ahead of first team practice

Fan dapping players at NFL Wembley game

Bryce Young, the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is set to miss the first set of organised team activities with the Carolina Panthers. According to head coach Frank Reich, the franchises’ veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will begin the workout sessions, but Young is still set to be involved in the majority of the time spent in the sessions thereafter.

In March, 36-year-old Dalton signed a two-year contract with the Panthers and will enter his 13th season in the league when the upcoming campaign starts in September. Though he has taken the lead regarding the organised workouts, it is likely Young will go on to start for the Panthers in their opening fixture of the new season against the Atlanta Falcons.

The last quarterback selected first overall who did not start the first match of the season was Baker Mayfield in 2018 while playing for the Cleveland Browns. 

While there is plenty of excitement surrounding Young after a stellar college career at Alabama, there are also some concerns surrounding his size. In recent seasons, smaller quarterbacks such as the aforementioned Mayfield, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray have found it tough, especially with the league becoming more focused on playing extra passes in games.

JUST IN: Super Bowl winner sets sight on rugby club as megastar consortium eye UK move

While Young has dealt with the constant questions with admiral patience, they once again reared their head when a social media video from Panthers training was posted. Fans were quick xto voice their concerns on social media as one said: “Bruce Young looks…small”,  and another said: “I cannot get over how small he looks,” while a third stated: “He looks noticeably smaller than Kyler (Murray) and (Russell) Wilson.”

However Panthers head coach Frank Reich was full of praise for the number one pick after his first practice session. “Bryce made a great impression,” he said. “Obviously, mentally and physically, (he) looked the part in every way. Threw the ball exceedingly well.

“You could tell he was in a good space mentally. Really had a firm grasp on everything we asked.”

Don’t miss…
Every first-round pick from 2023 NFL Draft as Bryce Young goes first[LATEST]
Bryce Young’s first words after being first selected in NFL Draft[LATEST]
NFL Draft 2023 star Bryce Young’s net worth, height and partner[LATEST]

During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take last month, Young downplayed the concerns over his size.

“I think it’s valid,” Young said. “I get it, I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But for me, I’m capable of what I’m capable of. I know who I am. I’ve been playing with a lot of people that have been bigger than me my entire life. I’ve always been the smaller one on the field, and I know that’s not going to change at the next level and it’s something I’m super used to.

“In the next level it’s about how quickly you can process, how well you can make the right decision, how well you can get the ball out of your hands and get it into a playmaker’s hands. So that’s something I pride myself in. I’m ready for that challenge at the next level… I’m not looking to run a bunch of people over.”

Source: Read Full Article