Giving up DJ Moore and a handful of draft picks seemed like a hefty price to pay when the Carolina Panthers acquired the first overall pick in 2023 draft, but Bryce Young was the unanimous number one prospect coming out of college.
Young was a Heisman Trophy winner, the AP College Football Player of the Year in 2021 and won a national championship under legendary head coach Nick Saban at Alabama.
Unfortunately, Young is yet to find his footing in the NFL and the Panthers struggled last season under their rookie quarterback last season. The team’s 2-15 record was the worst in the NFL and Young finished with just 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 59.8 completion percentage in his first NFL season.
The good news for Young is that reinforcements are on the way. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton recently talked about Young’s gruelling season and the changes taking place within the franchise.
“I thought he handled it well, and I kept telling him, just stay the course…I think what we have done this offseason, bringing in some guys, bringing in a couple guards on the offensive line, you know, different things,” said Dalton.
.@AndyDalton14 on why he expects a much improved year 2 from Bryce Young. pic.twitter.com/rnw6xnfwhD
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 9, 2024
Dalton was speaking on the Jim Rome Show and went on to say that Young is definitely in line “to have a better year.”
The offensive line was a major issue for the Panthers last season with the 22-year-old quarterback under severe pressure throughout the season. The additions of free agents Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis should provide some protection for Young.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who the organization picked up in a trade, will also offer a much-needed weapon.
