Bryce Younger didn’t even want a month to take QB1 from Andy Dalton
No. 1 choose Bryce Younger wasted no time staking his declare on the QB1 job for the Carolina Panthers.
The Carolina Panthers used the No. 1 total choose in April to pick out Alabama quarterback and 2021 Heisman winner Bryce Younger. The expectation amongst followers was, after all, for Younger to imagine the mantle of QB1 in Carolina.
When OTAs began two weeks in the past, nevertheless, the Panthers listed 35-year-old Andy Dalton because the staff’s beginning quarterback. The veteran break up first staff reps with Younger, however he was the nominal starter.
That’s now not the case.
Bryce Younger takes subsequent step towards changing into Carolina Panthers’ beginning QB
On Thursday, the Panthers formally elevated Younger into the QB1 spot. According to David Newton of ESPN, Dalton has began taking second-team reps and can proceed in that capability for the remainder of camp.
“It’s simply the following step. We had a few weeks to observe Andy. Andy has continued to carry out at a really excessive stage. We’re simply attempting to get our staff prepared. Every thing is about what’s finest for our staff, and so this was simply the following step.” — Head Coach Frank Reich, by way of ESPN
Dalton’s veteran knowledge and high-level NFL expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable to Younger within the Panthers’ QB room. Even one of the best rookies face steep studying curves within the NFL. The 5-foot-10 Younger is undersized for his place, however makes up for it with razor-sharp wits and an absolute canon.
He has earned the respect of “everybody within the locker room,” per vast receiver DJ Clark. The Panthers can be centered on inner progress and growth subsequent season, extra so than successful video games. Younger, nevertheless, has the expertise to be instantly impactful. He can even have a lot to show as certainly one of three QBs taken with the primary 4 picks in April. The Panthers are hoping he separates himself from Houston’s CJ Stroud and Indianapolis’ Anthony Richardson.
Younger began for 2 years at Alabama, arguably one of the best program in faculty soccer working on the highest stage of competitors. There isn’t a greater prospect-to-pro pipeline within the sport, with the potential exception of SEC rival UGA.
The lights in Charlotte, frankly, received’t be half as brilliant because the lights in Tuscaloosa. Younger shouldn’t have any bother performing underneath stress and remaining composed within the NFL. It’s extra a query of whether or not or not his small body can maintain as much as the trials and athleticism {of professional} soccer.
He was the highest choose, so the Panthers clearly assume he can thrive. Now he’ll get the possibility to show it from day one.