At the NFL combine last year, there was speculation that the Panthers wanted to trade to acquire the first overall draft pick to select quarterback Bryce Young from Alabama. Despite their efforts, the Panthers ended up trading for the top pick and selecting Young. However, Young had a disappointing season while the quarterback selected after him, C.J. Stroud, had a stellar rookie campaign. Many experts believe it’s too early to determine if the Panthers made a mistake in trading for Young, as factors such as team setup and coaching may have influenced his performance. The Panthers’ new coach, Dave Canales, believes he can help Young succeed by tailoring the offense to his strengths, similar to how he improved past quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the Panthers’ trade for Young was a mistake, with some believing he can still have a successful career in the NFL.
In essence, the Panthers’ decision to trade for Young and the subsequent outcome of his rookie season have sparked debates among NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. While some see the trade as a potential error, others believe it’s too early to make a judgment on Young’s future success in the league.
