Bryce Young reacts to being drafted first overall in 2023 NFL Draft

Bryce Young is the next franchise quarterback of the Carolina Panthers.

The former Alabama star was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night, and he could hardly contain his emotions during his post-draft interview after shaking the commissioner’s hand.

“It’s still crazy. It’s a blessing,” Young said on the NFL Network broadcast. “I’m super grateful to be here. I’m super grateful for the blessings from God for allowing me to be here and for all the people that allowed me to do it. As amazing as this moment is, and I’m going to live in the moment, I can’t wait to get to work tomorrow an start building off of that.”

Concerns about his size have been discussed over the process. Ultimately, it seems as though the Carolina Panthers have waved off those concerns and have found their quarterback of the future.

“I’m going to give everything to the franchise, to the organization, to the coaches that believed in me,” Young said while on the draft stage. “I’m forever indebted in that. So [I’m bringing] everything I have. Preparation, not just on Sundays but throughout the entire week. I’m going to give it my all.”

Young ended his time at Alabama as the greatest quarterback to ever come out of the program. He finished his career in Tuscaloosa throwing for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns — and is fully expected to dominate at the same level in the NFL. 

During his first year of starting experience during the 2021 season he did not disappoint. That season, Young completed 66.9 percent of his pass attempts, throwing for 4,872 yards with 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Young’s dominant 2021 season led to him winning the Heisman Trophy in a landslide with 684 first-place votes. The next closest competitor was Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who garnered 78 first-place votes.

In 2022, Young completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,328 yards with 32 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He also added 185 yards and four touchdowns rushing while leading Alabama to a 45-20 victory over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.

Carolina had to trade up to draft Young in the first place, and after the franchise had to make multiple changes to the coaching staff over the last few months. By drafting Young first overall, they addressed their biggest need and will hope it pays off heading into next season.