One of the biggest debates this draft cycle has been, Do the Carolina Panthers draft former Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud or former Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young? For the longest time, the choice was leaning toward Stroud. However, in the past couple of weeks, the choice is leaning towards Young.
Trends Are Leading Towards Young
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
It was reported on April 17th that Bryce Young would be canceling the rest of his visits with NFL teams. Before that, the 2021 Heisman winner met with the Carolina Panthers (the first overall pick) and the Houston Texans (the second overall pick). Unless the Panthers trade down, which is very unlikely, they would be in the position to draft Young first.
Pre-Draft pressers with Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, Asst GM Dan Morgan, and Director of College Scouting Cole Spencer will be held tomorrow starting at noon.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) April 17, 2023
Oddly the same day that Young announced he wasn’t meeting with any other NFL teams (besides the Panthers and the Texans), The Carolina Panthers would be holding a press conference (it’s odd because this is the same day that Will Levis and CJ Stroud would be meeting with the organization). Carolina’s General Manager Scott Fitterer, Assistant General Manager Dan Morgan, and Director of College Scouting Cole Spencer are the most notable names that would be leading the conference.
There are two possible reasons why this press conference is being held. The first reason is an announcement of who Carolina is taking in the draft(most likely Young or Stroud, please, not Will Levis). The second reason could be an announcement of what prospects the team has met with (that the NFL media doesn’t know about).
Betting Odds for Young #1 Overall
The Betting Odds currently are Bryce Young at -470. Followed by CJ Stroud +410, then Anthony “Definitely a Track Star” Richardson +1700, and finally Will “Mario Kart Banna Peel” Levis +4000 for the first overall pick. If we look at the odds for who will be the second overall pick, CJ Stroud is +150, Followed by Will “not a quarterback” Anderson at +200.
What Should the Carolina Panthers Do?
It would be in the Panthers’ best interests (now watch this take to blow up epically) to draft Young. The organization is a great place for him to develop (in terms of scheme, coaching, and recent free-agent acquisitions), and he will do very well in Charlotte, North Carolina if the team does draft him.
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