Bryce Young discloses what he's heard from Panthers during pre-draft process
In an interview on SportsCenter on Thursday, potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft Bryce Young was generally tight-lipped about his interactions with the team picking first, the Carolina Panthers. The main topic of discussion, Young said, has been football.
And beyond that, it’s just been feeling each other out and getting to know each other. There has been no indication from the Panthers that they plan to take the former Alabama quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, Young said.
“We just had football discussions. In visits and talking, we’ve all talked football. I’ve been able to learn a little bit about their philosophy and it’s just been getting to know each other. There’s definitely been no communication about what’s going to happen going forward, but I’m blessed to have conversations with them and for them to have reached out,” Young said.
He continued, sharing that he was mostly grateful for the visits he did go on and the knowledge and insights he’s gleaned.
“It’s all been about football and trying to get a feel for each other, as I know that they’re doing with everyone in the draft. So, again, this is a great process for me,” Young said. “I’m blessed to be able to be a part of it. And I’m just — whatever franchise it is that takes a shot on me, I’ll be extremely grateful for.”
And with the 2023 NFL Draft just a week away, Young probably won’t have to wait much more than a week and a few minutes to hear his name called and let the gratitude flow.
Bryce Young explains decision to cancel remaining NFL visits ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
Young will not be making any more visits ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the news and said the Carolina Panthers were likely to select the Alabama quarterback with the first overall pick.
Since then, Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer has come out and said they have not told Young he would be the pick on April 27. According to him, the decision to cancel visits was made by Young and his representation.
Young had the opportunity to explain why he will no longer be traveling, calling it a “logistics” move. The mindset has now changed for Young as he is looking to physically be ready to play in the NFL — whether that’s with Carolina or somebody else.
“For me, it was just a decision I made with my team,” Young said during Wednesday’s episode of First Take on ESPN. “It was kind of more of a logistics thing more than anything. I wanted to do everything I can to focus on getting ready for the draft and getting ready for whenever my name gets called, making sure I’m working out and training so that I can give my all to whatever franchise it is.”