Carolina Panthers fans may be debating who will be the pick at #1, but it looks like Bryce Young doesn’t believe there is a debate if he will be drafted beyond #2 overall. News just broke that Bryce Young has canceled his meetings with all other teams after only meeting with the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans. Is it a bold move? Sort of. Is it telling? It sure seems, but it isn’t all that shocking, either.
Alabama QB Bryce Young has canceled his remaining pre-draft visits, per sources — another sign to back up belief within the league that the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be the #Panthers’ pick at No. 1 overall.
Young also visited the #Texans, who draft No. 2. pic.twitter.com/3Pg53t15ce
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023
When Carolina traded up to the #1 pick, most believed it signaled that the Panthers had a specific player in mind, and Young was likely that guy. As discussions about the Texans missing their moment to be the team to trade up and their opportunity to draft their guy, some asked if the Panthers may be interested in trading back with the Texans to regain some of their lost draft capital in the Bears deal. Panthers’ General Manager Scott Fitterer fanned the flames of speculation when he said they were still going through the process and were comfortable with two potential quarterbacks as franchise players (Bryce Young and CJ Stroud).
Over the past few weeks, Bryce Young’s name has increasingly been associated with the #1 pick. It may have never not been, but there was a temptation to flirt with guys like CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson because of Young’s diminutive stature. Young canceling his visits, however, precludes he will be selected in the top 2, if not #1 overall. This isn’t shocking, but it does suggest Young is confident he is going #1, whether to the Panthers or the Texans if they get frisky and trade with Carolina. At the very worst, Young knows he won’t fall past the Texans at #2 overall.
By Tony Dunn
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